The objective of this study is to provide a concise overview of the development of the market for various types of construction equipment and agricultural tractors in Ireland. It examines the major trends that have emerged since the publication of OffHighway Research’s previous report, undertaken in late 2020, and presents forecasts for each product sector through to 2029. The report concludes with profiles of the leading distributors of construction and agricultural equipment.

The findings in this report are based on Off-Highway Research’s International Database Service, supported by information collected during an extensive interview programme with the country’s leading distributors and importers.

There is no formal exchange of sales statistics between importers of construction equipment, and some distributors are responsible for sales in both Northern Ireland and Ireland. As a result, some companies declare sales for the whole of Ireland. However, the data presented in this report reflect only sales invoiced in Ireland. It should be noted that some machines invoiced in Ireland are delivered to and operate in Northern Ireland, while a small number move in the opposite direction.

Although the Irish market is closely linked with that of the UK, since many companies sell directly from their UK operations, it does not necessarily mirror it. Ireland was hit far harder by the 2008 economic crash, and the impact it had on the construction sector remains fresh in the minds of suppliers. This experience made the industry cautious for many years, but that caution proved valuable during the Covid pandemic. Having endured and survived a 90 per cent fall in business during the financial crisis, many suppliers view recent challenges as significant but by no means overwhelming.