Notices that work was beginning on 3,557 new homes across the country were received during January, new data released by the Department of Housing shows.
This is a 59% increase on the 2,108 new homes which were commenced in the same month of last year and a 6% increase on December.
It represents the highest number of commencement notices filed in the first month of the year, over the nine years that the records have been collected.
"These figures indicate that supply, which is key to addressing our housing needs continues to increase and that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline," the department said.
Among the 3,557 units that work began on, 41% are scheme dwellings, 52% are apartments and 8% are for one-off units.
The largest number of commencements was in Dublin city at 687, with 2,033 recorded in the greater Dublin area.
Just three notices were filed in Leitrim and Monaghan.
Last year saw commencement notices for 32,801 new homes lodged in total.
