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The cost of rebuilding a house has risen 

Published

3 years ago

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

The average cost of rebuilding a house in Ireland has risen by an average of 21% over the past 12 months according to the most recent rebuilding guide issued by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

The causes for the continuing acceleration of costs are many and new challenges such as energy costs are adding to the issues.

The construction sector has battled shortages of materials, labour shortages and overall inflation in the wider economy. The war in Ukraine and the current energy crisis are going to have consequences on the cost of materials which in turn will feed into rebuilding costs as the winter progresses.

The end result of this turmoil is a huge increase in the cost of building. From an insurance perspective this is going to have far reaching consequences.

Your property should be insured for the reinstatement cost and not the market value; in other words the cost of rebuilding the house excluding the site value. Bear in mind that currently the rebuild cost could be higher than the market value.

The base rebuilding costs in the Kerry region are running at an average of €220 to €240 a square foot - or €2,435 per square metre for a four bed detached house of 119 square metres - in the most recently published guide.

The guide is based upon estate type houses built since the 1960s. The calculation should account for the most recent building regulations, professional fees, demolition costs and VAT, and should make provision for higher than average fittings, built-in wardrobes, fences, walls, and garages.

It is very important to note that “underinsurance” can have a serious effect on any future claims settlements. Most policies include an “Average Clause” which means in the event of “underinsurance” any claims settlement can be reduced in value in proportion to the degree of underinsurance. Where the Sum Insured is only 75% of the total reinstatement cost, you will receive 75% of the agreed cost of reinstatement, whether the claim is made for partial reinstatement or total loss.

I would recommend that you review your reinstatement sum insured sooner rather than later and continue to review during the year. In order to get a definitive individual reinstatement value on your house you should contact an independent qualified surveyor.

The rebuilding cost report and a rebuilding calculator can be found at www.scsi.ie.

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HeartBeat’s expert talk on the science of sleep

HeartBeat Kil larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24. The event, held at the Parish […]

Published

8 hours ago

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20 February 2026

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HeartBeat Kil

larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24.
The event, held at the Parish Centre on Park Road, features guest speaker Dr Anna O’Sullivan, a Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE.
Following her previous popular sessions with the group, Dr O’Sullivan will return to provide a deep dive into the neuroscience of sleep.
The talk will explore why rest is a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being and how sleep requirements shift throughout various life stages, from childhood and the teenage years to parenthood, perimenopause, and older adulthood.
Attendees can expect practical advice on managing common sleep difficulties and strategies for improving sleep quality. Dr O’Sullivan will also outline simple self-care actions that can maintain or enhance long-term sleeping habits, as well as the long-term impacts of insufficient rest.
The meeting begins at 8:00 pm at the Parish Centre and is open to all members of the community. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, and the evening will conclude with light refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to chat.

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Parking plan for Muckross Rowing Club boat launch

Published

11 hours ago

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20 February 2026

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Muckross Rowing Club will host a landmark event on Sunday to officially launch and bless three new additions to its racing fleet.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the club’s boathouse at 2pm and represents a significant moment in the club’s long-standing history.


The club has issued an open invitation to all past and present members, as well as supporters, friends, and family, to join in the celebrations.

Following the formal blessing and naming of the boats, light refreshments will be served at the boathouse for all attendees.


For those planning to attend the event, parking will be situated at the Muckross House car park.


The club has requested that anyone requiring parking access closer to the boathouse make contact with a committee member in advance so that appropriate assistance and arrangements can be made.


The core of the celebration is the naming of the boats in honour of three of the club’s most distinguished athletes: Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan.


These three oarsmen achieved the ultimate success in the sport by representing Ireland at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.


Having started their journeys as Muckross juniors before rising through the international ranks, their legacy continues to be a major source of pride for the club as they are immortalised in the newest fleet.

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