Slow and steady wins the race: building resilient homes in Ireland
The need to build more housing quickly is evident, but is speed compromising the long-term quality and safety of buildings? This is a matter worth pondering, especially since the ground conditions across Ireland vary from one region to another.
Demands for new residential developments is surging across Ireland and the government is keen to accelerate its "Delivering Homes, Building Communities” action plan, which aims to build 300,000 homes between 2025-2030. Naturally, speed is a priority in meeting these targets. However, there is a rising concern that rushing through residential projects will compromise the long-term quality of buildings as it can often lead to a less thorough geotechnical investigation of the sites they’re built on.
The variable Irish landscape
So why are geotechnical investigations important, particularly in Ireland? In simple terms: the soil is more variable across the Republic of Ireland than its neighbours. This is particularly true in Dublin, Cork, Meath and other regions, where it’s dominated by clay-rich, compressible layers, poor made ground, and reclaimed or flood-prone soils, which is common in many urban areas.
Some of the most common soils in Ireland include, brown earths, podzols (highly leached, acidic soils), gleys (waterlogged soils with blue green/grey tints resulting from poor drainage thanks to heavy clay or impermeable layers) and peat bogs. These types of soils can cause the ground to shift unevenly, causing structural issues in buildings. Peat bogs are particularly problematic.
The problem with peat
Peat bogs cover around 1.46 million hectares (20-21%) of the Irish landscape, making it the biggest hotspot for this soil type in Europe (apart from Finland). Peat is made up of partially decayed organic (mainly plant) matter that builds up in waterlogged, acidic environments. Essentially, peatlands act like giant sponges; absorbing matter and water, but when they dry, they slowly sink or subside, sometimes by one metre a year. This can cause significant structural damage to properties and their surroundings over time.
In Dungloe, Donegal, the Radharc an Seascan estate has been abandoned following subsidence issues and failing infrastructure, while in Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim, the An Gairdín estate is experiencing sinking roads, collapsed drainage and raw sewage spills. Both cases are a result of poor planning, which can be avoided by working with ground engineering specialists, such Mainmark who will carry out thorough geotechnical investigations to ensure the soil is analysed and stabilised before construction, avoiding safety and cost issues in the long-term.
Geotechnical investigations are vital in ensuring the long-term stability of building projects. Skipping over even the most minor parts of these assessments can have significant consequences in the future.
Not so fast
Time may be of the essence, but rapid delivery often reduces the thoroughness of geotechnical investigations. In the short-term, the effect may not be noticeable, but over time, risk of post-construction settlement increases. The long-term implications of which can have far reaching consequences. For developers, it can lead to falling property values and significantly higher insurance premiums. For local authorities, it can result in safety concerns and financial liabilities. In short, faster delivery can mean further unnecessary costs further down the line.
Growing subsidence risk
Heavier rainfall and hotter, drier summers mean Ireland is becoming more at risk of subsidence. Summer 2025 was the hottest on record according to data from Met Éireann, and if this trend continues, the risk is likely to worsen. Hot weather means shrinking in soil, shrinking soil means cracking, and cracking means movement.
Compressible, clay-rich soils, flood-driven settlement and void formation are contributing to more frequent and severe ground movement. Mainmark is expanding its operation in Ireland, following a rise in business inquiries across infrastructure, commercial and residential areas, especially from high-risk areas such as Dublin, Cork and Meath. This move aims to raise awareness of the issue, and to support homeowners and businesses in the country in combating ground movement and subsidence issues.
Why methodical geotechnical assessment is essential
Early analysis of the ground behaviour on a site is vital to ensure the structural integrity of a building. Studying the soil condition helps ground engineers understand its properties and its stability.
This will then inform developers and contractors who can integrate the most appropriate solutions into the design process, rather than react to problems after the property has been built. Conducting a methodical geotechnical assessment of a site early in the design stage is an investment in the project’s long-term stability and value. You can request a free consultation on our website.
