Driveway Cost in Ireland 2026 — Tarmac, Concrete, Gravel, and the SUDS Rule
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Driveway in Ireland 2026: tarmac €40–€60/m², concrete €50–€80, gravel €20–€40. SuDS-compliant for any new build.
Driveway in Ireland 2026: tarmac €40–€60/m² (most common, durable), concrete €50–€80 (more durable, less common), gravel €20–€40 (cheapest, requires maintenance), resin-bound €70–€100 (modern, permeable, premium), paving €50–€90 (block paving, traditional). SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) is required for new driveways over a certain area. Permeable surfaces (gravel, resin-bound, permeable paving) or a soakaway. The county council's SuDS requirements vary; check before specifying. Don't forget: sub-base (150–200 mm of crushed stone), edging, drainage. Often the most expensive part of the driveway. A 50 m² driveway: €2,000–€5,000 for tarmac, €3,500–€6,000 for resin-bound.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to specify the driveway.
When this doesn't apply
The driveway is in.
Sources
SCSI, Construction Cost Guide 2026. https://www.scsi.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How much does a driveway cost in Ireland?
Tarmac €40–€60/m². Concrete €50–€80. Gravel €20–€40. Resin-bound €70–€100. Paving €50–€90. For a 50 m² driveway: €2,000–€5,000 for tarmac.
What is SuDS?
Sustainable Drainage Systems. Required for new driveways over a certain area. Permeable surfaces (gravel, resin-bound, permeable paving) or a soakaway. Check with the local authority.
What is the cheapest driveway in Ireland?
Gravel. €20–€40/m². Requires topping up every 2–3 years. Not suitable for steep driveways (gravel migrates).
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to specify the driveway.
When this doesn't apply
The driveway is in.
Where to go next
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
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