Ireland construction industry and Market View – Autumn 2026
Ireland’s economy continues to grow, but its construction recovery remains uneven. Housing is showing signs of improvement, while non-residential activity remains subdued and public investment faces delivery delays.
Our Autumn 2026 Ireland Market View explores what these mixed signals mean for your projects, budgets and procurement plans, and how a broader recovery could increase competition for resources from 2027.
Why this report on the Irish construction market matters
Today’s competitive tendering conditions may shift as housing activity strengthens and public investment programmes advance. At the same time, higher energy costs, materials inflation and steel tariffs continue to create uncertainty.
Understanding when these pressures could converge can help you assess delivery risks, plan procurement and set realistic budgets. This edition examines the forces shaping Ireland’s construction market and their implications for the years ahead.
Report Snapshot
- Economic outlook: AI-related investment supports growth, while measures in Budget 2027 could provide a further boost.
- Construction activity: Housing recovery contrasts with weaker non-residential output and delays in public capital spending.
- Input costs: Energy disruption and materials inflation create differing pressures across project types.
- Cost forecast: Arcadis forecasts annual building construction price inflation of 3–5% in 2026, 4–6% in 2027, and 4–7% in 2028.
Key takeaways and construction market trends
Housing recovery is gaining momentum
Increasing planning approvals and starts point towards stronger housing activity. However, the recovery is still developing, with completions yet to show consistent improvement.
Public investment delivery will shape market conditions
Budget allocations provide resources for long-term investment, but planning and governance delays continue to hold back delivery. The pace at which National Development Plan programmes move into construction will be a critical influence on future workload and inflation.
Materials pressures vary across the market
Average materials inflation remains moderate, but asphalt, bitumen, rebar and in-situ concrete have seen sharper increases. The full effect of steel tariffs has yet to emerge, adding uncertainty to future procurement costs.
Current capacity offers a window for project planning
Contractors have sufficient capacity and tendering conditions are competitive. As workload increases, limited availability of specialist labour and other resources is expected to be inflationary. Early engagement with the supply chain can potentially mitigate this risk.
Get the full Ireland Market View – Autumn 2026
Mixed signals. Preparing for the next phase of growth.
Explore the data and expert analysis behind the latest Irish construction outlook, including housing recovery, public investment delivery, construction price forecasts, changing cost pressures, and the implications of growing competition for labour and resources.
Why subscribe to the Ireland Construction Market View?
Keep your plans informed as market conditions change. Each edition brings together Arcadis’ analysis of Ireland’s economy, construction activity and cost pressures, helping you understand emerging risks and opportunities for your projects.
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Trade Registry no. 09051284 VAT: NL 0062.92.227.B.01
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© Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Trade Registry no. 09051284 VAT: NL 0062.92.227.B.01
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy