The number of building completions for the first half of 2008 reaches 26,000

The figures supplied by GeoDirectory, the country's official database of buildings shows there was 26,289 new additions in the half year, bringing the total number of commercial and residential buildings to 1,846,896.

The highest increase in completed new buildings was recorded in Cork City and County where 2,893 residential and 135 commercial properties were completed during the first half the year.

In contrast, Monaghan recorded the lowest number of additions with 299 residential and just 12 commercial properties completed in the six months of 2008.

The figures represent a 57% fall compared to 2007 figures, where 60,781 new residential and commercial buildings were built.

The news also comes as GeoDirectory predict 40,000 completions for this year.

Commenting on the figures, General Manager at GeoDirectory, Dara Keogh said, "We recorded over 80,000 new additions in 2007 which was a record year and for the first six months of 2008, we added 26,289 buildings.

GeoDirectory predicts that approximately 40,000 residential and commercial buildings will be completed across the Country in 2008.

The slow down in new additions is reflective of a more cautious approach by developers who seem to be meeting demand rather than anticipating future need."

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.