Modern problems require modern solutions
Although Ireland’s geology presents a challenge, advancements in geotechnic engineering and ground improvement techniques means high-risk sites can be developed safely and more sustainability when the right solutions are applied early on.
The latest ground improvement solutions, such as Mainmark’s Teretek® resin injection, allow engineers to remedy issues such as weak or compressible soils or voids by strengthening ground conditions and capacity and reducing future settlement risk. These non-invasive methods are less disruptive to residents and are typically more cost-effective than traditional excavation and replacement techniques. Our ground engineering solutions have bought reassurance to businesses, homes and infrastructure projects globally for over 30 years.
Looking ahead
Accelerating housebuilding may be a priority, but achieving targets should not come at the expense of long-term building quality. In Ireland, where geological variability is high and subsidence risk is growing, thorough geotechnical investigation is critical.
Talking a step back and fully assessing the subsurface conditions of a potential site can help protect the structural integrity of the buildings, safeguard their value, reduce long-term financial and reputation risk. In the case of housebuilding, slow and steady really does win the race.
If you’re worried about subsidence issues, contact Mainmark Ireland today.
Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions
Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.
Get in Touch
Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.
Phone
Location
Unit E4, Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22
Slow and steady wins the race: building resilient homes in Ireland
The need to build more housing quickly is evident, but is speed compromising the long-term quality and safety of buildings? This is a matter worth pondering, especially since the ground conditions across Ireland vary from one region to another.
Demands for new residential developments is surging across Ireland and the government is keen to accelerate its "Delivering Homes, Building Communities” action plan, which aims to build 300,000 homes between 2025-2030. Naturally, speed is a priority in meeting these targets. However, there is a rising concern that rushing through residential projects will compromise the long-term quality of buildings as it can often lead to a less thorough geotechnical investigation of the sites they’re built on.
The variable Irish landscape
So why are geotechnical investigations important, particularly in Ireland? In simple terms: the soil is more variable across the Republic of Ireland than its neighbours. This is particularly true in Dublin, Cork, Meath and other regions, where it’s dominated by clay-rich, compressible layers, poor made ground, and reclaimed or flood-prone soils, which is common in many urban areas.
Some of the most common soils in Ireland include, brown earths, podzols (highly leached, acidic soils), gleys (waterlogged soils with blue green/grey tints resulting from poor drainage thanks to heavy clay or impermeable layers) and peat bogs. These types of soils can cause the ground to shift unevenly, causing structural issues in buildings. Peat bogs are particularly problematic.
The problem with peat
Peat bogs cover around 1.46 million hectares (20-21%) of the Irish landscape, making it the biggest hotspot for this soil type in Europe (apart from Finland). Peat is made up of partially decayed organic (mainly plant) matter that builds up in waterlogged, acidic environments. Essentially, peatlands act like giant sponges; absorbing matter and water, but when they dry, they slowly sink or subside, sometimes by one metre a year. This can cause significant structural damage to properties and their surroundings over time.
In Dungloe, Donegal, the Radharc an Seascan estate has been abandoned following subsidence issues and failing infrastructure, while in Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim, the An Gairdín estate is experiencing sinking roads, collapsed drainage and raw sewage spills. Both cases are a result of poor planning, which can be avoided by working with ground engineering specialists, such Mainmark who will carry out thorough geotechnical investigations to ensure the soil is analysed and stabilised before construction, avoiding safety and cost issues in the long-term.
Geotechnical investigations are vital in ensuring the long-term stability of building projects. Skipping over even the most minor parts of these assessments can have significant consequences in the future.
Not so fast
Time may be of the essence, but rapid delivery often reduces the thoroughness of geotechnical investigations. In the short-term, the effect may not be noticeable, but over time, risk of post-construction settlement increases. The long-term implications of which can have far reaching consequences. For developers, it can lead to falling property values and significantly higher insurance premiums. For local authorities, it can result in safety concerns and financial liabilities. In short, faster delivery can mean further unnecessary costs further down the line.
