This is because of the lack of availability and the rising price of building materials
That s according to the Irish Home Builders Association who say they are extremely concerned about cost increases in the sector in the past few months.
It s led to fears less houses will be built this year as the increases impact mortgage approvals and profits for developers.
The IHBA say the use of judicial reviews to stop the felling of timber and the continued closure of saw mills are also major concerns.
Speaking to RedFM News, Conor O Connell for the Cork office of the Construction Industry Federation outlines how much building materials have increased by
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It s hoped that more restrictions
Housebuilders say the sector’s five months of the shutdown could delay construction targets by five years.
It comes as industry figures say there are concerns about an exodus of skilled staff.
After months of lockdown, construction is expected to fully reopen as soon as next week. But there are worries that the restrictions may already have caused lasting damage to the industry.
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Construction Industry Federation boss Tom Parlon says many Irish building workers have gone abroad, and may not return. House building resumed earlier this month.
But James Benson of the Irish Home Builders Association says the lockdown will cause major delays. He says while the industry had hoped to build 33,000 homes by 2023, this is now unlikely to happen.
Dublin house completions hit 10-year high but commencements drop Latest Dublin Economic Monitor highlights strong end to year for construction
Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 05:20 Updated: Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 07:46
Housing completions in Dublin hit a 10-year high in the final quarter of last year despite the pandemic causing widespread disruption across the construction sector.
The latest Dublin Economic Monitor, a report compiled on behalf of the city’s four local authorities, said the number of new homes completed in the capital between October and December rose to 2,472.
“This level was 21 per cent above the same quarter in 2019 and will provide much-needed supply to a housing market which is currently dealing with a significant demand-supply imbalance,” it said.