Housing Delays and Economic Growth | Belfast News

Housing delays are hitting record levels—now taking four years on average from planning approval to completion, despite steady planning approvals. While construction is rebounding and completions could more than double by 2025, progress hinges on accelerating build times. Inflation remains a concern, fueled by Middle East tensions and soaring energy prices, with domestic services also seeing persistent cost hikes—prompting warnings for fiscal restraint in the upcoming budget. Meanwhile, the economy surged 4.7% last year, now 35% bigger than in 2019, driving job growth, higher incomes, and increased tax revenue. Employment growth will moderate this year to 1.2%, then rebound to 2.1% in 2027, with immigration set to remain a key driver of labor supply. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.thejournal.ie/central-bank-report-building-7163991-Sep2026/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/80e8b723e19137cf Report issues to [email protected].