According to the latest report from independent Northern Ireland construction and property consultancy Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK), the region's construction sector remains active, with a strong pipeline of projects extending into 2025.

Contractors across Northern Ireland are experiencing robust order books, supported by major project starts including the Strule Shared Education Campus and Belfast's new children's hospital, reflecting ongoing investment in the local construction market.

Construction activity varies by sector, but Belfast continues to show strong momentum. Healthcare remains a key focus, with sustained investment in new facilities, while Higher Education projects continue as universities maintain and expand estates and develop new student accommodation. Contractors can be selective about the projects they pursue, reflecting a balanced market for skilled construction services.

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Labour and materials availability continue to be constraints across the sector. Tender prices are expected to rise gradually in line with industry forecasts, but the volume of large projects in Northern Ireland supports competition and helps keep cost pressures manageable.

Regionally, demand for skilled labour remains particularly for masonry and MEP workers. MEP tender returns have increased markedly due to labour scarcity and limited capacity among competent subcontractors.

Carl King, RLB Senior Cost Manager at RLB NI, noted: "While material costs have broadly stabilised, labour availability remains the most significant inflationary driver, especially in high demand sectors in Northern Ireland. With tender prices forecast by around 3% over the next year, early contractor engagement is critical to securing capacity, managing risk and maintaining programme certainty."

Click here to read RLB’s Construction Market Intelligence Q3 report.