The number of commencement notices lodged for new homes fell to 1,017 in February from 1,178 in January, new figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show.
But on a rolling 12 month basis, a total of 64,175 homes were commenced – a jump of 79% from the previous 12 months when 35,776 homes were started.
Of the 1,017 homes started in February, the department said that 21% are scheme dwellings, 61% are apartments and 18% are for one-off units.
Of all the homes started during the month, 47% were in the four Dublin local authorities, with 44% in Dublin City alone.
By local authority, the most homes started were in Dublin City (451) followed by Limerick (109) and Donegal (89).
Housing output fell to 30,000 homes last year, far below Government promises for about 40,000 completions.
The Central Bank said yesterday that fewer homes will be built over the next two years than it had forecast earlier, due to a fall in residential construction last year.
It predicted that 35,000 houses and apartments will be built this year, rising to 40,000 next year and 44,000 in 2027.
Last year the bank said 70,000 homes need to be built annually over the next ten years to deal with housing shortfall and population growth.
