According to data published by the CSO this month, there was an annual increase of 72% in the total number of planning permission approved for new homes in Westmeath in 2023, 1050 homes in 2023 compared to 610 in 2022.
"Today’s positive figures indicate that the pipeline for much needed homes in Westmeath and nationally is continuing to strengthen. Planning permissions were strong in 2023 and, in the same year, all our other key housing indicators continued on a positive trajectory.
“Nationally, last year, we saw the highest number of annual commencements nationally on record, up 21.5% compared to 2022 and the highest number since records began in 2014. Completions last year were the highest in 15 years, with 32,695 new homes completed exceeding Housing for All’s annual target of 29,000 by almost 13%," commenting on the figures, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said.