However, officials have cautioned that the figures indicating planning permission can vary significantly between quarters, and it may not be indicative of a longer-term trend.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published data revealing that in the second quarter of 2023, permission was granted for 8,723 properties, compared to 11,374 during the same period in 2022.
On an annual basis, the number of approved houses decreased by 18% to 3,702, while apartment approvals dropped by 27% to 5,021 units. Despite the decline, apartments still accounted for the majority of new planning permissions.
This decline was predominantly seen in Dublin, where the four local authorities granted permission for 3,351 apartments in the second quarter of the year. During the same period, permission was granted for 424 new houses in the capital.
In contrast, outside of the capital, apartment activity was minimal. In the entire Midlands region, which includes counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, and Laois, planning permission was granted for just 43 apartments and 195 houses during the same period.
The CSO has included an advisory note with the data, indicating that the number of new homes granted planning permission can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, especially if major housing projects are approved within a single quarter.
They also advised caution in drawing long-term trends from the data of a single quarter.
The CSO mentioned several factors affecting the second-quarter data of 2022, including changes to the applications process for Strategic Housing Developments (SHD) and related issues in An Bord Pleanála, the national planning authority.
They stated that the backlog of SHD applications, both processed and pending decisions, could impact the number of planning permissions granted in recent quarters.
The SHD system, initially introduced to expedite planning decisions for developments with over 100 homes, was replaced last year due to legal challenges against many of the projects approved through the system.
Additionally, An Bord Pleanála faced a significant backlog in issuing new decisions. The planning regulator acknowledged delays caused by a “significant turnover of personnel at board level in the organization over recent months.”
The organization has faced considerable controversy, with disruptions arising after allegations were made against its deputy chairperson, Paul Hyde. In June, Mr. Hyde was imprisoned for two months for failing to disclose his interests in multiple properties. An Bord Pleanála has stated that it now has a complete board and is working to clear the backlog.
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