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Rebuilding costs continue to accelerate

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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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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM

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Kerry artist explores identity at ANAM


Kerry artist Felix Power is inviting the Killarney community to explore personal ideas of identity, belonging, and Irishness at a free interactive afternoon event this weekend.


Titled Where’s the I in Ireland?, the project takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the ANAM Centre on East Avenue Road, starting at 2.30pm.
The initiative centres around 21 questions regarding personal identity and participants’ complex relationships with Ireland. Over 2025 and 2026, groups across Dublin, Cork, and Kerry participated in sessions structured as part research project, part table quiz, and part bingo night, offering lighthearted moments alongside genuine personal reflection.
During the session, Felix Power and guest facilitators will guide attendees through thoughts on their own personal journeys, sharing notable responses gathered from previous events across the country. Attendees complete anonymous survey cards answering the core questions, with no expectation to speak publicly or share stories out loud. Those who wish to can hand in their cards at the end for inclusion in upcoming public installations.
A pop-up exhibition featuring previous written responses from past participants will also be on display inside the venue, showing the varied ways people move towards or away from traditional ideas of Irishness.
“What emerges is far from a unified voice or consensus,” stated Felix Power. “I see it as a beautiful cacophony, a hectic dawn chorus of differing voices, diverse journeys and unique understandings.”
Power, a graduate of MTU Cork’s MA in Arts and Engagement, has a background spanning visual art, sculpture, live performance, and film. His work focusses heavily on creating participatory spaces that combine playfulness with authentic dialogue about local culture and place.
The event is open to everyone regardless of background or nationality. Supported by Creative Ireland and the Kerry County Council Arts Office, admission is entirely free. While a limited number of entry passes will be available at the door on the day, advance online booking is encouraged to assist organisers with capacity monitoring.

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

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Town encouraged to wear bright colours for Kevin

The town of Killarney was encouraged to wear its brightest colours this week to honour the memory of one of its most beloved sons following the sudden and unexpected passing of Kevin Looney on Tuesday.


A familiar sight walking the streets of Killarney and his adopted home of Tralee alongside his wife Katie, Kevin was widely known for his bright personality, athletic talent, and involvement with local sports organisations.
A gifted athlete and dedicated leader, Kevin served for many years as captain of the Kerry Stars Special Olympics basketball team, leading the side to back-to-back tournament victories in Little Island, Cork, in 2023. Beyond his success on the court, he was a talented runner with an 18-minute 5k record, a keen soccer player with ambitions for Kerry FC, and a head designer who created custom sports gear for his clubs.
Tributes have poured in for the young man, whose kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
Kevin is survived by his wife Katie, his mother Carmel, his sisters Selina, Carmel-Ann, and Frankie, his brothers Darren and Tommy-Dan, his granddad Dan McCarthy, and his nephews Sean, Noah, and Theo, along with his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
His removal took place on Thursday evening at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney. Funeral mass takes place this morning, Friday, at 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, with burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.
Mourners attending the service have been asked to wear bright colours in Kevin’s memory. Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Epilepsy Ireland.

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