Lawless calls for construction supports as new builds slump

Paul Lawless has raised alarm over what he calls the “shockingly low” levels of housing commencement in Mayo.

103 new homes were started in the first six months of 2025 and according to the Aontú TD, it represents the lowest level of building commencement notices in Mayo in almost a decade.

“Despite countless promises, announcements and record-breaking spending claims, we’re essentially right back where we started. The government’s rhetoric on housing may have shifted, but their delivery is going in reverse.

“Even at the height of lockdown, housing starts were significantly higher than the most recent figures,” said Lawless, stating there were 351 commencements in 2020 (152) and ’21 (199) combined.

“It’s deeply disheartening to see Mayo’s housing starts back at 2016 levels – a time when we were only beginning to recover from recession. Nearly a decade on, we now have a larger population and a wealthier economy, yet we’re delivering at post-recession rates.

“Many families in Mayo have planning permission, stable jobs and a genuine housing need, but they simply can’t afford to build homes,” added Lawless who warned that rising construction costs and VAT on materials are stifling development.

“We need to tackle the cost of building head-on. Aontú is calling for a zero VAT rate on construction materials to support builders and local contractors. Every extra euro added in tax is another barrier stopping people from building homes and living in their communities.”

“We are seeing young couples delaying having a family, young people emigrating in huge numbers. Those in Government seem to have a total sense of lethargy towards housing.”