'We are coming under pressure' – Rising costs threaten Tipperary roadworks
Thurles District Engineer warns that supplier price increases are placing 'budgetary pressures' on 2026 road projects
Amid rising construction inflation and the ongoing fuel cost crisis, fears have been raised that road works projects in Tipperary could be significantly impacted.
Rising costs are now being felt at local authority level with a senior council official warning: "We are coming under pressure."
Speaking at the April meeting of Thurles Municipal District (MD), District Engineer Thomas Duffy said contractors across several sectors, including tarmacadam, have recently announced price increases that will affect roadworks across the MD.
He said the MD had been "lucky to start early" on its 2026 road maintenance programme despite poor weather. However, he added that suppliers have since notified the council of "uplift prices," which will drive up the overall cost of these works.
Mr Duffy explained that these price increases will be dealt with through the price variation clause in their contracts but noted "it is an indication on the pressure externally on contractors" as well as "the general wider public."
He said that it has to be acknowledge that due to this there will be "resulting budgetary pressures" on the Municipal District when funding such projects.
"It will have an effect on our works and what we can achieve," he said, adding that the MD was "already under pressure" and is now facing further strain. "As you can all feel it out there, we’re starting to feel it in here." Mr Duffy added.
Later in the meeting, Mr Duffy again highlighted the impact of rising costs on project delivery. He said the department had been "under notice" of price increases from its main supplier from April 1, with the potential for further rises "depending on circumstances."
He reiterated that while the issues would be addressed through contract provisions, saying "we are coming under pressure" due to the continued increase in costs.