It is difficult to determine at this point, but there could be some cause for optimism on the horizon. It’s true that completions fell 7% in 2024 and starts declined sharply in early 2025. Also, that completions still need to rise by 65%—to 50,000 homes per year—to meet the national housing target by 2030. However, the infusion of €20.6 billion via the NDP, together with new government incentives, could cause a housing boom. The fact that completions in 2024 were at the second-highest level since 2012 may be a sign of good things to come for the Irish housing market.

The Ireland Market View Autumn 2025 presents a mixed but active outlook. Civil engineering is driving growth, with output up 35% year-on-year, and major government investment through the National Development Plan is expected to increase activity further. However, housing remains weak, and inflation risks are rising. Overall, the construction sector is expanding, but sustained growth will depend on labour availability, pricing pressures, and the industry's ability to scale.

Yes—but it will require adaptation. The report highlights that Ireland’s construction market is being reshaped by a €275 billion public investment programme and ambitious housing and infrastructure goals. However, capacity remains a concern: most construction firms are small, and productivity has stagnated. The future of construction in Ireland will rely on improving scale, skills, and long-term planning to meet both public and private demand.

According to the report, the biggest issue is capacity under pressure. While workloads are rising, especially in infrastructure, construction productivity has not improved, and the industry remains dominated by small firms. Labour availability, wage inflation, and viability concerns continue to challenge delivery, particularly in housing. Without increased scale and investment in capability, the sector may struggle to meet national targets.

No. The Autumn 2025 Market View forecasts rising construction costs in the coming years. Tender price inflation is projected at 4–5% for 2025, with further increases expected in 2026 and 2027. Key cost drivers include strong public sector demand, labour shortages, and materials inflation in specific categories. While some input prices have stabilised, overall cost pressures are expected to intensify as National Development Plan delivery ramps up.

Ireland’s construction forecast points to continued growth, as the €275 billion National Development public programme picks up. However, the outlook for housing remains weak in the short term, due to falling completions and viability concerns. Labour, cost inflation, and capacity constraints will remain key factors affecting performance.

According to the Ireland Market View Autumn 2025, construction inflation in Ireland is expected to remain elevated. Tender price inflation is forecast at 4–5% for 2025, rising to 5–6% in 2027 as public sector delivery accelerates. Wage growth, rising energy costs, and crowding-out effects from government investment are the main inflationary pressures, even as some material prices stabilise.