Louth delivered more social housing in the first half of the year than any of the other 31 local authorities in the country, according to new figures.The Hardware Association Ireland (HAI), which represents the hardware and builder providers merchants across the country, has released a league table of local authorities’ social housing delivery In the first six months of 2026, Louth delivered 6.6 homes per 1,000 people, followed by Laois (5.2), Kildare (4.6), South Dublin and Fingal (4.5). Galway City recorded the lowest rate at 1.9 homes per 1,000 people, followed by Limerick at 2.0 and Mayo at 2.1. The rate recorded in Louth was almost 3½ times that recorded in Galway city. The average in the State is 3.6 social homes per 1,000 people in the first six months of the year. Nine of Ireland’s 31 local authority areas recorded a rate above the State figure. Sligo, Meath and Cork county matched the State rate of 3.6, while the remaining 19 areas recorded a rate below it.The study evaluates councils based on housing delivery rates, planning efficiency and progress against local housing targets. The association says the league table is intended to improve transparency and support the sharing of best practice across the sector. By identifying high-performing authorities, the HAI says it wants to encourage collaboration and help underperforming areas learn from successful approaches to planning and delivery.HAI chief executive Martin Markey said it intends to produce the league table twice a year. He described it as an “important snapshot of housing delivery”. “While many local authorities are making strong progress, there remains a need for greater consistency and ambition in meeting housing demand,” he said. “For local authorities that are challenged in providing new housing, there is ample scope to provide homes by rejuvenating empty homes and above the shop properties. “We hope this analysis will support constructive dialogue and drive improvements where they are most needed.”Social housing delivery per 1,000 people between January 1st and June 30th 2026: Louth 6.6 Laois 5.2Kildare 4.6South Dublin 4.5Fingal 4.5Dublin city 4.1Wexford 3.9Cork city 3.9 Kilkenny 3.7Sligo 3.6 Meath 3.6Cork county 3.6State 3.6 Donegal 3.5Monaghan 3.2Wicklow 3.2Wicklow 3.2Clare 3.2 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 3.2 Cavan 3.1 Offaly 2.9 Galway county 2.9Kerry 2.9 Waterford 2.9Leitrim 2.8 Westmeath 2.8 Roscommon 2.6 Tipperary 2.6 Carlow 2.6 Longford 2.6 Mayo 2.1 Limerick 2.0 Galway city 1.9