More than 500 social and affordable homes delivered in Louth
Louth was among the leading counties for social and affordable housing delivery last year
More than 500 social and affordable homes have been delivered in Louth with Housing Finance Agency support in 2025
Louth was among the leading counties for social and affordable housing delivery last year coming second only to Dublin, with 531 homes supported by Housing Finance Agency (HFA) financing, according to the agency’s latest annual report.
The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) supported the delivery of 2,611 homes in the first half of 2026. This represents a 26% increase on the same period in 2025.
During the first six months of the year, the HFA advanced more than €750 million in new lending, supporting the delivery of 1,954 social homes and 657 Cost Rental homes.
The HFA said: “The outlook for further housing delivery also remains strong. The HFA approved almost €700 million in new funding during the period, supporting the planned delivery of a further 2,702 social and affordable homes in the coming years.
“The performance recorded during the first half of 2026 reflects the HFA’s growing role in supporting social and affordable housing delivery, with continued demand for funding across the sector.”
The results were announced as the HFA launched its 2025 Annual Report, Working Together to Deliver Homes.
In 2025, the HFA advanced €2.1 billion in new lending, an increase of 44% on the previous year. Together with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, this funding contributed to the delivery of 4,769 social and 1,068 Cost Rental homes.
The HFA also approved more than €2.1 billion in new loans in 2025, supporting the provision of 7,660 homes nationwide.
Highlights from the 2025 Annual Report include:
- €2.1bn in total advances – an increase of 44% on 2024
- 5,837 social and affordable homes delivered – 29% more than in 2024
- €2.1 billion in total approvals, enabling a pipeline of 7,660 new homes
- €500,000 in funding awarded through the HFA’s Social Impact Fund which supports community-enhancing initiatives, including community cafes, children’s creativity programmes and communal spaces for elderly residents. After a successful round of applications, the fund was increased to €750,000 for 2026.
Welcoming the publication of the HFA’s 2025 Annual Report and results for 2026, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD said:
“It is essential that Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities have access to the financing they need to maintain the delivery of social and affordable housing at scale and help achieve the Government’s housing objectives. So, I am delighted to see the strong results announced today by the Housing Finance Agency.
“The announcement that HFA support has already helped deliver 2,611 Social and Affordable homes in the first half of 2026 adds further momentum to the positive trends we have been seeing recently across the construction and housing sector.
“It's important to remember that behind these figures are real people with real stories. Thousands of individuals and families who now have a secure place to call home, with keys in their hands and the certainty and dignity of having your own front door. We know that housing delivery is not easy.
“It is a team effort that requires commitment, persistence, and partnership, and the Housing Finance Agency will continue to play a key role within that in the years ahead."
Reflecting on the HFA’s performance and continued growth in housing delivery, HFA Chief Executive Officer, Deirdre Collier said:
“In 2025, HFA financing supported the delivery of 5,837 social and affordable homes, accounting for 16% of all homes delivered nationally and providing new homes for more than 12,000 people. These results demonstrate what can be achieved through a shared commitment to delivering homes and building communities across Ireland.
“That strong level of activity has continued into 2026, demonstrating the scale of the contribution HFA financing is making to housing delivery across Ireland.
“Our ability to support that delivery is built on close relationships with our customers and a strong understanding of their evolving financing needs. Throughout 2025 and into 2026, we have remained focused on listening to our customers and providing responsive funding that helps housing projects come to fruition.
“As the scale and ambition of housing delivery increases, access to the right financing will continue to be critical. We will continue to work closely with our customers and partners to support projects, unlock delivery and help meet Ireland’s housing needs.”