Delayed customer payments have been branded a major concern for Irish firms in the building materials supply sector ahead of winter 2026
A new report from Atradius found that nine in ten (92%) Irish building materials firms fear late payments will affect their business this winter.
Despite global shocks and seasonal pressures, firms remain confident about winter trading. The research indicates anticipated increases in both profit (+42%) and revenue (+41%) compared with their busiest trading period.
However, that optimism is tempered by concerns over delayed payments; in spite of stronger sales and profits, firms are still left exposed if cash is tied up in unpaid invoices.
Measures taken to prepare for winter 2026 and potential delayed payments
Some firms have proactively taken measures to prepare for the looming winter period, including increasing stock levels and updating their business continuity plans.
However, only one in five (22%) have built up cash reserves and one in three (33%) have reviewed their cashflow forecasts.
When it comes to managing customer payment risk, only 27% of firms regularly monitor payment behaviour. Only a quarter of businesses (24%) proactively assess customer creditworthiness before trading, while a similar proportion (25%) respond reactively when issues arise. Only one in ten (10%) have formal trade credit insurance protection in place.
Sheena Bohan, head of commercial at Atradius Ireland, explained: “Strong sales do not automatically mean strong cashflow. A business can grow on paper while becoming more exposed if customers take longer to pay.
“That is the warning in this report. Most firms worry about late payments this winter, yet relatively few actively monitor customer payment behaviour, review credit risk, or build cash reserves.”
Fears come amidst increased cost pressures in the Irish construction industry
The findings come against a mixed backdrop for Ireland’s construction and building materials sector.
Residential activity remains strong, with new dwelling completions up 32.9% year-on-year in Q1 2026, but wider construction activity has been more uneven, with overall production volumes down 4.1% over the same period.
At the same time, cost pressures remain elevated. Wholesale prices for construction products rose 3.1% year-on-year in June, while wholesale electricity prices rose 42.2%.
For building materials suppliers, this combination of strong demand, uneven activity and rising costs presents complex challenges.
“While the sector always anticipates a degree of disruption over the winter months, the research from Atradius highlights the potential impact that the events of 2026 could have on firms’ trading,” said Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer at the Construction Industry Federation.
“Cost pressures are already being felt across the industry. CIF’s Q1 2026 Construction Outlook Survey found that 79% of construction firms reported a year-on-year increase in raw material costs in Q4 2025, while 54% reported an increase in project pricing.
“More than ever, it’s crucial for firms to consider risks beyond weather-related challenges this winter and put measures in place accordingly.”