Growing subsidence risk
Heavier rainfall and hotter, drier summers mean Ireland is becoming more at risk of subsidence. Summer 2025 was the hottest on record according to data from Met Éireann, and if this trend continues, the risk is likely to worsen. Hot weather means shrinking in soil, shrinking soil means cracking, and cracking means movement.
Compressible, clay-rich soils, flood-driven settlement and void formation are contributing to more frequent and severe ground movement. Mainmark is expanding its operation in Ireland, following a rise in business inquiries across infrastructure, commercial and residential areas, especially from high-risk areas such as Dublin, Cork and Meath. This move aims to raise awareness of the issue, and to support homeowners and businesses in the country in combating ground movement and subsidence issues.
Why methodical geotechnical assessment is essential
Early analysis of the ground behaviour on a site is vital to ensure the structural integrity of a building. Studying the soil condition helps ground engineers understand its properties and its stability.
This will then inform developers and contractors who can integrate the most appropriate solutions into the design process, rather than react to problems after the property has been built. Conducting a methodical geotechnical assessment of a site early in the design stage is an investment in the project’s long-term stability and value. You can request a free consultation on our website.
Modern problems require modern solutions
Although Ireland’s geology presents a challenge, advancements in geotechnic engineering and ground improvement techniques means high-risk sites can be developed safely and more sustainability when the right solutions are applied early on.
The latest ground improvement solutions, such as Mainmark’s Teretek® resin injection, allow engineers to remedy issues such as weak or compressible soils or voids by strengthening ground conditions and capacity and reducing future settlement risk. These non-invasive methods are less disruptive to residents and are typically more cost-effective than traditional excavation and replacement techniques. Our ground engineering solutions have bought reassurance to businesses, homes and infrastructure projects globally for over 30 years.
Looking ahead
Accelerating housebuilding may be a priority, but achieving targets should not come at the expense of long-term building quality. In Ireland, where geological variability is high and subsidence risk is growing, thorough geotechnical investigation is critical.
Talking a step back and fully assessing the subsurface conditions of a potential site can help protect the structural integrity of the buildings, safeguard their value, reduce long-term financial and reputation risk. In the case of housebuilding, slow and steady really does win the race.
If you’re worried about subsidence issues, contact Mainmark Ireland today.
Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions
Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.
Get in Touch
Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.
Phone
Location
Unit E4, Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22
Slow and steady wins the race: building resilient homes in Ireland
The need to build more housing quickly is evident, but is speed compromising the long-term quality and safety of buildings? This is a matter worth pondering, especially since the ground conditions across Ireland vary from one region to another.
Demands for new residential developments is surging across Ireland and the government is keen to accelerate its "Delivering Homes, Building Communities” action plan, which aims to build 300,000 homes between 2025-2030. Naturally, speed is a priority in meeting these targets. However, there is a rising concern that rushing through residential projects will compromise the long-term quality of buildings as it can often lead to a less thorough geotechnical investigation of the sites they’re built on.
The variable Irish landscape
So why are geotechnical investigations important, particularly in Ireland? In simple terms: the soil is more variable across the Republic of Ireland than its neighbours. This is particularly true in Dublin, Cork, Meath and other regions, where it’s dominated by clay-rich, compressible layers, poor made ground, and reclaimed or flood-prone soils, which is common in many urban areas.
Some of the most common soils in Ireland include, brown earths, podzols (highly leached, acidic soils), gleys (waterlogged soils with blue green/grey tints resulting from poor drainage thanks to heavy clay or impermeable layers) and peat bogs. These types of soils can cause the ground to shift unevenly, causing structural issues in buildings. Peat bogs are particularly problematic.
