GeoDirectory records 40% drop in new buildings in first half of 2010

The total number of new residential and commercial buildings recorded across the country in the first six months of 2010 was 8,119 according to new figures released today by GeoDirectory.
The figures represent a year on year decrease of 40% compared to the first six months of 2009, when 13,545 new buildings were added to the database.
Of the 8,119 new additions, 6,682 were residential, 984 commercial and 453 dual purpose (both commercial and residential) buildings.
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 are recorded through a combination of the An Post network of over 5,000 mail delivery staff working with OSi specialists.
The highest increase in completed new buildings was recorded in Cork City and County where 1,075 residential, 108 commercial and 73 dual purpose buildings were completed during the first half the year. In contrast, Leitrim recorded the lowest number of additions with 74 residential, 9 commercial properties and 8 dual purpose buildings completed in the six months of 2010.
The new additions for the first six months of 2010 bring the total number of buildings in the Republic of Ireland to 1,873,346.
Since 2001, GeoDirectory recorded an average of 68,000 new buildings per annum, with a peak in 2007 when over 90,000 new buildings were added to the database.  
Commenting on the figures, General Manager at GeoDirectory, Dara Keogh said, “Based on the current level of activity in the construction sector, GeoDirectory predicts that approximately 15,000 residential and commercial buildings will be completed across the Country by the end of 2010”.
ENDS 
Editor’s Note 
In January 2011, GeoDirectory will release the total number of new buildings added to its database during 2010.
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, which can save valuable minutes in an emergency. Similarly companies like Domino's 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 1.87 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:
Úna Mulhall
Wilson Hartnell PR
Tel: + 353 1 669 0030
Email: una.mulhall@ogilvy.com