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Rebuilding costs continue to accelerate

Published

4 years ago

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

The cost of construction has accelerated to record levels in recent months. As the country emerged from COVID restrictions the construction industry faced supply chain issues and delayed projects.

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Since then, the sector has battled shortages of materials, labour shortages and overall inflation in the wider economy. 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 order 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 €190 to €200 a square foot in the most recently published guide. I would wager that this figure is over €200 since the guide was published. Bear in mind 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.

UNDER INSURANCE

It is very important to note that “under insurance” can have a serious effect on any future claims settlements. All policies include an “Average Clause” which means in the event of “under insurance” any claims settlement can be reduced in value in proportion to the degree of under insurance. 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 review again in six month’s time. Inflation, supply chain shortages and the war in Ukraine are all affecting construction costs. In order to get a definitive individual reinstatement value on your house you should contact an independent qualified surveyor.

The Institute of Chartered Surveyors review rebuilding costs nationally and issue an annual report along with a handy calculator, this 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

6 hours ago

on

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

10 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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