GeoDirectory

27th January, 2009

42,683 new residential and commercial buildings were recorded across the country in 2008, according to new figures released today by GeoDirectory. This represents a year-on-year fall of 56% compared to 2007 when 96,000 new buildings were identified nationally.

GeoDirectory was jointly established by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland to create and manage Ireland’s only complete database of commercial and residential buildings. The figures were recorded by 5,600 An Post delivery staff working with experts from OSi.

Across the country, total completed residential buildings numbered 37,968, commercial buildings 3,275, and dual-purpose buildings with both residential and commercial components totalled 1,440.

The new additions for 2008 bring the total number of buildings in the Republic of Ireland to 1,855,567.

The greatest increase was recorded in Cork City and County where 4371 residential, 311 commercial, and 280 dual-purpose buildings were identified during the year. In contrast, Leitrim recorded the lowest number of additions with 655 residential, 26 commercial and 8 dual-purpose buildings added to the GeoDirectory database in the twelve months from January to December 2008.

Commenting on the new figures, GeoDirectory General Manager, Dara Keogh said,

“The largest decrease in building activity was recorded in the residential sector, which fell year-on-year by 58% in 2008. The rate of commercial property development fell by 16% in 2008. These drops are measured against a record year in 2007 and reflect current market conditions. They represent a return to longer term average construction levels.”

GeoDirectory will release figures for the first six months of 2009 in early July.

ENDS

Editor’s Note

The GeoDirectory database is used by many different companies and organisations across a diverse range of applications. The Emergency Services use GeoDirectory for route optimisation when responding to 999 calls, save valuable minutes in time-critical situations. Similarly companies like Dominos Pizza use GeoDirectory for address location to ensure that delivery times are met. In the property sector, GeoDirectory is used by Daft.ie and the Property Registration Authority. In addition, utility companies, banking and insurance providers, and all local authorities use the database.

Each of the 1.8 million building records contained in GeoDirectory includes an accurate standardised postal address; usage details for each building (commercial or residential); a unique 8-digit identity number or fingerprint; and x, y coordinates which accurately locate the centre point of each building to within one metre on the National Grid.

The database is updated quarterly by OSi and An Post staff.

GeoDirectory General Manager Dara Keogh is available for interview/comment.

For further information please contact:

Dan O’Boyle
Wilson Hartnell Public Relations
Tel: +353 1 6690237
Mob: +353 87 1207842
Email: dan.oboyle@ogilvy.com

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Carlow

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Cavan

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Clare

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Cork

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Donegal

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Dublin

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Galway

GeoDirectory records 56% decrease in new buildings in 2008 - Kerry