Site Assessment Cost in Ireland — Soil Test, Percolation Test, Water Test, and What to Order Together
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Site assessment in Ireland runs €1,500–€3,000 if you bundle the three core tests: soil test (€800–€1,500), percolation test (€400–€800), and water yield test (€600–€1,200). Add an engineer's desktop feasibility study for €300–€600, which uses the county development plan, the OSI map, and the GSI soil map to confirm the site is buildable before you spend money on the physical tests. Most engineers will quote a bundle — saves 10–20% versus ordering separately. Don't skip the desktop study: a €500 study can tell you in two days what the €3,000 site investigation takes two weeks to confirm. Schedule the physical tests for the same visit to save on mobilisation.
TL;DR
Bundle soil test (€800–€1,500), percolation test (€400–€800), and water yield test (€600–€1,200) for a total of €1,500–€3,000. Add an engineer's desktop feasibility study for €300–€600.
Most engineers will quote a bundle. Saves 10–20% versus ordering separately.
Don't skip the desktop study. A €500 study can tell you in two days what the €3,000 site investigation takes two weeks to confirm.
When this matters most
You're sale-agreed on a site and need to commission the site assessment.
When this doesn't apply
You already have a site investigation report and a soil classification.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a site assessment cost in Ireland?
€1,500–€3,000 if you bundle soil test, percolation test, and water yield test. Add €300–€600 for an engineer's desktop feasibility study.
Can I skip the water yield test on a site with mains water?
Yes. If the site has a confirmed Uisce Éireann connection, you don't need a well yield test. You still need a soil test and (if no mains sewer) a percolation test.
What is a desktop feasibility study?
A study by an engineer using the county development plan, OSI maps, GSI soil maps, and aerial photography. Confirms the site is buildable before commissioning physical tests. €300–€600.
Sources
Geological Survey Ireland, Soil maps and geological data. https://www.gsi.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a site assessment cost in Ireland?
€1,500–€3,000 if you bundle soil test, percolation test, and water yield test. Add €300–€600 for an engineer's desktop feasibility study.
Can I skip the water yield test on a site with mains water?
Yes. If the site has a confirmed Uisce Éireann connection, you don't need a well yield test. You still need a soil test and (if no mains sewer) a percolation test.
What is a desktop feasibility study?
A study by an engineer using the county development plan, OSI maps, GSI soil maps, and aerial photography. Confirms the site is buildable before commissioning physical tests. €300–€600.