GeoDirectory records 49% drop in new buildings in first half of 2009

The total number of new residential and commercial buildings recorded across the country in the first six months of 2009 was 13,545 according to new figures released today by GeoDirectory.

10th July 2009

The figures represent a year on year decrease of 49% compared to the first six months of 2008, when 26,289 new buildings were added to the database.

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 5,600 delivery staff working with OSi.

The highest increase in completed new buildings was recorded in Cork City and County where 1,439 residential, 110 commercial and 111 dual purpose buildings were completed during the first half the year. In contrast, Laois recorded the lowest number of additions with 104 residential, 18 commercial properties and 3 dual purpose buildings completed in the six months of 2009.

The new additions for the first six months of 2009 bring the total number of buildings in the Republic of Ireland to 1,863,611.

Commenting on the figures, General Manager at GeoDirectory, Dara Keogh said,
“We recorded over 26,289 new additions for the same period in 2008 and for the first six months of 2009, we added 13,545 buildings. GeoDirectory predicts that approximately 25,000 residential and commercial buildings will be completed across the Country in 2009. The slow down in new building activity is reflective of the current economic situation and reduced demand for new properties.”   

At 30th June, 2009, throughout the country there were 84,333 vacant buildings in total. Of the 13,545 new buildings that were completed in the first six months of this year, 1,923 buildings are currently vacant.


ENDS


Editor’s Note

In January 2010, GeoDirectory will release the total number of new buildings added to its database during 2009.

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 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 1.86 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:

Aoife Sweeney
Account Executive
Wilson Hartnell PR
Tel:  + 353 1 669 0152
Mob: 087 6670534
Email: aoife.sweeney@ogilvy.com

 

 

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