The problem with peat
Peat bogs cover around 1.46 million hectares (20-21%) of the Irish landscape, making it the biggest hotspot for this soil type in Europe (apart from Finland). Peat is made up of partially decayed organic (mainly plant) matter that builds up in waterlogged, acidic environments. Essentially, peatlands act like giant sponges; absorbing matter and water, but when they dry, they slowly sink or subside, sometimes by one metre a year. This can cause significant structural damage to properties and their surroundings over time.
In Dungloe, Donegal, the Radharc an Seascan estate has been abandoned following subsidence issues and failing infrastructure, while in Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim, the An Gairdín estate is experiencing sinking roads, collapsed drainage and raw sewage spills. Both cases are a result of poor planning, which can be avoided by working with ground engineering specialists, such Mainmark who will carry out thorough geotechnical investigations to ensure the soil is analysed and stabilised before construction, avoiding safety and cost issues in the long-term.
Geotechnical investigations are vital in ensuring the long-term stability of building projects. Skipping over even the most minor parts of these assessments can have significant consequences in the future.
Not so fast
Time may be of the essence, but rapid delivery often reduces the thoroughness of geotechnical investigations. In the short-term, the effect may not be noticeable, but over time, risk of post-construction settlement increases. The long-term implications of which can have far reaching consequences. For developers, it can lead to falling property values and significantly higher insurance premiums. For local authorities, it can result in safety concerns and financial liabilities. In short, faster delivery can mean further unnecessary costs further down the line.
Growing subsidence risk
Heavier rainfall and hotter, drier summers mean Ireland is becoming more at risk of subsidence. Summer 2025 was the hottest on record according to data from Met Éireann, and if this trend continues, the risk is likely to worsen. Hot weather means shrinking in soil, shrinking soil means cracking, and cracking means movement.
Compressible, clay-rich soils, flood-driven settlement and void formation are contributing to more frequent and severe ground movement. Mainmark is expanding its operation in Ireland, following a rise in business inquiries across infrastructure, commercial and residential areas, especially from high-risk areas such as Dublin, Cork and Meath. This move aims to raise awareness of the issue, and to support homeowners and businesses in the country in combating ground movement and subsidence issues.
Why methodical geotechnical assessment is essential
Early analysis of the ground behaviour on a site is vital to ensure the structural integrity of a building. Studying the soil condition helps ground engineers understand its properties and its stability.
This will then inform developers and contractors who can integrate the most appropriate solutions into the design process, rather than react to problems after the property has been built. Conducting a methodical geotechnical assessment of a site early in the design stage is an investment in the project’s long-term stability and value. You can request a free consultation on our website.
Modern problems require modern solutions
Although Ireland’s geology presents a challenge, advancements in geotechnic engineering and ground improvement techniques means high-risk sites can be developed safely and more sustainability when the right solutions are applied early on.
The latest ground improvement solutions, such as Mainmark’s Teretek® resin injection, allow engineers to remedy issues such as weak or compressible soils or voids by strengthening ground conditions and capacity and reducing future settlement risk. These non-invasive methods are less disruptive to residents and are typically more cost-effective than traditional excavation and replacement techniques. Our ground engineering solutions have bought reassurance to businesses, homes and infrastructure projects globally for over 30 years.
Looking ahead
Accelerating housebuilding may be a priority, but achieving targets should not come at the expense of long-term building quality. In Ireland, where geological variability is high and subsidence risk is growing, thorough geotechnical investigation is critical.
Talking a step back and fully assessing the subsurface conditions of a potential site can help protect the structural integrity of the buildings, safeguard their value, reduce long-term financial and reputation risk. In the case of housebuilding, slow and steady really does win the race.
If you’re worried about subsidence issues, contact Mainmark Ireland today.
Mainmark’s specialised in-house solutions
Our dedicated team of experts is committed to understanding your unique needs and objectives, working closely with you to develop and execute.
Get in Touch
Worried about wall cracks, ceiling cracks, or possible subsidence? Mainmark Ireland’s specialists are here to help. We’ll inspect, assess, and provide the most effective repair plan for your property.
Phone
Location
Unit E4, Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22