WEALTH March 26, 2026 0 Comments

Why the Construction Boom Ahead Could Be the Greatest Wealth-Building Opportunity You’ve Never Heard Of

Ever wonder if the construction sector could outpace tech startups or cryptocurrency in growth? Well, Ireland’s building boom is gearing up to do just that, stepping into what experts are calling a multi-year “super cycle.” According to Goodbody’s latest deep dive, the Irish construction industry is not just growing—it’s revving up to a robust 5% output growth by 2026, smashing the Western European average by double. This surge isn’t some flash in the pan; it’s fueled by rock-solid economic fundamentals, a chronic housing shortage, and a cash injection for infrastructure projects that’s nothing short of unprecedented. With employment on the rise, government tax incentives kicking in, and a positive pulse from the latest construction PMI reports, momentum is tangible—and it’s downright electric. Sure, there are hurdles ahead, like capacity constraints and varied performances across sub-segments, but the sector’s dynamism and supportive policies make Irish construction a magnetic spot for investors both public and private. If you’ve been sleeping on construction, it’s time to wake up—this is where the action’s at. LEARN MORE

The construction sector is expected to enter a multi-year “super cycle,” according to a new report from Goodbody.

The Investing in Irish Construction & Materials report forecasts 5% output growth for the industry in 2026, double the western European average

The projected increase is underpinned by the strength of the Irish economy, structural housing undersupply and unprecedented funding for infrastructure.

Confidence for the future of the sector is positive, as shown in the latest AIB Ireland construction PMI.

The headline total index returned to growth in the month, while house building activity stabilised and commercial activity expanded.

Most notably, new order growth reached a four-year high and input purchasing nearly reached its highest level in four years.

Employment increased 9.1% in 2025 to 192,000, with four months of consecutive growth to end the year as homebuilding accelerated.

Government measures, including reduced VAT and tax deductions on apartment construction, helped to fuel growth as it flexes to meet the target of 50,000 housing units constructed per year.

“The momentum that is visible across the Irish construction sector is increasingly positive. The strong outlook for the coming 12 months from industry counterparts reflects this momentum,” said Shane Carberry, report author and analyst at Goodbody.

“There has been quite a divergence in terms of the performance of the subsegments within non-residential construction, and this trend will likely remain a theme for the foreseeable.

“While challenges remain, in particular regarding infrastructure capacity and constraints for future developments, the market’s relative strength, depth of demand and supportive policy backdrop makes exposure to Irish construction highly compelling for both public market and private investors.”

Irish homebuilders Cairn Homes and Glenveagh Properties remain two of the biggest providers of residential housing in the country.

Repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) companies also show growth and investment in Ireland, led by Grafton Group and Howden Joinery.

Construction output is set to grow 5% this year.

The increase in granted planning permissions for extensions and alterations signals a strengthening pipeline of RMI activity, with latest CSO figures for Q4 2025 granted permissions at the highest level in at least a decade, excluding the heightened Covid period.

The €275bn allotted for infrastructure under the National Development Plan will help to close an existing infrastructure gap of c. 25% per capital relative to other European countries while addressing bottlenecks surrounding energy, housing, transport and water, Goodbody said.

(Pic: Getty Images)