Ireland's construction sector is entering a multi-year engineering-driven super cycle, underpinned by Ireland's position as one of Europe's strongest economies, structural housing undersupply and unprecedented infrastructure funding, according to a Goodbody report cited by Irish Building.

Euroconstruct forecasts 5 per cent output growth in 2026 for the industry, twice the Western European average. The latest AIB Ireland Construction PMI for February shows strong engineering outlook over the next 12 months, with the headline total index returning to growth, house building activity stabilising and commercial activity expanding. New order growth reached a four-year high and input purchasing nearly reached its highest level in four years.

Total employment in the Irish construction sector has grown significantly to 192,000 in Q4 2025, a 9.1 per cent increase year on year, following four months of consecutive employment growth. The increase in construction engineering jobs mirrors acceleration in homebuilding due to record demand.

Irish homebuilders Cairn Homes and Glenveagh Properties remain two of the biggest providers of residential housing in the country. Repair, maintenance and improvement companies also show growth and investment in Ireland, with Grafton Group deriving 60 per cent of operating profit from the island, and Howden Joinery expecting to open five new depots across Ireland by the end of 2026, bringing their total network to 21.

Heavy material suppliers of cement and stone are expanding their engineering and production exposure in Ireland, with US-listed CRH reporting that Ireland now accounts for approximately 2 per cent of group revenues and UK-listed Breedon Group stating that the island of Ireland generated 23 per cent of EBITDA in 2025. Cavan-based Kingspan continues to generate over €230 million (£195.2 million) of revenue from the Irish construction market.

Access comprehensive analysis of Ireland's construction engineering momentum and infrastructure in the full article.