We have enough plans, now is the time to deliver houses

Following a turbulent year, Conor O'Connell of the Construction Industry Federation explores the outlook for the construction sector

There is no doubt though that residential construction activity will increase significantly over the next few years. It is supply that will reduce the price pressures and house our growing population. File Picture

2021 was yet another turbulent year in the construction world. As the industry resumed in stages from April to May following the various Covid lockdowns supply chain problems emerged. 

There were difficulties securing certain materials and then eye-watering increases in the cost of materials emerged. The cost of steel, timber, pipes and insulation all increased on a monthly basis. It was an impossible time in the estimating departments of contractors and for most quantity surveyors it was like gazing into a crystal ball trying to provide a cost estimate on any project.