Record number of new homes commenced in Laois in 2024
New Government data shows a massive increase in the construction of new homes in Laois in 2024 compared to 2023 figures.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recently published the number of Commencements Notices (residential properties that began construction) for the previous 12 months, with Laois showing an increase of 87%.
1,543 homes began construction in Laois throughout 2024, a staggering increase on the 826 homes that began construction in the county during 2023.
The Laois figures are in line with national trends with 60,243 new homes commenced in 2024 across Ireland, up 84% from the 32,801 recorded in 2023.
This equates to, on average, 239 new homes commenced every working day during 2024 – the highest number of annual residential commencements since records began in 2014.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said: “Strong figures on home starts in Laois in 2024 confirm that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline.”
Recruitment opportunities to grow by 7% in Laois during 2025
FRS Recruitment, one of the country’s leading recruitment agencies, is forecasting a 7% growth in recruitment opportunities in Laois this year; 3% lower than the national figure.
The sectors anticipate to see the strongest growth in Laois are healthcare, commercial and industrial.
Nationally, the sectors expected to see the most significant growth are IT, healthcare, commercial, industrial, life sciences, agribusiness and construction.
A wide range of positions are expected to be available in Laois in 2025, including radiographers, social care personnel, clerical officers, general operatives and warehouse staff.
According to FRS Recruitment, the expectation of increased job opportunities will likely lead to a reduction in interest rates, the recovery of the IT sector, more flexibility in the market and the removal of the public sector hiring freeze in healthcare.
Speaking about their outlook for the market, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment said: “We already have a significant number of employers in Laois who either have openings available or are preparing to bring them to market in the near future.
“They are making plans to grow their teams and we fully expect to see quite a bit of movement locally, especially in sectors like healthcare, commercial and industrial.”
Laois students promoting online safety
Two students from St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise are among over 100 students across Ireland taking part in the Webwise Safer Internet Day (SID) Ambassador Training Programme 2025.
Jack Brosnan and Adam Bell attended an in-person training day in Dublin, where they received support and guidance from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel.
The peer-led initiative equips students with the knowledge and skills to run their own online safety campaigns in their schools and local communities.
The Ambassador Training Programme empowers students to take a leading role in creating a safer, better internet by tackling key issues like online bullying, misinformation, wellbeing, privacy, and digital rights.
The theme for SID 2025 is “Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers,” encouraging schools, parents, young people, and educators to explore how algorithms and influencers shape young people’s online lives.
The aim is to equip children with the skills to navigate the opportunities and challenges of these powerful online influences.
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