There were 4,708 new dwelling completions in the third quarter 2018, up 24% year on year (yoy), according to the latest BER Housebuilding Tracker from Goodbody Stockbrokers.
 
Most of the new housing activity continues to take place in Dublin and surrounding counties, which accounts for 59% of new supply. The South-West region also saw significant growth,
up 29% yoy in the third quarter. This region now takes up a c.12% share of the total rolling 12-month output.
 
In the twelve months to the third quarter 2018, 17,196 units were completed (+33% yoy). The data suggests that completions are on track for our full-year estimate of c.18,000 units. This remains roughly half the estimated level of annual housing demand.

While Goodbody believe new supply will continue to grow strongly in the coming years, a significant supply deficit will remain throughout their forecast horizon to 2020. 
 
Following a modest 4% yoy increase in apartment output in the second quarter, Goodbody estimate a 10% yoy fall in the third quarter. In the first three quarters of 2018, apartments accounted for only 13% of the new output.

Given Ireland has the lowest share of apartments in its housing stock out of any country in the EU, third quarter projections are disappointing. Ongoing uncertainty about building standards have played a role in this trend, but viability is also the primary constraint in many parts of the country.
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie