CRH (CRH) 20-F 9 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	CRH
Entity Registrant Name	CRH PUBLIC LTD CO
Entity Central Index Key	849,395
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	838,958,469

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Income Statement - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]
Profit or loss [Abstract]
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789		€ 21,406
Cost of sales	(16,903)	(16,566)		(14,743)
Gross profit	8,317	8,223		6,663
Operating costs	(6,222)	(6,315)		(5,497)
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908		1,166
Profit on disposals	56	53		99
Profit before finance costs	2,151	1,961		1,265
Finance costs	(301)	(325)		(303)
Finance income	12	8		8
Other financial expense	(60)	(66)		(94)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620		920
Income tax expense	(55)	(431)		(276)
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	1,812	1,189		644
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270		729
Equity holders of the Company
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
Non-controlling interests
From continuing operations	24	27		5
Group profit for the financial year	€ 1,919	€ 1,270		€ 729
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share	€ 2.268	€ 1.502		€ 0.891
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share	2.254	1.491		0.887
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations	2.140	1.404		0.787
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations	€ 2.127	€ 1.394		€ 0.783
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Group profit for the financial year	€ 1,919	€ 1,270	[1]	€ 729	[1]
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(1,076)	(82)		661
Gains/(losses) relating to cash flow hedges	8	14		(2)
Total other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax	(1,068)	(68)		659
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	114	(61)		203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	(33)	3		(30)
Total other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax	81	(58)		173
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(987)	(126)		832
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	932	1,144		1,561
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	969	1,128		1,538
Non-controlling interests	(37)	16		23
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	€ 932	€ 1,144		€ 1,561
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	€ 13,094	€ 12,690
Intangible assets	7,214	7,761
Investments accounted for using the equity method	1,248	1,299
Other financial assets	25	26
Other receivables	156	212
Derivative financial instruments	30	53
Deferred income tax assets	95	159
Total non-current assets	21,862	22,200
Current assets
Inventories	2,715	2,939
Trade and other receivables	3,630	3,979
Current income tax recoverable	165	4
Derivative financial instruments	34	23
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total current assets	9,771	9,394
Total assets	31,633	31,594
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders
Equity share capital	286	284
Preference share capital	1	1
Share premium account	6,417	6,237
Treasury Shares and own shares	(15)	(14)
Other reserves	285	286
Foreign currency translation reserve	(386)	629
Retained income	7,903	6,472
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Non-controlling interests	486	548
Total equity	14,977	14,443
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	7,660	7,515
Derivative financial instruments	3
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,666	2,008
Other payables	226	461
Retirement benefit obligations	377	591
Provisions for liabilities	693	678
Total non-current liabilities	10,625	11,253
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	4,534	4,815
Current income tax liabilities	458	394
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	316	275
Derivative financial instruments	11	32
Provisions for liabilities	371	382
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total current liabilities	6,031	5,898
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Total equity and liabilities	€ 31,633	€ 31,594

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - EUR (€) € in Millions	Total		Issued Share Capital [Member]	Share Premium Account [Member]	Treasury Shares/Own Shares [member]	Other Reserves [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation Reserve [Member]	Retained Earnings [member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	€ 10,198		€ 254	€ 4,324	€ (76)	€ 213	€ 57	€ 5,405	€ 21
Group profit for the financial year	729	[1]						724	5
Other comprehensive income	832						643	171	18
Total comprehensive income	1,561						643	895	23
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)	1,725		28	1,697
Share-based payment expense	27					27
Treasury/own shares reissued					51			(51)
Shares acquired by Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)	(3)				(3)
Tax relating to share-based payment expense	5							5
Share option exercises	57							57
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)	(515)							(511)	(4)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries	489								489
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	13,544		282	6,021	(28)	240	700	5,800	529
Group profit for the financial year	1,270	[1]						1,243	27
Other comprehensive income	(126)						(71)	(44)	(11)
Total comprehensive income	1,144						(71)	1,199	16
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)	219		3	216
Share-based payment expense	46					46
Treasury/own shares reissued					18			(18)
Shares acquired by Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)	(4)				(4)
Tax relating to share-based payment expense	12							12
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)	(527)							(519)	(8)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries	9								9
Transactions involving non-controlling interests								(2)	2
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	14,443		285	6,237	(14)	286	629	6,472	548
Group profit for the financial year	1,919							1,895	24
Other comprehensive income	(987)						(1,015)	89	(61)
Total comprehensive income	932						(1,015)	1,984	(37)
Issue of share capital (net of expenses)	119		1	118
Share-based payment expense	62					62
Treasury/own shares reissued					2			(2)
Shares acquired by Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)	(3)				(3)
Shares distributed under the Performance Share Plan Awards			1	62		(63)
Tax relating to share-based payment expense	(5)							(5)
Dividends (including shares issued in lieu of dividends)	(554)							(546)	(8)
Non-controlling interests arising on acquisition of subsidiaries	20								20
Transactions involving non-controlling interests	(37)								(37)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	€ 14,977		€ 287	€ 6,417	€ (15)	€ 285	€ (386)	€ 7,903	€ 486
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	€ 1,867	€ 1,620	[1]	€ 920	[1]
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	146	121		113
Profit before tax	2,013	1,741		1,033
Finance costs (net)	349	383		389
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Profit on disposals	(59)	(55)		(101)
Group operating profit	2,238	2,027		1,277
Depreciation charge	1,006	1,009		843
Amortisation of intangible assets	66	71		55
Impairment charge		23		44
Share-based payment expense	65	46		27
Other (primarily pension payments)	(186)	(65)		(47)
Net movement on working capital and provisions	(209)	56		585
Cash generated from operations	2,980	3,167		2,784
Interest paid (including finance leases)	(317)	(346)		(302)
Corporation tax paid	(474)	(481)		(235)
Net cash inflow from operating activities	2,189	2,340		2,247
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds)	222	283		889
Interest received	11	8		8
Dividends received from equity accounted investments	31	40		53
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,044)	(853)		(882)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	(1,841)	(149)		(7,296)
Other investments and advances	(11)	(7)		(19)
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid	(53)	(57)		(59)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	(2,685)	(735)		(7,306)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)	42	52		1,593
Proceeds from exercise of share options				57
Transactions involving non-controlling interests	(37)
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	1,010	600		5,633
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	169	(5)		47
Premium paid on early debt redemption	(18)			(38)
Treasury/own shares purchased	(3)	(4)		(3)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(343)	(2,015)		(2,744)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company	(469)	(352)		(379)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(8)	(8)		(4)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	343	(1,732)		4,162
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	2,449	2,518		3,295
Translation adjustment	(161)	58		120
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	€ 2,135	€ 2,449		€ 2,518
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Accounting Policies (including key accounting estimates and assumptions) This document constitutes both the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with the Irish and UK requirements, and the Annual Report on Form 20-F Basis of preparation The Consolidated Financial Statements of CRH plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. CRH plc, the Parent Company, is a publicly traded limited company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland. The Consolidated Financial Statements, which are presented in euro millions, have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the measurement at fair value of share-based payments, retirement benefit obligations and certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative financial instruments. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently by all of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates to all periods presented in these Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, the Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its individual profit and loss account to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies. Adoption of IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations The Group has applied those new standards and interpretations that apply from 1 January 2017, including the Annual Improvements 2014-2016 Statement of Cash Flows Income Taxes IFRS and IFRIC interpretations being adopted in subsequent years The Group has formed a number of project teams to evaluate and implement the following standards: IFRS 9 Financial Instruments IFRS 9 Financial Instruments The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses (ECL) rather than only incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for hedging instruments more closely with the Group’s risk management practices. As a general rule, more hedge relationships may be eligible for hedge accounting, as the standard introduces a more principles-based approach. The new standard also introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to change the nature and extent of the Group’s disclosures about its financial instruments particularly in the first year of adoption of the new standard. IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue Construction Contracts Throughout 2017, the Group performed a detailed analysis of the impact of IFRS 15; including a review of our contracts and sales arrangements. At this point, we have concluded that there is no material impact arising from transition to IFRS 15. Opening retained earnings for 2018 will not be adjusted as a result. Revenue derived from sources other than construction contracts will continue to be recognised at a point in time. Revenue earned in our construction contract businesses will continue to be recognised over time; principally using an input method. The Group’s transition project had the following focus areas: (i) Variable consideration Some contracts with customers offer trade discounts or volume rebates. Our construction contracts can include certain bonuses and other variable consideration clauses. Based on the detailed procedures performed during 2017, a material impact on the recognition of such variable consideration under IFRS 15 has not been identified. (ii) Warranty obligations Warranties currently offered by the Group will continue to be accounted for under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. (iii) Bundling and unbundling of contracts to determine performance obligations The vast majority of our contracts contain just one performance obligation. Within our construction contract businesses, some contracts have been identified as offering two promises to a customer; however the adoption of IFRS 15 will not have a material impact on the recognition of revenue on these contracts. (iv) Loss-making contracts Loss-making contracts will now be accounted for under IAS 37 rather than under IAS 11. This will not have an impact on revenue recognition at transition. (v) Principal versus agent considerations We examined whether any revenue might be deemed to be more appropriately recorded on an agency or net basis, rather than on a gross basis, under IFRS 15 and determined that no material impact on the Group’s revenue arose. (vi) Disclosure requirements IFRS 15 disclosure requirements are more detailed than under current IFRS. The Group is in the process of finalising the disclosures required to be reported in 2018. IFRS 16 Leases IFRS 16 Leases Leases Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease SIC-15 Operating Leases – Incentives SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for the majority of leases under a single on-balance sheet model, similar to the accounting for finance leases under IAS 17. The standard includes two recognition exemptions for lessees – leases of ‘low-value’ assets (e.g. personal computers) and short-term leases (i.e. leases with a term of 12 months or less). It also includes an election which permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components (e.g. maintenance) from lease components and instead capitalise both the lease cost and associated non-lease cost. At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e. the lease liability) and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term (i.e. the right-of-use asset). Lessees will be required to separately recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset. Under IFRS 16 lessees will also be required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g. a change in lease term or a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). The lessee will generally recognise the amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset. CRH has entered into operating leases for a range of assets, principally relating to property across the US and Europe. These property leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights including periodic rent reviews linked with a consumer price index and/or other indices. The Group also leases plant and machinery, vehicles and equipment under operating leases. The adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements, as follows: Income Statement Operating expenses will decrease, as the Group currently recognises operating lease expenses in either cost of sales, selling and distribution or administration expenses (depending on the nature of the lease). The Group’s lease expense (continuing operations) for 2017 was € Depreciation and finance costs as currently reported in the Group’s Income Statement will increase, as under the new standard the right-of-use Balance Sheet At transition date, the Group will determine the lease payments outstanding at that date and apply the appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the lease payments. CRH is currently considering adopting the new standard by applying the modified retrospective approach. In addition, CRH will perform an impairment assessment at date of adoption and any resulting impairment will impact retained earnings rather than the Consolidated Income Statement in the year of transition. The Group’s commitment outstanding on all leases (including those relating to discontinued operations) as at 31 December 2017 is € € The Group has been assessing the impact of the new standard since it was issued in January 2016. The exact financial impact of the standard is as yet unknown, as a number of factors impact the calculation of the liability, such as discount rate and the expected term of leases including renewal options. The Group’s commitment as at 31 December 2017 provides an indication of the scale of leases held and how significant leases currently are to CRH’s business. The Group will continue to assess its portfolio of leases to calculate the impending impact of transition to the new standard during 2018. In addition to the impacts above, there will also be significantly increased disclosures when the Group adopts IFRS 16. IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments IFRIC 23 was issued in June 2017; with an effective date of 1 January 2019. It clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this interpretation on future periods. IAS 19 Employee Benefits In February 2018, the IASB issued a narrow scope amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are effective subsequent to the CRH 2017 financial year-end Key Accounting Policies which involve Estimates, Assumptions and Judgements The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions and judgements that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management believes that the estimates, assumptions and judgements upon which it relies are reasonable based on the information available to it at the time that those estimates, assumptions and judgements are made. In some cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by IFRS and does not require management’s judgement in its application. Management considers that their use of estimates, assumptions and judgements in the application of the Group’s accounting policies are inter-related and therefore discuss them together below. Estimates, and underlying assumptions, are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in accounting estimates may be necessary if there are changes in the circumstances or experiences on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information. The critical accounting policies which involve significant estimates, assumptions or judgements, the actual outcome of which could have a material impact on the Group’s results and financial position outlined below, are as follows: Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill – Notes 14 and 15 Impairment of property, plant and equipment and goodwill The carrying values of items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis and at any time during the year if an indicator of impairment is considered to exist. A decision to dispose of a business unit represents one such indicator and in these circumstances the recoverable amount is assessed on a fair value less costs of disposal basis. In the year in which a business combination is effected and where some or all of the goodwill allocated to a particular cash-generating Property, plant and equipment assets are reviewed for potential impairment by applying a series of external and internal indicators specific to the assets under consideration; these indicators encompass macroeconomic issues including the inherent cyclicality of the building materials sector, actual obsolescence or physical damage, a deterioration in forecast performance in the internal reporting cycle and restructuring and rationalisation programmes. Where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amount (being the greater of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use), value-in-use, pre-tax cash-generating Goodwill relating to associates and joint ventures is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortised nor individually tested for impairment. Where indicators of impairment of an investment arise in accordance with the requirements of IAS 39 , The impairment testing process requires management to make significant judgements and estimates regarding the future cash flows expected to be generated by the use of and, if applicable, the eventual disposal of, long-lived assets and goodwill as well as other factors to determine the fair value of the assets. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions which influence these variables. A detailed discussion of the impairment methodology applied and key assumptions used by the Group in the context of long-lived assets and goodwill is provided in note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The assumptions and conditions for determining impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill reflect management’s best assumptions and estimates, but these items involve inherent uncertainties described above, many of which are not under management’s control. As a result, the accounting for such items could result in different estimates or amounts if management used different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future accounting periods. Retirement benefit obligations – Note 28 Costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions in the event that the fund does not hold sufficient assets to meet its benefit commitments. The liabilities and costs associated with the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes (both funded and unfunded) are assessed either on the basis of the attained age, the projected unit credit, the current unit credit or the aggregate cost methods by professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using actuarial assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date. The discount rates employed in determining the present value of the schemes’ liabilities are determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet date on high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the currency and term of the associated post-employment The net surplus or deficit arising on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes, together with the liabilities associated with the unfunded schemes, are shown either within non-current non-current The defined benefit pension asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet comprises the total for each plan of the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. Plan assets are assets that are held by a long-term employee benefit fund or qualifying insurance policies. Fair value is based on market price information and, in the case of published securities; it is the published bid price. The value of any defined benefit asset is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan and reductions in the future contributions to the plan. The Group’s obligation in respect of post-employment high-quality Assumptions The assumptions underlying the actuarial valuations (including discount rates, rates of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates and healthcare cost trends), from which the amounts recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements are determined, are updated annually based on current economic conditions and for any relevant changes to the terms and conditions of the pension and post-retirement While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect the obligations and expenses recognised in future accounting periods. The assets and liabilities of defined benefit pension schemes may exhibit significant period-on-period Provisions for liabilities – Note 26 A provision is recognised when the Group has a present obligation (either legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group anticipates that a provision will be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset only when it is virtually certain that the reimbursement will arise. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the Consolidated Income Statement net of any reimbursement. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as an interest expense. Contingent liabilities arising on business combinations are recognised as provisions if the contingent liability can be reliably measured at its acquisition date fair value. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses. Refer to note 26 for the expected timing of outflows by provisions category. Environmental and remediation provisions The measurement of environmental and remediation provisions is based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and considers factors such as existing technology, currently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of sites. Inherent uncertainties exist in such evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, the protracted length of the clean-up Legal contingencies The status of each significant claim and legal proceeding in which the Group is involved is reviewed by management on a periodic basis and the Group’s potential financial exposure is assessed. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable, and the amount can be estimated, a liability is recognised for the estimated loss. Because of the uncertainties inherent in such matters, the related provisions are based on the best information available at the time; the issues taken into account by management and factored into the assessment of legal contingencies include, as applicable, the status of settlement negotiations, interpretations of contractual obligations, prior experience with similar contingencies/claims, the availability of insurance to protect against the downside exposure and advice obtained from legal counsel and other third parties. As additional information becomes available on pending claims, the potential liability is reassessed and revisions are made to the amounts accrued where appropriate. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on the results of operations and financial position of the Group in future accounting periods. Taxation – current and deferred – Notes 11 and 27 Current tax represents the expected tax payable (or recoverable) on the taxable profit for the year using tax rates enacted for the period. Any interest or penalties arising are included within current tax. Where items are accounted for outside of profit or loss, the related income tax is recognised either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity as appropriate. Deferred tax is recognised using the liability method on temporary differences arising at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; in addition, deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. For the most part, no provision has been made for temporary differences applicable to investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures as the Group is in a position to control the timing of reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. However, a temporary difference has been recognised to the extent that specific assets have been identified for sale or where there is a specific intention to unwind the temporary difference in the foreseeable future. Due to the absence of control in the context of associates (significant influence only), deferred tax liabilities are recognised where appropriate in respect of CRH’s investments in these entities on the basis that the exercise of significant influence would not necessarily prevent earnings being remitted by other shareholders in the undertaking. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not subject to discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised in respect of all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward The Group’s income tax charge is based on reported profit and expected statutory tax rates, which reflect various allowances and reliefs and tax planning opportunities available to the Group in the multiple tax jurisdictions in which it operates. The determination of the Group’s provision for income tax requires certain judgements and estimates in relation to matters where the ultimate tax outcome may not be certain. The recognition or non-recognition year-end, Other Significant Accounting Policies Basis of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Parent Company and all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, drawn up to 31 December each year. The financial year-ends of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are co-terminous. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary without a change in control is accounted for as an equity transaction. When the Group holds less than the majority of voting rights, other facts and circumstances including contractual arrangements that give the Group power over the investee may result in the Group controlling the investee. The Group reassesses whether it controls an investee if, and when, facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to the elements evidencing control. Non-controlling non-controlling non-controlling non-controlling Investments in associates and joint ventures – Notes 10 and 16 An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of an entity, but is not control or joint control over those policies. A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of the arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group’s investments in its associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method from the date significant influence/joint control is deemed to arise until the date on which significant influence/joint control ceases to exist or when the interest becomes classified as an asset held for sale. The Consolidated Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of profit after tax of the related associates and joint ventures. Investments in associates and joint ventures are carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost adjusted in respect of post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets, less any impairment in value. Loans advanced to equity accounted investments that have the characteristics of equity financing are also included in the investment held on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If necessary, impairment losses on the carrying amount of an investment are reported within the Group’s share of equity accounted investments results in the Consolidated Income Statement. If the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of an associate or joint venture, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred obligations in respect of the associate or joint venture. Property, plant and equipment – Note 14 The carrying value of property, plant and equipment of € Repair and maintenance expenditure is included in an asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repair and maintenance expenditure is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement during the financial period in which it is incurred. Borrowing costs incurred in the construction of major assets which take a substantial period of time to complete are capitalised in the financial period in which they are incurred. In the application of the Group’s accounting policy, judgement is exercised by management in the determination of residual values and useful lives. Depreciation and depletion is calculated to write off the book value of each item of property, plant and equipment over its useful economic life on a straight-line basis at the following rates: Land and buildings mineral-bearing Plant and machinery Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the depreciation period or method as appropriate on a prospective basis. For the Group’s accounting policy on impairment of property, plant and equipment, please see impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Revenue recognition Revenue represents the value of goods and services supplied and is net of trade discounts and value added tax/sales tax. Other than in the case of construction contracts, revenue is recognised to the extent that revenue and related costs incurred or to be incurred are subject to reliable measurement, that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and that the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyer, usually on delivery of the goods. Construction contracts The Group engages primarily in the performance of fixed price contracts, as opposed to cost plus contracts. Contract costs are recognised as incurred. When the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably the Group recognises revenue in accordance with the percentage-of-completion When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense. Revenue and/or costs in respect of variations or contracts claims and incentive payments, to the extent that they arise, are recognised when it is probable that the amount, which can be measured reliably, will be recovered from/paid to the customer. If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress towards completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in revenue or costs and are reflected in income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision became known by management. Segment reporting – Note 1 Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal organisational and management structure and the internal reporting information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments. Assets and liabilities held for sale – Note 2 Non-current Non-current Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale. The Group ceases to use the equity method of accounting from the date on which an interest in a joint venture or associate becomes held for sale. Non-current Discontinued operations – Note 2 Discontinued operations are reported when a component of the Group has been disposed of, or when a sale is highly probable; and its operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Group and is classified as held for sale or has been disposed of. The Group classifies a non-current In the Consolidated Income Statement, discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations. Corresponding notes to the Consolidated Income Statement exclude amounts for discontinued operations, unless stated otherwise. Prior year information The presentation of certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The presentation of financial information pertaining to discontinued operations has been restated retrospectively (including the Consolidated Income Statement and corresponding prior year income statement notes). Share-based payments – Note 8 The Group operates a number of equity-settled share-based payment plans. Its policy in relation to the granting of share options and awards under these plans, together with the nature of the underlying market and non-market share-based share-based Awards under the Performance Share Plans 50% of the awards granted in 2017 and 2016 under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are subject to a TSR (and hence market-based) vesting condition; with 25% being measured against a tailored sector peer group and 25% against the FTSE All-World market-based non-market-based The remaining awards granted under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are subject to a cumulative cash flow target (non-market-based) Awards which vest under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are allotted to an Employee Benefit Trust. An increase in nominal Share Capital and Share Premium are recognised accordingly on allotment. Savings-related Share Option Scheme The fair values assigned to options under the Savings-related Share Option Scheme are derived in accordance with the trinomial valuation methodology on the basis that the services to be rendered by employees as consideration for the granting of share options will be received over the vesting period, which is assessed as at the grant date. The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The Consolidated Income Statement expense/credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised at the beginning and end of that period. The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Income Statement is reversed only where an employee in receipt of share options leaves service prior to completion of the expected vesting period and those options forfeit in consequence. Where an award is cancelled, it is treated as if it is vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. This includes any award where non-vesting The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capit

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Segment Information	1. Segment Information CRH is a leading global diversified building materials group which manufactures and distributes a range of building materials products from the fundamentals of heavy materials and elements to construct the frame, through value-added products that complete the building envelope, to distribution channels which service construction fit-out During 2017, our dedicated European landscaping businesses, previously included within our Europe Heavyside segment, were reorganised to form a new platform, Architectural Products, within our Europe Lightside segment. Comparative segment amounts for 2016 and 2015 have been restated where necessary to reflect the new format for segmentation. The Group reports across the following six operating segments: Europe Heavyside, Europe Lightside, Europe Distribution, Americas Materials, Americas Products and Asia reflecting the Group’s organisational structure and the nature of the financial information reported to and assessed by the Group Chief Executive and Finance Director, who are together determined to fulfil the role of Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in IFRS 8 Operating Segments The principal factors employed in the identification of the six segments reflected in this note include: • the Group’s organisational structure in 2017 (during 2017 each divisional President fulfilled the role of “segment manager” as outlined in IFRS 8, with the President of Europe Lightside and Distribution acting as “segment manager” for each of the Europe Lightside and Europe Distribution segments respectively); • the nature of the reporting lines to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (as defined in IFRS 8); • the structure of internal reporting documentation such as management accounts and budgets; and • the degree of homogeneity of products, services and geographical areas within each of the segments from which revenue is derived The Chief Operating Decision Maker monitors the operating results of segments separately in order to allocate resources between segments and to assess performance. Segment performance is predominantly evaluated based on operating profit. As performance is also evaluated using operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment (EBITDA (as defined)*), supplemental information based on EBITDA (as defined)* is provided overleaf. Given that net finance costs and income tax are managed on a centralised basis, these items are not allocated between operating segments for the purposes of the information presented to the Chief Operating Decision Maker and are accordingly omitted from the detailed segmental analysis below. There are no asymmetrical allocations to reporting segments which would require disclosure. Europe Heavyside Europe Lightside Europe Distribution businesses are predominantly engaged in supplying General Merchants, Sanitary, Heating and Plumbing (SHAP) and Do-It-Yourself medium-sized Americas Materials Americas Products businesses are predominantly engaged in the production and sale in the US and Canada of concrete masonry and hardscapes, packaged lawn and garden products, packaged cement mixes, fencing, utility, drainage and structural precast products, construction accessories and glass and aluminium glazing systems. Asia businesses are predominantly engaged in the manufacture and supply of cement and aggregates in the Philippines. The Americas Distribution * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax. A. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Income Statement data Year ended 31 December Revenue Group EBITDA (as defined)* Depreciation, Group operating profit 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Continuing operations Europe Heavyside 6,902 6,945 4,813 839 781 424 361 395 304 478 386 120 Europe Lightside 1,440 1,392 1,404 143 137 136 41 45 46 102 92 90 Europe Distribution 4,145 4,066 4,158 269 206 171 62 76 77 207 130 94 Europe 12,487 12,403 10,375 1,251 1,124 731 464 516 427 787 608 304 Americas Materials 7,970 7,598 7,018 1,270 1,204 955 412 386 335 858 818 620 Americas Products 4,327 4,280 3,862 573 543 391 138 132 142 435 411 249 Americas 12,297 11,878 10,880 1,843 1,747 1,346 550 518 477 1,293 1,229 869 Asia 436 508 151 52 109 2 37 38 9 15 71 (7) Total Group from continuing operations 25,220 24,789 21,406 3,146 2,980 2,079 1,051 1,072 913 2,095 1,908 1,166 Discontinued operations Americas Distribution 2,343 2,315 2,229 164 150 140 21 31 29 143 119 111 Total Group 27,563 27,104 23,635 3,310 3,130 2,219 1,072 1,103 942 2,238 2,027 1,277 Group operating profit from continuing operations 2,095 1,908 1,166 Profit on disposals (i) 56 53 99 Finance costs less income (289) (317) (295) Other financial expense (60) (66) (94) Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (ii) 65 42 44 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,867 1,620 920 (i) Profit/(loss) on disposals (note 5) (ii) Share of equity accounted (note 10) Europe Heavyside 19 24 100 9 12 15 Europe Lightside - 1 (22) - - - Europe Distribution 4 13 8 15 13 15 Europe 23 38 86 24 25 30 Americas Materials 29 (19) 24 32 34 23 Americas Products 4 34 (11) - - - Americas 33 15 13 32 34 23 Asia - - - 9 (17) (9) Total Group 56 53 99 65 42 44 * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax. B. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Balance Sheet data As at 31 December Total assets Total liabilities 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € Europe Heavyside 8,932 8,383 2,641 2,633 Europe Lightside 1,100 1,084 302 313 Europe Distribution 2,178 2,160 563 642 Europe 12,210 11,627 3,506 3,588 Americas Materials 9,180 8,970 1,628 1,725 Americas Products 4,017 4,275 895 998 Americas Distribution (i) - 1,152 - 392 Americas 13,197 14,397 2,523 3,115 Asia 1,402 1,557 172 224 Total Group 26,809 27,581 6,201 6,927 Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Investments accounted for using the equity method 1,248 1,299 Other financial assets 25 26 Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 64 76 Income tax assets (current and deferred) 260 163 Cash and cash equivalents 2,115 2,449 Assets held for sale 1,112 - Total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 31,633 31,594 Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) 7,976 7,790 Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 14 32 Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 2,124 2,402 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 341 - Total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 16,656 17,151 (i) During 2017, the Americas Distribution segment was classified as held for sale under IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations C. Operating segments disclosures - other items Additions to non-current Year ended 31 December Property, plant and Financial assets (note 16) Total Group 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Continuing operations Europe Heavyside 349 260 238 - 2 8 349 262 246 Europe Lightside 36 27 38 - - - 36 27 38 Europe Distribution 33 26 46 - - 1 33 26 47 Europe 418 313 322 - 2 9 418 315 331 Americas Materials 375 328 335 5 5 10 380 333 345 Americas Products 167 142 153 6 - - 173 142 153 Americas 542 470 488 11 5 10 553 475 498 Asia 55 47 31 - - - 55 47 31 Total Group from continuing operations 1,015 830 841 11 7 19 1,026 837 860 Discontinued operations Americas Distribution 29 23 41 - - - 29 23 41 Total Group 1,044 853 882 11 7 19 1,055 860 901 D. Entity-wide disclosures Section 1: Information about products and services The Group’s revenue from external customers in respect of its principal products and services is analysed in the disclosures above. Segment revenue includes € € € Revenue derived through the supply of services and intersegment revenue are not material to the Group. The transfer pricing policy implemented by the Group between operating segments and across its constituent entities is described in greater detail in note 33. In addition, due to the nature of building materials, which have a low value-to-weight Section 2: Information about geographical areas and customers CRH has a presence in 32 countries worldwide. The revenues from external customers and non-current Year ended 31 December As at 31 December Revenue by destination Non-current assets* 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € Country of domicile - Republic of Ireland 435 403 349 493 475 Benelux (mainly the Netherlands) 2,589 2,576 2,478 1,162 1,201 United Kingdom 3,023 3,091 1,694 2,395 2,487 United States 10,844 10,415 9,819 8,749 8,710 Other 8,329 8,304 7,066 8,757 8,346 Total Group from continuing operations 25,220 24,789 21,406 21,556 21,219 United States - Americas Distribution 2,343 2,315 2,229 476 531 Total Group 27,563 27,104 23,635 22,032 21,750 There are no material dependencies or concentrations of individual customers which would warrant disclosure under IFRS 8. The individual entities within the Group have a large number of customers spread across various activities, end-uses * Non-current assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investments accounted for using the equity method.

Assets Held For Sale and Discon

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	2. Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations In August 2017, the Group entered into a sales agreement with Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. to dispose of its 100% holding in Allied Building Products, the trading name of our Americas Distribution segment, for a consideration of US$2.6 billion. The transaction closed on 2 January 2018. The assets associated with this transaction met the ‘held for sale’ criteria set out in IFRS 5 and the relevant assets and liabilities have accordingly been reclassified as assets and liabilities held for sale as appropriate as set out in the table below. The proceeds of the sale exceeded the carrying amount of the related net assets and, accordingly, no impairment loss was recognised on the reclassification of Americas Distribution as held for sale. The businesses divested in 2017 are not considered to be either separate major lines of business or geographical areas of operation and therefore do not constitute discontinued operations as defined by IFRS 5. A. Discontinued operations The results of the discontinued operations included in the Group profit for the financial year are set out below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Revenue 2,343 2,315 2,229 EBITDA (as defined)* 164 150 140 Depreciation (16) (22) (18) Amortisation (5) (9) (11) Operating profit 143 119 111 Profit on disposals 3 2 2 Profit before tax 146 121 113 Attributable income tax expense (i) (39) (40) (28) Profit after tax 107 81 85 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from discontinued operations 12.8c 9.8c 10.4c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from discontinued operations 12.7c 9.7c 10.4c Cash flows from discontinued operations Net cash inflow from operating activities 111 123 173 Net cash outflow from investing activities (27) (22) (39) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 1 (1) - Net cash inflows 85 100 134 (i) The 2017 attributable income tax expense includes a non-cash deferred tax credit of € B. Assets held for sale 2017 € Assets Property, plant and equipment (note 14) 104 Intangible assets (note 15) 372 Deferred income tax assets (note 27) 16 Inventories (note 20) 266 Trade and other receivables (note 20) 334 Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 20 Assets held for sale 1,112 Liabilities Trade and other payables (note 20) 306 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) 5 Deferred income tax liabilities (note 27) 30 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 341 Net assets held for sale 771 Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity relating to assets held for sale amounted to € * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax.

Cost Analysis Continuing Operat

Cost Analysis Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Cost Analysis Continuing Operations	3. Cost Analysis Continuing Operations 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Cost of sales analysis Raw materials and goods for resale 7,428 7,307 6,978 Employment costs (note 6) 2,869 2,725 2,446 Energy conversion costs 1,004 940 789 Repairs and maintenance 811 803 630 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (i) 830 817 697 Change in inventory (142) (33) 37 Other production expenses (primarily sub-contractor 4,103 4,007 3,166 Total 16,903 16,566 14,743 Operating costs analysis Selling and distribution costs 4,236 4,100 3,593 Administrative expenses 1,986 2,215 1,904 Total 6,222 6,315 5,497 (i) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment analysis Cost of sales Operating costs Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Depreciation and depletion (note 14) 830 817 667 160 170 158 990 987 825 Amortisation of intangible assets (note 15) - - - 61 62 44 61 62 44 Impairment of property, plant and equipment - - 30 - - 11 - - 41 Impairment of intangible assets (note 15) - - - - 23 1 - 23 1 Impairment of financial assets - - - - - 2 - - 2 Total 830 817 697 221 255 216 1,051 1,072 913

Operating Profit Disclosures Co

Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations	4. Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Operating lease rentals - hire of plant and machinery 292 262 200 - land and buildings 258 250 221 - other operating leases 56 57 50 Total 606 569 471 Auditor’s remuneration In accordance with statutory requirements in Ireland, fees for professional services provided by the Group’s independent auditor in respect of each of the following categories were: EY Ireland (statutory auditor) EY (network firms) Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Audit fees (i) 4 3 3 16 16 16 20 19 19 Other audit-related assurance fees (ii) - - 1 1 - 4 1 - 5 Tax advisory services - - - 1 1 2 1 1 2 Total 4 3 4 18 17 22 22 20 26 (i) Audit of the Group accounts includes audit of internal controls over financial reporting and parent and subsidiary statutory audit fees, but excludes € € € (ii) Other assurance services includes attestation and due diligence services that are closely related to the performance of the audit. (iii) There were no other fees for services provided by the Group’s independent auditor (2016: € €

Business and Non-Current Asset

Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals	5. Business and Non-Current Continuing Operations Business disposals Disposal of other non-current Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 (i) € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount: - non-current 47 147 570 79 109 103 126 256 673 - cash and cash equivalents 11 3 90 - - - 11 3 90 - working capital and provisions (note 20) 29 24 246 - - - 29 24 246 - interest-bearing loans and borrowings - - (20) - - - - - (20) - deferred tax (note 27) 2 (1) (22) - - - 2 (1) (22) - retirement benefit obligations - - (84) - - - - - (84) Net assets disposed 89 173 780 79 109 103 168 282 883 Reclassification of currency translation effects on disposal 9 (44) 39 - - - 9 (44) 39 Total 98 129 819 79 109 103 177 238 922 Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs) 99 133 875 134 158 140 233 291 1,015 Profit on step acquisition (note 31) - - 6 - - - - - 6 Profit on disposals 1 4 62 55 49 37 56 53 99 Net cash inflow arising on disposal Proceeds from disposals from continuing operations 99 133 875 134 158 140 233 291 1,015 Proceeds from disposals from discontinued operations - - - 3 2 2 3 2 2 Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed (11) (3) (90) - - - (11) (3) (90) Less: deferred proceeds arising on disposal (note 20) (3) (7) (38) - - - (3) (7) (38) Total 85 123 747 137 160 142 222 283 889 (i) Disposals in 2015 related principally to the divestment of the Group’s clay and certain concrete businesses in the UK (Europe Heavyside) and its clay business in the US (Americas Products) on 26 February 2015.

Employment Continuing Operation

Employment Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Employment Continuing Operations	6. Employment Continuing Operations The average number of employees is as follows: Year ended 31 December 2017 2016 2015 Europe Heavyside 24,401 24,551 18,131 Europe Lightside 7,272 7,084 7,360 Europe Distribution 11,036 10,971 11,392 Europe 42,709 42,606 36,883 Americas Materials 24,077 22,650 20,125 Americas Products 17,146 16,259 16,712 Americas 41,223 38,909 36,837 Asia 1,431 1,374 466 Total Group 85,363 82,889 74,186 Employment costs charged in the Consolidated Income Statement are analysed as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Wages and salaries 3,997 3,915 3,474 Social welfare costs 465 454 401 Other employment-related costs* 546 531 505 Share-based payment expense (note 8) 60 44 26 Total retirement benefits expense (note 28) 236 307 281 Total 5,304 5,251 4,687 Total charge analysed between: Cost of sales 2,869 2,725 2,446 Operating costs 2,424 2,514 2,224 Finance costs (net) - applicable to retirement benefit obligations (note 9) 11 12 17 Total 5,304 5,251 4,687 * Other employment costs relate principally to redundancy, severance and healthcare costs. Employment costs including discontinued operations were € € €

Directors' Emoluments and Inter

Directors' Emoluments and Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Directors' Emoluments and Interests	7. Directors’ Emoluments and Interests Directors’ emoluments (which are included in administrative expenses in note 3) and interests are presented in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 72 to 95.

Share-based Payment Expense

Share-based Payment Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Expense	8. Share-based Payment Expense Continuing Operations 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Performance Share Plans and Restricted Share Plan expense 57 38 25 Share option expense 3 6 1 Total share-based payment expense 60 44 26 Share-based payment expense relates primarily to awards granted under the 2014 Performance Share Plan and the Group’s share option schemes. The expense, which also includes charges in relation to the 2013 Restricted Share Plan, is reflected in operating costs in the Consolidated Income Statement. 2014 Performance Share Plan The structure of the 2014 Performance Share Plan is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 84. An expense of € € € Details of awards granted under the 2014 Performance Share Plan Number of shares Share price at Period to earliest Initial Net outstanding at Granted in 2017 € 3 years 3,342,900 3,156,995 Granted in 2016 € 3 years 3,879,901 3,437,098 Granted in 2015 € 3 years 2,989,371 2,644,593 * Numbers represent the initial awards including those granted to employees of Allied Building Products. The Remuneration Committee has determined that dividend equivalents will accrue on awards under the 2014 Performance Share Plan. Subject to satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria, such dividend equivalents will be released to participants in the form of additional shares on vesting. 50% of each award made in 2017 and 2016 is subject to a TSR measure, with 25% being measured against a tailored sector peer group and 25% against the FTSE All-World The fair values assigned to the portion of awards which are subject to TSR performance against peers and the index were € € € € € 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate (%) (0.40) (0.53) 0.25 Expected volatility (%) 30.1 21.7 21.4 The expected volatility was determined using a historical sample of daily CRH share prices. The fair value of (i) the portion of awards subject to cash flow performance and (ii) the awards with no performance conditions (which are subject to a one or three-year service period) was € € € Share Option Schemes The 2010 Share Option Scheme was replaced in 2014 by the 2014 Performance Share Plan, and accordingly no options have been granted since 2013. Details of movement and options outstanding under Share Option Schemes (excluding Savings-related Share Option Schemes) Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of 2017 2016 2015 Outstanding at beginning of year € 2,997,495 € 8,620,690 € 15,481,191 Exercised (i) € (1,462,863) € (2,102,332) € (2,544,141) Lapsed € (92,853) € (3,520,863) € (4,316,360) Outstanding at end of year (ii) € 1,441,779 € 2,997,495 € 8,620,690 Exercisable at end of year € 1,441,779 € 2,997,495 € 5,335,290 (i) The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of these options was € € € (ii) All options granted have a life of ten years. 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) 2.53 2.46 3.86 euro-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 1,436,115 2,991,831 8,604,776 Range of exercise prices ( € 16.19-21.52 16.19-29.86 16.19-29.86 Pound Sterling-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 5,664 5,664 15,914 Range of exercise prices (Stg£) 15.30-17.19 15.30-17.19 13.64-18.02 2010 Savings-related Share Option Schemes The Group operates Savings-related Share Option Schemes. Participants may save up to € Details of options granted under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of 2017 2016 2015 Outstanding at beginning of year € 1,402,174 € 593,177 € 894,548 Exercised (i) € (126,472) € (121,242) € (331,925) Lapsed € (123,455) € (81,628) € (187,892) Granted (ii) € 404,052 € 1,011,867 € 218,446 Outstanding at end of year € 1,556,299 € 1,402,174 € 593,177 Exercisable at end of year € 15,890 € 23,897 € 15,165 (i) The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of these options was € € € (ii) Pursuant to the 2010 Savings-related Share Option Schemes operated by the Group, employees were granted options over 404,052 of CRH plc’s Ordinary Shares in March 2017 (2016: 1,011,867 share options in March 2016; 2015: 218,446 share options in March 2015). This figure comprises options over 304,492 (2016: 692,334; 2015: 152,312) shares and 99,560 (2016: 319,533; 2015: 66,134) shares which are normally exercisable within a period of six months after the third or the fifth anniversary of the contract, whichever is applicable, and are not subject to specified EPS growth targets being achieved. The exercise price at which the options are granted under the scheme represents a discount of 15% to the market price on the date of invitation of each savings contract. 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) 1.90 2.41 1.96 euro-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 304,963 320,362 321,059 Range of exercise prices ( € 13.64-27.86 12.82-21.12 12.82-21.12 Pound Sterling-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 1,251,336 1,081,812 272,118 Range of exercise prices (Stg£) 12.22-24.51 11.55-16.16 11.19-15.54 The weighted fair values assigned to options issued under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes, which were computed in accordance with the trinomial valuation methodology, were as follows: 3-year 5-year Granted in 2017 € € 6.49 Granted in 2016 € € Granted in 2015 € € 6.08 The fair value of these options were determined using the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 3-year 5-year 3-year 5-year 3-year 5-year Weighted average exercise price ( € 27.86 27.86 20.83 20.83 21.12 21.12 Risk-free interest rate (%) (0.72) (0.45) (0.48) (0.33) (0.22) (0.09) Expected dividend payments over the expected life ( € 2.07 3.55 1.95 3.32 1.91 3.25 Expected volatility (%) 20.9 20.6 21.8 22.9 21.6 27.8 Expected life in years 3 5 3 5 3 5 The expected volatility was determined using a historical sample of 37 month-end month-end Other than the assumptions listed above, no other features of options grants were factored into the determination of fair value. The terms of the options issued under the savings-related share option schemes do not contain any market conditions within the meaning of IFRS 2 Share-based

Finance Costs and Finance Incom

Finance Costs and Finance Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Finance Costs and Finance Income	9. Finance Costs and Finance Income Continuing Operations 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Finance costs Interest payable on borrowings 300 337 334 Net loss/(income) on interest rate and currency swaps 2 (10) (32) Mark-to-market - interest rate swaps (i) 16 14 12 - currency swaps and forward contracts - (3) 4 - fixed rate debt (i) (23) (20) (22) Net loss on interest rate swaps not designated as hedges 6 7 7 Net finance cost on gross debt including related derivatives 301 325 303 Finance income Interest receivable on loans to joint ventures and associates (5) (4) (4) Interest receivable on cash and cash equivalents and other (7) (4) (4) Finance income (12) (8) (8) Finance costs less income 289 317 295 Other financial expense Premium paid on early debt redemption 18 - 38 Unwinding of discount element of provisions for liabilities (note 26) 24 30 19 Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 19) 7 24 20 Pension-related finance cost (net) (note 28) 11 12 17 Total 60 66 94 Total net finance costs 349 383 389 (i) The Group uses interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate debt to floating rate. Fixed rate debt, which has been converted to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps, is stated in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at adjusted value to reflect movements in underlying fixed rates. The movement on this adjustment, together with the offsetting movement in the fair value of the related interest rate swaps, is included in finance costs in each reporting period.

Share of Equity Accounted Inves

Share of Equity Accounted Investments' Profit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Share of Equity Accounted Investments' Profit	10. Share of Equity Accounted Investments’ Profit The Group’s share of joint ventures’ and associates’ profit after tax is equity accounted and is presented as a single line item in the Consolidated Income Statement; it is analysed as follows between the principal Consolidated Income Statement captions: Joint Ventures Associates Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Group share of: Revenue 582 480 496 816 769 961 1,398 1,249 1,457 EBITDA (as defined)* 77 85 79 77 52 84 154 137 163 Depreciation and amortisation (28) (26) (27) (39) (40) (55) (67) (66) (82) Operating profit 49 59 52 38 12 29 87 71 81 Finance costs (net) (1) (4) (6) (10) (15) (17) (11) (19) (23) Profit/(loss) before tax 48 55 46 28 (3) 12 76 52 58 Income tax expense (5) (4) (5) (6) (6) (9) (11) (10) (14) Profit/(loss) after tax 43 51 41 22 (9) 3 65 42 44 An analysis of the profit after tax by operating segment is presented in note 1. The aggregated balance sheet data (analysed between current and non-current * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges and profit on disposals.

Income Tax Expense Continuing O

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations	11. Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations Recognised within the Consolidated Income Statement 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € (a) Current tax Republic of Ireland 9 5 - Overseas 312 443 320 Total current tax expense 321 448 320 (b) Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences: Retirement benefit obligations 16 8 7 Share-based payment expense (4) (11) (8) Derivative financial instruments 2 1 1 Other items (including deferred tax credit associated with the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” and other timing differences) (280) (15) (44) Total deferred tax income (266) (17) (44) Income tax reported in the Consolidated Income Statement 55 431 276 Recognised outside the Consolidated Income Statement 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € (a) Within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income: Deferred tax - retirement benefit obligations (33) 3 (30) (b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity: Current tax Current tax - share option exercises 2 - - Deferred tax Deferred tax - share-based payment expense (7) 12 5 (5) 12 5 Income tax recognised outside the Consolidated Income Statement (38) 15 (25) Reconciliation of applicable tax rate to effective tax rate Profit before tax ( € 1,867 1,620 920 Tax charge expressed as a percentage of profit before tax (effective tax rate): - current tax expense only 17.2% 27.7% 34.8% - total income tax expense (current and deferred) 2.9% 26.6% 30.0% The following table reconciles the applicable Republic of Ireland statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate (current and deferred) of the Group: % of profit before tax Irish corporation tax rate 12.5 12.5 12.5 Higher tax rates on overseas earnings 15.9 15.1 12.3 Deferred tax credit relating to the enactment of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (23.6) - - Other items (primarily comprising items not chargeable to tax/expenses not deductible for tax) (1.9) (1.0) 5.2 Total effective tax rate 2.9 26.6 30.0 Other disclosures Effective tax rate The 2017 effective tax rate is 2.9%. The 2017 reported tax charge includes a non-cash deferred tax credit of € The tax charge associated with discontinued operations during 2017 is recognised separately in “Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations”. See note 2 for further details. The 2015 Consolidated Income Statement included one-off € non-deductible Changes in tax rates The total tax charge in future periods will be affected by any changes to the tax rates in force in the countries in which the Group operates. Excess of capital allowances over depreciation The current tax charge will also be impacted by changes in the excess of tax depreciation (capital allowances) over accounting depreciation. Based on current capital investment plans, the Group expects to continue to be in a position to claim capital allowances in excess of depreciation in future years. Investments in subsidiaries Given management’s intention not to unwind temporary differences in respect of its investment in subsidiaries or tax exemptions and credits being available in the majority of jurisdictions in which the Group operates, the aggregate amount of deferred tax liabilities on temporary differences which have not been recognised would be immaterial. Proposed dividends There are no income tax consequences for the Company in respect of dividends proposed prior to issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements and for which a liability has not been recognised.

Dividends

Dividends	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Dividends	12. Dividends The dividends paid and proposed in respect of each class of share capital are as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Dividends to shareholders Preference 5% Cumulative Preference Shares € € € - - - 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares € € € - - - Equity Final - paid 46.20c per Ordinary Share (2016: 44.00c; 2015: 44.00c) 386 363 359 Interim - paid 19.20c per Ordinary Share (2016: 18.80c; 2015: 18.50c) 160 156 152 Total 546 519 511 Reconciliation to Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Dividends to shareholders 546 519 511 Less: issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 30) (77) (167) (132) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company 469 352 379 Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling 8 8 4 Total dividends paid 477 360 383 Dividends proposed (memorandum disclosure) Equity Final 2017 - proposed 48.80c per Ordinary Share (2016: 46.20c; 2015: 44.00c) 409 385 362

Earnings per Ordinary Share

Earnings per Ordinary Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Earnings per Ordinary Share	13. Earnings per Ordinary Share The computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is set out below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Numerator computations Group profit for the financial year 1,919 1,270 729 Profit attributable to non-controlling (24) (27) (5) Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 1,895 1,243 724 Preference dividends - - - Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - 1,895 1,243 724 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 107 81 85 Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - 1,788 1,162 639 Denominator computations Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (millions) outstanding for the year (i) 835.6 827.8 812.3 Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares (employee share options) (millions) (i) and (ii) 5.2 6.1 3.6 Denominator for diluted earnings per Ordinary Share 840.8 833.9 815.9 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share 226.8c 150.2c 89.1c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share 225.4c 149.1c 88.7c Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations 214.0c 140.4c 78.7c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations 212.7c 139.4c 78.3c (i) The weighted average number of Ordinary Shares included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share has been adjusted to exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and Ordinary Shares repurchased and held by the Company (CRH plc) as Treasury Shares given that these shares do not rank for dividend. The number of Ordinary Shares so held at the balance sheet date is detailed in note 30. (ii) Contingently issuable Ordinary Shares (totalling 5,710,247 at 31 December 2017, 3,095,404 at 31 December 2016 and 8,630,786 at 31 December 2015) are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per Ordinary Share where the conditions governing exercisability have not been satisfied as at the end of the reporting period or they are antidilutive for the periods presented.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	14. Property, Plant and Equipment Land and € Plant and € Assets in € Total € At 31 December 2017 Cost/deemed cost 8,472 13,157 551 22,180 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,248) (6,838) - (9,086) Net carrying amount 6,224 6,319 551 13,094 At 1 January 2017, net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 Translation adjustment (483) (460) (33) (976) Reclassifications 60 348 (408) - Additions at cost 87 481 476 1,044 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 703 812 21 1,536 Reclassified as held for sale (22) (79) (3) (104) Disposals at net carrying amount (53) (37) - (90) Depreciation charge for year (ii) (225) (781) - (1,006) At 31 December 2017, net carrying amount 6,224 6,319 551 13,094 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Cost/deemed cost 8,438 13,182 498 22,118 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,281) (7,147) - (9,428) Net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 At 1 January 2016, net carrying amount 6,396 6,087 579 13,062 Translation adjustment 9 (62) (4) (57) Reclassifications 41 340 (381) - Transfer from trade and other receivables (note 20) 8 - - 8 Additions at cost 82 451 320 853 Arising on acquisition (note 31) (17) 51 (15) 19 Disposals at net carrying amount (129) (56) (1) (186) Depreciation charge for year (ii) (233) (776) - (1,009) At 31 December 2016, net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 At 1 January 2016 Cost/deemed cost 8,471 12,583 582 21,636 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,075) (6,496) (3) (8,574) Net carrying amount 6,396 6,087 579 13,062 (i) The carrying value of mineral-bearing land included in the land and buildings category above amounted to € € (ii) The depreciation charge for the year includes € € € Future purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment 2017 € 2016 € Contracted for but not provided in the financial statements 346 309 Authorised by the Directors but not contracted for 491 467

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	15. Intangible Assets Other intangible assets Goodwill € Marketing- related € Customer- related (i) € Contract- based € Total € At 31 December 2017 Cost/deemed cost 7,198 129 535 80 7,942 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (293) (54) (331) (50) (728) Net carrying amount 6,905 75 204 30 7,214 At 1 January 2017, net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 Translation Adjustment (593) (10) (22) (4) (629) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 487 4 51 1 543 Reclassified as held for sale (363) - (8) (1) (372) Disposals (22) - (1) - (23) Amortisation charge for year (ii) - (8) (45) (13) (66) At 31 December 2017, net carrying amount 6,905 75 204 30 7,214 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Cost/deemed cost 7,701 142 659 87 8,589 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (305) (53) (430) (40) (828) Net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 At 1 January 2016, net carrying amount 7,406 91 264 59 7,820 Translation adjustment (2) 2 6 1 7 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 71 3 11 - 85 Disposals (56) - (1) - (57) Amortisation charge for year (ii) - (7) (51) (13) (71) Impairment charge for year (23) - - - (23) At 31 December 2016, net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 At 1 January 2016 Cost/deemed cost 7,699 137 639 85 8,560 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (293) (46) (375) (26) (740) Net carrying amount 7,406 91 264 59 7,820 (i) The customer-related intangible assets relate predominantly to non-contractual (ii) The amortisation charge for the year includes € € € customer-related Annual goodwill testing The net book value of goodwill capitalised under previous GAAP (Irish GAAP) as at the transition date to IFRS (1 January 2004) has been treated as deemed cost. Goodwill arising on acquisition since that date is capitalised at cost. Cash-generating units Goodwill acquired through business combination activity has been allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from synergies in that combination. The CGUs represent the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and are not larger than the operating segments determined in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments Cash-generating units Goodwill ( € 2017 2016 2017 2016 Europe Heavyside* 14 14 1,770 1,679 Europe Lightside 1 1 365 365 Europe Distribution 1 1 671 665 Europe 16 16 2,806 2,709 Americas Materials* 6 6 2,082 2,077 Americas Products 1 1 1,555 1,671 Americas Distribution 1 1 - 411 Americas 8 8 3,637 4,159 Asia 1 1 462 528 Total Group 25 25 6,905 7,396 * Within the goodwill figures included above for the Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials segments is € Impairment testing methodology and results Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis. The recoverable amount of 24 CGUs is determined based on a value-in-use The cash flow forecasts are primarily based on a five-year strategic plan document formally approved by the Board of Directors and specifically exclude the impact of future development activity. These cash flows are projected forward for an additional five years to determine the basis for an annuity-based terminal value, calculated on the same basis as the Group’s acquisition modelling methodology. As in prior years, the terminal value is based on a 20-year 30-year value-in-use pre-tax The 2017 annual goodwill impairment testing process has resulted in no intangible asset impairments. The 2016 annual goodwill impairment testing process resulted in an impairment of € Key sources of estimation uncertainty The cash flows have been arrived at taking account of the Group’s strong financial position, its established history of earnings and cash flow generation and the nature of the building materials industry, where product obsolescence is very low. However, expected future cash flows are inherently uncertain and are therefore liable to material change over time. The key assumptions employed in arriving at the estimates of future cash flows factored into impairment testing are subjective and include projected EBITDA (as defined)* margins, net cash flows, discount rates used and the duration of the discounted cash flow model. Significant under-performance in any of CRH’s major CGUs may give rise to a material write-down Significant goodwill amounts The goodwill allocated to the UK (Europe Heavyside segment) and the Oldcastle Building Products (Americas Products segment) CGUs account for between 10% and 25% of the total carrying amount shown on page 153. The goodwill allocated to each of the remaining CGUs is less than 10% of the total carrying value in all other cases. The additional disclosures required for the two CGUs with significant goodwill are as follows: United Kingdom Oldcastle 2017 2016 2017 2016 Goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date € € € € Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax) 7.6% 7.8% 10.3% 11.7% Average EBITDA (as defined)* margin over the initial 5-year 13.9% 13.7% 15.1% 14.4% Value-in-use € € € € Excess of value-in-use € € € € The key assumptions and methodology used in respect of these two CGUs are consistent with those described above. The values applied to each of the key estimates and assumptions are specific to the individual CGUs and were derived from a combination of internal and external factors based on historical experience and took into account the cash flows specifically associated with these businesses. The cash flows and 20-year The UK and Oldcastle Building Products CGUs are not included in the CGUs referred to in the Sensitivity analysis section overleaf. Given the magnitude of the excess of value-in-use value-in-use. value-in-use * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax. Sensitivity analysis Sensitivity analysis has been performed and results in additional disclosures in respect of one CGU (in the Europe Heavyside segment) of the total 25 CGUs. The key assumptions, methodology used and values applied to each of the key assumptions for this CGU are in line with those outlined on page 155 (a 30-year € One cash-generating unit Reduction in EBITDA (as defined)* margin 2.9 percentage points Reduction in profit before tax 22.2% Reduction in net cash flow 18.2% Increase in pre-tax 1.7 percentage points The average EBITDA (as defined)* margin for the CGU over the initial five-year period was 24.0%. The value-in-use € € value-in-use € * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax.

Financial Assets

Financial Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Financial Assets	16. Financial Assets Investments accounted for Share of net € Loans € Total € Other (i) € At 1 January 2017 1,152 147 1,299 26 Translation adjustment (67) (16) (83) (1) Investments and advances 5 6 11 - Disposals and repayments (1) (12) (13) - Share of profit after tax 65 - 65 - Dividends received (31) - (31) - At 31 December 2017 1,123 125 1,248 25 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 1 January 2016 1,161 156 1,317 28 Translation adjustment (14) 3 (11) - Investments and advances 1 6 7 - Reduction in joint venture loans - (5) (5) - Disposals and repayments 2 (13) (11) (2) Share of profit after tax 42 - 42 - Dividends received (40) - (40) - At 31 December 2016 1,152 147 1,299 26 (i) Other financial assets primarily comprise trade investments carried at historical cost. Summarised financial information for the Group’s investment in joint ventures and associates which are accounted for using the equity method is as follows: Joint Ventures Associates Total 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € Non-current 752 727 754 845 1,506 1,572 Current assets 209 171 492 413 701 584 Non-current (348) (285) (73) (182) (421) (467) Current liabilities (115) (102) (548) (435) (663) (537) Net assets 498 511 625 641 1,123 1,152 A listing of the principal equity accounted investments is contained on page 251. The Group holds a 21.13% stake (2016: 21.13%) in Samse S.A., a publicly-listed distributor in France which is accounted for as an associate investment above. The fair value of this investment at the balance sheet date, calculated based on the number of shares held multiplied by the closing share price at 31 December 2017 (Level 1 input in the fair value hierarchy), was € €

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Inventories	17. Inventories 2017 € 2016 € Raw materials 885 821 Work-in-progress 92 94 Finished goods 1,738 2,024 Total inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value 2,715 2,939 (i) Work-in-progress € € percentage-of-completion An analysis of the Group’s cost of sales expense is provided in note 3 to the financial statements. Write-downs of inventories recognised as an expense within cost of sales amounted to € € €

Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and Other Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Trade and Other Receivables	18. Trade and Other Receivables 2017 € 2016 € Current Trade receivables 2,456 2,773 Amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts (i) 773 792 Total trade receivables, gross 3,229 3,565 Provision for impairment (131) (152) Total trade receivables, net 3,098 3,413 Amounts receivable from equity accounted investments 8 9 Prepayments and other receivables 524 557 Total 3,630 3,979 Non-current Other receivables 156 212 The carrying amounts of current and non-current (i) Includes unbilled revenue and retentions held by customers in respect of construction contracts at the balance sheet date amounting to € € € € Valuation and qualifying accounts (provision for impairment) The movements in the provision for impairment of receivables during the financial year were as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € At 1 January 152 161 106 Translation adjustment (7) (1) 5 Provided during year 32 43 40 Reclassified (as)/from held for sale (6) - 2 Disposed of during year - (1) (4) Written off during year (36) (43) (36) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 3 2 55 Recovered during year (7) (9) (7) At 31 December 131 152 161 Information in relation to the Group’s credit risk management is provided in note 22 to the financial statements. Aged analysis The aged analysis of trade receivables and amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts at the balance sheet date was as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Neither past due nor impaired 2,070 2,414 Past due but not impaired: - less than 60 days 832 774 - 60 days or greater but less than 120 days 129 120 - 120 days or greater 67 105 Past due and impaired (partial or full provision) 131 152 Total 3,229 3,565 Trade receivables and amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts are in general receivable within 90 days of the balance sheet date.

Trade and Other Payables

Trade and Other Payables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Trade and Other Payables	19. Trade and Other Payables 2017 € 2016 € Current Trade payables 2,304 2,531 Construction contract-related payables (i) 217 296 Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (ii) 167 61 Accruals and other payables 1,802 1,875 Amounts payable to equity accounted investments 44 52 Total 4,534 4,815 Non-current Other payables 128 221 Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (ii) 98 240 Total 226 461 (i) Construction contract-related payables include billings in excess of revenue, together with advances received from customers in respect of work to be performed under construction contracts and foreseeable losses thereon. Other than deferred and contingent consideration, the carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate their fair value largely due to the short-term maturities and nature of these instruments. (ii) The fair value of total contingent consideration is € € € € € € 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 301 288 Translation adjustment (36) 9 Arising on acquisitions and investments during year (note 31) 45 22 Changes in estimate 3 15 Paid during year (53) (57) Discount unwinding 7 24 Reclassified as held for sale (2) - At 31 December 265 301

Movement in Working Capital and

Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities	20. Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities Inventories € Trade and other € Trade and other € Provisions for liabilities € Total € At 1 January 2017 2,939 4,191 (5,276) (1,060) 794 Translation adjustment (218) (286) 348 72 (84) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 114 129 (149) (49) 45 Reclassified as held for sale (266) (334) 306 - (294) Disposals (34) (16) 20 1 (29) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (45) - (45) - paid during year - - 53 - 53 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 3 - - 3 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - 1 - (24) (23) Reclassification (3) (14) 65 - 48 Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities 183 112 (82) (4) 209 At 31 December 2017 2,715 3,786 (4,760) (1,064) 677 The equivalent disclosure for the prior years is as follows: At 1 January 2016 2,873 4,126 (5,171) (1,035) 793 Translation adjustment 20 (12) 26 26 60 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 9 28 (14) 18 41 Disposals (18) (15) 8 1 (24) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (22) - (22) - paid during year - - 57 - 57 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 7 - - 7 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - - (24) (30) (54) Transfer to property, plant and equipment - (8) - - (8) Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities 55 65 (136) (40) (56) At 31 December 2016 2,939 4,191 (5,276) (1,060) 794 At 1 January 2015 2,260 2,729 (3,151) (396) 1,442 Translation adjustment 130 147 (151) (5) 121 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 621 1,533 (1,549) (581) 24 Reclassified from held for sale 102 79 (98) (7) 76 Disposals (211) (178) 137 6 (246) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (97) - (97) - paid during year - - 59 - 59 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 38 - - 38 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - - (20) (19) (39) Decrease in working capital and provisions for liabilities (29) (222) (301) (33) (585) At 31 December 2015 2,873 4,126 (5,171) (1,035) 793

Analysis of Net Debt

Analysis of Net Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Analysis of Net Debt	21. Analysis of Net Debt Components of net debt Net debt is a non-GAAP As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 Fair value (i) € Book value € Fair value (i) € Book value € Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 2,135 2,135 2,449 2,449 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) (8,421) (7,981) (8,236) (7,790) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 50 50 44 44 Group net debt (6,236) (5,796) (5,743) (5,297) (i) All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are Level 2 fair value measurements. Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € At 1 January (5,297) (6,618) (2,492) Debt in acquired companies (note 31) (12) (3) (175) Debt in disposed companies - - 20 Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases (1,010) (600) (5,633) Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments (169) 5 (47) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases 343 2,015 2,744 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (153) (127) (897) Mark-to-market 9 21 (1) Translation adjustment 493 10 (137) At 31 December (5,796) (5,297) (6,618) The following table shows the effective interest rates on period-end As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 € Interest Weighted € Interest Weighted Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - fixed rate (i) (7,844) (7,417) Derivative financial instruments - fixed rate 1,505 1,640 Net fixed rate debt including derivatives (6,339) 3.3% 9.2 (5,777) 3.5% 8.7 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - floating rate (ii) (70) (270) Adjustment of debt from nominal to book value (i) (67) (103) Derivative financial instruments - currency floating rate (1,455) (1,596) Gross debt including derivative financial instruments (7,931) 4.2% (7,746) 4.1% Cash and cash equivalents - floating rate 2,135 2,449 Group net debt (5,796) (5,297) Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23) (20) - Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24) 5 - Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale (5,811) (5,297) (i) Of the Group’s nominal fixed rate debt at 31 December 2017, € € (ii) Floating rate debt comprises bank borrowings and finance leases bearing interest at rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to less than one year largely by reference to inter-bank interest rates. Currency profile The currency profile of the Group’s net debt and net worth (capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders) as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 is as follows: euro € US € Pound € Canadian € Philippine € Polish € Swiss € Other (i) € Total € Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)* 743 714 215 140 43 99 61 100 2,115 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)* (3,827) (3,097) (465) (2) (293) - (281) (11) (7,976) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 2,078 (908) (157) (480) (17) (171) (247) (48) 50 Net debt* by major currency including derivative financial instruments (1,006) (3,291) (407) (342) (267) (72) (467) 41 (5,811) Non-debt Non-current 5,030 8,815 2,400 1,466 1,292 310 715 1,804 21,832 Current assets 1,935 3,718 692 454 110 138 302 273 7,622 Non-current (713) (1,311) (295) (206) (153) (5) (181) (98) (2,962) Current liabilities (1,745) (2,093) (806) (322) (137) (130) (186) (285) (5,704) Non-controlling (49) (14) - - (391) - (11) (21) (486) Capital and reserves attributable to the 3,452 5,824 1,584 1,050 454 241 172 1,714 14,491 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 690 1,284 72 145 16 21 89 132 2,449 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) (3,840) (2,957) (464) (1) (197) (1) (306) (24) (7,790) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 2,397 (1,246) (208) (612) - (80) (209) 2 44 Net debt by major currency including derivative financial instruments (753) (2,919) (600) (468) (181) (60) (426) 110 (5,297) Non-debt Non-current 4,476 9,311 2,485 1,541 1,459 288 797 1,790 22,147 Current assets 1,809 3,064 749 471 97 149 325 258 6,922 Non-current (641) (1,885) (276) (247) (238) (4) (350) (97) (3,738) Current liabilities (1,610) (2,059) (892) (320) (125) (118) (199) (268) (5,591) Non-controlling (46) (16) - - (472) (1) (12) (1) (548) Capital and reserves attributable to the 3,235 5,496 1,466 977 540 254 135 1,792 13,895 (i) The principal currencies included in this category are the Chinese Renminbi, the Romanian Leu, the Indian Rupee, the Ukrainian Hryvnia and the Serbian Dinar. * Excluding € € Liquidity and capital resources The following table provides certain information related to our cash generation and changes in our cash and cash equivalents position: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,189 2,340 2,247 Net cash outflow from investing activities (2,685) (735) (7,306) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 343 (1,732) 4,162 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (153) (127) (897) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year, excluding overdrafts (note 23) 2,449 2,518 3,295 Effect of exchange rate changes (161) 58 120 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year, excluding overdrafts (note 23) 2,135 2,449 2,518 Bank overdrafts (71) (78) (117) Borrowings (7,910) (7,712) (9,104) Derivative financial instruments 50 44 85 Total liabilities from financing activities (7,931) (7,746) (9,136) Net debt at end of year (5,796) (5,297) (6,618) Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23) (20) - - Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24) 5 - - Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale (5,811) (5,297) (6,618) Part of the Group’s financing strategy objectives include maintenance of adequate financial resources and liquidity. During 2017 the Group’s total net cash inflow from operating activities of € € € The Group believes that its financial resources (operating cash together with cash and cash equivalents of € € At 31 December 2017, euro and US Dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents represented 35% (2016: 28%) and 34% (2016: 52%) of total cash and cash equivalents respectively. Significant borrowings The main sources of Group debt funding are public bond markets in Europe and North America. The following bonds were outstanding as at 31 December 2017: Annual Outstanding Final US Dollar bonds (i) 8.125% US$288 2018 euro bonds 5.000% € 2019 euro bonds 2.750% € 2020 US Dollar bonds 5.750% US$400 2021 euro bonds 1.750% € 2021 Swiss Franc bonds 1.375% CHF330 2022 euro bonds 3.125% € 2023 euro bonds 1.875% € 2024 US Dollar bonds 3.875% US$1,250 2025 US Dollar bonds 3.400% US$600 2027 euro bonds 1.375% € 2028 Pound Sterling bonds 4.125% £400 2029 US Dollar bonds (ii) 6.400% US$213 2033 US Dollar bonds 5.125% US$500 2045 US Dollar bonds 4.400% US$400 2047 (i) Originally issued as a US$650 million bond in July 2008. In May 2017, US$362.13 million of the issued notes were redeemed by the issuer as part of liability management exercise. (ii) Originally issued as a US$300 million bond in September 2003. In August 2009 and December 2010, US$87.445 million of the issued notes were acquired by CRH plc as part of liability management exercises undertaken.

Capital and Financial Risk Mana

Capital and Financial Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Capital and Financial Risk Management	22. Capital and Financial Risk Management Capital management Overall summary The primary objectives of CRH’s capital management strategy are to ensure that the Group maintains a strong credit rating to support its business and to create shareholder value by managing the debt and equity balance and the cost of capital. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during 2017. The Board periodically reviews the capital structure of the Group, including the cost of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Group manages and, if necessary, adjusts its capital structure taking account of underlying economic conditions; any material adjustments to the Group’s capital structure in terms of the relative proportions of debt and equity are approved by the Board. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares, dispose of assets, amend investment plans, alter dividend policy or return capital to shareholders. The Group is committed to optimising the use of its balance sheet within the confines of the overall objective to maintain an investment grade credit rating. Dividend cover for the year ended 31 December 2017 amounted to 3.34 times (2016: 2.31 times). The capital structure of the Group, which comprises net debt and capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders, may be summarised as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 14,491 13,895 Net debt 5,796 5,297 Capital and net debt 20,287 19,192 Financial risk management objectives and policies The Group uses financial instruments throughout its businesses: interest-bearing loans and borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and finance leases are used to finance the Group’s operations; trade receivables and trade payables arise directly from operations; and derivatives, principally interest rate and currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are used to manage interest rate risks and currency exposures and to achieve the desired profile of borrowings. The Group does not trade in financial instruments nor does it enter into any leveraged derivative transactions. The Group’s corporate treasury function provides services to the business units, co-ordinates The main risks attaching to the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Commodity price risk arising from financial instruments is of minimal relevance given that exposure is confined to a small number of contracts entered into for the purpose of hedging future movements in energy costs. The Board reviews and agrees policies for the prudent management of each of these risks as documented below. Interest rate risk The Group’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates stems predominantly from its long-term debt obligations. Interest cost is managed using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. With the objective of managing this mix in a cost-efficient manner, the Group enters into interest rate swaps, under which the Group contracts to exchange, at predetermined intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to a pre-agreed The majority of these swaps are designated under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement The following table demonstrates the impact on profit before tax and total equity of a range of possible changes in the interest rates applicable to net floating rate borrowings, with all other variables held constant. These impacts are calculated based on the closing balance sheet for the relevant period and assume all floating interest rates and interest curves change by the same amount. For profit before tax, the impact shown is the impact on closing balance sheet floating rate net debt for a full year while for total equity the impact shown is the impact on the value of financial instruments. Percentage change in +/- 1% +/- Impact on profit before tax 2017 +/- € +/- € 2016 +/- € +/- € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € Impact on total equity 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € (i) Sensitivity analysis for cost of borrowing has been presented for continuing operations only. Foreign currency risk Due to the nature of building materials, which in general have a low value-to-weight Given the Group’s presence in 32 countries worldwide, the principal foreign exchange risk arises from fluctuations in the euro value of the Group’s net investment in a wide basket of currencies other than the euro; such changes are reported separately within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. A currency profile of the Group’s net debt and net worth is presented in note 21. The Group’s established policy is to spread its net worth across the currencies of its various operations with the objective of limiting its exposure to individual currencies and thus promoting consistency with the geographical balance of its operations. In order to achieve this objective, the Group manages its borrowings, where practicable and cost effective, to hedge a portion of its foreign currency assets. Hedging is done using currency borrowings in the same currency as the assets being hedged or through the use of other hedging methods such as currency swaps. The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of profit before tax and equity to selected movements in the relevant euro/US Dollar exchange rate (with all other variables held constant); the US Dollar has been selected as the appropriate currency for this analysis given the materiality of the Group’s activities in the US. The impact on profit before tax is based on changing the euro/US Dollar exchange rate used in calculating profit before tax for the period. The impact on total equity and financial instruments is calculated by changing the euro/US Dollar exchange rate used in measuring the closing balance sheet. Percentage change in € +/- 5% +/- 2.5% Impact on profit before tax 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € Impact on total equity* 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € * Includes the impact on financial instruments which is as follows: 2017 +/- € +/- € 2016 +/- € +/- € 2015 +/- € +/- € (i) Sensitivity analysis for exchange rates has been presented for continuing operations only. Financial instruments include deposits, money market funds, bank loans, medium-term notes and other fixed term debt, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps and foreign exchange contracts. They exclude trade receivables and trade payables. Credit/counterparty risk In addition to cash at bank and in hand, the Group holds significant cash balances which are invested on a short-term basis and are classified as cash equivalents (see note 23). These deposits and other financial instruments (principally certain derivatives and loans and receivables included within financial assets) give rise to credit risk on amounts due from counterparty financial institutions (stemming from their insolvency or a downgrade in their credit ratings). Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one counterparty primarily depending on its credit rating and by regular review of these ratings. Acceptable credit ratings are high investment-grade ratings - in general - counterparties A3/A- In its worldwide insurance programme, the Group carries appropriate levels of insurance for typical business risks (including product liability) with various leading insurance companies. However, in the event of the failure of one or more of its insurance counterparties, the Group could be impacted by losses where recovery from such counterparties is not possible. Credit risk arising in the context of the Group’s operations is not significant with the total bad debt provision at the balance sheet date amounting to 4.1% of gross trade receivables (2016: 4.3%). Customer credit risk is managed at appropriate Group locations according to established policies, procedures and controls. Customer credit quality is assessed in line with strict credit rating criteria and credit limits are established where appropriate. Outstanding customer balances are regularly monitored and a review for indicators of impairment (evidence of financial difficulty of the customer, payment default, breach of contract etc.) is carried out at each reporting date. Significant balances are reviewed individually while smaller balances are grouped and assessed collectively. Receivables balances are in general unsecured and non-interest-bearing. Liquidity risk The principal liquidity risks faced by the Group stem from the maturation of debt obligations and derivative transactions. A downgrade of CRH’s credit ratings may give rise to increases in funding costs in respect of future debt and may impair the Group’s ability to raise funds on acceptable terms. The Group’s corporate treasury function ensures that sufficient resources are available to meet such liabilities as they fall due through a combination of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows and undrawn committed bank facilities. Flexibility in funding sources is achieved through a variety of means including (i) maintaining cash and cash equivalents only with a diverse group of highly-rated The undrawn committed facilities available to the Group as at the balance sheet date are quantified in note 24; these facilities span a wide number of highly-rated interest-bearing The Group has an € € Commodity price risk The fair value of derivatives used to hedge future energy costs was € € The tables below show the projected contractual undiscounted total cash outflows (principal and interest) arising from the Group’s trade and other payables, gross debt and derivative financial instruments. The tables also include the gross cash inflows projected to arise from derivative financial instruments. These projections are based on the interest and foreign exchange rates applying at the end of the relevant financial year. Within € Between € Between € Between € Between € After € Total € At 31 December 2017 Financial liabilities - cash outflows Trade and other payables 4,534 126 38 20 16 36 4,770 Finance leases 3 2 2 1 1 3 12 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 320 501 751 934 362 5,082 7,950 Interest payments on finance leases 1 - - - - 2 3 Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i) 283 260 231 200 184 1,381 2,539 Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows 2,391 - - - - - 2,391 Gross projected cash outflows 7,532 889 1,022 1,155 563 6,504 17,665 Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii) (26) (14) (13) (13) (13) (16) (95) Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows (2,399) - - - - - (2,399) Gross projected cash inflows (2,425) (14) (13) (13) (13) (16) (2,494) The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Financial liabilities - cash outflows Trade and other payables 4,815 311 46 72 14 41 5,299 Finance leases 2 2 2 2 1 5 14 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 280 620 501 751 980 4,589 7,721 Interest payments on finance leases 1 1 1 1 - 2 6 Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i) 279 278 228 198 166 1,154 2,303 Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows 2,904 - - - - - 2,904 Gross projected cash outflows 8,281 1,212 778 1,024 1,161 5,791 18,247 Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii) (30) (30) (17) (16) (16) (45) (154) Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows (2,894) - - - - - (2,894) Gross projected cash inflows (2,924) (30) (17) (16) (16) (45) (3,048) (i) At 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016, a portion of the Group’s long-term debt carried variable interest rates. The Group uses the interest rates in effect on 31 December to calculate the interest payments on the long-term debt for the periods indicated. (ii) The Group uses interest rate swaps to help manage its interest cost. Under these contracts the Group has agreed to exchange at predetermined intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to a pre-agreed

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Cash and Cash Equivalents	23. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents balances are spread across a wide number of highly-rated financial institutions. The credit risk attaching to these items is documented in note 22. Cash and cash equivalents are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and are analysed as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Cash at bank and in hand 737 1,141 Investments (short-term deposits) 1,378 1,308 Total 2,115 2,449 Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily deposit bank rates. Short-term deposits, which include bank and money market deposits, are made for varying periods of between one day and three months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. Cash and cash equivalents at fair value include the following for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: 2017 € 2016 € Cash at bank and in hand 737 1,141 Investments (short-term deposits) 1,378 1,308 Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale 20 - Total 2,135 2,449

Interest-bearing Loans and Borr

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings	24. Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings Loans and borrowings outstanding 2017 € 2016 € Bank overdrafts 66 78 Bank loans 295 200 Finance leases 12 14 Bonds 7,602 7,497 Other 1 1 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 7,976 7,790 Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale 5 - Total 7,981 7,790 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings include loans of € € Maturity profile of loans and borrowings and undrawn committed facilities As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 Loans and € Undrawn € Loans and € Undrawn € Within one year 316 - 275 197 Between one and two years 498 - 629 - Between two and three years 746 - 500 - Between three and four years 930 - 748 91 Between four and five years 359 3,554 978 2,746 After five years 5,127 - 4,660 - Total 7,976 3,554 7,790 3,034 Amounts due within one year reclassified as held for sale 5 - - - Total 7,981 3,554 7,790 3,034 The Group manages its borrowing ability by entering into committed borrowing agreements. Revolving committed bank facilities are generally available to the Group for periods of up to five years from the date of inception. The undrawn committed facilities figures shown in the table above represent the facilities available to be drawn by the Group at 31 December 2017. Guarantees The Company has given letters of guarantee to secure obligations of subsidiary undertakings as follows: € € € € Any Irish registered wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company may avail of the exemption from filing its statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 as permitted by Section 357 of the Companies Act 2014 and if an Irish registered wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company elects to avail of this exemption, there will be in force an irrevocable guarantee from the Company in respect of all commitments entered into by such wholly-owned wholly-owned Lender covenants The Group’s major bank facilities require the Group to maintain certain financial covenants. Non-compliance twelve-month The financial covenants are: (1) Minimum interest cover (2) Minimum net worth € € € €

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Derivative Financial Instruments	25. Derivative Financial Instruments The fair values of derivative financial instruments are analysed by year of maturity and by accounting designation as follows: Fair value € Cash flow € Net € Not € Total € At 31 December 2017 Derivative assets Within one year - current assets 2 11 19 2 34 Between one and two years - 1 - 3 4 After five years 26 - - - 26 Non-current 26 1 - 3 30 Total derivative assets 28 12 19 5 64 Derivative liabilities Within one year - current liabilities - (1) (10) - (11) After five years (3) - - - (3) Non-current liabilities (3) - - - (3) Total derivative liabilities (3) (1) (10) - (14) Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments 25 11 9 5 50 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Derivative assets Within one year - current assets - 2 21 - 23 Between one and two years 13 1 - - 14 Between two and three years - - - 6 6 After five years 33 - - - 33 Non-current 46 1 - 6 53 Total derivative assets 46 3 21 6 76 Derivative liabilities Within one year - current liabilities - (1) (31) - (32) Total derivative liabilities - (1) (31) - (32) Net asset/(liability) arising on derivative financial instruments 46 2 (10) 6 44 At 31 December 2017 and 2016, the Group had no master netting or similar arrangements, collateral posting requirements, or enforceable right of set-off Fair value hedges consist of interest rate swaps and currency swaps. These instruments hedge risks arising from changes in asset/liability fair values due to interest rate and foreign exchange rate movements. Cash flow hedges consist of forward foreign exchange and commodity contracts and interest rate and currency swaps. These instruments hedge risks arising to future cash flows from movements in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. Cash flow hedges are expected to affect profit and loss over the period to maturity. Net investment hedges comprise cross-currency swaps and hedge changes in the value of net investments due to currency movements. The (loss)/profit arising on fair value, cash flow, net investment hedges and related hedged items reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement is shown below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Fair value of hedge instruments (16) (11) (16) Fair value of the hedged items 18 13 13 Components of other comprehensive income - cash flow hedges Gains/(losses) arising during the year: - commodity forward contracts 9 14 (2) - currency forward contracts (1) - - Total 8 14 (2) Fair value hierarchy 2017 Level 2 € 2016 € Assets measured at fair value Fair value hedges - cross-currency and interest rate swaps 28 46 Net investment hedges - cross-currency swaps 19 21 Cash flow hedges - cross-currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards 12 3 Not designated as hedges (held for trading) - interest rate swaps 5 6 Total 64 76 Liabilities measured at fair value Fair value hedges - cross-currency and interest rate swaps (3) - Net investment hedges - cross-currency swaps (10) (31) Cash flow hedges - cross-currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards (1) (1) Total (14) (32) At 31 December 2017 and 2016 there were no derivatives valued using Level 1 or Level 3 fair value techniques.

Provisions for Liabilities

Provisions for Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Provisions for Liabilities	26. Provisions for Liabilities At 1 € Translation € Arising on € Provided € Utilised € Disposed € Reversed € Discount € At 31 € 31 December 2017 Insurance (i) 286 (28) 3 101 (61) - (19) 10 292 Environment and remediation (ii) 430 (25) 43 27 (29) - (14) 9 441 Rationalisation and redundancy (iii) 23 - - 32 (27) - (3) - 25 Other (iv) 321 (19) 3 106 (37) (1) (72) 5 306 Total 1,060 (72) 49 266 (154) (1) (108) 24 1,064 Analysed as: Non-current 678 693 Current liabilities 382 371 Total 1,060 1,064 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: 31 December 2016 Insurance (i) 244 5 - 105 (76) - (11) 19 286 Environment and remediation (ii) 450 (21) (16) 38 (17) (1) (9) 6 430 Rationalisation and redundancy (iii) 26 - 1 23 (25) - (2) - 23 Other (iv) 315 (10) (3) 77 (29) - (34) 5 321 Total 1,035 (26) (18) 243 (147) (1) (56) 30 1,060 Analysed as: Non-current 603 678 Current liabilities 432 382 Total 1,035 1,060 Notes (i) to (iv) are set out overleaf. (i) This provision relates to actual and potential obligations arising under the self-insurance components of the Group’s insurance arrangements which comprise employers’ liability (workers’ compensation in the US), public and products liability (general liability in the US), automobile liability, property damage, business interruption and various other insurances; a substantial proportion of the total provision pertains to claims which are classified as “incurred but not reported”. Due to the extended timeframe associated with many of the insurances, a significant proportion of the total provision is subject to periodic actuarial valuation. The projected cash flows underlying the discounting process are established through the application of actuarial triangulations, which are extrapolated from historical claims experience. The triangulations applied in the discounting process indicate that the Group’s insurance provisions have an average life of 5.5 years (2016: six years). (ii) This provision comprises obligations governing site remediation, restoration and environmental works to be incurred in compliance with either local or national environmental regulations together with constructive obligations stemming from established best practice. Whilst a significant element of the total provision will reverse in the medium-term (two to ten years), those legal and constructive obligations applicable to long-lived assets (principally mineral-bearing 30-year (iii) These provisions relate to irrevocable commitments under various rationalisation and redundancy programmes, none of which is individually material to the Group. In 2017, € € € (iv) Other provisions primarily relate to legal claims, onerous contracts, guarantees and warranties and employee related provisions. The Group expects the majority of these provisions will be utilised within two to five years of the balance sheet date (2016: two to five years); however due to the nature of the legal provisions there is a level of uncertainty in the timing of settlement as the Group generally cannot determine the extent and duration of the legal process.

Deferred Income Tax

Deferred Income Tax	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Deferred Income Tax	27. Deferred Income Tax The deductible and taxable temporary differences in respect of which deferred tax has been recognised are as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Reported in balance sheet after offset Deferred tax liabilities 1,666 2,008 Deferred tax assets (95) (159) Net deferred income tax liability 1,571 1,849 Deferred income tax assets (deductible temporary differences) Deficits on Group retirement benefit obligations (note 28) 72 119 Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value 7 12 Tax loss carryforwards 132 150 Share-based payment expense 29 38 Provisions for liabilities and working capital-related items 157 350 Other deductible temporary differences 145 83 Total 542 752 Deferred income tax assets have been recognised in respect of all deductible temporary differences, with the exception of some tax loss carryforwards. The amount of tax losses where recovery is not probable and is therefore not recognised in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is € € Deferred income tax liabilities (taxable temporary differences) Taxable temporary differences principally attributable to accelerated tax depreciation and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition (i) 2,089 2,569 Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value 11 18 Rolled-over capital gains 13 14 Total 2,113 2,601 Movement in net deferred income tax liability At 1 January 1,849 1,874 Translation adjustment (173) 41 Net income for the year (note 11) (ii) (265) (15) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 132 (35) Reclassified as held for sale (14) - Disposal (note 5) 2 (1) Movement in deferred tax asset on Group retirement benefit obligations 33 (3) Movement in deferred tax asset on share-based payment expense 7 (12) At 31 December 1,571 1,849 (i) Fair value adjustments arising on acquisition principally relate to property, plant and equipment. (ii) The net income for the year includes an expense of € €

Retirement Benefit Obligations

Retirement Benefit Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Retirement Benefit Obligations	28. Retirement Benefit Obligations The Group operates either defined benefit or defined contribution pension schemes in all of its principal operating areas. The disclosures included below relate to all pension schemes in the Group. The Group operates defined benefit pension schemes in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, the UK and the US. The Group has a mixture of funded and unfunded defined benefit pension schemes. The net liability of the funded schemes is € € € € Funded defined benefit schemes in the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland and the UK are administered by separate funds that are legally distinct from the Group under the jurisdiction of Trustees. The Trustees of these pension funds are required by law and by their Articles of Association to act in the best interests of the scheme participants and are responsible for the definition of investment strategy and for scheme administration. Other schemes are also administered in line with the local regulatory environment. The level of benefits available to most members depends on length of service and either their average salary over their period of employment or their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. The Group’s pension schemes in Switzerland are contribution-based schemes with guarantees to provide further contributions in the event that certain targets are not met, largely in relation to investment return and the annuity conversion factor on retirement. Defined benefit pension schemes - principal risks Through its defined benefit pension and jubilee schemes, long-term service commitments and post-retirement healthcare plans, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below: Asset volatility: Given the maturity of certain of the Group’s funded defined benefit pension schemes, de-risking Discount rates: Inflation risk : Longevity risk : Aggregation For the purposes of the disclosures which follow for 2017, 2016 and 2015; the schemes in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia have been aggregated into a “Eurozone” category on the basis of common currency and financial assumptions; schemes in Brazil, the Philippines, Romania, Serbia and the UK have been aggregated into an “Other” category. Financial assumptions - scheme liabilities The major long-term assumptions used by the Group’s actuaries in the computation of scheme liabilities as at 31 December 2017, 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 are as follows: Eurozone Switzerland United States and Canada 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Rate of increase in: - salaries 3.59 3.41 3.64 1.25 1.25 1.75 3.27 3.28 3.29 - pensions in payment 1.70 1.50 1.75 - - - - - - Inflation 1.75 1.50 1.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 2.00 2.00 2.00 Discount rate 2.05 1.86 2.61 0.70 0.65 0.85 3.52 4.01 4.22 Medical cost trend rate n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 6.33 5.98 6.21 The mortality assumptions employed in determining the present value of scheme liabilities under IAS 19 represent actuarial best practice in the relevant jurisdictions, taking account of mortality experience and industry circumstances. For schemes in the Republic of Ireland and the UK, the mortality assumptions used are in accordance with the underlying funding valuations. For the Group’s most material schemes, the future life expectations factored into the relevant valuations, based on retirement at 65 years of age for current and future retirees, are as follows: Republic of Ireland Switzerland United States and Canada 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Current retirees - male 22.7 22.5 22.8 22.4 22.3 21.5 20.6 20.5 21.2 - female 24.4 24.3 24.9 24.4 24.3 24.0 23.1 23.0 23.4 Future retirees - male 25.5 25.4 25.8 24.6 24.6 23.6 22.3 22.3 23.0 - female 27.0 26.9 26.9 26.6 26.6 26.0 24.7 24.7 25.1 The above data allows for future improvements in life expectancy. Impact on Consolidated Income Statement The total retirement benefit expense from continuing operations in the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Total defined contribution expense 237 232 204 Total defined benefit (credit)/expense (1) 75 77 Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement 236 307 281 At 31 December 2017, € € Analysis of defined benefit expense Charged in arriving at Group profit before finance costs: Current service cost 62 61 63 Administration expenses 4 4 2 Past service credit (net) (78) (2) (1) Gain on settlements - - (4) Subtotal (12) 63 60 Included in finance income and finance costs respectively: Interest income on scheme assets (49) (58) (50) Interest cost on scheme liabilities 60 70 67 Net interest expense 11 12 17 Net (credit)/expense to Consolidated Income Statement (1) 75 77 The composition of the net (credit)/expense to the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: Eurozone 25 18 27 Switzerland (49) 37 37 United States and Canada 14 11 6 Other 9 9 7 Total (1) 75 77 Past service credit in 2017 includes a gain of € Reconciliation of scheme assets (bid value) 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 2,556 2,399 Movement in year Interest income on scheme assets 49 58 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 5 - Remeasurement adjustments - return on scheme assets excluding interest income 112 81 Employer contributions paid 123 133 Contributions paid by plan participants 14 14 Benefit and settlement payments (114) (130) Administration expenses (4) (4) Translation adjustment (119) 5 At 31 December 2,622 2,556 The composition of scheme assets is as follows: Eurozone 1,184 1,116 Switzerland 781 804 United States and Canada 448 453 Other 209 183 Total 2,622 2,556 Reconciliation of actuarial value of liabilities At 1 January (3,147) (2,987) Movement in year Current service cost (62) (61) Past service credit (net) 78 2 Interest cost on scheme liabilities (60) (70) Arising on acquisition (note 31) (57) (1) Remeasurement adjustments - experience variations 11 20 - actuarial loss from changes in financial assumptions (29) (176) - actuarial gain from changes in demographic assumptions 20 14 Contributions paid by plan participants (14) (14) Benefit and settlement payments 114 130 Translation adjustment 147 (4) At 31 December (2,999) (3,147) The composition of the actuarial value of liabilities is as follows: Eurozone (1,384) (1,338) Switzerland (819) (995) United States and Canada (540) (554) Other (256) (260) Total (2,999) (3,147) Recoverable deficit in schemes (377) (591) Related deferred income tax asset 72 119 Net pension liability (305) (472) The composition of the net pension liability is as follows: Eurozone (168) (188 ) Switzerland (30) (154 ) United States and Canada (68) (65 ) Other (39) (65 ) Total (305) (472 ) Sensitivity analysis The impact of a movement (as indicated below) in the principal actuarial assumptions would be as follows: Eurozone € Switzerland € United States € Other € Total Group € Scheme liabilities at 31 December 2017 (1,384 ) (819 ) (540 ) (256 ) (2,999 ) Revised liabilities Discount rate Increase by 0.25% (1,325 ) (785 ) (524 ) (244 ) (2,878 ) Decrease by 0.25% (1,448 ) (856 ) (556 ) (269 ) (3,129 ) Inflation rate Increase by 0.25% (1,441 ) (822 ) (542 ) (262 ) (3,067 ) Decrease by 0.25% (1,330 ) (816 ) (538 ) (250 ) (2,934 ) Life expectancy Increase by 1 year (1,430 ) (846 ) (555 ) (263 ) (3,094 ) Decrease by 1 year (1,338 ) (791 ) (527 ) (249 ) (2,905 ) The above sensitivity analysis are derived through changing the individual assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. Split of scheme assets 2017 € 2016 € Investments quoted in active markets Equity instruments (i) 828 802 Debt instruments (ii) 1,413 1,191 Property 120 112 Cash and cash equivalents 26 37 Investment funds 95 148 Unquoted investments Equity instruments 2 1 Debt instruments (iii) 8 102 Property 92 120 Cash and cash equivalents 13 18 Assets held by insurance company 25 25 Total assets 2,622 2,556 (i) Equity instruments primarily relate to developed markets. (ii) Quoted debt instruments are made up of € € € € non-government (iii) Unquoted debt instruments primarily relate to government debt instruments (2016: primarily non-government debt instruments). Actuarial valuations - funding requirements and future cash flows In accordance with statutory requirements in the Republic of Ireland and minimum funding requirements in the UK, additional annual contributions and lump-sum payments are required to certain of the schemes in place in those jurisdictions. The funding requirements in relation to the Group’s defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the advice of independent and qualified actuaries and valuations are prepared in this regard either annually, where local requirements mandate that this be done, or at triennial intervals at a maximum in all other cases. In the Republic of Ireland and the UK, either the attained age or projected unit credit methods are used in the valuations. In the Netherlands and Switzerland, the actuarial valuations reflect the current unit method, while the valuations are performed in accordance with the projected unit credit methodology in Germany. In the US, valuations are performed using a variety of actuarial cost methodologies - current unit, projected unit and aggregate cost. In Canada, the projected unit credit method is used in valuations. The dates of the funding valuations range from April 2015 to July 2017. In general, funding valuations are not available for public inspection; however, the results of valuations are advised to the members of the various schemes on request. The Group’s contracted payments (on a discounted basis) to certain schemes is € € € € € € Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Within one year 19 20 20 Between one and two years 2 19 19 Between two and three years 2 2 19 Between three and four years 2 2 2 Between four and five years 1 2 2 After five years 8 10 11 34 55 73 Employer contributions payable in the 2018 financial year including minimum funding payments (expressed using year-end exchange rates for 2017) are estimated at € Average duration and scheme composition Eurozone Switzerland United States 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Average duration of defined benefit obligation (years) 17.8 17.1 14.7 17.2 18.6 18.0 12.2 13.1 14.0 Allocation of defined benefit obligation by participant: Active plan participants 72% 63% 64% 84% 84% 85% 40% 41% 45% Deferred plan participants 9% 12% 12% - - - 16% 17% 17% Retirees 19% 25% 24% 16% 16% 15% 44% 42% 38%

Commitments under Operating and

Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases	29. Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases Operating leases The Group has entered into operating leases for a range of assets principally relating to property across the US and Europe. Lease commitments are provided for up to the earliest break clause in the lease. These property leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights including periodic rent reviews linked with a consumer price index and/or other indices. The Group also leases plant and machinery, vehicles and equipment under operating leases. The terms and conditions of these operating leases do not impose any significant financial restriction on the Group. 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Within one year 419 402 370 After one year but not more than five years 962 978 915 More than five years 810 791 831 2,191 2,171 2,116 The commitments above include € € € Finance leases Future minimum lease payments under finance leases are not material for the Group.

Share Capital and Reserves

Share Capital and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Share Capital and Reserves	30. Share Capital and Reserves Equity share capital 2017 2016 Ordinary € Income € Ordinary € Income € Authorised At 1 January and 31 December ( € 400 25 400 25 Number of Shares at 1 January and 31 December (millions) 1,250 1,250 1,250 1,250 Allotted, called-up At 1 January ( € 269 15 266 15 Performance Share Plan Awards 1 - - - Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii) 1 - 2 - Share options and share participation schemes - - 1 - At 31 December ( € 271 15 269 15 The movement in the number of shares (expressed in millions) during the financial year was as follows: At 1 January 833 833 824 824 Performance Share Plan Awards 2 2 - - Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii) 3 3 7 7 Share options and share participation schemes 1 1 2 2 At 31 December 839 839 833 833 (i) The Ordinary Shares represent 93.73% of the total issued share capital. (ii) The Income Shares, which represent 5.86% of the total issued share capital, were created on 29 August 1988 for the express purpose of giving shareholders the choice of receiving dividends on either their Ordinary Shares or on their Income Shares (by notice of election to the Company). The Income Shares carried a different tax credit to the Ordinary Shares. The creation of the Income Shares was achieved by the allotment of fully paid Income Shares to each shareholder equal to his/her holding of Ordinary Shares but the shareholder is not entitled to an Income Share certificate, as a certificate for Ordinary Shares is deemed to include an equal number of Income Shares and a shareholder may only sell, transfer or transmit Income Shares with an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares. Income Shares carry no voting rights. Due to changes in Irish tax legislation since the creation of the Income Shares, dividends on the Company’s shares no longer carry a tax credit. As elections made by shareholders to receive dividends on their holding of Income Shares were no longer relevant, the Articles of Association were amended on 8 May 2002 to cancel such elections. (iii) Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends: Number of shares Price per share 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 May 2017 - Final 2016 dividend (2016: Final 2015 dividend; 2015: Final 2014 dividend) 433,046 5,301,827 5,056,633 € 33.08 € 24.69 € 24.60 October 2017 - Interim 2017 dividend (2016: Interim 2016 dividend; 2015: Interim 2015 dividend) 2,130,496 1,243,042 288,769 € 29.24 € 29.41 € 26.16 Total 2,563,542 6,544,869 5,345,402 Share schemes The aggregate number of shares which may be committed for issue in respect of any share option scheme, savings-related share option scheme, share participation scheme, performance share plan or any subsequent option scheme or share plan, may not exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital from time to time. Share option schemes Details of share options granted under the Company’s Share Option Schemes and the terms attaching thereto are provided in note 8 to the financial statements and on pages 88 to 89 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report. Under these schemes, options over a total of 1,589,335 Ordinary Shares were exercised during the financial year (2016: 2,223,574; 2015: 2,876,066). Number of shares 2017 2016 2015 Options exercised during the year (satisfied by the issue of new shares) 1,589,335 2,209,638 - Options exercised during the year (satisfied by the reissue of Treasury Shares) - 13,936 2,876,066 Total 1,589,335 2,223,574 2,876,066 Share participation schemes As at 31 December 2017, 7,862,416 (2016: 7,729,412) Ordinary Shares had been appropriated to participation schemes. In the financial year ended 31 December 2017, the appropriation of 133,004 shares was satisfied by the issue of new shares (2016: 116,160). The Ordinary Shares appropriated pursuant to these schemes were issued at market value on the dates of appropriation. The shares issued pursuant to these schemes are excluded from the scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment Preference share capital 5% Cumulative Preference Shares of € 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares of € Number of shares ‘000s € Number of shares € Authorised At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 150 - 872 1 Allotted, called-up At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 50 - 872 1 There was no movement in the number of cumulative preference shares in either the current or the prior year. The holders of the 5% Cumulative Preference Shares are entitled to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 5% per annum and priority in a winding-up The holders of the 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares are entitled to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 7% per annum, and subject to the rights of the holders of the 5% Cumulative Preference Shares, priority in a winding-up Treasury Shares/own shares 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January (14) (28) New Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares) (63) - Own Shares released by the Employee Benefit Trust under the 2014 Performance Share Plan 63 - Shares acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares) (3) (4) Treasury Shares/own shares reissued 2 18 At 31 December (15) (14) As at the balance sheet date, the total number of Treasury Shares held was 53,848 (2016: 83,423); the nominal value of these shares was € € € € As at the balance sheet date, the CRH Employee Benefit Trust held 337,909 (2016: 284,980) Ordinary Shares on behalf of CRH plc in respect of awards made under the 2014 Performance Share Plan, the 2014 Deferred Share Bonus Plan and the 2013 Restricted Share Plan. The nominal value of these own shares, on which dividends have been waived by the Trustees, amounted to € € Reconciliation of shares issued to net proceeds 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Shares issued at nominal amount: - Performance Share Plan Awards 1 - - - scrip shares issued in lieu of cash dividends 1 2 2 - share options and share participation schemes - 1 - - share capital issued - equity placing - - 26 Premium on shares issued 180 216 1,722 Total value of shares issued 182 219 1,750 Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 12) (77) (167) (132) Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust* (63) - - Expenses paid in respect of shares issued - - (25) Net proceeds from issue of shares 42 52 1,593 * During the year, shares were allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy the vesting and release of awards under the 2014 Performance Share Plan to qualifying employees. An increase in nominal Share Capital and Share Premium of € 63 million arose on the allotment to the Employee Benefit Trust Share premium 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 6,237 6,021 Premium arising on shares issued 180 216 At 31 December 6,417 6,237

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Business Combinations	31. Business Combinations The acquisitions completed during the year ended 31 December 2017 by reportable segment, together with the completion dates, are detailed below; these transactions entailed the acquisition of an effective 100% stake except where indicated to the contrary: Europe Heavyside: Germany: Ireland: UK: Europe Distribution: Germany: Americas Materials: Canada: Colorado: Connecticut: Florida: Idaho: Indiana: Minnesota: New Jersey Oklahoma: Texas: Washington: Americas Products: Alabama: Arkansas: Illinois: Oregon: Pennsylvania: Texas: The identifiable net assets acquired, including adjustments to provisional fair values, were as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € ASSETS Non-current Property, plant and equipment 1,536 19 5,413 Intangible assets 56 14 298 Equity accounted investments - - 24 Other financial assets - - 5 Total non-current 1,592 33 5,740 Current assets Inventories 114 9 621 Trade and other receivables (i) 129 28 1,533 Cash and cash equivalents 174 4 494 Total current assets 417 41 2,648 LIABILITIES Trade and other payables (149) (14) (1,549) Provisions for liabilities (49) 18 (581) Retirement benefit obligations (52) (1) (87) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases (12) (3) (175) Current income tax liabilities (22) 4 (149) Deferred income tax liabilities (132) 35 (627) Total liabilities (416) 39 (3,168) Total identifiable net assets at fair value 1,593 113 5,220 Goodwill arising on acquisition (ii) 487 71 3,187 Joint ventures becoming subsidiaries - - (25) Non-controlling (20) (9) (489) Total consideration 2,060 175 7,893 Consideration satisfied by: Cash payments 2,015 153 7,790 Deferred consideration (stated at net present cost) 45 21 97 Contingent consideration - 1 - Profit on step acquisition - - 6 Total consideration 2,060 175 7,893 NET CASH OUTFLOW ARISING ON ACQUISITION Cash consideration 2,015 153 7,790 Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired (174) (4) (494) Total outflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 1,841 149 7,296 Note (i) and (ii) are set out overleaf. * Non-controlling None of the acquisitions completed during the financial year was considered sufficiently material to warrant separate disclosure of the attributable fair values. The initial assignment of fair values to identifiable net assets (most significantly, property, plant and equipment) acquired has been performed on a provisional basis in respect of certain acquisitions; any amendments to these fair values made during the subsequent reporting window (within the measurement period imposed by IFRS 3 Business Combinations (i) The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition amounted to € € € € € € (ii) The principal factor contributing to the recognition of goodwill on acquisitions entered into by the Group is the realisation of cost savings and other synergies with existing entities in the Group which do not qualify for separate recognition as intangible assets. Due to the asset-intensive nature of operations in the Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials business segments, no significant identifiable intangible assets are recognised on business combinations in these segments. € € € Acquisition-related costs, excluding post-acquisition integration costs, amounting to € € € The following table analyses the 31 acquisitions completed in 2017 (2016: 21 acquisitions; 2015: 19 acquisitions) by reportable segment and provides details of the goodwill and consideration figures arising in each of those segments: Number of Goodwill Consideration Reportable segments 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 € € € € € € Europe Heavyside 8 5 - 155 2 - 698 15 - Europe Lightside - 2 3 - 7 6 - 22 17 Europe Distribution 2 1 1 17 - - 30 - 1 Europe 10 8 4 172 9 6 728 37 18 Americas Materials 13 8 10 239 10 32 1,171 97 80 Americas Products 8 5 3 76 7 9 162 33 65 Americas 21 13 13 315 17 41 1,333 130 145 Unallocated Goodwill LH Assets - - 1 - - 2,307 - - 6,561 CRL - - 1 - - 833 - - 1,169 Total Group 31 21 19 487 26 3,187 2,061 167 7,893 Adjustments to provisional fair values of prior year acquisitions - 45 - (1) 8 - Total 487 71 3,187 2,060 175 7,893 The post-acquisition impact of acquisitions completed during the year on the Group’s profit for the financial year was as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Revenue 532 101 2,679 (Loss)/profit before tax for the financial year (2) 1 (7) The revenue and profit of the Group for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS as though the acquisitions effected during the year had been at the beginning of the year would have been as follows: 2017 acquisitions € CRH Group € CRH Group € Revenue 1,188 24,688 25,876 Profit before tax for the financial year 38 1,869 1,907

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Non-controlling Interests	32. Non-controlling Interests The total non-controlling € € € € non-controlling Name Principal activity Country of incorporation Economic ownership interest held by non-controlling interest Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. Manufacture, development and sale Philippines 45% and Republic Cement Land & Resources, Inc. of cement and building materials The following is summarised financial information for RCBM and RCLR prepared in accordance with IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities. Summarised financial information 2017 € 2016 € Profit for the year 14 47 Current assets 159 118 Non-current 1,292 1,460 Current liabilities (140) (124) Non-current (663) (690) Net assets 648 764 Cash flows from operating activities 9 91 Dividends paid to non-controlling - (1) CRH holds 40% of the equity share capital in RCBM and RCLR and has an economic interest of 55% of the combined Philippines business. Non-controlling Consolidated Financial Statements

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Related Party Transactions	33. Related Party Transactions The principal related party relationships requiring disclosure in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group under IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Company (CRH plc, the ultimate parent) and its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as documented in the accounting policies on pages 125 to 134. The Group’s principal subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are disclosed on pages 246 to 251. Sales to and purchases from associates and joint ventures are as follows: Associates Joint Ventures 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Sales 51 56 48 111 88 64 Purchases 400 401 422 55 54 56 Loans extended by the Group to joint ventures and associates (see note 16) are included in financial assets. Amounts receivable from and payable to equity accounted investments (arising from the aforementioned sales and purchases transactions) as at the balance sheet date are included as separate line items in notes 18 and 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Terms and conditions of transactions with subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates In general, the transfer pricing policy implemented by the Group across its subsidiaries is market-based. Sales to and purchases from joint ventures and associates are conducted in the ordinary course of business and on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arms-length transactions. The outstanding balances included in receivables and payables as at the balance sheet date in respect of transactions with joint ventures and associates are unsecured and settlement arises in cash. No guarantees have been either requested or provided in relation to related party receivables and payables. Loans to joint ventures and associates (as disclosed in note 16) are extended on normal commercial terms in the ordinary course of business with interest accruing and, in general, paid to the Group at predetermined intervals. Key management personnel For the purposes of the disclosure requirements of IAS 24, the term “key management personnel” (i.e. those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company) comprises the Board of Directors which manages the business and affairs of the Company. Key management remuneration amounted to: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Short-term benefits 9 13 10 Post-employment benefits 1 1 1 Share-based payments - calculated in accordance with the principles disclosed in note 8 3 3 2 Total 13 17 13 Other than these compensation entitlements, there were no other transactions involving key management personnel. Lease arrangements CRH has a number of lease arrangements in place with related parties across the Group, which have been negotiated on an arms-length basis at market rates. We do not consider these arrangements to be material either individually or collectively in the context of the 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Board Approval

Board Approval	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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Board Approval	34. Board Approval The Board of Directors approved and authorised for issue the financial statements on pages 120 to 199 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 on 28 February 2018.

Supplemental Guarantor Informat

Supplemental Guarantor Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information	35. Supplemental Guarantor Information The following consolidating information presents Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at 31 December 2017 and 2016 and Condensed Consolidated Income Statements and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended 31 December 2017, 2016 and 2015 of the Company and CRH America, Inc. as required by Article 3-10(c) of Regulation S-X. This information is prepared in accordance with IFRS with the exception that the subsidiaries are accounted for as investments under the equity method rather than being consolidated. CRH America, Inc. is 100% owned by the Company. The Guarantees of the Guarantor are full and unconditional. CRH plc also fully and unconditionally guarantees securities issued by CRH America Finance, Inc., which is a 100% owned finance subsidiary of CRH plc. CRH America, Inc. (the ‘Issuer’) has the following notes which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by CRH plc (the ‘Guarantor’): US$288 million 8.125% Notes due 2018 – listed on the NYSE (i) US$400 million 5.750% Notes due 2021 – listed on the NYSE US$1,250 million 3.875% Notes due 2025 – listed on the ISE US$300 million 6.40% Notes due 2033 – listed on the ISE (ii) US$500 million 5.125% Notes due 2045 – listed on the ISE (i) Originally issued as a US$650 million bond in July 2008. Subsequently in May 2017, US$362.13 million of the issued notes were redeemed by the issuer as part of a liability management exercise. (ii) Originally issued as a US$300 million bond in September 2003. Subsequently in August 2009 and December 2010, US$87.445 million of the issued notes were acquired by CRH plc as part of liability management exercises undertaken. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017 Guarantor Issuer Non-Guarantor Eliminate and CRH and € € € € € ASSETS Non-current Property, plant and equipment - - 13,094 - 13,094 Intangible assets - - 7,214 - 7,214 Subsidiaries 8,658 458 1,682 (10,798 ) - Investments accounted for using the equity method - - 1,248 - 1,248 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings - 3,627 - (3,627 ) - Other financial assets - - 25 - 25 Other receivables - - 156 - 156 Derivative financial instruments - - 30 - 30 Deferred income tax assets - - 95 - 95 Total non-current 8,658 4,085 23,544 (14,425 ) 21,862 Current assets Inventories - - 2,715 - 2,715 Trade and other receivables - 4 3,626 - 3,630 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings 6,141 - 704 (6,845 ) - Current income tax recoverable - - 165 - 165 Derivative financial instruments - 4 30 - 34 Cash and cash equivalents 401 - 1,714 - 2,115 Assets held for sale - - 1,112 - 1,112 Total current assets 6,542 8 10,066 (6,845 ) 9,771 Total assets 15,200 4,093 33,610 (21,270 ) 31,633 EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 14,491 1,797 9,001 (10,798 ) 14,491 Non-controlling - - 486 - 486 Total equity 14,491 1,797 9,487 (10,798 ) 14,977 LIABILITIES Non-current Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - 2,020 5,640 - 7,660 Derivative financial instruments - 3 - - 3 Deferred income tax liabilities - - 1,666 - 1,666 Other payables - - 226 - 226 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 3,627 (3,627 ) - Retirement benefit obligations - - 377 - 377 Provisions for liabilities - - 693 - 693 Total non-current - 2,023 12,229 (3,627 ) 10,625 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 3 29 4,502 - 4,534 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 704 - 6,141 (6,845 ) - Current income tax liabilities - - 458 - 458 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 2 244 70 - 316 Derivative financial instruments - - 11 - 11 Provisions for liabilities - - 371 - 371 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale - - 341 - 341 Total current liabilities 709 273 11,894 (6,845 ) 6,031 Total liabilities 709 2,296 24,123 (10,472 ) 16,656 Total equity and liabilities 15,200 4,093 33,610 (21,270 ) 31,633 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment - - 12,690 - 12,690 Intangible assets - - 7,761 - 7,761 Subsidiaries 7,654 375 1,682 (9,711) - Investments accounted for using the equity method - - 1,299 - 1,299 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings - 4,508 - (4,508) - Other financial assets - - 26 - 26 Other receivables - - 212 - 212 Derivative financial instruments - 13 40 - 53 Deferred income tax assets - - 159 - 159 Total non-current assets 7,654 4,896 23,869 (14,219) 22,200 Current assets Inventories - - 2,939 - 2,939 Trade and other receivables - 6 3,973 - 3,979 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings 6,546 - 704 (7,250) - Current income tax recoverable - - 4 - 4 Derivative financial instruments - - 23 - 23 Cash and cash equivalents 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Total current assets 6,947 6 9,691 (7,250) 9,394 Total assets 14,601 4,902 33,560 (21,469) 31,594 EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 13,895 1,922 7,789 (9,711) 13,895 Non-controlling interests - - 548 - 548 Total equity 13,895 1,922 8,337 (9,711) 14,443 LIABILITIES Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - 2,934 4,581 - 7,515 Deferred income tax liabilities - - 2,008 - 2,008 Other payables - - 461 - 461 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 4,508 (4,508) - Retirement benefit obligations - - 591 - 591 Provisions for liabilities - - 678 - 678 Total non-current liabilities - 2,934 12,827 (4,508) 11,253 Current liabilities Trade and other payables - 46 4,769 - 4,815 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 704 - 6,546 (7,250) - Current income tax liabilities - - 394 - 394 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 2 - 273 - 275 Derivative financial instruments - - 32 - 32 Provisions for liabilities - - 382 - 382 Total current liabilities 706 46 12,396 (7,250) 5,898 Total liabilities 706 2,980 25,223 (11,758) 17,151 Total equity and liabilities 14,601 4,902 33,560 (21,469) 31,594 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2017 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 25,220 - 25,220 Cost of sales - - (16,903) - (16,903) Gross profit - - 8,317 - 8,317 Operating income/(costs) 22 - (6,244) - (6,222) Group operating profit 22 - 2,073 - 2,095 Profit on disposals - - 56 - 56 Profit before finance costs 22 - 2,129 - 2,151 Finance costs - (235) (308) 242 (301) Finance income 2 242 10 (242) 12 Other financial expense - - (60) - (60) Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax 1,754 83 - (1,837) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 65 - 65 (65) 65 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,843 90 1,836 (1,902) 1,867 Income tax expense (55) (29) (26) 55 (55) Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations 1,788 61 1,810 (1,847) 1,812 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 107 - 107 (107) 107 Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 1,788 61 1,786 (1,847) 1,788 From discontinued operations 107 - 107 (107) 107 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 24 - 24 Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (1,015) (186) (890) 1,015 (1,076) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 8 - 8 (8) 8 (1,007) (186) (882) 1,007 (1,068) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 114 - 114 (114) 114 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (33) - (33) 33 (33) 81 - 81 (81) 81 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (926) (186) (801) 926 (987) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 969 (125) 1,153 (1,028) 969 Non-controlling - - (37) - (37) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2016 Restated (i) Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 24,789 - 24,789 Cost of sales - - (16,566) - (16,566) Gross profit - - 8,223 - 8,223 Operating income/(costs) 20 - (6,335) - (6,315) Group operating profit 20 - 1,888 - 1,908 Profit on disposals - - 53 - 53 Profit before finance costs 20 - 1,941 - 1,961 Finance costs - (266) (334) 275 (325) Finance income 2 275 6 (275) 8 Other financial expense - - (66) - (66) Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax 1,529 95 - (1,624) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 42 - 42 (42) 42 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,593 104 1,589 (1,666) 1,620 Income tax expense (431) (41) (390) 431 (431) Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations 1,162 63 1,199 (1,235) 1,189 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 81 - 81 (81) 81 Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 1,162 63 1,172 (1,235) 1,162 From discontinued operations 81 - 81 (81) 81 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 27 - 27 Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 (i) Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (71) 49 (131) 71 (82) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 14 - 14 (14) 14 (57) 49 (117) 57 (68) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations (61) - (61) 61 (61) Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income 3 - 3 (3) 3 (58) - (58) 58 (58) Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (115) 49 (175) 115 (126) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,128 112 1,089 (1,201) 1,128 Non-controlling - - 16 - 16 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2015 Restated (i) Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 21,406 - 21,406 Cost of sales - - (14,743) - (14,743) Gross profit - - 6,663 - 6,663 Operating income/(costs) 1,473 - (6,970) - (5,497) Group operating profit/(loss) 1,473 - (307) - 1,166 (Loss)/profit on disposals (7) - 106 - 99 Profit/(loss) before finance costs 1,466 - (201) - 1,265 Finance costs - (321) (315) 333 (303) Finance income 1 333 7 (333) 8 Other financial expense - - (94) - (94) Share of subsidiaries’ (loss)/profit before tax (596) 62 - 534 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 44 - 44 (44) 44 Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 915 74 (559) 490 920 Income tax expense (276) (29) (247) 276 (276) Group profit/(loss) for the financial year from continuing operations 639 45 (806) 766 644 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 85 - 85 (85) 85 Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 Profit/(loss) attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 639 45 (811) 766 639 From discontinued operations 85 - 85 (85) 85 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 5 - 5 Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 (i) Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects 643 159 502 (643) 661 Losses relating to cash flow hedges (2) - (2) 2 (2) 641 159 500 (641) 659 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 203 - 203 (203) 203 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (30) - (30) 30 (30) 173 - 173 (173) 173 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year 814 159 673 (814) 832 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,538 204 (71) (133) 1,538 Non-controlling - - 23 - 23 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2017 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,843 90 1,836 (1,902) 1,867 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 146 - 146 (146) 146 Profit before tax 1,989 90 1,982 (2,048) 2,013 Finance costs (net) (2) (7) 358 - 349 Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax (1,900) (83) - 1,983 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (65) - (65) 65 (65) Profit on disposals - - (59) - (59) Group operating profit 22 - 2,216 - 2,238 Depreciation charge - - 1,006 - 1,006 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 66 - 66 Share-based payment (income)/expense (1) - 66 - 65 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (186) - (186) Net movement on working capital and provisions - (11) (198) - (209) Cash generated from operations 21 (11) 2,970 - 2,980 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (236) (323) 242 (317) Corporation tax paid - (29) (445) - (474) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 21 (276) 2,202 242 2,189 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 222 - 222 Interest received 2 242 9 (242) 11 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 31 - 31 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (1,044) - (1,044) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 407 356 - (763) - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (1,841) - (1,841) Other investments and advances - - (11) - (11) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (53) - (53) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 409 598 (2,687) (1,005) (2,685) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) 42 - - - 42 Transactions involving non-controlling interests - - (37) - (37) Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - (763) 763 - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - 6 1,004 - 1,010 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 11 158 - 169 Premium paid on early debt redemption - (18) - - (18) Treasury/own shares purchased (3) - - - (3) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - (321) (22) - (343) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (469) - - - (469) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (8) - (8) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (430) (322) 332 763 343 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents - - (153) - (153) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Translation adjustment - - (161) - (161) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents - - (153) - (153) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 401 - 1,734 - 2,135 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2016 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,593 104 1,589 (1,666 ) 1,620 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 121 - 121 (121 ) 121 Profit before tax 1,714 104 1,710 (1,787) 1,741 Finance costs (net) (2) (9) 394 - 383 Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax (1,650) (95) - 1,745 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (42) - (42) 42 (42) Profit on disposals - - (55) - (55) Group operating profit 20 - 2,007 - 2,027 Depreciation charge - - 1,009 - 1,009 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 71 - 71 Impairment charge - - 23 - 23 Share-based payment (income)/expense (3) - 49 - 46 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (65) - (65) Net movement on working capital and provisions - (1) 57 - 56 Cash generated from operations 17 (1) 3,151 - 3,167 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (266) (355) 275 (346) Corporation tax paid - (41) (440) - (481) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 17 (308) 2,356 275 2,340 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 283 - 283 Interest received 2 275 6 (275) 8 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 40 - 40 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (853) - (853) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 287 644 - (931) - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (149) - (149) Other investments and advances - - (7) - (7) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (57) - (57) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 289 919 (737) (1,206) (735) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) 52 - - - 52 Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - (931) 931 - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - - 600 - 600 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 25 (30) - (5) Treasury/own shares purchased (4) - - - (4) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases (9) (636) (1,370) - (2,015) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (352) - - - (352) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (8) - (8) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (313) (611) (1,739) 931 (1,732) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7) - (120) - (127) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 408 - 2,110 - 2,518 Translation adjustment - - 58 - 58 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7) - (120) - (127) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2015 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate reclassify € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 915 74 (559 ) 490 920 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 113 - 113 (113 ) 113 Profit/(loss) before tax 1,028 74 (446) 377 1,033 Finance costs (net) (1) (12) 402 - 389 Share of subsidiaries’ loss/(profit) before tax 483 (62) - (421) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (44) - (44) 44 (44) Loss/(profit) on disposals 7 - (108) - (101) Group operating profit/(loss) 1,473 - (196) - 1,277 Depreciation charge - - 843 - 843 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 55 - 55 Impairment charge - - 44 - 44 Share-based payment (income)/expense (2) - 29 - 27 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (47) - (47) Amounts due from subsidary undertakings (1,460) - 1,460 - - Net movement on working capital and provisions - (9) 594 - 585 Cash generated from operations 11 (9) 2,782 - 2,784 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (283) (352) 333 (302) Corporation tax paid - (29) (206) - (235) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 11 (321) 2,224 333 2,247 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 889 - 889 Interest received 1 333 7 (333) 8 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 53 - 53 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (882) - (882) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings (699) (632) - 1,331 - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (7,296) - (7,296) Other investments and advances - - (19) - (19) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (59) - (59) Net cash outflow from investing activities (698) (299) (7,307) 998 (7,306) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) - - 1,593 - 1,593 Proceeds from exercise of share options 57 - - - 57 Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 1,331 (1,331) - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases 9 1,584 4,040 - 5,633 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 15 32 - 47 Premium paid on early debt redemption - (38) - - (38) Treasury/own shares purchased (3) - - - (3) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - (968) (1,776) - (2,744) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (379) - - - (379) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (4) - (4) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (316) 593 5,216 (1,331) 4,162 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,003) (27) 133 - (897) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 1,411 25 1,859 - 3,295 Translation adjustment - 2 118 - 120 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,003) (27) 133 - (897) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 408 - 2,110 - 2,518

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Basis of preparation	Basis of preparation The Consolidated Financial Statements of CRH plc have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. CRH plc, the Parent Company, is a publicly traded limited company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Ireland. The Consolidated Financial Statements, which are presented in euro millions, have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the measurement at fair value of share-based payments, retirement benefit obligations and certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative financial instruments. The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently by all of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates to all periods presented in these Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with Section 304 of the Companies Act 2014, the Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its individual profit and loss account to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies.
Adoption of IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations	Adoption of IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations The Group has applied those new standards and interpretations that apply from 1 January 2017, including the Annual Improvements 2014-2016 Statement of Cash Flows Income Taxes IFRS and IFRIC interpretations being adopted in subsequent years The Group has formed a number of project teams to evaluate and implement the following standards: IFRS 9 Financial Instruments IFRS 9 Financial Instruments The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses (ECL) rather than only incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for hedging instruments more closely with the Group’s risk management practices. As a general rule, more hedge relationships may be eligible for hedge accounting, as the standard introduces a more principles-based approach. The new standard also introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation. These are expected to change the nature and extent of the Group’s disclosures about its financial instruments particularly in the first year of adoption of the new standard. IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue Construction Contracts Throughout 2017, the Group performed a detailed analysis of the impact of IFRS 15; including a review of our contracts and sales arrangements. At this point, we have concluded that there is no material impact arising from transition to IFRS 15. Opening retained earnings for 2018 will not be adjusted as a result. Revenue derived from sources other than construction contracts will continue to be recognised at a point in time. Revenue earned in our construction contract businesses will continue to be recognised over time; principally using an input method. The Group’s transition project had the following focus areas: (i) Variable consideration Some contracts with customers offer trade discounts or volume rebates. Our construction contracts can include certain bonuses and other variable consideration clauses. Based on the detailed procedures performed during 2017, a material impact on the recognition of such variable consideration under IFRS 15 has not been identified. (ii) Warranty obligations Warranties currently offered by the Group will continue to be accounted for under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. (iii) Bundling and unbundling of contracts to determine performance obligations The vast majority of our contracts contain just one performance obligation. Within our construction contract businesses, some contracts have been identified as offering two promises to a customer; however the adoption of IFRS 15 will not have a material impact on the recognition of revenue on these contracts. (iv) Loss-making contracts Loss-making contracts will now be accounted for under IAS 37 rather than under IAS 11. This will not have an impact on revenue recognition at transition. (v) Principal versus agent considerations We examined whether any revenue might be deemed to be more appropriately recorded on an agency or net basis, rather than on a gross basis, under IFRS 15 and determined that no material impact on the Group’s revenue arose. (vi) Disclosure requirements IFRS 15 disclosure requirements are more detailed than under current IFRS. The Group is in the process of finalising the disclosures required to be reported in 2018. IFRS 16 Leases IFRS 16 Leases Leases Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease SIC-15 Operating Leases – Incentives SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for the majority of leases under a single on-balance sheet model, similar to the accounting for finance leases under IAS 17. The standard includes two recognition exemptions for lessees – leases of ‘low-value’ assets (e.g. personal computers) and short-term leases (i.e. leases with a term of 12 months or less). It also includes an election which permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components (e.g. maintenance) from lease components and instead capitalise both the lease cost and associated non-lease cost. At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e. the lease liability) and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term (i.e. the right-of-use asset). Lessees will be required to separately recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset. Under IFRS 16 lessees will also be required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g. a change in lease term or a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). The lessee will generally recognise the amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset. CRH has entered into operating leases for a range of assets, principally relating to property across the US and Europe. These property leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights including periodic rent reviews linked with a consumer price index and/or other indices. The Group also leases plant and machinery, vehicles and equipment under operating leases. The adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements, as follows: Income Statement Operating expenses will decrease, as the Group currently recognises operating lease expenses in either cost of sales, selling and distribution or administration expenses (depending on the nature of the lease). The Group’s lease expense (continuing operations) for 2017 was € Depreciation and finance costs as currently reported in the Group’s Income Statement will increase, as under the new standard the right-of-use Balance Sheet At transition date, the Group will determine the lease payments outstanding at that date and apply the appropriate discount rate to calculate the present value of the lease payments. CRH is currently considering adopting the new standard by applying the modified retrospective approach. In addition, CRH will perform an impairment assessment at date of adoption and any resulting impairment will impact retained earnings rather than the Consolidated Income Statement in the year of transition. The Group’s commitment outstanding on all leases (including those relating to discontinued operations) as at 31 December 2017 is € € The Group has been assessing the impact of the new standard since it was issued in January 2016. The exact financial impact of the standard is as yet unknown, as a number of factors impact the calculation of the liability, such as discount rate and the expected term of leases including renewal options. The Group’s commitment as at 31 December 2017 provides an indication of the scale of leases held and how significant leases currently are to CRH’s business. The Group will continue to assess its portfolio of leases to calculate the impending impact of transition to the new standard during 2018. In addition to the impacts above, there will also be significantly increased disclosures when the Group adopts IFRS 16. IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments IFRIC 23 was issued in June 2017; with an effective date of 1 January 2019. It clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this interpretation on future periods. IAS 19 Employee Benefits In February 2018, the IASB issued a narrow scope amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are effective subsequent to the CRH 2017 financial year-end
Key Accounting Policies which involve Estimates, Assumptions and Judgements	Key Accounting Policies which involve Estimates, Assumptions and Judgements The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions and judgements that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Management believes that the estimates, assumptions and judgements upon which it relies are reasonable based on the information available to it at the time that those estimates, assumptions and judgements are made. In some cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by IFRS and does not require management’s judgement in its application. Management considers that their use of estimates, assumptions and judgements in the application of the Group’s accounting policies are inter-related and therefore discuss them together below. Estimates, and underlying assumptions, are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in accounting estimates may be necessary if there are changes in the circumstances or experiences on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information. The critical accounting policies which involve significant estimates, assumptions or judgements, the actual outcome of which could have a material impact on the Group’s results and financial position outlined below, are as follows: Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill – Notes 14 and 15 Impairment of property, plant and equipment and goodwill The carrying values of items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing on an annual basis and at any time during the year if an indicator of impairment is considered to exist. A decision to dispose of a business unit represents one such indicator and in these circumstances the recoverable amount is assessed on a fair value less costs of disposal basis. In the year in which a business combination is effected and where some or all of the goodwill allocated to a particular cash-generating Property, plant and equipment assets are reviewed for potential impairment by applying a series of external and internal indicators specific to the assets under consideration; these indicators encompass macroeconomic issues including the inherent cyclicality of the building materials sector, actual obsolescence or physical damage, a deterioration in forecast performance in the internal reporting cycle and restructuring and rationalisation programmes. Where the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amount (being the greater of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use), value-in-use, pre-tax cash-generating Goodwill relating to associates and joint ventures is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is neither amortised nor individually tested for impairment. Where indicators of impairment of an investment arise in accordance with the requirements of IAS 39 , The impairment testing process requires management to make significant judgements and estimates regarding the future cash flows expected to be generated by the use of and, if applicable, the eventual disposal of, long-lived assets and goodwill as well as other factors to determine the fair value of the assets. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions which influence these variables. A detailed discussion of the impairment methodology applied and key assumptions used by the Group in the context of long-lived assets and goodwill is provided in note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The assumptions and conditions for determining impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill reflect management’s best assumptions and estimates, but these items involve inherent uncertainties described above, many of which are not under management’s control. As a result, the accounting for such items could result in different estimates or amounts if management used different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future accounting periods. Retirement benefit obligations – Note 28 Costs arising in respect of the Group’s defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions in the event that the fund does not hold sufficient assets to meet its benefit commitments. The liabilities and costs associated with the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes (both funded and unfunded) are assessed either on the basis of the attained age, the projected unit credit, the current unit credit or the aggregate cost methods by professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using actuarial assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date. The discount rates employed in determining the present value of the schemes’ liabilities are determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet date on high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the currency and term of the associated post-employment The net surplus or deficit arising on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes, together with the liabilities associated with the unfunded schemes, are shown either within non-current non-current The defined benefit pension asset or liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet comprises the total for each plan of the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. Plan assets are assets that are held by a long-term employee benefit fund or qualifying insurance policies. Fair value is based on market price information and, in the case of published securities; it is the published bid price. The value of any defined benefit asset is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan and reductions in the future contributions to the plan. The Group’s obligation in respect of post-employment high-quality Assumptions The assumptions underlying the actuarial valuations (including discount rates, rates of increase in future compensation levels, mortality rates and healthcare cost trends), from which the amounts recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements are determined, are updated annually based on current economic conditions and for any relevant changes to the terms and conditions of the pension and post-retirement While management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may affect the obligations and expenses recognised in future accounting periods. The assets and liabilities of defined benefit pension schemes may exhibit significant period-on-period Provisions for liabilities – Note 26 A provision is recognised when the Group has a present obligation (either legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group anticipates that a provision will be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset only when it is virtually certain that the reimbursement will arise. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the Consolidated Income Statement net of any reimbursement. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as an interest expense. Contingent liabilities arising on business combinations are recognised as provisions if the contingent liability can be reliably measured at its acquisition date fair value. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses. Refer to note 26 for the expected timing of outflows by provisions category. Environmental and remediation provisions The measurement of environmental and remediation provisions is based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and considers factors such as existing technology, currently enacted laws and regulations and prior experience in remediation of sites. Inherent uncertainties exist in such evaluations primarily due to unknown conditions, changing governmental regulations and legal standards regarding liability, the protracted length of the clean-up Legal contingencies The status of each significant claim and legal proceeding in which the Group is involved is reviewed by management on a periodic basis and the Group’s potential financial exposure is assessed. If the potential loss from any claim or legal proceeding is considered probable, and the amount can be estimated, a liability is recognised for the estimated loss. Because of the uncertainties inherent in such matters, the related provisions are based on the best information available at the time; the issues taken into account by management and factored into the assessment of legal contingencies include, as applicable, the status of settlement negotiations, interpretations of contractual obligations, prior experience with similar contingencies/claims, the availability of insurance to protect against the downside exposure and advice obtained from legal counsel and other third parties. As additional information becomes available on pending claims, the potential liability is reassessed and revisions are made to the amounts accrued where appropriate. Such revisions in the estimates of the potential liabilities could have a material impact on the results of operations and financial position of the Group in future accounting periods. Taxation – current and deferred – Notes 11 and 27 Current tax represents the expected tax payable (or recoverable) on the taxable profit for the year using tax rates enacted for the period. Any interest or penalties arising are included within current tax. Where items are accounted for outside of profit or loss, the related income tax is recognised either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity as appropriate. Deferred tax is recognised using the liability method on temporary differences arising at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; in addition, deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. For the most part, no provision has been made for temporary differences applicable to investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures as the Group is in a position to control the timing of reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. However, a temporary difference has been recognised to the extent that specific assets have been identified for sale or where there is a specific intention to unwind the temporary difference in the foreseeable future. Due to the absence of control in the context of associates (significant influence only), deferred tax liabilities are recognised where appropriate in respect of CRH’s investments in these entities on the basis that the exercise of significant influence would not necessarily prevent earnings being remitted by other shareholders in the undertaking. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not subject to discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised in respect of all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward The Group’s income tax charge is based on reported profit and expected statutory tax rates, which reflect various allowances and reliefs and tax planning opportunities available to the Group in the multiple tax jurisdictions in which it operates. The determination of the Group’s provision for income tax requires certain judgements and estimates in relation to matters where the ultimate tax outcome may not be certain. The recognition or non-recognition year-end,
Basis of consolidation	Basis of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Parent Company and all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, drawn up to 31 December each year. The financial year-ends of the Group’s subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are co-terminous. Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary without a change in control is accounted for as an equity transaction. When the Group holds less than the majority of voting rights, other facts and circumstances including contractual arrangements that give the Group power over the investee may result in the Group controlling the investee. The Group reassesses whether it controls an investee if, and when, facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to the elements evidencing control. Non-controlling non-controlling non-controlling non-controlling Investments in associates and joint ventures – Notes 10 and 16 An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of an entity, but is not control or joint control over those policies. A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of the arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group’s investments in its associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method from the date significant influence/joint control is deemed to arise until the date on which significant influence/joint control ceases to exist or when the interest becomes classified as an asset held for sale. The Consolidated Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of profit after tax of the related associates and joint ventures. Investments in associates and joint ventures are carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost adjusted in respect of post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets, less any impairment in value. Loans advanced to equity accounted investments that have the characteristics of equity financing are also included in the investment held on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If necessary, impairment losses on the carrying amount of an investment are reported within the Group’s share of equity accounted investments results in the Consolidated Income Statement. If the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of an associate or joint venture, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred obligations in respect of the associate or joint venture.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition Revenue represents the value of goods and services supplied and is net of trade discounts and value added tax/sales tax. Other than in the case of construction contracts, revenue is recognised to the extent that revenue and related costs incurred or to be incurred are subject to reliable measurement, that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and that the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the buyer, usually on delivery of the goods. Construction contracts The Group engages primarily in the performance of fixed price contracts, as opposed to cost plus contracts. Contract costs are recognised as incurred. When the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably the Group recognises revenue in accordance with the percentage-of-completion When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense. Revenue and/or costs in respect of variations or contracts claims and incentive payments, to the extent that they arise, are recognised when it is probable that the amount, which can be measured reliably, will be recovered from/paid to the customer. If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress towards completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in revenue or costs and are reflected in income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision became known by management.
Segment reporting	Segment reporting – Note 1 Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal organisational and management structure and the internal reporting information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments.
Assets and liabilities held for sale	Assets and liabilities held for sale – Note 2 Non-current Non-current Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale. The Group ceases to use the equity method of accounting from the date on which an interest in a joint venture or associate becomes held for sale. Non-current
Discontinued Operations - Note 2	Discontinued operations – Note 2 Discontinued operations are reported when a component of the Group has been disposed of, or when a sale is highly probable; and its operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Group and is classified as held for sale or has been disposed of. The Group classifies a non-current In the Consolidated Income Statement, discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations. Corresponding notes to the Consolidated Income Statement exclude amounts for discontinued operations, unless stated otherwise.
Share-based payments	Share-based payments – Note 8 The Group operates a number of equity-settled share-based payment plans. Its policy in relation to the granting of share options and awards under these plans, together with the nature of the underlying market and non-market share-based share-based Awards under the Performance Share Plans 50% of the awards granted in 2017 and 2016 under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are subject to a TSR (and hence market-based) vesting condition; with 25% being measured against a tailored sector peer group and 25% against the FTSE All-World market-based non-market-based The remaining awards granted under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are subject to a cumulative cash flow target (non-market Awards which vest under the 2014 Performance Share Plan are allotted to an Employee Benefit Trust. An increase in nominal Share Capital and Share Premium are recognised accordingly on allotment. Savings-related Share Option Scheme The fair values assigned to options under the Savings-related Share Option Scheme are derived in accordance with the trinomial valuation methodology on the basis that the services to be rendered by employees as consideration for the granting of share options will be received over the vesting period, which is assessed as at the grant date. The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The Consolidated Income Statement expense/credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised at the beginning and end of that period. The cumulative charge to the Consolidated Income Statement is reversed only where an employee in receipt of share options leaves service prior to completion of the expected vesting period and those options forfeit in consequence. Where an award is cancelled, it is treated as if it is vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. This includes any award where non-vesting The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options are exercised. The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the determination of diluted earnings per share.
Business combinations	Business combinations – Note 31 The Group applies the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred (excluding amounts relating to the settlement of pre-existing non-controlling To the extent that settlement of all or any part of consideration for a business combination is deferred, the fair value of the deferred component is determined through discounting the amounts payable to their present value at the date of exchange. The discount component is unwound as an interest charge in the Consolidated Income Statement over the life of the obligation. Any contingent consideration is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date and included in the cost of the acquisition. The fair value of contingent consideration at acquisition date is arrived at through discounting the expected payment (based on scenario modelling) to present value. In general, in order for contingent consideration to become payable, pre-defined The assets and liabilities arising on business combination activity are measured at their acquisition-date fair values. Contingent liabilities assumed in business combination activity are recognised as of the acquisition date, where such contingent liabilities are present obligations arising from past events and their fair value can be measured reliably. In the case of a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date
Goodwill	Goodwill – Note 15 Goodwill arising on a business combination is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the net identifiable assets and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition and relates to the future economic benefits arising from assets which are not capable of being individually identified and separately recognised. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. If the cost of the acquisition is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the identification and measurement of the related assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities are revisited and the cost is reassessed with any remaining balance recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. The carrying amount of goodwill in respect of associates and joint ventures is included in investments accounted for using the equity method (i.e. within financial assets) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Where a subsidiary is disposed of or terminated through closure, the carrying value of any goodwill of that subsidiary is included in the determination of the net profit or loss on disposal/termination.
Intangible assets (other than goodwill) arising on business combinations	Intangible assets (other than goodwill) arising on business combinations – Note 15 An intangible asset is capitalised separately from goodwill as part of a business combination at cost (fair value at date of acquisition). Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. The carrying values of definite-lived intangible assets (the Group does not currently have any indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill) are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line Amortisation periods, useful lives, expected patterns of consumption and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end.
Leases	Leases – Notes 4 and 29 Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Operating lease rentals are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Inventories and construction contracts	Inventories and construction contracts – Note 17 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the first-in, first-out first-in, first-out work-in-progress, Net realisable value is the estimated proceeds of sale less all further costs to completion, and less all costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Estimates of net realisable value are based on the most reliable evidence available at the time the estimates are made, taking into consideration fluctuations of price or cost directly relating to events occurring after the end of the period, the likelihood of short-term Amounts recoverable on construction contracts, which are included in receivables, are stated at the net invoiced value of the work done less amounts received as progress payments on account. Cumulative costs incurred, net of amounts transferred to cost of sales, after deducting foreseeable losses, provisions for contingencies and payments on account not matched with revenue, are included as construction contract balances in inventories. Cost includes all expenditure directly related to specific projects and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads incurred in the Group’s contract activities based on normal operating capacity.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents – Note 23 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances held for the purpose of meeting short-term interest-bearing
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	Interest-bearing loans and borrowings – Note 24 All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at the fair value of the consideration received net of directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, current and non-current Gains and losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement through amortisation on the basis of the period of the loans and borrowings. Borrowing costs arising on financial instruments are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred (unless capitalised as part of the cost of property, plant and equipment).
Derivative financial instruments and hedging practices	Derivative financial instruments and hedging practices – Note 25 In order to manage interest rate, foreign currency and commodity risks and to realise the desired currency profile of borrowings, the Group employs derivative financial instruments (principally interest rate swaps, currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts). Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. The carrying value of derivatives is fair value based on discounted future cash flows and adjusted for counterparty risk. Future floating rate cash flows are estimated based on future interest rates (from observable yield curves at the end of the reporting period). Fixed and floating rate cash flows are discounted at future interest rates and translated at period-end At the inception of a derivative transaction, the Group documents the relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument together with its risk management objective and the strategy underlying the proposed transaction. The Group also documents its assessment, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and subsequently on an ongoing basis, of the effectiveness of the hedging instrument in offsetting movements in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. Where derivatives do not fulfil the criteria for hedge accounting, changes in fair values are reported in the Consolidated Income Statement. Fair value and cash flow hedges The Group uses fair value hedges and cash flow hedges in its treasury activities. For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified either as fair value hedges (which entail hedging the exposure to movements in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or an unrecognised firm commitment that could affect profit or loss) or cash flow hedges (which hedge exposure to fluctuations in future cash flows derived from a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss). Where the conditions for hedge accounting are satisfied and the hedging instrument concerned is classified as a fair value hedge, any gain or loss stemming from the remeasurement of the hedging instrument to fair value is reported in the Consolidated Income Statement. In addition, any gain or loss on the hedged item which is attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the hedged item and reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement. Where the adjustment is to the carrying amount of a hedged interest-bearing Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised as other comprehensive income, net of the income tax effect, with the ineffective portion being reported in the Consolidated Income Statement. The associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised as other comprehensive income are transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement contemporaneously with the materialisation of the hedged transaction. Any gain or loss arising in respect of changes in the time value of the derivative financial instrument is excluded from the measurement of hedge effectiveness and is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised as other comprehensive income remains there until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer anticipated to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss previously recognised as other comprehensive income is transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement in the period. Net investment hedges Where foreign currency borrowings provide a hedge against a net investment in a foreign operation, and the hedge is deemed to be effective, foreign exchange differences are taken directly to a foreign currency translation reserve. The ineffective portion of any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. Cumulative gains and losses remain in equity until disposal of the net investment in the foreign operation at which point the related differences are transferred to the Consolidated Income Statement as part of the overall gain or loss on sale.
Share capital and dividends	Share capital and dividends – Notes 12 and 30 Treasury Shares and own shares Ordinary Shares acquired by the Parent Company or purchased by the Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Parent Company under the terms of the Performance Share Plans and the Restricted Share Plan are deducted from equity and presented on the face of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Parent Company’s Ordinary Shares. Dividends Dividends on Ordinary Shares are recognised as a liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period in which they are declared by the Parent Company.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in euro, which is the presentation currency of the Group and the functional currency of the Parent Company. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All currency translation differences are taken to the Consolidated Income Statement with the exception of all monetary items that provide an effective hedge for a net investment in a foreign operation. These are recognised in other comprehensive income until the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Results and cash flows of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates with non-euro non-euro The principal exchange rates used for the translation of results, cash flows and balance sheets into euro were as follows: Average Year-end euro 1 = 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 Brazilian Real 3.6054 3.8561 3.7004 3.9729 3.4305 Canadian Dollar 1.4647 1.4659 1.4186 1.5039 1.4188 Chinese Renminbi 7.6290 7.3522 6.9733 7.8044 7.3202 Hungarian Forint 309.1933 311.4379 309.9956 310.3300 309.8300 Indian Rupee 73.5324 74.3717 71.1956 76.6055 71.5935 Philippine Peso 56.9734 52.5555 50.5217 59.7950 52.2680 Polish Zloty 4.2570 4.3632 4.1841 4.1770 4.4103 Pound Sterling 0.8767 0.8195 0.7258 0.8872 0.8562 Romanian Leu 4.5688 4.4904 4.4454 4.6585 4.5390 Serbian Dinar 121.3232 123.1356 120.7168 118.3086 123.4600 Swiss Franc 1.1117 1.0902 1.0679 1.1702 1.0739 Ukrainian Hryvnia 30.0341 28.2812 24.3693 33.6769 28.6043 US Dollar 1.1297 1.1069 1.1095 1.1993 1.0541

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Foreign Currency Translation	The principal exchange rates used for the translation of results, cash flows and balance sheets into euro were as follows: Average Year-end euro 1 = 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 Brazilian Real 3.6054 3.8561 3.7004 3.9729 3.4305 Canadian Dollar 1.4647 1.4659 1.4186 1.5039 1.4188 Chinese Renminbi 7.6290 7.3522 6.9733 7.8044 7.3202 Hungarian Forint 309.1933 311.4379 309.9956 310.3300 309.8300 Indian Rupee 73.5324 74.3717 71.1956 76.6055 71.5935 Philippine Peso 56.9734 52.5555 50.5217 59.7950 52.2680 Polish Zloty 4.2570 4.3632 4.1841 4.1770 4.4103 Pound Sterling 0.8767 0.8195 0.7258 0.8872 0.8562 Romanian Leu 4.5688 4.4904 4.4454 4.6585 4.5390 Serbian Dinar 121.3232 123.1356 120.7168 118.3086 123.4600 Swiss Franc 1.1117 1.0902 1.0679 1.1702 1.0739 Ukrainian Hryvnia 30.0341 28.2812 24.3693 33.6769 28.6043 US Dollar 1.1297 1.1069 1.1095 1.1993 1.0541

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Segments Disclosures	A. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Income Statement data Year ended 31 December Revenue Group EBITDA (as defined)* Depreciation, Group operating profit 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Continuing operations Europe Heavyside 6,902 6,945 4,813 839 781 424 361 395 304 478 386 120 Europe Lightside 1,440 1,392 1,404 143 137 136 41 45 46 102 92 90 Europe Distribution 4,145 4,066 4,158 269 206 171 62 76 77 207 130 94 Europe 12,487 12,403 10,375 1,251 1,124 731 464 516 427 787 608 304 Americas Materials 7,970 7,598 7,018 1,270 1,204 955 412 386 335 858 818 620 Americas Products 4,327 4,280 3,862 573 543 391 138 132 142 435 411 249 Americas 12,297 11,878 10,880 1,843 1,747 1,346 550 518 477 1,293 1,229 869 Asia 436 508 151 52 109 2 37 38 9 15 71 (7) Total Group from continuing operations 25,220 24,789 21,406 3,146 2,980 2,079 1,051 1,072 913 2,095 1,908 1,166 Discontinued operations Americas Distribution 2,343 2,315 2,229 164 150 140 21 31 29 143 119 111 Total Group 27,563 27,104 23,635 3,310 3,130 2,219 1,072 1,103 942 2,238 2,027 1,277 Group operating profit from continuing operations 2,095 1,908 1,166 Profit on disposals (i) 56 53 99 Finance costs less income (289) (317) (295) Other financial expense (60) (66) (94) Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (ii) 65 42 44 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,867 1,620 920 (i) Profit/(loss) on disposals (note 5) (ii) Share of equity accounted (note 10) Europe Heavyside 19 24 100 9 12 15 Europe Lightside - 1 (22) - - - Europe Distribution 4 13 8 15 13 15 Europe 23 38 86 24 25 30 Americas Materials 29 (19) 24 32 34 23 Americas Products 4 34 (11) - - - Americas 33 15 13 32 34 23 Asia - - - 9 (17) (9) Total Group 56 53 99 65 42 44 * EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation, asset impairment charges, profit on disposals and the Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ profit after tax. B. Operating segments disclosures - Consolidated Balance Sheet data As at 31 December Total assets Total liabilities 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € Europe Heavyside 8,932 8,383 2,641 2,633 Europe Lightside 1,100 1,084 302 313 Europe Distribution 2,178 2,160 563 642 Europe 12,210 11,627 3,506 3,588 Americas Materials 9,180 8,970 1,628 1,725 Americas Products 4,017 4,275 895 998 Americas Distribution (i) - 1,152 - 392 Americas 13,197 14,397 2,523 3,115 Asia 1,402 1,557 172 224 Total Group 26,809 27,581 6,201 6,927 Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Investments accounted for using the equity method 1,248 1,299 Other financial assets 25 26 Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 64 76 Income tax assets (current and deferred) 260 163 Cash and cash equivalents 2,115 2,449 Assets held for sale 1,112 - Total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 31,633 31,594 Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current) 7,976 7,790 Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current) 14 32 Income tax liabilities (current and deferred) 2,124 2,402 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 341 - Total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 16,656 17,151 (i) During 2017, the Americas Distribution segment was classified as held for sale under IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations C. Operating segments disclosures - other items Additions to non-current Year ended 31 December Property, plant and Financial assets (note 16) Total Group 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Continuing operations Europe Heavyside 349 260 238 - 2 8 349 262 246 Europe Lightside 36 27 38 - - - 36 27 38 Europe Distribution 33 26 46 - - 1 33 26 47 Europe 418 313 322 - 2 9 418 315 331 Americas Materials 375 328 335 5 5 10 380 333 345 Americas Products 167 142 153 6 - - 173 142 153 Americas 542 470 488 11 5 10 553 475 498 Asia 55 47 31 - - - 55 47 31 Total Group from continuing operations 1,015 830 841 11 7 19 1,026 837 860 Discontinued operations Americas Distribution 29 23 41 - - - 29 23 41 Total Group 1,044 853 882 11 7 19 1,055 860 901
Summary of Information About Geographical Areas and Customers	CRH has a presence in 32 countries worldwide. The revenues from external customers and non-current Year ended 31 December As at 31 December Revenue by destination Non-current assets* 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € Country of domicile - Republic of Ireland 435 403 349 493 475 Benelux (mainly the Netherlands) 2,589 2,576 2,478 1,162 1,201 United Kingdom 3,023 3,091 1,694 2,395 2,487 United States 10,844 10,415 9,819 8,749 8,710 Other 8,329 8,304 7,066 8,757 8,346 Total Group from continuing operations 25,220 24,789 21,406 21,556 21,219 United States - Americas Distribution 2,343 2,315 2,229 476 531 Total Group 27,563 27,104 23,635 22,032 21,750

Assets Held For Sale and Disc46

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Discontinued Operations	A. Discontinued operations The results of the discontinued operations included in the Group profit for the financial year are set out below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Revenue 2,343 2,315 2,229 EBITDA (as defined)* 164 150 140 Depreciation (16) (22) (18) Amortisation (5) (9) (11) Operating profit 143 119 111 Profit on disposals 3 2 2 Profit before tax 146 121 113 Attributable income tax expense (i) (39) (40) (28) Profit after tax 107 81 85 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from discontinued operations 12.8c 9.8c 10.4c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from discontinued operations 12.7c 9.7c 10.4c Cash flows from discontinued operations Net cash inflow from operating activities 111 123 173 Net cash outflow from investing activities (27) (22) (39) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 1 (1) - Net cash inflows 85 100 134 (i) The 2017 attributable income tax expense includes a non-cash deferred tax credit of €
Summary of Assets Held For Sale	B. Assets held for sale 2017 € Assets Property, plant and equipment (note 14) 104 Intangible assets (note 15) 372 Deferred income tax assets (note 27) 16 Inventories (note 20) 266 Trade and other receivables (note 20) 334 Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 20 Assets held for sale 1,112 Liabilities Trade and other payables (note 20) 306 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) 5 Deferred income tax liabilities (note 27) 30 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale 341 Net assets held for sale 771 Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity relating to assets held for sale amounted to €

Cost Analysis Continuing Oper47

Cost Analysis Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Cost of Sales and Operating Costs Analysis	Continuing Operations 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Cost of sales analysis Raw materials and goods for resale 7,428 7,307 6,978 Employment costs (note 6) 2,869 2,725 2,446 Energy conversion costs 1,004 940 789 Repairs and maintenance 811 803 630 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (i) 830 817 697 Change in inventory (142) (33) 37 Other production expenses (primarily sub-contractor 4,103 4,007 3,166 Total 16,903 16,566 14,743 Operating costs analysis Selling and distribution costs 4,236 4,100 3,593 Administrative expenses 1,986 2,215 1,904 Total 6,222 6,315 5,497
Summary of Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment Analysis	(i) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment analysis Cost of sales Operating costs Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Depreciation and depletion (note 14) 830 817 667 160 170 158 990 987 825 Amortisation of intangible assets (note 15) - - - 61 62 44 61 62 44 Impairment of property, plant and equipment - - 30 - - 11 - - 41 Impairment of intangible assets (note 15) - - - - 23 1 - 23 1 Impairment of financial assets - - - - - 2 - - 2 Total 830 817 697 221 255 216 1,051 1,072 913

Operating Profit Disclosures 48

Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Lease Rentals	2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Operating lease rentals - hire of plant and machinery 292 262 200 - land and buildings 258 250 221 - other operating leases 56 57 50 Total 606 569 471
Summary of Auditor's Remuneration	In accordance with statutory requirements in Ireland, fees for professional services provided by the Group’s independent auditor in respect of each of the following categories were: EY Ireland (statutory auditor) EY (network firms) Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Audit fees (i) 4 3 3 16 16 16 20 19 19 Other audit-related assurance fees (ii) - - 1 1 - 4 1 - 5 Tax advisory services - - - 1 1 2 1 1 2 Total 4 3 4 18 17 22 22 20 26 (i) Audit of the Group accounts includes audit of internal controls over financial reporting and parent and subsidiary statutory audit fees, but excludes € € € (ii) Other assurance services includes attestation and due diligence services that are closely related to the performance of the audit. (iii) There were no other fees for services provided by the Group’s independent auditor (2016: € €

Business and Non-Current Asse49

Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals	Business disposals Disposal of other non-current Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 (i) € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount: - non-current 47 147 570 79 109 103 126 256 673 - cash and cash equivalents 11 3 90 - - - 11 3 90 - working capital and provisions (note 20) 29 24 246 - - - 29 24 246 - interest-bearing loans and borrowings - - (20) - - - - - (20) - deferred tax (note 27) 2 (1) (22) - - - 2 (1) (22) - retirement benefit obligations - - (84) - - - - - (84) Net assets disposed 89 173 780 79 109 103 168 282 883 Reclassification of currency translation effects on disposal 9 (44) 39 - - - 9 (44) 39 Total 98 129 819 79 109 103 177 238 922 Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs) 99 133 875 134 158 140 233 291 1,015 Profit on step acquisition (note 31) - - 6 - - - - - 6 Profit on disposals 1 4 62 55 49 37 56 53 99 Net cash inflow arising on disposal Proceeds from disposals from continuing operations 99 133 875 134 158 140 233 291 1,015 Proceeds from disposals from discontinued operations - - - 3 2 2 3 2 2 Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed (11) (3) (90) - - - (11) (3) (90) Less: deferred proceeds arising on disposal (note 20) (3) (7) (38) - - - (3) (7) (38) Total 85 123 747 137 160 142 222 283 889 (i) Disposals in 2015 related principally to the divestment of the Group’s clay and certain concrete businesses in the UK (Europe Heavyside) and its clay business in the US (Americas Products) on 26 February 2015.

Employment Continuing Operati50

Employment Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Average Number of Employees	The average number of employees is as follows: Year ended 31 December 2017 2016 2015 Europe Heavyside 24,401 24,551 18,131 Europe Lightside 7,272 7,084 7,360 Europe Distribution 11,036 10,971 11,392 Europe 42,709 42,606 36,883 Americas Materials 24,077 22,650 20,125 Americas Products 17,146 16,259 16,712 Americas 41,223 38,909 36,837 Asia 1,431 1,374 466 Total Group 85,363 82,889 74,186
Summary of Employment Costs	Employment costs charged in the Consolidated Income Statement are analysed as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Wages and salaries 3,997 3,915 3,474 Social welfare costs 465 454 401 Other employment-related costs* 546 531 505 Share-based payment expense (note 8) 60 44 26 Total retirement benefits expense (note 28) 236 307 281 Total 5,304 5,251 4,687 Total charge analysed between: Cost of sales 2,869 2,725 2,446 Operating costs 2,424 2,514 2,224 Finance costs (net) - applicable to retirement benefit obligations (note 9) 11 12 17 Total 5,304 5,251 4,687 * Other employment costs relate principally to redundancy, severance and healthcare costs.

Share-based Payment Expense (Ta

Share-based Payment Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Share-based Payment Expense, Continuing Operations	2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Performance Share Plans and Restricted Share Plan expense 57 38 25 Share option expense 3 6 1 Total share-based payment expense 60 44 26
Summary of Movement and Options Outstanding Under Share Option Schemes	Details of movement and options outstanding under Share Option Schemes (excluding Savings-related Share Option Schemes) Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of 2017 2016 2015 Outstanding at beginning of year € 2,997,495 € 8,620,690 € 15,481,191 Exercised (i) € (1,462,863) € (2,102,332) € (2,544,141) Lapsed € (92,853) € (3,520,863) € (4,316,360) Outstanding at end of year (ii) € 1,441,779 € 2,997,495 € 8,620,690 Exercisable at end of year € 1,441,779 € 2,997,495 € 5,335,290 (i) The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of these options was € € € (ii) All options granted have a life of ten years.
Summary of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Share Options Outstanding	Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) 2.53 2.46 3.86 euro-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 1,436,115 2,991,831 8,604,776 Range of exercise prices ( € 16.19-21.52 16.19-29.86 16.19-29.86 Pound Sterling-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 5,664 5,664 15,914 Range of exercise prices (Stg£) 15.30-17.19 15.30-17.19 13.64-18.02
2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Awards Granted Under Performance Share Plan	Details of awards granted under the 2014 Performance Share Plan Number of shares Share price at Period to earliest Initial Net outstanding at Granted in 2017 € 3 years 3,342,900 3,156,995 Granted in 2016 € 3 years 3,879,901 3,437,098 Granted in 2015 € 3 years 2,989,371 2,644,593 * Numbers represent the initial awards including those granted to employees of Allied Building Products. The Remuneration Committee has determined that dividend equivalents will accrue on awards under the 2014 Performance Share Plan. Subject to satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria, such dividend equivalents will be released to participants in the form of additional shares on vesting.
2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Assumptions of Fair Value Options	The fair values assigned to the portion of awards which are subject to TSR performance against peers and the index were € € € € € 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate (%) (0.40) (0.53) 0.25 Expected volatility (%) 30.1 21.7 21.4
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Assumptions of Fair Value Options	The fair value of these options were determined using the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 3-year 5-year 3-year 5-year 3-year 5-year Weighted average exercise price ( € 27.86 27.86 20.83 20.83 21.12 21.12 Risk-free interest rate (%) (0.72) (0.45) (0.48) (0.33) (0.22) (0.09) Expected dividend payments over the expected life ( € 2.07 3.55 1.95 3.32 1.91 3.25 Expected volatility (%) 20.9 20.6 21.8 22.9 21.6 27.8 Expected life in years 3 5 3 5 3 5
Summary of Movement and Options Outstanding Under Share Option Schemes	Details of options granted under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of Weighted average Number of 2017 2016 2015 Outstanding at beginning of year € 1,402,174 € 593,177 € 894,548 Exercised (i) € (126,472) € (121,242) € (331,925) Lapsed € (123,455) € (81,628) € (187,892) Granted (ii) € 404,052 € 1,011,867 € 218,446 Outstanding at end of year € 1,556,299 € 1,402,174 € 593,177 Exercisable at end of year € 15,890 € 23,897 € 15,165 (i) The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of these options was € € € (ii) Pursuant to the 2010 Savings-related Share Option Schemes operated by the Group, employees were granted options over 404,052 of CRH plc’s Ordinary Shares in March 2017 (2016: 1,011,867 share options in March 2016; 2015: 218,446 share options in March 2015). This figure comprises options over 304,492 (2016: 692,334; 2015: 152,312) shares and 99,560 (2016: 319,533; 2015: 66,134) shares which are normally exercisable within a period of six months after the third or the fifth anniversary of the contract, whichever is applicable, and are not subject to specified EPS growth targets being achieved. The exercise price at which the options are granted under the scheme represents a discount of 15% to the market price on the date of invitation of each savings contract.
Summary of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Share Options Outstanding	2017 2016 2015 Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) 1.90 2.41 1.96 euro-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 304,963 320,362 321,059 Range of exercise prices ( € 13.64-27.86 12.82-21.12 12.82-21.12 Pound Sterling-denominated options outstanding at end of year (number) 1,251,336 1,081,812 272,118 Range of exercise prices (Stg£) 12.22-24.51 11.55-16.16 11.19-15.54
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member] | Trinomial valuation methodology [member]
Statement [LineItems]
Summary of Weighted Fair Values Assigned to Options Issued Under the Savings-Related Share Option Schemes	The weighted fair values assigned to options issued under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes, which were computed in accordance with the trinomial valuation methodology, were as follows: 3-year 5-year Granted in 2017 € € 6.49 Granted in 2016 € € Granted in 2015 € € 6.08

Finance Costs and Finance Inc52

Finance Costs and Finance Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Finance Costs and Finance Income	2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Finance costs Interest payable on borrowings 300 337 334 Net loss/(income) on interest rate and currency swaps 2 (10) (32) Mark-to-market - interest rate swaps (i) 16 14 12 - currency swaps and forward contracts - (3) 4 - fixed rate debt (i) (23) (20) (22) Net loss on interest rate swaps not designated as hedges 6 7 7 Net finance cost on gross debt including related derivatives 301 325 303 Finance income Interest receivable on loans to joint ventures and associates (5) (4) (4) Interest receivable on cash and cash equivalents and other (7) (4) (4) Finance income (12) (8) (8) Finance costs less income 289 317 295 Other financial expense Premium paid on early debt redemption 18 - 38 Unwinding of discount element of provisions for liabilities (note 26) 24 30 19 Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 19) 7 24 20 Pension-related finance cost (net) (note 28) 11 12 17 Total 60 66 94 Total net finance costs 349 383 389 (i) The Group uses interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate debt to floating rate. Fixed rate debt, which has been converted to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps, is stated in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at adjusted value to reflect movements in underlying fixed rates. The movement on this adjustment, together with the offsetting movement in the fair value of the related interest rate swaps, is included in finance costs in each reporting period.

Share of Equity Accounted Inv53

Share of Equity Accounted Investments' Profit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Analysis of Share of Joint Ventures' and Associates' Profit After Tax	The Group’s share of joint ventures’ and associates’ profit after tax is equity accounted and is presented as a single line item in the Consolidated Income Statement; it is analysed as follows between the principal Consolidated Income Statement captions: Joint Ventures Associates Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Group share of: Revenue 582 480 496 816 769 961 1,398 1,249 1,457 EBITDA (as defined)* 77 85 79 77 52 84 154 137 163 Depreciation and amortisation (28) (26) (27) (39) (40) (55) (67) (66) (82) Operating profit 49 59 52 38 12 29 87 71 81 Finance costs (net) (1) (4) (6) (10) (15) (17) (11) (19) (23) Profit/(loss) before tax 48 55 46 28 (3) 12 76 52 58 Income tax expense (5) (4) (5) (6) (6) (9) (11) (10) (14) Profit/(loss) after tax 43 51 41 22 (9) 3 65 42 44

Income Tax Expense Continuing54

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Current and Deferred Tax (Income)/Expense	Continuing Operations Recognised within the Consolidated Income Statement 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € (a) Current tax Republic of Ireland 9 5 - Overseas 312 443 320 Total current tax expense 321 448 320 (b) Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences: Retirement benefit obligations 16 8 7 Share-based payment expense (4) (11) (8) Derivative financial instruments 2 1 1 Other items (including deferred tax credit associated with the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” and other timing differences) (280) (15) (44) Total deferred tax income (266) (17) (44) Income tax reported in the Consolidated Income Statement 55 431 276
Schedule of Income Tax Recognised Outside Consolidated Income Statement	Recognised outside the Consolidated Income Statement 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € (a) Within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income: Deferred tax - retirement benefit obligations (33) 3 (30) (b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity: Current tax Current tax - share option exercises 2 - - Deferred tax Deferred tax - share-based payment expense (7) 12 5 (5) 12 5 Income tax recognised outside the Consolidated Income Statement (38) 15 (25)
Reconciliation of Applicable Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	Reconciliation of applicable tax rate to effective tax rate Profit before tax ( € 1,867 1,620 920 Tax charge expressed as a percentage of profit before tax (effective tax rate): - current tax expense only 17.2% 27.7% 34.8% - total income tax expense (current and deferred) 2.9% 26.6% 30.0% The following table reconciles the applicable Republic of Ireland statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate (current and deferred) of the Group: % of profit before tax Irish corporation tax rate 12.5 12.5 12.5 Higher tax rates on overseas earnings 15.9 15.1 12.3 Deferred tax credit relating to the enactment of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (23.6) - - Other items (primarily comprising items not chargeable to tax/expenses not deductible for tax) (1.9) (1.0) 5.2 Total effective tax rate 2.9 26.6 30.0

Dividends (Tables)

Dividends (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Dividends Paid and Proposed	The dividends paid and proposed in respect of each class of share capital are as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Dividends to shareholders Preference 5% Cumulative Preference Shares € € € - - - 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares € € € - - - Equity Final - paid 46.20c per Ordinary Share (2016: 44.00c; 2015: 44.00c) 386 363 359 Interim - paid 19.20c per Ordinary Share (2016: 18.80c; 2015: 18.50c) 160 156 152 Total 546 519 511 Reconciliation to Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Dividends to shareholders 546 519 511 Less: issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 30) (77) (167) (132) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company 469 352 379 Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling 8 8 4 Total dividends paid 477 360 383 Dividends proposed (memorandum disclosure) Equity Final 2017 - proposed 48.80c per Ordinary Share (2016: 46.20c; 2015: 44.00c) 409 385 362

Earnings per Ordinary Share (Ta

Earnings per Ordinary Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share is set out below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Numerator computations Group profit for the financial year 1,919 1,270 729 Profit attributable to non-controlling (24) (27) (5) Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 1,895 1,243 724 Preference dividends - - - Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - 1,895 1,243 724 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 107 81 85 Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - 1,788 1,162 639 Denominator computations Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares (millions) outstanding for the year (i) 835.6 827.8 812.3 Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares (employee share options) (millions) (i) and (ii) 5.2 6.1 3.6 Denominator for diluted earnings per Ordinary Share 840.8 833.9 815.9 Basic earnings per Ordinary Share 226.8c 150.2c 89.1c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share 225.4c 149.1c 88.7c Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations 214.0c 140.4c 78.7c Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations 212.7c 139.4c 78.3c (i) The weighted average number of Ordinary Shares included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share has been adjusted to exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and Ordinary Shares repurchased and held by the Company (CRH plc) as Treasury Shares given that these shares do not rank for dividend. The number of Ordinary Shares so held at the balance sheet date is detailed in note 30. (ii) Contingently issuable Ordinary Shares (totalling 5,710,247 at 31 December 2017, 3,095,404 at 31 December 2016 and 8,630,786 at 31 December 2015) are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per Ordinary Share where the conditions governing exercisability have not been satisfied as at the end of the reporting period or they are antidilutive for the periods presented.

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment	Land and € Plant and € Assets in € Total € At 31 December 2017 Cost/deemed cost 8,472 13,157 551 22,180 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,248) (6,838) - (9,086) Net carrying amount 6,224 6,319 551 13,094 At 1 January 2017, net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 Translation adjustment (483) (460) (33) (976) Reclassifications 60 348 (408) - Additions at cost 87 481 476 1,044 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 703 812 21 1,536 Reclassified as held for sale (22) (79) (3) (104) Disposals at net carrying amount (53) (37) - (90) Depreciation charge for year (ii) (225) (781) - (1,006) At 31 December 2017, net carrying amount 6,224 6,319 551 13,094 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Cost/deemed cost 8,438 13,182 498 22,118 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,281) (7,147) - (9,428) Net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 At 1 January 2016, net carrying amount 6,396 6,087 579 13,062 Translation adjustment 9 (62) (4) (57) Reclassifications 41 340 (381) - Transfer from trade and other receivables (note 20) 8 - - 8 Additions at cost 82 451 320 853 Arising on acquisition (note 31) (17) 51 (15) 19 Disposals at net carrying amount (129) (56) (1) (186) Depreciation charge for year (ii) (233) (776) - (1,009) At 31 December 2016, net carrying amount 6,157 6,035 498 12,690 At 1 January 2016 Cost/deemed cost 8,471 12,583 582 21,636 Accumulated depreciation (and impairment charges) (2,075) (6,496) (3) (8,574) Net carrying amount 6,396 6,087 579 13,062 (i) The carrying value of mineral-bearing land included in the land and buildings category above amounted to € € (ii) The depreciation charge for the year includes € € €
Schedule of Future Purchase Commitments for Property, Plant and Equipment	Future purchase commitments for property, plant and equipment 2017 € 2016 € Contracted for but not provided in the financial statements 346 309 Authorised by the Directors but not contracted for 491 467

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets Goodwill € Marketing- related € Customer- related (i) € Contract- based € Total € At 31 December 2017 Cost/deemed cost 7,198 129 535 80 7,942 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (293) (54) (331) (50) (728) Net carrying amount 6,905 75 204 30 7,214 At 1 January 2017, net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 Translation Adjustment (593) (10) (22) (4) (629) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 487 4 51 1 543 Reclassified as held for sale (363) - (8) (1) (372) Disposals (22) - (1) - (23) Amortisation charge for year (ii) - (8) (45) (13) (66) At 31 December 2017, net carrying amount 6,905 75 204 30 7,214 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Cost/deemed cost 7,701 142 659 87 8,589 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (305) (53) (430) (40) (828) Net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 At 1 January 2016, net carrying amount 7,406 91 264 59 7,820 Translation adjustment (2) 2 6 1 7 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 71 3 11 - 85 Disposals (56) - (1) - (57) Amortisation charge for year (ii) - (7) (51) (13) (71) Impairment charge for year (23) - - - (23) At 31 December 2016, net carrying amount 7,396 89 229 47 7,761 At 1 January 2016 Cost/deemed cost 7,699 137 639 85 8,560 Accumulated amortisation (and impairment charges) (293) (46) (375) (26) (740) Net carrying amount 7,406 91 264 59 7,820 (i) The customer-related intangible assets relate predominantly to non-contractual (ii) The amortisation charge for the year includes € € € customer-related
Summary of Goodwill by Cash Generating Units	All businesses within the various CGUs exhibit similar and/or consistent profit margin and asset intensity characteristics. Assets, liabilities, deferred tax and goodwill have been assigned to the CGUs on a reasonable and consistent basis. Cash-generating units Goodwill ( € 2017 2016 2017 2016 Europe Heavyside* 14 14 1,770 1,679 Europe Lightside 1 1 365 365 Europe Distribution 1 1 671 665 Europe 16 16 2,806 2,709 Americas Materials* 6 6 2,082 2,077 Americas Products 1 1 1,555 1,671 Americas Distribution 1 1 - 411 Americas 8 8 3,637 4,159 Asia 1 1 462 528 Total Group 25 25 6,905 7,396 * Within the goodwill figures included above for the Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials segments is €
Summary of Significant Goodwill Amounts	The additional disclosures required for the two CGUs with significant goodwill are as follows: United Kingdom Oldcastle 2017 2016 2017 2016 Goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date € € € € Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax) 7.6% 7.8% 10.3% 11.7% Average EBITDA (as defined)* margin over the initial 5-year 13.9% 13.7% 15.1% 14.4% Value-in-use € € € € Excess of value-in-use € € € €
Summary of Key Assumptions and Sensitivity Analysis Relating to Cash Generating Units Explanatory	The table below identifies the amounts by which each of the following assumptions may either decline or increase to arrive at a zero excess of the present value of future cash flows over the book value of net assets in the CGU selected for sensitivity analysis disclosures: One cash-generating unit Reduction in EBITDA (as defined)* margin 2.9 percentage points Reduction in profit before tax 22.2% Reduction in net cash flow 18.2% Increase in pre-tax 1.7 percentage points

Financial Assets (Tables)

Financial Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Investments Accounted For Using the Equity Method	Investments accounted for Share of net € Loans € Total € Other (i) € At 1 January 2017 1,152 147 1,299 26 Translation adjustment (67) (16) (83) (1) Investments and advances 5 6 11 - Disposals and repayments (1) (12) (13) - Share of profit after tax 65 - 65 - Dividends received (31) - (31) - At 31 December 2017 1,123 125 1,248 25 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 1 January 2016 1,161 156 1,317 28 Translation adjustment (14) 3 (11) - Investments and advances 1 6 7 - Reduction in joint venture loans - (5) (5) - Disposals and repayments 2 (13) (11) (2) Share of profit after tax 42 - 42 - Dividends received (40) - (40) - At 31 December 2016 1,152 147 1,299 26 (i) Other financial assets primarily comprise trade investments carried at historical cost.
Summary of Financial Information for Group's Investment in Joint Ventures and Associates	Summarised financial information for the Group’s investment in joint ventures and associates which are accounted for using the equity method is as follows: Joint Ventures Associates Total 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € 2017 € 2016 € Non-current 752 727 754 845 1,506 1,572 Current assets 209 171 492 413 701 584 Non-current (348) (285) (73) (182) (421) (467) Current liabilities (115) (102) (548) (435) (663) (537) Net assets 498 511 625 641 1,123 1,152

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	2017 € 2016 € Raw materials 885 821 Work-in-progress 92 94 Finished goods 1,738 2,024 Total inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value 2,715 2,939 (i) Work-in-progress € € percentage-of-completion

Trade and Other Receivables (Ta

Trade and Other Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Trade and Other Receivables	2017 € 2016 € Current Trade receivables 2,456 2,773 Amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts (i) 773 792 Total trade receivables, gross 3,229 3,565 Provision for impairment (131) (152) Total trade receivables, net 3,098 3,413 Amounts receivable from equity accounted investments 8 9 Prepayments and other receivables 524 557 Total 3,630 3,979 Non-current Other receivables 156 212 The carrying amounts of current and non-current (i) Includes unbilled revenue and retentions held by customers in respect of construction contracts at the balance sheet date amounting to € € € €
Summary of Provision for Impairment of Receivables	The movements in the provision for impairment of receivables during the financial year were as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € At 1 January 152 161 106 Translation adjustment (7) (1) 5 Provided during year 32 43 40 Reclassified (as)/from held for sale (6) - 2 Disposed of during year - (1) (4) Written off during year (36) (43) (36) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 3 2 55 Recovered during year (7) (9) (7) At 31 December 131 152 161
Schedule of Aged Analysis of Trade Receivables and Amounts Receivable in Respect of Construction Contracts at Balance Sheet Date	The aged analysis of trade receivables and amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts at the balance sheet date was as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Neither past due nor impaired 2,070 2,414 Past due but not impaired: - less than 60 days 832 774 - 60 days or greater but less than 120 days 129 120 - 120 days or greater 67 105 Past due and impaired (partial or full provision) 131 152 Total 3,229 3,565

Trade and Other Payables (Table

Trade and Other Payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Trade and Other Payables	2017 € 2016 € Current Trade payables 2,304 2,531 Construction contract-related payables (i) 217 296 Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (ii) 167 61 Accruals and other payables 1,802 1,875 Amounts payable to equity accounted investments 44 52 Total 4,534 4,815 Non-current Other payables 128 221 Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (ii) 98 240 Total 226 461 (i) Construction contract-related payables include billings in excess of revenue, together with advances received from customers in respect of work to be performed under construction contracts and foreseeable losses thereon. Other than deferred and contingent consideration, the carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate their fair value largely due to the short-term maturities and nature of these instruments. (ii) The fair value of total contingent consideration is € € € € € €
Summary of Movement in Deferred and Contingent Consideration	The movement in deferred and contingent consideration during the financial year was as follows: 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 301 288 Translation adjustment (36) 9 Arising on acquisitions and investments during year (note 31) 45 22 Changes in estimate 3 15 Paid during year (53) (57) Discount unwinding 7 24 Reclassified as held for sale (2) - At 31 December 265 301

Movement in Working Capital a63

Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities	€ Trade and other € Provisions for liabilities € Total € At 1 January 2017 2,939 4,191 (5,276) (1,060) 794 Translation adjustment (218) (286) 348 72 (84) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 114 129 (149) (49) 45 Reclassified as held for sale (266) (334) 306 - (294) Disposals (34) (16) 20 1 (29) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (45) - (45) - paid during year - - 53 - 53 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 3 - - 3 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - 1 - (24) (23) Reclassification (3) (14) 65 - 48 Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities 183 112 (82) (4) 209 At 31 December 2017 2,715 3,786 (4,760) (1,064) 677 The equivalent disclosure for the prior years is as follows: At 1 January 2016 2,873 4,126 (5,171) (1,035) 793 Translation adjustment 20 (12) 26 26 60 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 9 28 (14) 18 41 Disposals (18) (15) 8 1 (24) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (22) - (22) - paid during year - - 57 - 57 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 7 - - 7 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - - (24) (30) (54) Transfer to property, plant and equipment - (8) - - (8) Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities 55 65 (136) (40) (56) At 31 December 2016 2,939 4,191 (5,276) (1,060) 794 At 1 January 2015 2,260 2,729 (3,151) (396) 1,442 Translation adjustment 130 147 (151) (5) 121 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 621 1,533 (1,549) (581) 24 Reclassified from held for sale 102 79 (98) (7) 76 Disposals (211) (178) 137 6 (246) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration: - arising on acquisitions during year (note 31) - - (97) - (97) - paid during year - - 59 - 59 Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year - 38 - - 38 Interest accruals and discount unwinding - - (20) (19) (39) Decrease in working capital and provisions for liabilities (29) (222) (301) (33) (585) At 31 December 2015 2,873 4,126 (5,171) (1,035) 793

Analysis of Net Debt (Tables)

Analysis of Net Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Component of Net Debt	As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 Fair value (i) € Book value € Fair value (i) € Book value € Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 2,135 2,135 2,449 2,449 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) (8,421) (7,981) (8,236) (7,790) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 50 50 44 44 Group net debt (6,236) (5,796) (5,743) (5,297
Reconciliation of Opening to Closing Net Debt	Reconciliation of opening to closing net debt 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € At 1 January (5,297) (6,618) (2,492) Debt in acquired companies (note 31) (12) (3) (175) Debt in disposed companies - - 20 Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases (1,010) (600) (5,633) Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments (169) 5 (47) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases 343 2,015 2,744 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (153) (127) (897) Mark-to-market 9 21 (1) Translation adjustment 493 10 (137) At 31 December (5,796) (5,297) (6,618)
Schedule of Effective Interest Rates on Period-End Fixed, Gross and Net Debt	The following table shows the effective interest rates on period-end As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 € Interest Weighted € Interest Weighted Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - fixed rate (i) (7,844) (7,417) Derivative financial instruments - fixed rate 1,505 1,640 Net fixed rate debt including derivatives (6,339) 3.3% 9.2 (5,777) 3.5% 8.7 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - floating rate (ii) (70) (270) Adjustment of debt from nominal to book value (i) (67) (103) Derivative financial instruments - currency floating rate (1,455) (1,596) Gross debt including derivative financial instruments (7,931) 4.2% (7,746) 4.1% Cash and cash equivalents - floating rate 2,135 2,449 Group net debt (5,796) (5,297) Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23) (20) - Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24) 5 - Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale (5,811) (5,297) (i) Of the Group’s nominal fixed rate debt at 31 December 2017, € € (ii) Floating rate debt comprises bank borrowings and finance leases bearing interest at rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to less than one year largely by reference to inter-bank interest rates.
Schedule of Currency Profile of Net Debt and Net Worth Capital and Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders	The currency profile of the Group’s net debt and net worth (capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders) as at 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 is as follows: euro € US € Pound € Canadian € Philippine € Polish € Swiss € Other (i) € Total € Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)* 743 714 215 140 43 99 61 100 2,115 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)* (3,827) (3,097) (465) (2) (293) - (281) (11) (7,976) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 2,078 (908) (157) (480) (17) (171) (247) (48) 50 Net debt* by major currency including derivative financial instruments (1,006) (3,291) (407) (342) (267) (72) (467) 41 (5,811) Non-debt Non-current 5,030 8,815 2,400 1,466 1,292 310 715 1,804 21,832 Current assets 1,935 3,718 692 454 110 138 302 273 7,622 Non-current (713) (1,311) (295) (206) (153) (5) (181) (98) (2,962) Current liabilities (1,745) (2,093) (806) (322) (137) (130) (186) (285) (5,704) Non-controlling (49) (14) - - (391) - (11) (21) (486) Capital and reserves attributable to the 3,452 5,824 1,584 1,050 454 241 172 1,714 14,491 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: Cash and cash equivalents (note 23) 690 1,284 72 145 16 21 89 132 2,449 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24) (3,840) (2,957) (464) (1) (197) (1) (306) (24) (7,790) Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25) 2,397 (1,246) (208) (612) - (80) (209) 2 44 Net debt by major currency including derivative financial instruments (753) (2,919) (600) (468) (181) (60) (426) 110 (5,297) Non-debt Non-current 4,476 9,311 2,485 1,541 1,459 288 797 1,790 22,147 Current assets 1,809 3,064 749 471 97 149 325 258 6,922 Non-current (641) (1,885) (276) (247) (238) (4) (350) (97) (3,738) Current liabilities (1,610) (2,059) (892) (320) (125) (118) (199) (268) (5,591) Non-controlling (46) (16) - - (472) (1) (12) (1) (548) Capital and reserves attributable to the 3,235 5,496 1,466 977 540 254 135 1,792 13,895 (i) The principal currencies included in this category are the Chinese Renminbi, the Romanian Leu, the Indian Rupee, the Ukrainian Hryvnia and the Serbian Dinar.
Schedule of Liquidity and Capital Resources Related to Cash Generation and Changes in Our Cash and Cash Equivalents Position	The following table provides certain information related to our cash generation and changes in our cash and cash equivalents position: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,189 2,340 2,247 Net cash outflow from investing activities (2,685) (735) (7,306) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 343 (1,732) 4,162 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (153) (127) (897) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year, excluding overdrafts (note 23) 2,449 2,518 3,295 Effect of exchange rate changes (161) 58 120 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year, excluding overdrafts (note 23) 2,135 2,449 2,518 Bank overdrafts (71) (78) (117) Borrowings (7,910) (7,712) (9,104) Derivative financial instruments 50 44 85 Total liabilities from financing activities (7,931) (7,746) (9,136) Net debt at end of year (5,796) (5,297) (6,618) Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23) (20) - - Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24) 5 - - Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale (5,811) (5,297) (6,618)
Schedule of Significant Borrowings	The main sources of Group debt funding are public bond markets in Europe and North America. The following bonds were outstanding as at 31 December 2017: Annual Outstanding Final US Dollar bonds (i) 8.125% US$288 2018 euro bonds 5.000% € 2019 euro bonds 2.750% € 2020 US Dollar bonds 5.750% US$400 2021 euro bonds 1.750% € 2021 Swiss Franc bonds 1.375% CHF330 2022 euro bonds 3.125% € 2023 euro bonds 1.875% € 2024 US Dollar bonds 3.875% US$1,250 2025 US Dollar bonds 3.400% US$600 2027 euro bonds 1.375% € 2028 Pound Sterling bonds 4.125% £400 2029 US Dollar bonds (ii) 6.400% US$213 2033 US Dollar bonds 5.125% US$500 2045 US Dollar bonds 4.400% US$400 2047 (i) Originally issued as a US$650 million bond in July 2008. In May 2017, US$362.13 million of the issued notes were redeemed by the issuer as part of liability management exercise. (ii) Originally issued as a US$300 million bond in September 2003. In August 2009 and December 2010, US$87.445 million of the issued notes were acquired by CRH plc as part of liability management exercises undertaken

Capital and Financial Risk Ma65

Capital and Financial Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Capital and Net Debt	The capital structure of the Group, which comprises net debt and capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders, may be summarised as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 14,491 13,895 Net debt 5,796 5,297 Capital and net debt 20,287 19,192
Summary of Interest Rate Risk	The following table demonstrates the impact on profit before tax and total equity of a range of possible changes in the interest rates applicable to net floating rate borrowings, with all other variables held constant. These impacts are calculated based on the closing balance sheet for the relevant period and assume all floating interest rates and interest curves change by the same amount. For profit before tax, the impact shown is the impact on closing balance sheet floating rate net debt for a full year while for total equity the impact shown is the impact on the value of financial instruments. Percentage change in +/- 1% +/- Impact on profit before tax 2017 +/- € +/- € 2016 +/- € +/- € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € Impact on total equity 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € (i) Sensitivity analysis for cost of borrowing has been presented for continuing operations only.
Summary of Foreign Currency Risk	The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of profit before tax and equity to selected movements in the relevant euro/US Dollar exchange rate (with all other variables held constant); the US Dollar has been selected as the appropriate currency for this analysis given the materiality of the Group’s activities in the US. The impact on profit before tax is based on changing the euro/US Dollar exchange rate used in calculating profit before tax for the period. The impact on total equity and financial instruments is calculated by changing the euro/US Dollar exchange rate used in measuring the closing balance sheet. Percentage change in € +/- 5% +/- 2.5% Impact on profit before tax 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € Impact on total equity* 2017 -/+ € -/+ € 2016 -/+ € -/+ € 2015 -/+ € -/+ € * Includes the impact on financial instruments which is as follows: 2017 +/- € +/- € 2016 +/- € +/- € 2015 +/- € +/- € (i) Sensitivity analysis for exchange rates has been presented for continuing operations only.
Disclosure of Projected Contractual Undiscounted Cash Out flows Principal And Interest Arising From Groups Trade And Other Payables Gross Debt And Derivative Financial Instruments	The tables below show the projected contractual undiscounted total cash outflows (principal and interest) arising from the Group’s trade and other payables, gross debt and derivative financial instruments. The tables also include the gross cash inflows projected to arise from derivative financial instruments. These projections are based on the interest and foreign exchange rates applying at the end of the relevant financial year. Within € Between € Between € Between € Between € After € Total € At 31 December 2017 Financial liabilities - cash outflows Trade and other payables 4,534 126 38 20 16 36 4,770 Finance leases 3 2 2 1 1 3 12 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 320 501 751 934 362 5,082 7,950 Interest payments on finance leases 1 - - - - 2 3 Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i) 283 260 231 200 184 1,381 2,539 Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows 2,391 - - - - - 2,391 Gross projected cash outflows 7,532 889 1,022 1,155 563 6,504 17,665 Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii) (26) (14) (13) (13) (13) (16) (95) Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows (2,399) - - - - - (2,399) Gross projected cash inflows (2,425) (14) (13) (13) (13) (16) (2,494) The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Financial liabilities - cash outflows Trade and other payables 4,815 311 46 72 14 41 5,299 Finance leases 2 2 2 2 1 5 14 Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings 280 620 501 751 980 4,589 7,721 Interest payments on finance leases 1 1 1 1 - 2 6 Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i) 279 278 228 198 166 1,154 2,303 Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows 2,904 - - - - - 2,904 Gross projected cash outflows 8,281 1,212 778 1,024 1,161 5,791 18,247 Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii) (30) (30) (17) (16) (16) (45) (154) Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows (2,894) - - - - - (2,894) Gross projected cash inflows (2,924) (30) (17) (16) (16) (45) (3,048) (i) At 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016, a portion of the Group’s long-term debt carried variable interest rates. The Group uses the interest rates in effect on 31 December to calculate the interest payments on the long-term debt for the periods indicated. (ii) The Group uses interest rate swaps to help manage its interest cost. Under these contracts the Group has agreed to exchange at predetermined intervals, the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to a pre-agreed

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tabl

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and are analysed as follows: 2017 € 2016 € Cash at bank and in hand 737 1,141 Investments (short-term deposits) 1,378 1,308 Total 2,115 2,449 Cash and cash equivalents at fair value include the following for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: 2017 € 2016 € Cash at bank and in hand 737 1,141 Investments (short-term deposits) 1,378 1,308 Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale 20 - Total 2,135 2,449

Interest-bearing Loans and Bo67

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Loans and Borrowings Outstanding	Loans and borrowings outstanding 2017 € 2016 € Bank overdrafts 66 78 Bank loans 295 200 Finance leases 12 14 Bonds 7,602 7,497 Other 1 1 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 7,976 7,790 Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale 5 - Total 7,981 7,790
Summary of Maturity Profile for Loans, Borrowings and Undrawn Committed Facilities	Maturity profile of loans and borrowings and undrawn committed facilities As at 31 December 2017 As at 31 December 2016 Loans and € Undrawn € Loans and € Undrawn € Within one year 316 - 275 197 Between one and two years 498 - 629 - Between two and three years 746 - 500 - Between three and four years 930 - 748 91 Between four and five years 359 3,554 978 2,746 After five years 5,127 - 4,660 - Total 7,976 3,554 7,790 3,034 Amounts due within one year reclassified as held for sale 5 - - - Total 7,981 3,554 7,790 3,034

Derivative Financial Instrume68

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments Analysed by Year of Maturity and Accounting Designation	The fair values of derivative financial instruments are analysed by year of maturity and by accounting designation as follows: Fair value € Cash flow € Net € Not € Total € At 31 December 2017 Derivative assets Within one year - current assets 2 11 19 2 34 Between one and two years - 1 - 3 4 After five years 26 - - - 26 Non-current 26 1 - 3 30 Total derivative assets 28 12 19 5 64 Derivative liabilities Within one year - current liabilities - (1) (10) - (11) After five years (3) - - - (3) Non-current liabilities (3) - - - (3) Total derivative liabilities (3) (1) (10) - (14) Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments 25 11 9 5 50 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: At 31 December 2016 Derivative assets Within one year - current assets - 2 21 - 23 Between one and two years 13 1 - - 14 Between two and three years - - - 6 6 After five years 33 - - - 33 Non-current 46 1 - 6 53 Total derivative assets 46 3 21 6 76 Derivative liabilities Within one year - current liabilities - (1) (31) - (32) Total derivative liabilities - (1) (31) - (32) Net asset/(liability) arising on derivative financial instruments 46 2 (10) 6 44
Summary of Loss/Profit Arising on Fair Value, Cash Flow, Net Investment Hedges and Related Hedged Items Reflected in Income Statement	The (loss)/profit arising on fair value, cash flow, net investment hedges and related hedged items reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement is shown below: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Fair value of hedge instruments (16) (11) (16) Fair value of the hedged items 18 13 13 Components of other comprehensive income - cash flow hedges Gains/(losses) arising during the year: - commodity forward contracts 9 14 (2) - currency forward contracts (1) - - Total 8 14 (2)
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	Fair value hierarchy 2017 Level 2 € 2016 € Assets measured at fair value Fair value hedges - cross-currency and interest rate swaps 28 46 Net investment hedges - cross-currency swaps 19 21 Cash flow hedges - cross-currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards 12 3 Not designated as hedges (held for trading) - interest rate swaps 5 6 Total 64 76 Liabilities measured at fair value Fair value hedges - cross-currency and interest rate swaps (3) - Net investment hedges - cross-currency swaps (10) (31) Cash flow hedges - cross-currency, interest rate swaps and commodity forwards (1) (1) Total (14) (32)

Provisions for Liabilities (Tab

Provisions for Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Provisions for Liabilities	At 1 € Translation € Arising on € Provided € Utilised € Disposed € Reversed € Discount € At 31 € 31 December 2017 Insurance (i) 286 (28) 3 101 (61) - (19) 10 292 Environment and remediation (ii) 430 (25) 43 27 (29) - (14) 9 441 Rationalisation and redundancy (iii) 23 - - 32 (27) - (3) - 25 Other (iv) 321 (19) 3 106 (37) (1) (72) 5 306 Total 1,060 (72) 49 266 (154) (1) (108) 24 1,064 Analysed as: Non-current 678 693 Current liabilities 382 371 Total 1,060 1,064 The equivalent disclosure for the prior year is as follows: 31 December 2016 Insurance (i) 244 5 - 105 (76) - (11) 19 286 Environment and remediation (ii) 450 (21) (16) 38 (17) (1) (9) 6 430 Rationalisation and redundancy (iii) 26 - 1 23 (25) - (2) - 23 Other (iv) 315 (10) (3) 77 (29) - (34) 5 321 Total 1,035 (26) (18) 243 (147) (1) (56) 30 1,060 Analysed as: Non-current 603 678 Current liabilities 432 382 Total 1,035 1,060 Notes (i) to (iv) are set out overleaf. (i) This provision relates to actual and potential obligations arising under the self-insurance components of the Group’s insurance arrangements which comprise employers’ liability (workers’ compensation in the US), public and products liability (general liability in the US), automobile liability, property damage, business interruption and various other insurances; a substantial proportion of the total provision pertains to claims which are classified as “incurred but not reported”. Due to the extended timeframe associated with many of the insurances, a significant proportion of the total provision is subject to periodic actuarial valuation. The projected cash flows underlying the discounting process are established through the application of actuarial triangulations, which are extrapolated from historical claims experience. The triangulations applied in the discounting process indicate that the Group’s insurance provisions have an average life of 5.5 years (2016: six years). (ii) This provision comprises obligations governing site remediation, restoration and environmental works to be incurred in compliance with either local or national environmental regulations together with constructive obligations stemming from established best practice. Whilst a significant element of the total provision will reverse in the medium-term (two to ten years), those legal and constructive obligations applicable to long-lived assets (principally mineral-bearing 30-year (iii) These provisions relate to irrevocable commitments under various rationalisation and redundancy programmes, none of which is individually material to the Group. In 2017, € € € (iv) Other provisions primarily relate to legal claims, onerous contracts, guarantees and warranties and employee related provisions. The Group expects the majority of these provisions will be utilised within two to five years of the balance sheet date (2016: two to five years); however due to the nature of the legal provisions there is a level of uncertainty in the timing of settlement as the Group generally cannot determine the extent and duration of the legal process.

Deferred Income Tax (Tables)

Deferred Income Tax (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Deductible and Taxable Temporary Differences in Deferred Tax	2017 € 2016 € Reported in balance sheet after offset Deferred tax liabilities 1,666 2,008 Deferred tax assets (95) (159) Net deferred income tax liability 1,571 1,849 Deferred income tax assets (deductible temporary differences) Deficits on Group retirement benefit obligations (note 28) 72 119 Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value 7 12 Tax loss carryforwards 132 150 Share-based payment expense 29 38 Provisions for liabilities and working capital-related items 157 350 Other deductible temporary differences 145 83 Total 542 752
Summary of Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Taxable Temporary Differences)	Deferred income tax liabilities (taxable temporary differences) Taxable temporary differences principally attributable to accelerated tax depreciation and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition (i) 2,089 2,569 Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value 11 18 Rolled-over capital gains 13 14 Total 2,113 2,601
Summary of Movement in Net Deferred Income Tax Liability	Movement in net deferred income tax liability At 1 January 1,849 1,874 Translation adjustment (173) 41 Net income for the year (note 11) (ii) (265) (15) Arising on acquisition (note 31) 132 (35) Reclassified as held for sale (14) - Disposal (note 5) 2 (1) Movement in deferred tax asset on Group retirement benefit obligations 33 (3) Movement in deferred tax asset on share-based payment expense 7 (12) At 31 December 1,571 1,849 (i) Fair value adjustments arising on acquisition principally relate to property, plant and equipment. (ii) The net income for the year includes an expense of € €

Retirement Benefit Obligations

Retirement Benefit Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Major Long-Term Assumptions Used By Actuaries in the Computation of Scheme Liabilities	The major long-term assumptions used by the Group’s actuaries in the computation of scheme liabilities as at 31 December 2017, 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 are as follows: Eurozone Switzerland United States and Canada 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Rate of increase in: - salaries 3.59 3.41 3.64 1.25 1.25 1.75 3.27 3.28 3.29 - pensions in payment 1.70 1.50 1.75 - - - - - - Inflation 1.75 1.50 1.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 2.00 2.00 2.00 Discount rate 2.05 1.86 2.61 0.70 0.65 0.85 3.52 4.01 4.22 Medical cost trend rate n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 6.33 5.98 6.21
Summary of Future Life Expectations Based on Retirement at 65 years of Age for Current and Future Retirees	For the Group’s most material schemes, the future life expectations factored into the relevant valuations, based on retirement at 65 years of age for current and future retirees, are as follows: Republic of Ireland Switzerland United States and Canada 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Current retirees - male 22.7 22.5 22.8 22.4 22.3 21.5 20.6 20.5 21.2 - female 24.4 24.3 24.9 24.4 24.3 24.0 23.1 23.0 23.4 Future retirees - male 25.5 25.4 25.8 24.6 24.6 23.6 22.3 22.3 23.0 - female 27.0 26.9 26.9 26.6 26.6 26.0 24.7 24.7 25.1
Summary of Retirement Benefit Expense in Consolidated Income Statement	The total retirement benefit expense from continuing operations in the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Total defined contribution expense 237 232 204 Total defined benefit (credit)/expense (1) 75 77 Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement 236 307 281
Summary of Analysis of Defined Benefit Expense	Analysis of defined benefit expense Charged in arriving at Group profit before finance costs: Current service cost 62 61 63 Administration expenses 4 4 2 Past service credit (net) (78) (2) (1) Gain on settlements - - (4) Subtotal (12) 63 60 Included in finance income and finance costs respectively: Interest income on scheme assets (49) (58) (50) Interest cost on scheme liabilities 60 70 67 Net interest expense 11 12 17 Net (credit)/expense to Consolidated Income Statement (1) 75 77 The composition of the net (credit)/expense to the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: Eurozone 25 18 27 Switzerland (49) 37 37 United States and Canada 14 11 6 Other 9 9 7 Total (1) 75 77 Past service credit in 2017 includes a gain of € Reconciliation of scheme assets (bid value) 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 2,556 2,399 Movement in year Interest income on scheme assets 49 58 Arising on acquisition (note 31) 5 - Remeasurement adjustments - return on scheme assets excluding interest income 112 81 Employer contributions paid 123 133 Contributions paid by plan participants 14 14 Benefit and settlement payments (114) (130) Administration expenses (4) (4) Translation adjustment (119) 5 At 31 December 2,622 2,556 The composition of scheme assets is as follows: Eurozone 1,184 1,116 Switzerland 781 804 United States and Canada 448 453 Other 209 183 Total 2,622 2,556 Reconciliation of actuarial value of liabilities At 1 January (3,147) (2,987) Movement in year Current service cost (62) (61) Past service credit (net) 78 2 Interest cost on scheme liabilities (60) (70) Arising on acquisition (note 31) (57) (1) Remeasurement adjustments - experience variations 11 20 - actuarial loss from changes in financial assumptions (29) (176) - actuarial gain from changes in demographic assumptions 20 14 Contributions paid by plan participants (14) (14) Benefit and settlement payments 114 130 Translation adjustment 147 (4) At 31 December (2,999) (3,147)
Summary of Net Charge to Consolidated Income Statement	The composition of the net (credit)/expense to the Consolidated Income Statement is as follows: Eurozone 25 18 27 Switzerland (49) 37 37 United States and Canada 14 11 6 Other 9 9 7 Total (1) 75 77
Summary of Scheme Assets	The composition of scheme assets is as follows: Eurozone 1,184 1,116 Switzerland 781 804 United States and Canada 448 453 Other 209 183 Total 2,622 2,556
Summary of Actuarial Value of Liabilities	The composition of the actuarial value of liabilities is as follows: Eurozone (1,384) (1,338) Switzerland (819) (995) United States and Canada (540) (554) Other (256) (260) Total (2,999) (3,147) Recoverable deficit in schemes (377) (591) Related deferred income tax asset 72 119 Net pension liability (305) (472)
Summary of Composition of Net Pension Liabilities	he composition of the net pension liability is as follows: Eurozone (168) (188 ) Switzerland (30) (154 ) United States and Canada (68) (65 ) Other (39) (65 ) Total (305) (472 )
Summary of Impact of Movement in Principal Actuarial Assumptions	The impact of a movement (as indicated below) in the principal actuarial assumptions would be as follows: Eurozone € Switzerland € United States € Other € Total Group € Scheme liabilities at 31 December 2017 (1,384 ) (819 ) (540 ) (256 ) (2,999 ) Revised liabilities Discount rate Increase by 0.25% (1,325 ) (785 ) (524 ) (244 ) (2,878 ) Decrease by 0.25% (1,448 ) (856 ) (556 ) (269 ) (3,129 ) Inflation rate Increase by 0.25% (1,441 ) (822 ) (542 ) (262 ) (3,067 ) Decrease by 0.25% (1,330 ) (816 ) (538 ) (250 ) (2,934 ) Life expectancy Increase by 1 year (1,430 ) (846 ) (555 ) (263 ) (3,094 ) Decrease by 1 year (1,338 ) (791 ) (527 ) (249 ) (2,905 ) The above sensitivity analysis are derived through changing the individual assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. Split of scheme assets 2017 € 2016 € Investments quoted in active markets Equity instruments (i) 828 802 Debt instruments (ii) 1,413 1,191 Property 120 112 Cash and cash equivalents 26 37 Investment funds 95 148 Unquoted investments Equity instruments 2 1 Debt instruments (iii) 8 102 Property 92 120 Cash and cash equivalents 13 18 Assets held by insurance company 25 25 Total assets 2,622 2,556 (i) Equity instruments primarily relate to developed markets. (ii) Quoted debt instruments are made up of € € € € non-government (iii) Unquoted debt instruments primarily relate to government debt instruments (2016: primarily non-government debt instruments).
Summary of Maturity Profile of the Group's Contracted Payments (On a Discounted Basis)	The maturity profile of the Group’s contracted payments (on a discounted basis) is as follows: Total 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Within one year 19 20 20 Between one and two years 2 19 19 Between two and three years 2 2 19 Between three and four years 2 2 2 Between four and five years 1 2 2 After five years 8 10 11 34 55 73
Summary of Average Duration and Scheme Composition	Average duration and scheme composition Eurozone Switzerland United States 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Average duration of defined benefit obligation (years) 17.8 17.1 14.7 17.2 18.6 18.0 12.2 13.1 14.0 Allocation of defined benefit obligation by participant: Active plan participants 72% 63% 64% 84% 84% 85% 40% 41% 45% Deferred plan participants 9% 12% 12% - - - 16% 17% 17% Retirees 19% 25% 24% 16% 16% 15% 44% 42% 38%

Commitments under Operating a72

Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Commitments under Operating Leases	2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Within one year 419 402 370 After one year but not more than five years 962 978 915 More than five years 810 791 831 2,191 2,171 2,116

Share Capital and Reserves (Tab

Share Capital and Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Share Capital	Equity share capital 2017 2016 Ordinary € Income € Ordinary € Income € Authorised At 1 January and 31 December ( € 400 25 400 25 Number of Shares at 1 January and 31 December (millions) 1,250 1,250 1,250 1,250 Allotted, called-up At 1 January ( € 269 15 266 15 Performance Share Plan Awards 1 - - - Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii) 1 - 2 - Share options and share participation schemes - - 1 - At 31 December ( € 271 15 269 15 The movement in the number of shares (expressed in millions) during the financial year was as follows: At 1 January 833 833 824 824 Performance Share Plan Awards 2 2 - - Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii) 3 3 7 7 Share options and share participation schemes 1 1 2 2 At 31 December 839 839 833 833 (i) The Ordinary Shares represent 93.73% of the total issued share capital. (ii) The Income Shares, which represent 5.86% of the total issued share capital, were created on 29 August 1988 for the express purpose of giving shareholders the choice of receiving dividends on either their Ordinary Shares or on their Income Shares (by notice of election to the Company). The Income Shares carried a different tax credit to the Ordinary Shares. The creation of the Income Shares was achieved by the allotment of fully paid Income Shares to each shareholder equal to his/her holding of Ordinary Shares but the shareholder is not entitled to an Income Share certificate, as a certificate for Ordinary Shares is deemed to include an equal number of Income Shares and a shareholder may only sell, transfer or transmit Income Shares with an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares. Income Shares carry no voting rights. Due to changes in Irish tax legislation since the creation of the Income Shares, dividends on the Company’s shares no longer carry a tax credit. As elections made by shareholders to receive dividends on their holding of Income Shares were no longer relevant, the Articles of Association were amended on 8 May 2002 to cancel such elections. (iii) Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends: Number of shares Price per share 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 May 2017 - Final 2016 dividend (2016: Final 2015 dividend; 2015: Final 2014 dividend) 433,046 5,301,827 5,056,633 € 33.08 € 24.69 € 24.60 October 2017 - Interim 2017 dividend (2016: Interim 2016 dividend; 2015: Interim 2015 dividend) 2,130,496 1,243,042 288,769 € 29.24 € 29.41 € 26.16 Total 2,563,542 6,544,869 5,345,402
Summary of Movement in the Number of Shares	The movement in the number of shares (expressed in millions) during the financial year was as follows: At 1 January 833 833 824 824 Performance Share Plan Awards 2 2 - - Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (iii) 3 3 7 7 Share options and share participation schemes 1 1 2 2 At 31 December 839 839 833 833
Summary of Issue of Scrip Shares in Lieu of Cash Dividends	Number of shares Price per share 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 May 2017 - Final 2016 dividend (2016: Final 2015 dividend; 2015: Final 2014 dividend) 433,046 5,301,827 5,056,633 € 33.08 € 24.69 € 24.60 October 2017 - Interim 2017 dividend (2016: Interim 2016 dividend; 2015: Interim 2015 dividend) 2,130,496 1,243,042 288,769 € 29.24 € 29.41 € 26.16 Total 2,563,542 6,544,869 5,345,402
Summary of Number of Shares	Number of shares 2017 2016 2015 Options exercised during the year (satisfied by the issue of new shares) 1,589,335 2,209,638 - Options exercised during the year (satisfied by the reissue of Treasury Shares) - 13,936 2,876,066 Total 1,589,335 2,223,574 2,876,066
Summary of Preference Share Capital	Preference share capital 5% Cumulative Preference Shares of € 7% ‘A’ Cumulative Preference Shares of € Number of shares ‘000s € Number of shares € Authorised At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 150 - 872 1 Allotted, called-up At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 50 - 872 1
Summary of Treasury Shares/Own Shares	Treasury Shares/own shares 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January (14) (28) New Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares) (63) - Own Shares released by the Employee Benefit Trust under the 2014 Performance Share Plan 63 - Shares acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares) (3) (4) Treasury Shares/own shares reissued 2 18 At 31 December (15) (14)
Summary of Reconciliation of Shares Issued to Net Proceeds	Reconciliation of shares issued to net proceeds 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Shares issued at nominal amount: - Performance Share Plan Awards 1 - - - scrip shares issued in lieu of cash dividends 1 2 2 - share options and share participation schemes - 1 - - share capital issued - equity placing - - 26 Premium on shares issued 180 216 1,722 Total value of shares issued 182 219 1,750 Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 12) (77) (167) (132) Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust* (63) - - Expenses paid in respect of shares issued - - (25) Net proceeds from issue of shares 42 52 1,593
Summary of Share Premium	Share premium 2017 € 2016 € At 1 January 6,237 6,021 Premium arising on shares issued 180 216 At 31 December 6,417 6,237

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Identifiable Net Assets Acquired, Including Adjustments to Provisional Fair Values	The identifiable net assets acquired, including adjustments to provisional fair values, were as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € ASSETS Non-current Property, plant and equipment 1,536 19 5,413 Intangible assets 56 14 298 Equity accounted investments - - 24 Other financial assets - - 5 Total non-current 1,592 33 5,740 Current assets Inventories 114 9 621 Trade and other receivables (i) 129 28 1,533 Cash and cash equivalents 174 4 494 Total current assets 417 41 2,648 LIABILITIES Trade and other payables (149) (14) (1,549) Provisions for liabilities (49) 18 (581) Retirement benefit obligations (52) (1) (87) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases (12) (3) (175) Current income tax liabilities (22) 4 (149) Deferred income tax liabilities (132) 35 (627) Total liabilities (416) 39 (3,168) Total identifiable net assets at fair value 1,593 113 5,220 Goodwill arising on acquisition (ii) 487 71 3,187 Joint ventures becoming subsidiaries - - (25) Non-controlling (20) (9) (489) Total consideration 2,060 175 7,893 Consideration satisfied by: Cash payments 2,015 153 7,790 Deferred consideration (stated at net present cost) 45 21 97 Contingent consideration - 1 - Profit on step acquisition - - 6 Total consideration 2,060 175 7,893 NET CASH OUTFLOW ARISING ON ACQUISITION Cash consideration 2,015 153 7,790 Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired (174) (4) (494) Total outflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 1,841 149 7,296 (i) The gross contractual value of trade and other receivables as at the respective dates of acquisition amounted to € € € € € € (ii) The principal factor contributing to the recognition of goodwill on acquisitions entered into by the Group is the realisation of cost savings and other synergies with existing entities in the Group which do not qualify for separate recognition as intangible assets. Due to the asset-intensive nature of operations in the Europe Heavyside and Americas Materials business segments, no significant identifiable intangible assets are recognised on business combinations in these segments. € € €
Summary of Number of Acquisitions Completed and Details of Goodwill and Consideration	The following table analyses the 31 acquisitions completed in 2017 (2016: 21 acquisitions; 2015: 19 acquisitions) by reportable segment and provides details of the goodwill and consideration figures arising in each of those segments: Number of Goodwill Consideration Reportable segments 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 € € € € € € Europe Heavyside 8 5 - 155 2 - 698 15 - Europe Lightside - 2 3 - 7 6 - 22 17 Europe Distribution 2 1 1 17 - - 30 - 1 Europe 10 8 4 172 9 6 728 37 18 Americas Materials 13 8 10 239 10 32 1,171 97 80 Americas Products 8 5 3 76 7 9 162 33 65 Americas 21 13 13 315 17 41 1,333 130 145 Unallocated Goodwill LH Assets - - 1 - - 2,307 - - 6,561 CRL - - 1 - - 833 - - 1,169 Total Group 31 21 19 487 26 3,187 2,061 167 7,893 Adjustments to provisional fair values of prior year acquisitions - 45 - (1) 8 - Total
Summary of Post Acquisition Impact	The post-acquisition impact of acquisitions completed during the year on the Group’s profit for the financial year was as follows: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Revenue 532 101 2,679 (Loss)/profit before tax for the financial year (2) 1 (7)
Summary of Revenue and Profit Determined as Though Acquisitions Effected During the Year had been at the Beginning of the Year	The revenue and profit of the Group for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS as though the acquisitions effected during the year had been at the beginning of the year would have been as follows: 2017 acquisitions € CRH Group € CRH Group € Revenue 1,188 24,688 25,876 Profit before tax for the financial year

Non-controlling Interests (Tabl

Non-controlling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Summary of Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries	Name Principal activity Country of incorporation Economic ownership interest held by non-controlling interest Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. Manufacture, development and sale Philippines 45% and Republic Cement Land & Resources, Inc. of cement and building materials
Schedule of Summarized Financial Information of Non Controlling Interest	The following is summarised financial information for RCBM and RCLR prepared in accordance with IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities. Summarised financial information 2017 € 2016 € Profit for the year 14 47 Current assets 159 118 Non-current 1,292 1,460 Current liabilities (140) (124) Non-current (663) (690) Net assets 648 764 Cash flows from operating activities 9 91 Dividends paid to non-controlling

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Sales to and Purchases From Associates and Joint Ventures	Sales to and purchases from associates and joint ventures are as follows: Associates Joint Ventures 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Sales 51 56 48 111 88 64 Purchases 400 401 422 55 54 56
Summary of Key Management Remuneration	Key management remuneration amounted to: 2017 € 2016 € 2015 € Short-term benefits 9 13 10 Post-employment benefits 1 1 1 Share-based payments - calculated in accordance with the principles disclosed in note 8 3 3 2 Total 13 17 13

Supplemental Guarantor Inform77

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Text Block1 [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017 Guarantor Issuer Non-Guarantor Eliminate and CRH and € € € € € ASSETS Non-current Property, plant and equipment - - 13,094 - 13,094 Intangible assets - - 7,214 - 7,214 Subsidiaries 8,658 458 1,682 (10,798 ) - Investments accounted for using the equity method - - 1,248 - 1,248 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings - 3,627 - (3,627 ) - Other financial assets - - 25 - 25 Other receivables - - 156 - 156 Derivative financial instruments - - 30 - 30 Deferred income tax assets - - 95 - 95 Total non-current 8,658 4,085 23,544 (14,425 ) 21,862 Current assets Inventories - - 2,715 - 2,715 Trade and other receivables - 4 3,626 - 3,630 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings 6,141 - 704 (6,845 ) - Current income tax recoverable - - 165 - 165 Derivative financial instruments - 4 30 - 34 Cash and cash equivalents 401 - 1,714 - 2,115 Assets held for sale - - 1,112 - 1,112 Total current assets 6,542 8 10,066 (6,845 ) 9,771 Total assets 15,200 4,093 33,610 (21,270 ) 31,633 EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 14,491 1,797 9,001 (10,798 ) 14,491 Non-controlling - - 486 - 486 Total equity 14,491 1,797 9,487 (10,798 ) 14,977 LIABILITIES Non-current Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - 2,020 5,640 - 7,660 Derivative financial instruments - 3 - - 3 Deferred income tax liabilities - - 1,666 - 1,666 Other payables - - 226 - 226 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 3,627 (3,627 ) - Retirement benefit obligations - - 377 - 377 Provisions for liabilities - - 693 - 693 Total non-current - 2,023 12,229 (3,627 ) 10,625 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 3 29 4,502 - 4,534 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 704 - 6,141 (6,845 ) - Current income tax liabilities - - 458 - 458 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 2 244 70 - 316 Derivative financial instruments - - 11 - 11 Provisions for liabilities - - 371 - 371 Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale - - 341 - 341 Total current liabilities 709 273 11,894 (6,845 ) 6,031 Total liabilities 709 2,296 24,123 (10,472 ) 16,656 Total equity and liabilities 15,200 4,093 33,610 (21,270 ) 31,633 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment - - 12,690 - 12,690 Intangible assets - - 7,761 - 7,761 Subsidiaries 7,654 375 1,682 (9,711) - Investments accounted for using the equity method - - 1,299 - 1,299 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings - 4,508 - (4,508) - Other financial assets - - 26 - 26 Other receivables - - 212 - 212 Derivative financial instruments - 13 40 - 53 Deferred income tax assets - - 159 - 159 Total non-current assets 7,654 4,896 23,869 (14,219) 22,200 Current assets Inventories - - 2,939 - 2,939 Trade and other receivables - 6 3,973 - 3,979 Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings 6,546 - 704 (7,250) - Current income tax recoverable - - 4 - 4 Derivative financial instruments - - 23 - 23 Cash and cash equivalents 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Total current assets 6,947 6 9,691 (7,250) 9,394 Total assets 14,601 4,902 33,560 (21,469) 31,594 EQUITY Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equity holders 13,895 1,922 7,789 (9,711) 13,895 Non-controlling interests - - 548 - 548 Total equity 13,895 1,922 8,337 (9,711) 14,443 LIABILITIES Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - 2,934 4,581 - 7,515 Deferred income tax liabilities - - 2,008 - 2,008 Other payables - - 461 - 461 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 4,508 (4,508) - Retirement benefit obligations - - 591 - 591 Provisions for liabilities - - 678 - 678 Total non-current liabilities - 2,934 12,827 (4,508) 11,253 Current liabilities Trade and other payables - 46 4,769 - 4,815 Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 704 - 6,546 (7,250) - Current income tax liabilities - - 394 - 394 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 2 - 273 - 275 Derivative financial instruments - - 32 - 32 Provisions for liabilities - - 382 - 382 Total current liabilities 706 46 12,396 (7,250) 5,898 Total liabilities 706 2,980 25,223 (11,758) 17,151 Total equity and liabilities 14,601 4,902 33,560 (21,469) 31,594
Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement	Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2017 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 25,220 - 25,220 Cost of sales - - (16,903) - (16,903) Gross profit - - 8,317 - 8,317 Operating income/(costs) 22 - (6,244) - (6,222) Group operating profit 22 - 2,073 - 2,095 Profit on disposals - - 56 - 56 Profit before finance costs 22 - 2,129 - 2,151 Finance costs - (235) (308) 242 (301) Finance income 2 242 10 (242) 12 Other financial expense - - (60) - (60) Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax 1,754 83 - (1,837) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 65 - 65 (65) 65 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,843 90 1,836 (1,902) 1,867 Income tax expense (55) (29) (26) 55 (55) Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations 1,788 61 1,810 (1,847) 1,812 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 107 - 107 (107) 107 Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 1,788 61 1,786 (1,847) 1,788 From discontinued operations 107 - 107 (107) 107 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 24 - 24 Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (1,015) (186) (890) 1,015 (1,076) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 8 - 8 (8) 8 (1,007) (186) (882) 1,007 (1,068) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 114 - 114 (114) 114 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (33) - (33) 33 (33) 81 - 81 (81) 81 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (926) (186) (801) 926 (987) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 969 (125) 1,153 (1,028) 969 Non-controlling - - (37) - (37) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2016 Restated (i) Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 24,789 - 24,789 Cost of sales - - (16,566) - (16,566) Gross profit - - 8,223 - 8,223 Operating income/(costs) 20 - (6,335) - (6,315) Group operating profit 20 - 1,888 - 1,908 Profit on disposals - - 53 - 53 Profit before finance costs 20 - 1,941 - 1,961 Finance costs - (266) (334) 275 (325) Finance income 2 275 6 (275) 8 Other financial expense - - (66) - (66) Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax 1,529 95 - (1,624) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 42 - 42 (42) 42 Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,593 104 1,589 (1,666) 1,620 Income tax expense (431) (41) (390) 431 (431) Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations 1,162 63 1,199 (1,235) 1,189 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 81 - 81 (81) 81 Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 Profit attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 1,162 63 1,172 (1,235) 1,162 From discontinued operations 81 - 81 (81) 81 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 27 - 27 Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 (i) Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (71) 49 (131) 71 (82) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 14 - 14 (14) 14 (57) 49 (117) 57 (68) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations (61) - (61) 61 (61) Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income 3 - 3 (3) 3 (58) - (58) 58 (58) Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (115) 49 (175) 115 (126) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,128 112 1,089 (1,201) 1,128 Non-controlling - - 16 - 16 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement Year ended 31 December 2015 Restated (i) Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Revenue - - 21,406 - 21,406 Cost of sales - - (14,743) - (14,743) Gross profit - - 6,663 - 6,663 Operating income/(costs) 1,473 - (6,970) - (5,497) Group operating profit/(loss) 1,473 - (307) - 1,166 (Loss)/profit on disposals (7) - 106 - 99 Profit/(loss) before finance costs 1,466 - (201) - 1,265 Finance costs - (321) (315) 333 (303) Finance income 1 333 7 (333) 8 Other financial expense - - (94) - (94) Share of subsidiaries’ (loss)/profit before tax (596) 62 - 534 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit 44 - 44 (44) 44 Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 915 74 (559) 490 920 Income tax expense (276) (29) (247) 276 (276) Group profit/(loss) for the financial year from continuing operations 639 45 (806) 766 644 Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations 85 - 85 (85) 85 Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 Profit/(loss) attributable to: Equity holders of the Company From continuing operations 639 45 (811) 766 639 From discontinued operations 85 - 85 (85) 85 Non-controlling From continuing operations - - 5 - 5 Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 (i) Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects 643 159 502 (643) 661 Losses relating to cash flow hedges (2) - (2) 2 (2) 641 159 500 (641) 659 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 203 - 203 (203) 203 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (30) - (30) 30 (30) 173 - 173 (173) 173 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year 814 159 673 (814) 832 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,538 204 (71) (133) 1,538 Non-controlling - - 23 - 23 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561
Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,895 61 1,917 (1,954) 1,919 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (1,015) (186) (890) 1,015 (1,076) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 8 - 8 (8) 8 (1,007) (186) (882) 1,007 (1,068) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 114 - 114 (114) 114 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (33) - (33) 33 (33) 81 - 81 (81) 81 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (926) (186) (801) 926 (987) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 969 (125) 1,153 (1,028) 969 Non-controlling - - (37) - (37) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 969 (125) 1,116 (1,028) 932 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit for the financial year 1,243 63 1,280 (1,316) 1,270 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects (71) 49 (131) 71 (82) Gains relating to cash flow hedges 14 - 14 (14) 14 (57) 49 (117) 57 (68) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations (61) - (61) 61 (61) Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income 3 - 3 (3) 3 (58) - (58) 58 (58) Total other comprehensive income for the financial year (115) 49 (175) 115 (126) Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,128 112 1,089 (1,201) 1,128 Non-controlling - - 16 - 16 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,128 112 1,105 (1,201) 1,144 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Group profit/(loss) for the financial year 724 45 (721) 681 729 Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Currency translation effects 643 159 502 (643) 661 Losses relating to cash flow hedges (2) - (2) 2 (2) 641 159 500 (641) 659 Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years: Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations 203 - 203 (203) 203 Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income (30) - (30) 30 (30) 173 - 173 (173) 173 Total other comprehensive income for the financial year 814 159 673 (814) 832 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Company 1,538 204 (71) (133) 1,538 Non-controlling - - 23 - 23 Total comprehensive income for the financial year 1,538 204 (48) (133) 1,561
Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow	Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2017 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,843 90 1,836 (1,902) 1,867 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 146 - 146 (146) 146 Profit before tax 1,989 90 1,982 (2,048) 2,013 Finance costs (net) (2) (7) 358 - 349 Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax (1,900) (83) - 1,983 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (65) - (65) 65 (65) Profit on disposals - - (59) - (59) Group operating profit 22 - 2,216 - 2,238 Depreciation charge - - 1,006 - 1,006 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 66 - 66 Share-based payment (income)/expense (1) - 66 - 65 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (186) - (186) Net movement on working capital and provisions - (11) (198) - (209) Cash generated from operations 21 (11) 2,970 - 2,980 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (236) (323) 242 (317) Corporation tax paid - (29) (445) - (474) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 21 (276) 2,202 242 2,189 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 222 - 222 Interest received 2 242 9 (242) 11 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 31 - 31 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (1,044) - (1,044) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 407 356 - (763) - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (1,841) - (1,841) Other investments and advances - - (11) - (11) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (53) - (53) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 409 598 (2,687) (1,005) (2,685) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) 42 - - - 42 Transactions involving non-controlling interests - - (37) - (37) Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - (763) 763 - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - 6 1,004 - 1,010 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 11 158 - 169 Premium paid on early debt redemption - (18) - - (18) Treasury/own shares purchased (3) - - - (3) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - (321) (22) - (343) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (469) - - - (469) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (8) - (8) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (430) (322) 332 763 343 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents - - (153) - (153) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Translation adjustment - - (161) - (161) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents - - (153) - (153) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 401 - 1,734 - 2,135 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2016 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate and € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax from continuing operations 1,593 104 1,589 (1,666 ) 1,620 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 121 - 121 (121 ) 121 Profit before tax 1,714 104 1,710 (1,787) 1,741 Finance costs (net) (2) (9) 394 - 383 Share of subsidiaries’ profit before tax (1,650) (95) - 1,745 - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (42) - (42) 42 (42) Profit on disposals - - (55) - (55) Group operating profit 20 - 2,007 - 2,027 Depreciation charge - - 1,009 - 1,009 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 71 - 71 Impairment charge - - 23 - 23 Share-based payment (income)/expense (3) - 49 - 46 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (65) - (65) Net movement on working capital and provisions - (1) 57 - 56 Cash generated from operations 17 (1) 3,151 - 3,167 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (266) (355) 275 (346) Corporation tax paid - (41) (440) - (481) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 17 (308) 2,356 275 2,340 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 283 - 283 Interest received 2 275 6 (275) 8 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 40 - 40 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (853) - (853) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings 287 644 - (931) - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (149) - (149) Other investments and advances - - (7) - (7) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (57) - (57) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 289 919 (737) (1,206) (735) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) 52 - - - 52 Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - (931) 931 - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - - 600 - 600 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 25 (30) - (5) Treasury/own shares purchased (4) - - - (4) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases (9) (636) (1,370) - (2,015) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (352) - - - (352) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (8) - (8) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (313) (611) (1,739) 931 (1,732) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7) - (120) - (127) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 408 - 2,110 - 2,518 Translation adjustment - - 58 - 58 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7) - (120) - (127) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 401 - 2,048 - 2,449 Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Year ended 31 December 2015 Guarantor € Issuer € Non-Guarantor € Eliminate reclassify € CRH and € Cash flows from operating activities Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations 915 74 (559 ) 490 920 Profit before tax from discontinued operations 113 - 113 (113 ) 113 Profit/(loss) before tax 1,028 74 (446) 377 1,033 Finance costs (net) (1) (12) 402 - 389 Share of subsidiaries’ loss/(profit) before tax 483 (62) - (421) - Share of equity accounted investments’ profit (44) - (44) 44 (44) Loss/(profit) on disposals 7 - (108) - (101) Group operating profit/(loss) 1,473 - (196) - 1,277 Depreciation charge - - 843 - 843 Amortisation of intangible assets - - 55 - 55 Impairment charge - - 44 - 44 Share-based payment (income)/expense (2) - 29 - 27 Other (primarily pension payments) - - (47) - (47) Amounts due from subsidary undertakings (1,460) - 1,460 - - Net movement on working capital and provisions - (9) 594 - 585 Cash generated from operations 11 (9) 2,782 - 2,784 Interest paid (including finance leases) - (283) (352) 333 (302) Corporation tax paid - (29) (206) - (235) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 11 (321) 2,224 333 2,247 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds) - - 889 - 889 Interest received 1 333 7 (333) 8 Dividends received from equity accounted investments - - 53 - 53 Purchase of property, plant and equipment - - (882) - (882) Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings (699) (632) - 1,331 - Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired) - - (7,296) - (7,296) Other investments and advances - - (19) - (19) Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid - - (59) - (59) Net cash outflow from investing activities (698) (299) (7,307) 998 (7,306) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares (net) - - 1,593 - 1,593 Proceeds from exercise of share options 57 - - - 57 Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings - - 1,331 (1,331) - Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases 9 1,584 4,040 - 5,633 Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments - 15 32 - 47 Premium paid on early debt redemption - (38) - - (38) Treasury/own shares purchased (3) - - - (3) Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases - (968) (1,776) - (2,744) Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company (379) - - - (379) Dividends paid to non-controlling - - (4) - (4) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities (316) 593 5,216 (1,331) 4,162 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,003) (27) 133 - (897) Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 1,411 25 1,859 - 3,295 Translation adjustment - 2 118 - 120 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,003) (27) 133 - (897) Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 408 - 2,110 - 2,518

Accounting policies - Additiona

Accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Operating lease rentals	€ 606	€ 569	€ 471
Commitment outstanding on all leases	2,191	2,171	2,116
Property, plant and equipment	€ 13,094	€ 12,690	€ 13,062
Property, plant and equipment as a % of assets	41.00%
TSR measure [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Percentage of awards granted	50.00%	50.00%	75.00%
TSR measure [Member] | Tailored sector peer group [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Percentage of awards granted	25.00%	25.00%
TSR measure [Member] | FTSE All-World Construction & Materials index [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Percentage of awards granted	25.00%	25.00%
Plant and machinery [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	€ 6,319	€ 6,035	€ 6,087
Plant and machinery [Member] | Minimum [member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Rate of depreciation	3.30%
Plant and machinery [Member] | Maximum [member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Rate of depreciation	20.00%
Transport [Member] | Average [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Rate of depreciation	20.00%
Buildings [Member]
Accounting policies [Line Items]
Rate of depreciation	2.50%

Accounting Policies - Summary o

Accounting Policies - Summary of Foreign Currency Translation (Details) (Detail) - Rate	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Brazilian Real [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Brazilian Real
Average foreign exchange rate	3.6054	3.8561	3.7004
Year-end foreign exchange rate	3.9729	3.4305
Canadian Dollar [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Canadian Dollar
Average foreign exchange rate	1.4647	1.4659	1.4186
Year-end foreign exchange rate	1.5039	1.4188
Chinese Renminbi [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Chinese Renminbi
Average foreign exchange rate	7.6290	7.3522	6.9733
Year-end foreign exchange rate	7.8044	7.3202
Hungarian Forint [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Hungarian Forint
Average foreign exchange rate	309.1933	311.4379	309.9956
Year-end foreign exchange rate	310.3300	309.8300
Indian Rupee [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Indian Rupee
Average foreign exchange rate	73.5324	74.3717	71.1956
Year-end foreign exchange rate	76.6055	71.5935
Philippine Peso [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Philippine Peso
Average foreign exchange rate	56.9734	52.5555	50.5217
Year-end foreign exchange rate	59.7950	52.2680
Polish Zloty [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Polish Zloty
Average foreign exchange rate	4.2570	4.3632	4.1841
Year-end foreign exchange rate	4.1770	4.4103
Pound Sterling [member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Pound Sterling
Average foreign exchange rate	0.8767	0.8195	0.7258
Year-end foreign exchange rate	0.8872	0.8562
Romanian Leu [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Romanian Leu
Average foreign exchange rate	4.5688	4.4904	4.4454
Year-end foreign exchange rate	4.6585	4.5390
Serbian Dinar [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Serbian Dinar
Average foreign exchange rate	121.3232	123.1356	120.7168
Year-end foreign exchange rate	118.3086	123.4600
Swiss Franc [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Swiss Franc
Average foreign exchange rate	1.1117	1.0902	1.0679
Year-end foreign exchange rate	1.1702	1.0739
Ukrainian Hryvnia [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	Ukrainian Hryvnia
Average foreign exchange rate	30.0341	28.2812	24.3693
Year-end foreign exchange rate	33.6769	28.6043
US Dollar [Member]
Disclosure Of Exchange Rates [Line Items]
Description of exchange rate	US Dollar
Average foreign exchange rate	1.1297	1.1069	1.1095
Year-end foreign exchange rate	1.1993	1.0541

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)CountrySegments	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segments	6
Number of business operating countries	32
Revenue from construction contracts | €	€ 5,236	€ 5,102	€ 4,523
Europe Heavyside [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Number of business operating countries	19
Europe Lightside [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Number of business operating countries	17
Overseas [Member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Percentage of limit of external group revenue	10.00%

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Operating Segments Disclosures - Consolidated Income Statement Data (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789	[1]	€ 21,406	[1]
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908	[1]	1,166	[1]
Profit on disposals	56	53		99
Finance costs less income	(289)	(317)		(295)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42	[1]	44	[1]
Other financial expense	(60)	(66)	[1]	(94)	[1]
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620	[1]	920	[1]
Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	25,220	24,789		21,406
Group EBITDA	3,146	2,980		2,079
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	1,051	1,072		913
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908		1,166
Continuing and Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	27,563	27,104		23,635
Group EBITDA	3,310	3,130		2,219
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	1,072	1,103		942
Group operating profit	2,238	2,027		1,277
Europe [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	12,487	12,403		10,375
Group EBITDA	1,251	1,124		731
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	464	516		427
Group operating profit	787	608		304
Profit on disposals	23	38		86
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	24	25		30
Americas [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	12,297	11,878		10,880
Group EBITDA	1,843	1,747		1,346
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	550	518		477
Group operating profit	1,293	1,229		869
Profit on disposals	33	15		13
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	32	34		23
Asia [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	436	508		151
Group EBITDA	52	109		2
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	37	38		9
Group operating profit	15	71		(7)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	9	(17)		(9)
Europe Heavyside [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on disposals	19	24		100
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	9	12		15
Europe Heavyside [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	6,902	6,945		4,813
Group EBITDA	839	781		424
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	361	395		304
Group operating profit	478	386		120
Europe Lightside [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on disposals		1		(22)
Europe Lightside [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	1,440	1,392		1,404
Group EBITDA	143	137		136
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	41	45		46
Group operating profit	102	92		90
Europe Distribution [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on disposals	4	13		8
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	15	13		15
Europe Distribution [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	4,145	4,066		4,158
Group EBITDA	269	206		171
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	62	76		77
Group operating profit	207	130		94
Americas Materials [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on disposals	29	(19)		24
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	32	34		23
Americas Materials [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	7,970	7,598		7,018
Group EBITDA	1,270	1,204		955
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	412	386		335
Group operating profit	858	818		620
Americas Products [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Profit on disposals	4	34		(11)
Americas Products [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	4,327	4,280		3,862
Group EBITDA	573	543		391
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	138	132		142
Group operating profit	435	411		249
Americas Distribution [member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Revenue	2,343	2,315		2,229
Group EBITDA	164	150		140
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	21	31		29
Group operating profit	€ 143	€ 119		€ 111
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Segment Information - Summary82

Segment Information - Summary of Operating Segments Disclosures - Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Investments accounted for using the equity method	€ 1,248	€ 1,299	€ 1,317
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)	64	76
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total assets	31,633	31,594
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current)	7,981	7,790
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)	14	32
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Operating segments [Member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	26,809	27,581
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	6,201	6,927
Operating segments [Member] | Europe [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	12,210	11,627
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	3,506	3,588
Operating segments [Member] | Americas [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	13,197	14,397
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	2,523	3,115
Operating segments [Member] | Asia [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	1,402	1,557
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	172	224
Operating segments [Member] | Europe Heavyside [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	8,932	8,383
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	2,641	2,633
Operating segments [Member] | Europe Lightside [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	1,100	1,084
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	302	313
Operating segments [Member] | Europe Distribution [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	2,178	2,160
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	563	642
Operating segments [Member] | Americas Materials [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	9,180	8,970
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	1,628	1,725
Operating segments [Member] | Americas Products [Member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets	4,017	4,275
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities	895	998
Operating segments [Member] | Americas Distribution [member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total assets		1,152
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Total liabilities		392
Material reconciling items [Member]
Reconciliation to total assets as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Investments accounted for using the equity method	1,248	1,299
Other financial assets	25	26
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)	64	76
Income tax assets (current and deferred)	260	163
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total assets	31,633	31,594
Reconciliation to total liabilities as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (current and non-current)	7,976	7,790
Derivative financial instruments (current and non-current)	14	32
Income tax liabilities (current and deferred)	2,124	2,402
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total liabilities	€ 16,656	€ 17,151

Segment Information - Summary83

Segment Information - Summary of Operating Segments Disclosures - Other Items (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	€ 1,044	€ 853	€ 882
Financial assets	11	7	19
Additions to non-current assets	1,055	860	901
Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	1,015	830	841
Financial assets	11	7	19
Additions to non-current assets	1,026	837	860
Continuing Operations [Member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	418	313	322
Financial assets		2	9
Additions to non-current assets	418	315	331
Continuing Operations [Member] | Americas [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	542	470	488
Financial assets	11	5	10
Additions to non-current assets	553	475	498
Continuing Operations [Member] | Asia [member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	55	47	31
Additions to non-current assets	55	47	31
Europe Heavyside [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	349	260	238
Financial assets		2	8
Additions to non-current assets	349	262	246
Europe Lightside [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	36	27	38
Additions to non-current assets	36	27	38
Europe Distribution [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	33	26	46
Financial assets			1
Additions to non-current assets	33	26	47
Americas Materials [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	375	328	335
Financial assets	5	5	10
Additions to non-current assets	380	333	345
Americas Products [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	167	142	153
Financial assets	6
Additions to non-current assets	173	142	153
Americas Distribution [member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of operating segments [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	29	23	41
Additions to non-current assets	€ 29	€ 23	€ 41

Segment Information - Summary84

Segment Information - Summary of Information About Geographical Areas and Customers (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789	[1]	€ 21,406	[1]
Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	25,220	24,789		21,406
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	21,556	21,219
Continuing and Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	27,563	27,104		23,635
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	22,032	21,750
Americas Distribution [member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	2,343	2,315		2,229
Republic of Ireland [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	435	403		349
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	493	475
Benelux (Mainly the Netherlands) [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	2,589	2,576		2,478
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	1,162	1,201
United Kingdom [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	3,023	3,091		1,694
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	2,395	2,487
United States [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	10,844	10,415		9,819
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	8,749	8,710
United States [member] | Americas Distribution [member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	2,343	2,315		2,229
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	476	531
Other [member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of geographical areas [Line Items]
Revenue	8,329	8,304		€ 7,066
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-employment benefit assets, and rights arising under insurance contracts	€ 8,757	€ 8,346
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Assets Held For Sale and Disc85

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Billions	Jan. 02, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Disposal percentage		100.00%
Total consideration received | $	$ 2.6
Total gains recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity relating to assets held for sale | €			€ 32

Assets Held For Sale and Disc86

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations (Detail) - EUR (€) € / shares in Units, € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Discontinued Operations [abstract]
Revenue	€ 2,343	€ 2,315		€ 2,229
EBITDA (as defined)*	164	150		140
Depreciation	(16)	(22)		(18)
Amortisation	(5)	(9)		(11)
Operating profit	143	119		111
Profit on disposals	3	2		2
Profit before tax	146	121		113
Attributable income tax expense	(39)	(40)		(28)
Profit after tax	€ 107	€ 81	[1]	€ 85	[1]
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share	€ 0.128	€ 0.098		€ 0.104
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share	€ 0.127	€ 0.097		€ 0.104
Cash flows from discontinued operations
Net cash inflow from operating activities	€ 111	€ 123		€ 173
Net cash outflow from investing activities	(27)	(22)		(39)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities	1	(1)
Net cash inflows	€ 85	€ 100		€ 134
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Assets Held For Sale and Disc87

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Disclosure of Discontinued Operations [abstract]
Non-cash deferred tax credit	€ 7

Assets Held For Sale and Disc88

Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets Held For Sale (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment (note 14)	€ 13,094	€ 12,690	€ 13,062
Intangible assets (note 15)	7,214	7,761	€ 7,820
Deferred income tax assets (note 27)	95	159
Inventories (note 20)	2,715	2,939
Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
LIABILITIES
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)	5
Deferred income tax liabilities (note 27)	1,666	€ 2,008
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [Member]
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment (note 14)	104
Intangible assets (note 15)	372
Deferred income tax assets (note 27)	16
Inventories (note 20)	266
Trade and other receivables (note 20)	334
Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)	20
Assets held for sale	1,112
LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables (note 20)	306
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)	5
Deferred income tax liabilities (note 27)	30
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Net assets held for sale	€ 771

Cost Analysis Continuing Oper89

Cost Analysis Continuing Operations - Summary of Cost of Sales and Operating Costs Analysis (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Total	€ 16,903	€ 16,566	[1]	€ 14,743	[1]
Total	6,222	6,315	[1]	5,497	[1]
Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	830	817		697
Operating Costs [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	221	255		216
Continuing Operations [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	1,051	1,072		913
Continuing Operations [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Raw materials and goods for resale	7,428	7,307		6,978
Employment costs	2,869	2,725		2,446
Energy conversion costs	1,004	940		789
Repairs and maintenance	811	803		630
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment	830	817		697
Change in inventory	(142)	(33)		37
Other production expenses (primarily sub-contractor costs and equipment rental)	4,103	4,007		3,166
Total	16,903	16,566		14,743
Continuing Operations [Member] | Operating Costs [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Selling and distribution costs	4,236	4,100		3,593
Administrative expenses	1,986	2,215		1,904
Total	€ 6,222	€ 6,315		€ 5,497
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Cost Analysis Continuing Oper90

Cost Analysis Continuing Operations - Summary of Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment Analysis (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Amortisation of intangible assets	€ (66)	€ (71)
Impairment of intangible assets		(23)
Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation and depletion	830	817	€ 667
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			30
Total	830	817	697
Operating Costs [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation and depletion	160	170	158
Amortisation of intangible assets	61	62	44
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			11
Impairment of intangible assets		23	1
Impairment of financial assets			2
Total	221	255	216
Continuing Operations [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Depreciation and depletion	990	987	825
Amortisation of intangible assets	61	62	44
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			41
Impairment of intangible assets		23	1
Impairment of financial assets			2
Total	1,051	1,072	913
Continuing Operations [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Cost of sales and operating cost analysis [line items]
Total	€ 830	€ 817	€ 697

Operating Profit Disclosures 91

Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations - Summary of Operating Lease Rentals (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of operating lease [Line Items]
Operating lease rentals	€ 606	€ 569	€ 471
Hire of Plant and Machinery [Member]
Disclosure of operating lease [Line Items]
Operating lease rentals	292	262	200
Land and Buildings [Member]
Disclosure of operating lease [Line Items]
Operating lease rentals	258	250	221
Other Operating Lease [Member]
Disclosure of operating lease [Line Items]
Operating lease rentals	€ 56	€ 57	€ 50

Operating Profit Disclosures 92

Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations - Summary of Auditor's Remuneration (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Audit fees	€ 20	€ 19	€ 19
Other audit-related assurance fees	1		5
Tax advisory services	1	1	2
Total	22	20	26
EY (network firms) [Member]
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Audit fees	16	16	16
Other audit-related assurance fees	1		4
Tax advisory services	1	1	2
Total	18	17	22
Republic of Ireland [member] | EY Ireland (statutory auditor) [Member]
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Audit fees	4	3	3
Other audit-related assurance fees			1
Total	€ 4	€ 3	€ 4

Operating Profit Disclosures 93

Operating Profit Disclosures Continuing Operations - Summary of Auditor's Remuneration (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Auditors Remuneration	€ 20	€ 19	€ 19
Ernst and Young [Member]
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Auditors Remuneration	0	0	0
Other than EY [Member]
Auditor's remuneration [Abstract]
Auditors Remuneration	€ 2	€ 2	€ 2

Business and Non-Current Asse94

Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals - Summary of Business and Non-Current Asset Disposals (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount:
- non-current assets (notes 14,15,16)	€ 126	€ 256		€ 673
- cash and cash equivalents	11	3		90
- working capital and provisions (note 20)	29	24		246
- interest-bearing loans and borrowings				(20)
- deferred tax (note 27)	2	(1)		(22)
- retirement benefit obligations				(84)
Net assets disposed	168	282		883
Reclassification of currency translation effects on disposal	9	(44)		39
Total	177	238		922
Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs)	233	291		1,015
Profit on step acquisition (note 31)				6
Profit on disposals	56	53	[1]	99	[1]
Net cash inflow arising on disposal
Proceeds from disposals from continuing operations	233	291		1,015
Proceeds from disposals from discontinued operations	3	2		2
Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed	(11)	(3)		(90)
Less: deferred proceeds arising on disposal (note 20)	(3)	(7)		(38)
Total	222	283		889
Business Disposal [Member]
Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount:
- non-current assets (notes 14,15,16)	47	147		570
- cash and cash equivalents	11	3		90
- working capital and provisions (note 20)	29	24		246
- interest-bearing loans and borrowings				(20)
- deferred tax (note 27)	2	(1)		(22)
- retirement benefit obligations				(84)
Net assets disposed	89	173		780
Reclassification of currency translation effects on disposal	9	(44)		39
Total	98	129		819
Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs)	99	133		875
Profit on step acquisition (note 31)				6
Profit on disposals	1	4		62
Net cash inflow arising on disposal
Proceeds from disposals from continuing operations	99	133		875
Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed	(11)	(3)		(90)
Less: deferred proceeds arising on disposal (note 20)	(3)	(7)		(38)
Total	85	123		747
Disposal of other non-current assets [Member]
Assets/(liabilities) disposed of at net carrying amount:
- non-current assets (notes 14,15,16)	79	109		103
Net assets disposed	79	109		103
Total	79	109		103
Proceeds from disposals (net of disposal costs)	134	158		140
Profit on disposals	55	49		37
Net cash inflow arising on disposal
Proceeds from disposals from continuing operations	134	158		140
Proceeds from disposals from discontinued operations	3	2		2
Total	€ 137	€ 160		€ 142
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Employment Continuing Operati95

Employment Continuing Operations - Summary of Average Number of Employees (Detail) - Continuing Operations [Member] - Employees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	85,363	82,889	74,186
Asia [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	1,431	1,374	466
Europe [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	42,709	42,606	36,883
Europe [member] | Europe Heavyside [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	24,401	24,551	18,131
Europe [member] | Europe Lightside [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	7,272	7,084	7,360
Europe [member] | Europe Distribution [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	11,036	10,971	11,392
Americas [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	41,223	38,909	36,837
Americas [member] | Americas Materials [member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	24,077	22,650	20,125
Americas [member] | Americas Products [Member]
Disclosure of average number of employees [Line Items]
Average number of employees	17,146	16,259	16,712

Employment Continuing Operati96

Employment Continuing Operations - Summary of Employment Costs (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of employment expenses [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense (note 8)	€ 60	€ 44	€ 26
Total retirement benefits expense (note 28)	236	307	281
Finance costs (net) - applicable to retirement benefit obligations (note 9)	11	12	17
Continuing Operations [Member]
Disclosure of employment expenses [Line Items]
Wages and salaries	3,997	3,915	3,474
Social welfare costs	465	454	401
Other employment-related costs	546	531	505
Share-based payment expense (note 8)	60	44	26
Total retirement benefits expense (note 28)	236	307	281
Total	5,304	5,251	4,687
Cost of sales	2,869	2,725	2,446
Operating costs	2,424	2,514	2,224
Finance costs (net) - applicable to retirement benefit obligations (note 9)	11	12	17
Total	€ 5,304	€ 5,251	€ 4,687

Employment Continuing Operati97

Employment Continuing Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - Continuing including discontinued operations [member] € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)Employees	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)Employees	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)Employees
Disclosure of employment expenses [Line Items]
Employment costs including discontinued operations | €	€ 5,588	€ 5,532	€ 4,961
Average number of employees including discontinued operations | Employees	89,213	86,778	78,106

Share-based Payment Expense - S

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Share-based Payment Expense, Continuing Operations (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense	€ 60	€ 44	€ 26
Performance Share Plans and Restricted Share Plan Expense [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense	57	38	25
Share Option Expense [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense	€ 3	€ 6	€ 1

Share-based Payment Expense - A

Share-based Payment Expense - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)yrmo	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)yrmo	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense	€ 60,000,000		€ 44,000,000	€ 26,000,000
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Participants monthly savings from net salaries	€ 500	£ 500
Fixed period of monthly savings | yr	5	5
Discount rate percentage of market price on date of invitation of each savings contract	15.00%
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Fixed period of monthly savings | yr	3	3
2010 Savings-related share option - 3 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Sample period for determining expected volatility of share prices | mo	37	37
2010 Savings-related share option - 5 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Sample period for determining expected volatility of share prices | mo	61	61
2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense	€ 56,000,000		€ 37,000,000	€ 19,000,000
Percentage of awards subject to TSR measure	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	75.00%
Percentage of awards measured	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of awards measured against the FTSE All-World Construction & Materials index	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of awards subject to cashflow measure	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	25.00%
Fair value portion of awards subject to total share holder return against peer group	€ 17.43		€ 11.94	€ 13.99
Fair value portion of awards subject to total share holder return against index	14.99		10.52
Fair value portion of awards subject to cash flow performance	€ 33.21		€ 24.87	€ 24.84
Service period	One or three-year	One or three-year

Share-based Payment Expense 100

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Awards Granted Under Performance Share Plan (Detail) - 2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)yr
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Share price at date of award | €	€ 33.21	€ 24.87	€ 24.84
Period to earliest release date | yr	3	3	3
Number of shares, Initial award	3,342,900	3,879,901	2,989,371
Number of shares, Net outstanding at 31 December 2017	3,156,995	3,437,098	2,644,593

Share-based Payment Expense 101

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Fair Value Assumptions (Detail) - 2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	(0.40%)	(0.53%)	0.25%
Expected volatility	30.10%	21.70%	21.40%

Share-based Payment Expense 102

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Movement and Options Outstanding Under Share Option Schemes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)sharesOptions	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)sharesOptions	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)sharesOptions
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Number of options, Exercised | Options	(1,589,335)	(2,223,574)	(2,876,066)
Share Option Schemes Excluding Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Number of options, Outstanding at beginning of year | shares	2,997,495	8,620,690	15,481,191
Number of options, Exercised | shares	(1,462,863)	(2,102,332)	(2,544,141)
Number of options, Lapsed | shares	(92,853)	(3,520,863)	(4,316,360)
Number of options, Outstanding at end of year | shares	1,441,779	2,997,495	8,620,690
Number of options, Exercisable at end of year | shares	1,441,779	2,997,495	5,335,290
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of year | €	€ 21.51	€ 21.14	€ 19.58
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised | €	24.85	22.04	19.35
Lapsed | €	24.14	20.27	16.64
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of year | €	17.96	21.51	21.14
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at end of year | €	€ 17.96	€ 21.51	€ 24.18

Share-based Payment Expense 103

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Movement and Options Outstanding Under Share Option Schemes (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Share Option Schemes Excluding Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average share price | €	€ 32.24	€ 29.70	€ 25.51
Description of option Life share options granted | yr	10

Share-based Payment Expense 104

Share-based Payment Expense - Share Option Schemes - Summary of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Share Options Outstanding (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)sharesyr
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) | yr	2.53	2.53	2.46	2.46	3.86	3.86
Euro [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	1,436,115	1,436,115	2,991,831	2,991,831	8,604,776	8,604,776
Pound Sterling [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	5,664	5,664	5,664	5,664	15,914	15,914
Minimum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	€ 16.19	£ 15.30	€ 16.19	£ 15.30	€ 16.19	£ 13.64
Maximum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	€ 21.52	£ 17.19	€ 29.86	£ 17.19	€ 29.86	£ 18.02

Share-based Payment Expense 105

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Options Granted Under 2010 Savings-Related Share Option Schemes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)sharesOptions	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)sharesOptions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)sharesOptions	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)sharesOptions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)sharesOptions	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)sharesOptions	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)shares
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Number of options, Exercised | Options	(1,589,335)	(1,589,335)		(2,223,574)	(2,223,574)		(2,876,066)	(2,876,066)
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of year	€ 18.63	£ 15.92		€ 16.96	£ 14.27		€ 14.84	£ 12.80
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	15.73	14.27		13.66	11.95		13.42	12.07
Weighted average exercise price, Lapsed	21.42	18.22		17.55	15.68		13.52	13.63
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	27.86	24.51		20.83	16.16		21.12	15.54
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at end of year	21.50	£ 18.05		18.63	£ 15.92		16.96	£ 14.27
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at end of year	€ 15.89			€ 13.45			€ 13.72			£ 12.22
Number of options, Outstanding at beginning of year	1,402,174	1,402,174		593,177	593,177		894,548	894,548
Number of options, Exercised	(126,472)	(126,472)		(121,242)	(121,242)		(331,925)	(331,925)
Number of options, Lapsed	(123,455)	(123,455)		(81,628)	(81,628)		(187,892)	(187,892)
Number of options, Granted	404,052	404,052	404,052	1,011,867	1,011,867	1,011,867	218,446	218,446	218,446
Number of options, Outstanding at end of year	1,556,299	1,556,299		1,402,174	1,402,174		593,177	593,177
Number of options, Exercisable at end of year	15,890			23,897			15,165			23,897

Share-based Payment Expense 106

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Options Granted Under 2010 Savings-Related Share Option Schemes (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)shares	Mar. 31, 2015
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average share price	€ 31.14		€ 27.90		€ 25.77
Number of options granted	404,052	404,052	1,011,867	1,011,867	218,446	218,446
Exercisable period of share options granted	Shares which are normally exercisable within a period of six months after the third or the fifth anniversary of the contract, whichever is applicable.
Discount rate on exercise price at which options are granted	15.00%
2010 Savings-related share option - 3 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Number of options granted	304,492		692,334		152,312
2010 Savings-related share option - 5 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Number of options granted	99,560		319,533		66,134

Share-based Payment Expense 107

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life for Savings_related Share Option Schemes (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)sharesyr	Dec. 31, 2014shares
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) | yr	2.53	2.53	2.46	2.46	3.86	3.86
2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December (years) | yr	1.90	1.90	2.41	2.41	1.96	1.96
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	1,556,299	1,556,299	1,402,174	1,402,174	593,177	593,177	894,548
Pound Sterling [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	5,664	5,664	5,664	5,664	15,914	15,914
Pound Sterling [member] | 2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	1,251,336	1,251,336	1,081,812	1,081,812	272,118	272,118
Euro [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	1,436,115	1,436,115	2,991,831	2,991,831	8,604,776	8,604,776
Euro [Member] | 2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Currency denominated options outstanding at end of year (number)	304,963	304,963	320,362	320,362	321,059	321,059
Minimum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	€ 16.19	£ 15.30	€ 16.19	£ 15.30	€ 16.19	£ 13.64
Minimum [member] | 2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	13.64	12.22	12.82	11.55	12.82	11.19
Maximum [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	21.52	17.19	29.86	17.19	29.86	18.02
Maximum [member] | 2010 Savings Related Share Option Schemes [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Range of exercise prices	€ 27.86	£ 24.51	€ 21.12	£ 16.16	€ 21.12	£ 15.54

Share-based Payment Expense 108

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Weighted Fair Values Under Trinomial Valuation Methodology (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)yr
2010 Savings-related share option - 3 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Description of option Life share options granted	3	3	3
2010 Savings-related share option - 3 year [Member] | Trinomial valuation methodology [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Description of option Life share options granted	3
Granted | €	€ 5.97	€ 5.01	€ 4.59
2010 Savings-related share option - 5 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Description of option Life share options granted	5	5	5
2010 Savings-related share option - 5 year [Member] | Trinomial valuation methodology [member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Description of option Life share options granted	5
Granted | €	€ 6.49	€ 5.57	€ 6.08

Share-based Payment Expense 109

Share-based Payment Expense - Summary of Assumptions of Fair Value Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)yr	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)yr
2010 Savings-related share option - 3 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (€)	€ 27.86	€ 20.83	€ 21.12
Risk-free interest rate (%)	(0.72%)	(0.48%)	(0.22%)
Expected dividend payments over the expected life (€)	€ 2.07	€ 1.95	€ 1.91
Expected volatility (%)	20.90%	21.80%	21.60%
Expected life in years | yr	3	3	3
2010 Savings-related share option - 5 year [Member]
Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (€)	€ 27.86	€ 20.83	€ 21.12
Risk-free interest rate (%)	(0.45%)	(0.33%)	(0.09%)
Expected dividend payments over the expected life (€)	€ 3.55	€ 3.32	€ 3.25
Expected volatility (%)	20.60%	22.90%	27.80%
Expected life in years | yr	5	5	5

Finance Costs and Finance In110

Finance Costs and Finance Income Continuing Operations - Summary of Finance Costs and Finance Income (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Finance costs
Interest payable on borrowings	€ 300	€ 337		€ 334
Net loss/(income) on interest rate and currency swaps	2	(10)		(32)
Mark-to-market of derivatives and related fixed rate debt:
- interest rate swaps (i)	16	14		12
- currency swaps and forward contracts		(3)		4
- fixed rate debt (i)	(23)	(20)		(22)
Net loss on interest rate swaps not designated as hedges	6	7		7
Net finance cost on gross debt including related derivatives	301	325	[1]	303	[1]
Finance income
Interest receivable on loans to joint ventures and associates	(5)	(4)		(4)
Interest receivable on cash and cash equivalents and other	(7)	(4)		(4)
Finance income	(12)	(8)	[1]	(8)	[1]
Finance costs less income	289	317		295
Other financial expense
Premium paid on early debt redemption	18			38
Unwinding of discount element of provisions for liabilities (note 26)	24	30		19
Unwinding of discount applicable to deferred and contingent acquisition consideration (note 19)	7	24		20
Pension-related finance cost (net) (note 28)	11	12		17
Total	60	66	[1]	94	[1]
Total net finance costs	€ 349	€ 383		€ 389
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Share of Equity Accounted In111

Share of Equity Accounted Investments' Profit - Summary of Analysis of Share of Joint Ventures' and Associates' Profit After Tax (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Group share of
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789	[1]	€ 21,406	[1]
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908	[1]	1,166	[1]
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620	[1]	920	[1]
Income tax expense	(55)	(431)	[1]	(276)	[1]
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270	[1]	729	[1]
Associates [member]
Group share of
Revenue	816	769		961
EBITDA (as defined)	77	52		84
Depreciation and amortisation	(39)	(40)		(55)
Group operating profit	38	12		29
Finance costs (net)	(10)	(15)		(17)
Profit before tax from continuing operations	28	(3)		12
Income tax expense	(6)	(6)		(9)
Group profit for the financial year	22	(9)		3
Joint Ventures [Member]
Group share of
Revenue	582	480		496
EBITDA (as defined)	77	85		79
Depreciation and amortisation	(28)	(26)		(27)
Group operating profit	49	59		52
Finance costs (net)	(1)	(4)		(6)
Profit before tax from continuing operations	48	55		46
Income tax expense	(5)	(4)		(5)
Group profit for the financial year	43	51		41
Joint Ventures and Associates [Member]
Group share of
Revenue	1,398	1,249		1,457
EBITDA (as defined)	154	137		163
Depreciation and amortisation	(67)	(66)		(82)
Group operating profit	87	71		81
Finance costs (net)	(11)	(19)		(23)
Profit before tax from continuing operations	76	52		58
Income tax expense	(11)	(10)		(14)
Group profit for the financial year	€ 65	€ 42		€ 44
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Income Tax Expense Continuin112

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations - Summary of Deferred Tax (Income)/Expense (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Current tax
Total current tax expense	€ 321	€ 448		€ 320
Deferred tax
Total deferred tax (income)	(266)	(17)		(44)
Income tax reported in the Consolidated Income Statement	55	431	[1]	276	[1]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Member]
Deferred tax
Total deferred tax (income)	2	1		1
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Deferred tax
Total deferred tax (income)	16	8		7
Share-based Payment Expense [Member]
Deferred tax
Total deferred tax (income)	(4)	(11)		(8)
Other items (including deferred tax credit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and other timing differences)
Deferred tax
Total deferred tax (income)	(280)	(15)		(44)
Republic of Ireland [Member]
Current tax
Total current tax expense	9	5
Overseas [Member]
Current tax
Total current tax expense	€ 312	€ 443		€ 320
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Income Tax Expense Continuin113

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations - Schedule of Changes in Consolidated Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity:
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Deferred tax, Total	€ (5)	€ 12	€ 5
Income tax recognised outside the Consolidated Income Statement	(38)	15	(25)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
(a) Within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income:
(a) Within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Deferred tax, Total	(33)	3	(30)
Share Option Exercise [Member]
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity:
Current tax - share option exercises	2
Share-based Payment Expense [Member]
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity:
(b) Within the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Deferred tax, Total	€ (7)	€ 12	€ 5

Income Tax Expense Continuin114

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations - Reconciliation of Applicable Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of applicable tax rate to effective tax rate [Abstract]
Profit before tax	€ 1,867	€ 1,620	€ 920
Tax charge expressed as a percentage of profit before tax (effective tax rate):
- current tax expense only	17.20%	27.70%	34.80%
- total income tax expense (current and deferred)	2.90%	26.60%	30.00%
Irish corporation tax rate	12.50%	12.50%	12.50%
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings	15.90%	15.10%	12.30%
Deferred tax credit relating to the enactment of the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act"	(23.60%)
Other items (primarily comprising items not chargeable to tax/expenses not deductible for tax)	(1.90%)	(1.00%)	5.20%
Total effective tax rate	2.90%	26.60%	30.00%

Income Tax Expense Continuin115

Income Tax Expense Continuing Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax expense [line items]
Effective tax rate	2.90%	26.60%	30.00%
L H Assets [Member]
Income tax expense [line items]
Non-deductible income tax transactions			€ 197
Effective tax rate excluding costs			25.80%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Income tax expense [line items]
Non-cash deferred tax credit related to the enactment of the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Included in reported tax charge	€ 440
Effective tax rate excluding impact of exceptional deferred tax credit	26.50%

Dividends - Summary of Dividend

Dividends - Summary of Dividends Paid and Proposed (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	€ 554	€ 527	€ 515
Less: issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 30)	(77)	(167)	(132)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company	469	352	379
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controllinginterests	8	8	4
Total dividends paid	477	360	383
Final 2017 - proposed 48.80c per Ordinary Share (2016: 46.20c; 2015: 44.00c)	409	385	362
5% Cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	0	0	0
7% 'A' cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Final Dividends [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	386	363	359
Interim Dividends [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	160	156	152
Retained Earnings [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends paid	€ 546	€ 519	€ 511

Dividends - Summary of Divid117

Dividends - Summary of Dividends Paid and Proposed (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends proposed per ordinary share	€ 0.488	€ 0.462	€ 0.440
5% Cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Preference dividends	€ 3,175	€ 3,175	€ 3,175
Cumulative preference shares percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
7% 'A' cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Preference dividends	€ 77,521	€ 77,521	€ 77,521
Cumulative preference shares percentage	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Final Dividends [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Equity dividends paid per ordinary share	€ 0.462	€ 0.440	€ 0.440
Interim Dividends [member]
Disclosure of Dividends [Line Items]
Equity dividends paid per ordinary share	€ 0.192	€ 0.188	€ 0.185

Earning Per Ordinary Share - Su

Earning Per Ordinary Share - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - EUR (€) € / shares in Units, € in Millions, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator computations
Group profit for the financial year	€ 1,919	€ 1,270	[1]	€ 729	[1]
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests	(24)	(27)		(5)
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company	1,895	1,243		724
Preference dividends	0	0		0
Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company -numerator for basic/diluted earnings per Ordinary Share	1,895	1,243		724
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81	[1]	85	[1]
Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company - numerator for basic/diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations	€ 1,788	€ 1,162		€ 639
Denominator computations
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding for the year	835.6	827.8		812.3
Effect of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares (employee share options)	5.2	6.1		3.6
Denominator for diluted earnings per Ordinary Share	840.8	833.9		815.9
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share	€ 2.268	€ 1.502	[1]	€ 0.891	[1]
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share	2.254	1.491	[1]	0.887	[1]
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations	2.140	1.404	[1]	0.787	[1]
Diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations	€ 2.127	€ 1.394	[1]	€ 0.783	[1]
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Earning Per Ordinary Share -119

Earning Per Ordinary Share - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Contingently issuable ordinary shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per ordinary share	5,710,247	3,095,404	8,630,786

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ 12,690	€ 13,062
Translation adjustment	(976)	(57)
Transfer from trade and other receivables (note 20)		8
Additions at cost	1,044	853	€ 882
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	1,536	19
Reclassified as held for sale	(104)
Disposals at net carrying amount	(90)	(186)
Depreciation charge for year	(1,006)	(1,009)
Ending balance	13,094	12,690	13,062
Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	22,118	21,636
Ending balance	22,180	22,118	21,636
Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(9,428)	(8,574)
Ending balance	(9,086)	(9,428)	(8,574)
Land and Buildings [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,157	6,396
Translation adjustment	(483)	9
Reclassifications	60	41
Transfer from trade and other receivables (note 20)		8
Additions at cost	87	82
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	703	(17)
Reclassified as held for sale	(22)
Disposals at net carrying amount	(53)	(129)
Depreciation charge for year	(225)	(233)
Ending balance	6,224	6,157	6,396
Land and Buildings [Member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	8,438	8,471
Ending balance	8,472	8,438	8,471
Land and Buildings [Member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(2,281)	(2,075)
Ending balance	(2,248)	(2,281)	(2,075)
Plant and machinery [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,035	6,087
Translation adjustment	(460)	(62)
Reclassifications	348	340
Additions at cost	481	451
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	812	51
Reclassified as held for sale	(79)
Disposals at net carrying amount	(37)	(56)
Depreciation charge for year	(781)	(776)
Ending balance	6,319	6,035	6,087
Plant and machinery [Member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	13,182	12,583
Ending balance	13,157	13,182	12,583
Plant and machinery [Member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(7,147)	(6,496)
Ending balance	(6,838)	(7,147)	(6,496)
Assets in course of construction [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	498	579
Translation adjustment	(33)	(4)
Reclassifications	(408)	(381)
Additions at cost	476	320
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	21	(15)
Reclassified as held for sale	(3)
Disposals at net carrying amount		(1)
Ending balance	551	498	579
Assets in course of construction [Member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance	498	582
Ending balance	€ 551	498	582
Assets in course of construction [Member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Beginning balance		€ (3)
Ending balance			€ (3)

Property, Plant and Equipmen121

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Carrying value	€ 13,094	€ 12,690	€ 13,062
Depreciation charge for year	(1,006)	(1,009)
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charge for year	16	22	€ 18
Mineral-Bearing Land [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Carrying value	€ 2,831	€ 2,708

Property,Plant and Equipment -

Property,Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Future Purchase Commitments for Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Contracted for but not provided in the financial statements	€ 346	€ 309
Authorised by the Directors but not contracted for	€ 491	€ 467

Intangible Assets - Summary of

Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ 7,761	€ 7,820
Translation adjustment	(629)	7
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	543	85
Reclassified as held for sale	(372)
Disposals	(23)	(57)
Amortisation charge for year	(66)	(71)
Impairment charge for year		(23)
Ending balance	7,214	7,761
Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	8,589	8,560
Ending balance	7,942	8,589
Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(828)	(740)
Ending balance	(728)	(828)
Goodwill [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	7,396	7,406
Translation adjustment	(593)	(2)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	487	71
Reclassified as held for sale	(363)
Disposals	(22)	(56)
Impairment charge for year		(23)
Ending balance	6,905	7,396
Goodwill [member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	7,701	7,699
Ending balance	7,198	7,701
Goodwill [member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(305)	(293)
Ending balance	(293)	(305)
Marketing Related Intangibles [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	89	91
Translation adjustment	(10)	2
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	4	3
Amortisation charge for year	(8)	(7)
Ending balance	75	89
Marketing Related Intangibles [member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	142	137
Ending balance	129	142
Marketing Related Intangibles [member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(53)	(46)
Ending balance	(54)	(53)
Customer-related intangible assets [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	229	264
Translation adjustment	(22)	6
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	51	11
Reclassified as held for sale	(8)
Disposals	(1)	(1)
Amortisation charge for year	(45)	(51)
Ending balance	204	229
Customer-related intangible assets [member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	659	639
Ending balance	535	659
Customer-related intangible assets [member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(430)	(375)
Ending balance	(331)	(430)
Contract based intangible assets [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	47	59
Translation adjustment	(4)	1
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	1
Reclassified as held for sale	(1)
Amortisation charge for year	(13)	(13)
Ending balance	30	47
Contract based intangible assets [member] | Cost/Deemed Cost [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	87	85
Ending balance	80	87
Contract based intangible assets [member] | Accumulated Depreciation, Amortisation (and Impairment Charges) [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(40)	(26)
Ending balance	€ (50)	€ (40)

Intangible Assets - Summary 124

Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Amortisation charge for year	€ 66	€ 71
Customer-related intangible assets [member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Amortisation charge for year	45	51
Customer-related intangible assets [member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [Line Items]
Amortisation charge for year	€ 5	€ 9	€ 11

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)Cash_Generating_UnitsBusinessSegments	Dec. 31, 2016Cash_Generating_UnitsBusinessSegments
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Number of cash generating units identified | Cash_Generating_Units	25	25
Number of business segments analysed for cash generating units | BusinessSegments	6	6
Cash flow forecasts projection period description	The cash flow forecasts are primarily based on a five-year strategic plan document formally approved by the Board of Directors and specifically exclude the impact of future development activity. These cash flows are projected forward for an additional five years to determine the basis for an annuity-based terminal value, calculated on the same basis as the Group's acquisition modelling methodology.
Terminal value assumption annuity period	20 years
Minimum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax)	7.00%	7.10%
Maximum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax)	10.30%	12.00%
Maximum [member] | Each of remaining cash generating units [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Percentage of goodwill allocated to CGUs	10.00%
Europe heavyside segment and Americas products segment[member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Percentage of goodwill allocated to CGUs	10.00%
Europe heavyside segment and Americas products segment[member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Percentage of goodwill allocated to CGUs	25.00%
Long lived cement assets [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Terminal value assumption annuity period	30 years
Europe [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	0.50%
Europe [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	2.00%
Europe [member] | Europe heavyside segment [member] | Individual assets or cash-generating units [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Sensitivity analysis description	Sensitivity analysis has been performed and results in additional disclosures in respect of one CGU (in the Europe Heavyside segment) of the total 25 CGUs. The key assumptions, methodology used and values applied to each of the key assumptions for this CGU are in line with those outlined above (a 30-year annuity period has been used). This CGU had goodwill of €169 million at the date of testing.
Goodwill at date of testing	€ 169
Average EBITDA margin for CGU over initial five-year period	24.00%
Value-in-use (being the present value of future net cash flows)	€ 289
Carrying amount	236
Excess of value-in-use over carrying amount	€ 53
Americas [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	1.30%
Americas [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	1.40%
Asia [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	3.50%
Level 3 of fair value hierarchy [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [Line Items]
Description of level of fair value hierarchy within which fair value measurement is categorised for goodwill	The recoverable amount of 24 CGUs is determined based on a value-in-use computation, using Level 3 inputs in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.
Number of CGUs subject to impairment testing for goodwill | Cash_Generating_Units	24

Intangible Assets - Summary 126

Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill by Cash Generating Units (Detail) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)Cash_Generating_Units	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)Cash_Generating_Units
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	25	25
Goodwill | €	€ 6,905	€ 7,396
Europe Heavyside [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	1,770	1,679
Europe Lightside [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	365	365
Europe Distribution [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	671	665
Europe [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	2,806	2,709
Americas Materials [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	2,082	2,077
Americas Products [Member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	1,555	1,671
Americas Distribution [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €		411
Americas [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	3,637	4,159
Asia [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill | €	€ 462	€ 528
Cash generating unit [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	25	25
Cash generating unit [member] | Europe Heavyside [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	14	14
Cash generating unit [member] | Europe Lightside [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	1	1
Cash generating unit [member] | Europe Distribution [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	1	1
Cash generating unit [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	16	16
Cash generating unit [member] | Americas Materials [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	6	6
Cash generating unit [member] | Americas Products [Member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	1	1
Cash generating unit [member] | Americas Distribution [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	1	1
Cash generating unit [member] | Americas [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	8	8
Cash generating unit [member] | Asia [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Cash-generating units	1	1

Intangible Assets - Summary 127

Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill by Cash Generating Units (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Cash generating unit [member] | Europe heavyside and americas materials [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill unallocated	€ 339

Intangible Assets - Summary 128

Intangible Assets - Summary of Significant Goodwill Amounts (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date	€ 6,905	€ 7,396
United Kingdom Cash Generating Units [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date	€ 725	€ 748
Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax)	7.60%	7.80%
Average EBITDA (as defined)* margin over the initial 5-year period	13.90%	13.70%
Value-in-use (present value of future cash flows)	€ 3,221	€ 3,549
Excess of value-in-use over carrying amount	1,334	1,338
Oldcastle Building Products Cash Generating Units [member]
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit at balance sheet date	€ 1,555	€ 1,670
Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections (real pre-tax)	10.30%	11.70%
Average EBITDA (as defined)* margin over the initial 5-year period	15.10%	14.40%
Value-in-use (present value of future cash flows)	€ 5,628	€ 4,695
Excess of value-in-use over carrying amount	€ 2,152	€ 1,388

Intangible Assets - Summary 129

Intangible Assets - Summary of Key Assumptions and Sensitivity Analysis Relating to Cash Generating Units (Detail) - In respect of one CGU in Europe heavyside [member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [Line Items]
Reduction in EBITDA (as defined) margin	2.9 percentage points
Reduction in profit before tax	22.20%
Reduction in net cash flow	18.20%
Increase in pre-tax discount rate	1.7 percentage points

Financial Assets - Summary of I

Financial Assets - Summary of Investments Accounted for Using Equity Method (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ 1,299	€ 1,317
Translation adjustment	(83)	(11)
Investments and advances	11	7		€ 19
Reduction in joint venture loans		(5)
Disposals and repayments	(13)	(11)
Share of profit after tax	65	42	[1]	44	[1]
Dividends received	(31)	(40)
Ending balance	1,248	1,299		1,317
Other [Member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	26	28
Translation adjustment	(1)
Disposals and repayments		(2)
Ending balance	25	26		28
Share of net assets [Member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,152	1,161
Translation adjustment	(67)	(14)
Investments and advances	5	1
Disposals and repayments	(1)	2
Share of profit after tax	65	42
Dividends received	(31)	(40)
Ending balance	1,123	1,152		1,161
Loans1 [Member]
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Beginning balance	147	156
Translation adjustment	(16)	3
Investments and advances	6	6
Reduction in joint venture loans		(5)
Disposals and repayments	(12)	(13)
Ending balance	€ 125	€ 147		€ 156
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Financial Assets - Summary of F

Financial Assets - Summary of Financial Information for Group's Investment in Joint Ventures and Associates (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of associates and joint ventures [Line Items]
Non-current assets	€ 21,862	€ 22,200
Current assets	9,771	9,394
Non-current liabilities	(10,625)	(11,253)
Current liabilities	(6,031)	(5,898)
Associates and Joint Ventures [Member]
Disclosure of associates and joint ventures [Line Items]
Non-current assets	1,506	1,572
Current assets	701	584
Non-current liabilities	(421)	(467)
Current liabilities	(663)	(537)
Net assets	1,123	1,152
Associates [member]
Disclosure of associates and joint ventures [Line Items]
Non-current assets	754	845
Current assets	492	413
Non-current liabilities	(73)	(182)
Current liabilities	(548)	(435)
Net assets	625	641
Joint Ventures [Member]
Disclosure of associates and joint ventures [Line Items]
Non-current assets	752	727
Current assets	209	171
Non-current liabilities	(348)	(285)
Current liabilities	(115)	(102)
Net assets	€ 498	€ 511

Financial Assets - Additional I

Financial Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - Samse S.A [member] - France [member] - Associates [member] - Level 1 of fair value hierarchy [member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial assets [Line Items]
Proportion of ownership interest in associate	21.13%	21.13%
Fair value of investments in associates where price quotations published	€ 125	€ 107

Inventories - Summary of Invent

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	€ 885	€ 821
Work-in-progress	92	94
Finished goods	1,738	2,024
Total inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value	€ 2,715	€ 2,939

Inventories - Summary of Inv134

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Classes of inventories [Line Items]
Work-in-progress	€ 92	€ 94
Construction contracts [member]
Classes of inventories [Line Items]
Work-in-progress	€ 2	€ 2

Inventories - Additional Inform

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Write-downs (reversals of write-downs) of inventories [Abstract]
Inventories write-down	€ 31	€ 17	€ 12

Trade and Other Receivables - S

Trade and Other Receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current
Trade receivables	€ 2,456	€ 2,773
Amounts receivable in respect of construction contracts	773	792
Total trade receivables, gross	3,229	3,565
Provision for impairment	(131)	(152)	€ (161)	€ (106)
Total trade receivables, net	3,098	3,413
Amounts receivable from equity accounted investments	8	9
Prepayments and other receivables	524	557
Total	3,630	3,979
Non-current
Other receivables	€ 156	€ 212

Trade and Other Receivables 137

Trade and Other Receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade and other receivables [Abstract]
Unbilled revenue from construction contracts	€ 176	€ 149
Retentions held by customers in respect of construction contracts	€ 154	€ 167

Trade and Other Receivables 138

Trade and Other Receivables - Summary of Provision for Impairment of Receivables (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and qualifying accounts (provision for impairment) [Abstract]
At 1 January	€ 152	€ 161	€ 106
Translation adjustment	(7)	(1)	5
Provided during year	32	43	40
Reclassified (as)/from held for sale	(6)		2
Disposed of during year		(1)	(4)
Written off during year	(36)	(43)	(36)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	3	2	55
Recovered during year	(7)	(9)	(7)
At 31 December	€ 131	€ 152	€ 161

Trade and Other Receivables 139

Trade and Other Receivables - Summary of Aged Analysis of Trade Receivables and Amounts Receivable in Respect of Construction Contracts at Balance Sheet Date (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	€ 3,229	€ 3,565
Neither Past Due Nor Impaired [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	2,070	2,414
Less Than 60 Days [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	832	774
60 Days or Greater but Less than 120 Days [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	129	120
120 Days or Greater [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	67	105
Past Due and Impaired (Partial or Full Provision) [Member]
Disclosure Of Aging Analysis Of Trade And Amounts Receivable In Respect Of Construction Contracts [Line Items]
Total trade receivables, gross	€ 131	€ 152

Trade and Other Receivables - A

Trade and Other Receivables - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Trade and other receivables [Abstract]
Trade and amount receivables	P90D

Trade and Other Payables - Summ

Trade and Other Payables - Summary of Trade and Other Payables (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current
Trade payables	€ 2,304	€ 2,531
Construction contract-related payables	217	296
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration	167	61
Accruals and other payables	1,802	1,875
Amounts payable to equity accounted investments	44	52
Total	4,534	4,815
Non-current
Other payables	128	221
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration	98	240
Total	€ 226	€ 461

Trade and Other Payables - S142

Trade and Other Payables - Summary of Trade and Other Payables (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of trade and other payables [Line Items]
Deferred consideration	€ 147	€ 165
Minimum [member]
Disclosure of trade and other payables [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability on undiscounted basis	0
Maximum [member]
Disclosure of trade and other payables [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability on undiscounted basis	118
Level 3 of fair value hierarchy [member]
Disclosure of trade and other payables [Line Items]
Fair value of total contingent consideration	€ 118	€ 136

Trade and Other Payables - S143

Trade and Other Payables - Summary of Movement in Deferred and Contingent Consideration (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [Abstract]
At 1 January	€ 301	€ 288
Translation adjustment	(36)	9
Arising on acquisitions and investments during year (note 31)	45	22
Changes in estimate	3	15
Paid during year	(53)	(57)
Discount unwinding	7	24	€ 20
Reclassified as held for sale	(2)
At 31 December	€ 265	€ 301	€ 288

Movement in Working Capital 144

Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities - Summary of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ 794	€ 793	€ 1,442
Translation adjustment	(84)	60	121
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	45	41	24
Reclassified (as) from held for sale	(294)		76
Disposals	(29)	(24)	(246)
- arising on acquisitions during year (note 31)	(45)	(22)	(97)
- paid during year	53	57	59
Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year	3	7	38
Interest accruals and discount unwinding	(23)	(54)	(39)
Reclassification	48
Transfer to property, plant and equipment		(8)
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities	209	(56)	(585)
Ending balance	677	794	793
Inventories [Member]
Disclosure of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,939	2,873	2,260
Translation adjustment	(218)	20	130
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	114	9	621
Reclassified (as) from held for sale	(266)		102
Disposals	(34)	(18)	(211)
Reclassification	(3)
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities	183	55	(29)
Ending balance	2,715	2,939	2,873
Trade and Other Receivables [Member]
Disclosure of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	4,191	4,126	2,729
Translation adjustment	(286)	(12)	147
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	129	28	1,533
Reclassified (as) from held for sale	(334)		79
Disposals	(16)	(15)	(178)
Deferred proceeds arising on disposals during year	3	7	38
Interest accruals and discount unwinding	1
Reclassification	(14)
Transfer to property, plant and equipment		(8)
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities	112	65	(222)
Ending balance	3,786	4,191	4,126
Trade and Other Payables [Member]
Disclosure of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(5,276)	(5,171)	(3,151)
Translation adjustment	348	26	(151)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	(149)	(14)	(1,549)
Reclassified (as) from held for sale	306		(98)
Disposals	20	8	137
- arising on acquisitions during year (note 31)	(45)	(22)	(97)
- paid during year	53	57	59
Interest accruals and discount unwinding		(24)	(20)
Reclassification	65
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities	(82)	(136)	(301)
Ending balance	(4,760)	(5,276)	(5,171)
Provisions for Liabilities [Member]
Disclosure of Movement in Working Capital and Provisions for Liabilities [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,060)	(1,035)	(396)
Translation adjustment	72	26	(5)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	(49)	18	(581)
Reclassified (as) from held for sale			(7)
Disposals	1	1	6
Interest accruals and discount unwinding	(24)	(30)	(19)
Increase/(decrease) in working capital and provisions for liabilities	(4)	(40)	(33)
Ending balance	€ (1,064)	€ (1,060)	€ (1,035)

Analysis of Net Debt - Componen

Analysis of Net Debt - Component of Net Debt (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)	€ 2,115	€ 2,449
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)	(7,981)	(7,790)
Group net debt	(5,796)	(5,297)	€ (6,618)	€ (2,492)
Book Value [Member]
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)	2,135	2,449
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)	(7,981)	(7,790)
Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25)	50	44
Group net debt	(5,796)	(5,297)
Fair Value [Member]
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents (note 23)	2,135	2,449
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (note 24)	(8,421)	(8,236)
Derivative financial instruments (net) (note 25)	50	44
Group net debt	€ (6,236)	€ (5,743)

Analysis of Net Debt - Reconcil

Analysis of Net Debt - Reconciliation of Opening to Closing Net Debt (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Reconciliation Of Opening To Closing Net Debt [abstract]
Beginning Balance	€ (5,297)	€ (6,618)	€ (2,492)
Debt in acquired companies (note 31)	(12)	(3)	(175)
Debt in disposed companies			20
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(1,010)	(600)	(5,633)
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	(169)	5	(47)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	343	2,015	2,744
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)	(897)
Mark-to-market adjustment	9	21	(1)
Translation adjustment	493	10	(137)
Ending balance	€ (5,796)	€ (5,297)	€ (6,618)

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Effective Interest Rates on Period-End Fixed, Gross and Net Debt (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of components of net debt [Abstract]
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - fixed rate	€ (7,844)	€ (7,417)
Derivative financial instruments - fixed rate	1,505	1,640
Net fixed rate debt including derivatives	(6,339)	(5,777)
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings nominal - floating rate	(70)	(270)
Adjustment of debt from nominal to book value	(67)	(103)
Derivative financial instruments - currency floating rate	(1,455)	(1,596)
Gross debt including derivative financial instruments	(7,931)	(7,746)
Cash and cash equivalents - floating rate	2,135	2,449
Group net debt	(5,796)	(5,297)	€ (6,618)	€ (2,492)
Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23)	(20)
Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24)	5
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	€ (5,811)	€ (5,297)	€ (6,618)
Net fixed rate debt including derivatives	3.30%	3.50%
Gross debt including derivative financial instruments	4.20%	4.10%
Net fixed rate debt including derivatives	9 years 2 months 12 days	8 years 8 months 12 days

Analysis of Net Debt - Sched148

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Effective Interest Rates on Period-End Fixed, Gross and Net Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Effective Interest Rates On Period End Fixed Gross And Net Debt [abstract]
Nominal fixed rate	€ 1,505	€ 1,640

Analysis of Net Debt - Sched149

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Currency Profile of Net Debt and Net Worth Capital and Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	€ 2,115	€ 2,449
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(7,981)	(7,790)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	50	44	€ 85
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(5,811)	(5,297)	€ (6,618)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-controlling interests	486	548
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(7,976)	(7,790)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	50	44
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(5,811)	(5,297)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	21,832	22,147
Current assets	7,622	6,922
Non-current liabilities	(2,962)	(3,738)
Current liabilities	(5,704)	(5,591)
Non-controlling interests	(486)	(548)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Euro [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	743	690
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(3,827)	(3,840)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	2,078	2,397
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(1,006)	(753)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	5,030	4,476
Current assets	1,935	1,809
Non-current liabilities	(713)	(641)
Current liabilities	(1,745)	(1,610)
Non-controlling interests	(49)	(46)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	3,452	3,235
US Dollar [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	714	1,284
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(3,097)	(2,957)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(908)	(1,246)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(3,291)	(2,919)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	8,815	9,311
Current assets	3,718	3,064
Non-current liabilities	(1,311)	(1,885)
Current liabilities	(2,093)	(2,059)
Non-controlling interests	(14)	(16)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	5,824	5,496
Pound Sterling [member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	215	72
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(465)	(464)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(157)	(208)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(407)	(600)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	2,400	2,485
Current assets	692	749
Non-current liabilities	(295)	(276)
Current liabilities	(806)	(892)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	1,584	1,466
Canadian Dollar [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	140	145
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(2)	(1)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(480)	(612)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(342)	(468)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	1,466	1,541
Current assets	454	471
Non-current liabilities	(206)	(247)
Current liabilities	(322)	(320)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	1,050	977
Philippine Peso [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	43	16
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(293)	(197)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(17)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(267)	(181)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	1,292	1,459
Current assets	110	97
Non-current liabilities	(153)	(238)
Current liabilities	(137)	(125)
Non-controlling interests	(391)	(472)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	454	540
Polish Zloty [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	99	21
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings		(1)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(171)	(80)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(72)	(60)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	310	288
Current assets	138	149
Non-current liabilities	(5)	(4)
Current liabilities	(130)	(118)
Non-controlling interests		(1)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	241	254
Swiss Franc [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	61	89
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(281)	(306)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(247)	(209)
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	(467)	(426)
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	715	797
Current assets	302	325
Non-current liabilities	(181)	(350)
Current liabilities	(186)	(199)
Non-controlling interests	(11)	(12)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	172	135
Other currencies [Member] | Currency profile [Member]
Disclosure Of Net Debt And Net Worth (Capital And Reserves Attributable to Company's Equity Holders) [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	100	132
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	(11)	(24)
Derivative financial instruments (net)	(48)	2
Group net debt excluding net debt reclassified as held for sale	41	110
Non-debt assets and liabilities (including cash and bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale) analysed as follows:
Non-current assets	1,804	1,790
Current assets	273	258
Non-current liabilities	(98)	(97)
Current liabilities	(285)	(268)
Non-controlling interests	(21)	(1)
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	€ 1,714	€ 1,792

Analysis of Net Debt - Addition

Analysis of Net Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Net cash inflow from operating activities	€ 2,189	€ 2,340	€ 2,247
Net cash outflow from investing activities	2,685	735	7,306
Net cash inflow from financing activities	343	(1,732)	€ 4,162
Financial resources (operating cash together with cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Undrawn committed loan facilities	€ 3,554	€ 3,034
Euro [member]
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Percentage of total cash and cash equivalents	35.00%	28.00%
US dollar [member]
Disclosure of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Percentage of total cash and cash equivalents	34.00%	52.00%

Analysis of Net Debt - Addit151

Analysis of Net Debt - Additional Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Disclosure of components of net debt [Abstract]
Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale	€ 20
Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale	€ 5

Analysis of Net Debt - Sched152

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Liquidity and Capital Resources Related to Cash Generation and Changes in Our Cash and Cash Equivalents Position (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Cash Generation And Changes In Our Cash And Cash Equivalents Position [abstract]
Net cash inflow from operating activities	€ 2,189	€ 2,340	€ 2,247
Net cash outflow from investing activities	(2,685)	(735)	(7,306)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities	343	(1,732)	4,162
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)	(897)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	2,449	2,518	3,295
Effect of exchange rate changes	(161)	58	120
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	2,135	2,449	2,518
Bank overdrafts	(71)	(78)	(117)
Borrowings	(7,910)	(7,712)	(9,104)
Derivative financial instruments	50	44	85
Total liabilities from financing activities	(7,931)	(7,746)	(9,136)
Group net debt	(5,796)	(5,297)	(6,618)	€ (2,492)
Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale (note 23)	(20)
Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale (note 24)	5
Net debt excluding cash and debt reclassified as held for sale	€ (5,811)	€ (5,297)	€ (6,618)

Analysis of Net Debt - Sched153

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Significant Borrowings (Detail) - 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2017 € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	CHF (SFr)
Pound Sterling Bonds [Member] | Maturity Year 2029 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	4.125%
Outstanding | £			£ 400
Final maturity	2,029
Swiss Franc Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2022 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	1.375%
Outstanding | SFr				SFr 330
Final maturity	2,022
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity Year 2019 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	5.00%
Outstanding | €		€ 500
Final maturity	2,019
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity Year 2020 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	2.75%
Outstanding | €		750
Final maturity	2,020
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	1.75%
Outstanding | €		600
Final maturity	2,021
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2023 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	3.125%
Outstanding | €		750
Final maturity	2,023
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2024 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	1.875%
Outstanding | €		600
Final maturity	2,024
Euro Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2028 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	1.375%
Outstanding | €		€ 600
Final maturity	2,028
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2021 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	5.75%
Outstanding	$ 400
Final maturity	2,021
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity Year 2018 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	8.125%
Outstanding	$ 288
Final maturity	2,018
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2025 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	3.875%
Outstanding	$ 1,250
Final maturity	2,025
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity Year 2027 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	3.40%
Outstanding	$ 600
Final maturity	2,027
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2033 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	6.40%
Outstanding	$ 213
Final maturity	2,033
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2045 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	5.125%
Outstanding	$ 500
Final maturity	2,045
US Dollar Bonds [Member] | Maturity year 2047 [Member]
Disclosure of Significant Borrowings [Line Items]
Annual coupons	4.40%
Outstanding	$ 400
Final maturity	2,047

Analysis of Net Debt - Sched154

Analysis of Net Debt - Schedule of Significant Borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2117	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2003USD ($)
Disclosure Of Significant Borrowings [Abstract]
Bonds issued		€ 7,602		€ 7,497		$ 650,000	$ 300,000
Bonds acquired			$ 362,130		$ 87,445
Bonds aquired description	In August 2009 and December 2010, US$87.445 million of the issued notes were acquired by CRH plc

Capital and Financial Risk M155

Capital and Financial Risk Management - Additional Information (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Dividend coverage	3.34	2.31
Credit risk [member] | Trade receivables neither past due nor impaired [member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Percentage of trade receivables	64.00%	68.00%	64.00%
Credit risk [member] | Trade receivables [member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Bad debt provision as percentage of gross trade receivables	4.10%	4.30%	4.10%
Commodity price risk [member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Fair value of derivatives used to hedge future energy costs		€ (2)	€ 11
Liquidity risk [Member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Euro Medium-Term Notes Programme			8,000
Liquidity risk [Member] | Euro Commercial Paper Programme [member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Commercial paper programme in place which is available for issue			€ 1,500
Liquidity risk [Member] | US Dollar Commercial Paper Programme [member]
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [Line Items]
Commercial paper programme in place which is available for issue | $	$ 1.5

Capital and Financial Risk M156

Capital and Financial Risk Management - Summary of Net Debt and Capital Reserves (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Capital And Net Debt [Abstract]
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	€ 14,491	€ 13,895
Net debt	5,796	5,297	€ 6,618	€ 2,492
Capital and net debt	€ 20,287	€ 19,192

Capital and Financial Risk M157

Capital and Financial Risk Management - Summary of Interest Rate Risk (Detail) - Interest rate risk [Member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of interest rate risk [Line Items]
Impact on profit before tax (+1%)	€ 6	€ 6	€ (15)
Impact on profit before tax (-1%)	6	6	(15)
Impact on total equity (+1%)	0.4	1	7
Impact on total equity (-1%)	0.4	1	7
Impact on profit before tax (+0.5%)	3	3	(7)
Impact on profit before tax (-0.5%)	3	3	(7)
Impact on total equity (+0.5%)	0.2	0.5	4
Impact on total equity (-0.5%)	€ 0.2	€ 0.5	€ 4

Capital and Financial Risk M158

Capital and Financial Risk Management - Summary of Foreign Currency Risk (Detail) - Foreign currency risk [Member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of foreign currency risk [Line Items]
Impact on profit before tax (+5 %)	€ 53	€ 54	€ 27
Impact on profit before tax (-5 %)	53	54	27
Impact on total equity (+5 %)	291	275	230
Impact on total equity (-5 %)	291	275	230
Impact on financial instruments (+5%)	165	146	181
Impact on financial instruments (-5%)	165	146	181
Impact on profit before tax (+2.5 %)	27	27	14
Impact on profit before tax (-2.5 %)	27	27	14
Impact on total equity (+2.5 %)	146	137	115
Impact on total equity (-2.5 %)	146	137	115
Impact on financial instruments (+2.5%)	82	73	91
Impact on financial instruments (-2.5%)	€ 82	€ 73	€ 91

Capital and Financial Risk M159

Capital and Financial Risk Management - Summary of Maturity Analysis for Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	€ 4,770	€ 5,299
Finance leases	12	14
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	7,950	7,721
Interest payments on finance leases	3	6
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	2,539	2,303
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows	2,391	2,904
Gross projected cash outflows	17,665	18,247
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(95)	(154)
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows	(2,399)	(2,894)
Gross projected cash inflows	(2,494)	(3,048)
Within 1 year [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	4,534	4,815
Finance leases	3	2
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	320	280
Interest payments on finance leases	1	1
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	283	279
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash outflows	2,391	2,904
Gross projected cash outflows	7,532	8,281
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(26)	(30)
Cross-currency swaps - gross cash inflows	(2,399)	(2,894)
Gross projected cash inflows	(2,425)	(2,924)
Between1 and 2 years [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	126	311
Finance leases	2	2
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	501	620
Interest payments on finance leases		1
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	260	278
Gross projected cash outflows	889	1,212
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(14)	(30)
Gross projected cash inflows	(14)	(30)
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	38	46
Finance leases	2	2
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	751	501
Interest payments on finance leases		1
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	231	228
Gross projected cash outflows	1,022	778
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(13)	(17)
Gross projected cash inflows	(13)	(17)
Between 3 and 4 years [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	20	72
Finance leases	1	2
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	934	751
Interest payments on finance leases		1
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	200	198
Gross projected cash outflows	1,155	1,024
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(13)	(16)
Gross projected cash inflows	(13)	(16)
Between 4 and 5 years [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	16	14
Finance leases	1	1
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	362	980
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	184	166
Gross projected cash outflows	563	1,161
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(13)	(16)
Gross projected cash inflows	(13)	(16)
After 5 years [member]
Financial liabilities - cash outflows
Trade and other payables	36	41
Finance leases	3	5
Other interest-bearing loans and borrowings	5,082	4,589
Interest payments on finance leases	2	2
Interest payments on other interest-bearing loans and borrowings (i)	1,381	1,154
Gross projected cash outflows	6,504	5,791
Derivative financial instruments - cash inflows
Interest rate swaps - net cash inflows (ii)	(16)	(45)
Gross projected cash inflows	€ (16)	€ (45)

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Sum

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents [Abstract]
Cash at bank and in hand	€ 737	€ 1,141
Investments (short-term deposits)	1,378	1,308
Total	€ 2,115	€ 2,449

Cash and Cash Equivalents - 161

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Summary of Cash and Cash Equivalents at Fair Value (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents [Abstract]
Cash at bank and in hand	€ 737	€ 1,141
Investments (short-term deposits)	1,378	1,308
Cash at bank and in hand reclassified as held for sale	20
Total	€ 2,135	€ 2,449	€ 2,518	€ 3,295

Interest-bearing Loans and B162

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings - Summary of Loans and Borrowings Outstanding (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2008USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2003USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [Abstract]
Bank overdrafts	€ 66	€ 78
Bank loans	295	200
Finance leases	12	14
Bonds	7,602	7,497	$ 650	$ 300
Other	1	1
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	7,976	7,790
Bank overdrafts reclassified as held for sale	5
Total	€ 7,981	€ 7,790

Interest Bearing Loans and Borr

Interest Bearing Loans and Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans received	€ 295,000,000	€ 295,000,000	€ 200,000,000
Borrowings	€ 7,981,000,000	€ 7,981,000,000	€ 7,790,000,000
Period revolving committed bank facilities be available	5 years
Minimum interest cover		4.5	4.5	4.5
Minimum interest coverage ratio		11.6	10.1	8.5
Minimum net worth	€ 6,200,000,000	€ 6,200,000,000	€ 6,200,000,000
Net worth	16,600,000,000	16,600,000,000	16,400,000,000
Interest bearing loans and borrowings [member] | Property, plant and equipment [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans received	2,000,000	2,000,000	3,000,000
Letters of guarantee [member] | Loans bank advances derivative obligations and future lease obligations [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings	7,700,000,000	7,700,000,000	7,600,000,000
Letters of guarantee [member] | Letters of credit [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings	€ 200,000,000	€ 200,000,000	€ 300,000,000

Interest-bearing Loans and B164

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings - Summary of Maturity Profile for Loans, Borrowings and Undrawn Committed Facilities (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	€ 7,981	€ 7,790
Undrawn committed facilities	3,554	3,034
Within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	316	275
Undrawn committed facilities		197
Between1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	498	629
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	746	500
Between 3 and 4 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	930	748
Undrawn committed facilities		91
Between 4 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	359	978
Undrawn committed facilities	3,554	2,746
After 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	5,127	4,660
Total excluding amounts reclassified as held for sale [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	7,976	7,790
Undrawn committed facilities	3,554	€ 3,034
Not later than one year reclassified as held for sale [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Borrowings [Line Items]
Loans and borrowings	€ 5

Derivative Financial Instrum165

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments Analysed by Year of Maturity and Accounting Designation (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	€ 34	€ 23
Non-current assets	30	53
Total derivative assets	64	76
Within one year - current liabilities	(11)	(32)
Non-current liabilities	(3)
Total derivative liabilities	(14)	(32)
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments	50	44
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	3	6
Total derivative assets	5	6
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments	5	6
Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	26	46
Total derivative assets	28	46
Non-current liabilities	(3)
Total derivative liabilities	(3)
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments	25	46
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	1	1
Total derivative assets	12	3
Total derivative liabilities	(1)	(1)
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments	11	2
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Total derivative assets	19	21
Total derivative liabilities	(10)	(31)
Net asset arising on derivative financial instruments	9	(10)
Within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	34	23
Within one year - current liabilities	(11)	(32)
Within 1 year [member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	2
Within 1 year [member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	2
Within 1 year [member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	11	2
Within one year - current liabilities	(1)	(1)
Within 1 year [member] | Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Within one year - current assets	19	21
Within one year - current liabilities	(10)	(31)
Between1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	4	14
Between1 and 2 years [member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	3
Between1 and 2 years [member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets		13
Between1 and 2 years [member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	1	1
After 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	26	33
Non-current liabilities	(3)
After 5 years [member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets	26	33
Non-current liabilities	€ (3)
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets		6
Between 2 and 3 years [member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Non-current assets		€ 6

Derivative Financial Instrum166

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Master netting or similar arrangements, collateral posting requirements, or enforceable right of set off agreements	€ 0	€ 0
Level 1 of fair value hierarchy [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative at fair value	0	0
Level 3 of fair value hierarchy [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedging Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative at fair value	€ 0	€ 0

Derivative Financial Instrum167

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Loss/Profit Arising on Fair Value, Cash Flow, Net Investment Hedges and Related Hedged Items Reflected in Income Statement (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Fair value of hedge instruments	€ (16)	€ (11)	€ (16)
Fair value of the hedged items	18	13	13
Gains/Losses arising during year	8	14	(2)
Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Financial assets fair value	64	76
Financial liabilities fair value	(14)	(32)
Commodity forward contracts [member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Gains/Losses arising during year	9	14	€ (2)
Currency Forward Contracts [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Gains/Losses arising during year	(1)
Cross-currency and Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Financial assets fair value	28	46
Financial liabilities fair value	(3)
Cross-currency Swaps [Member] | Net Investment Hedges [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Financial assets fair value	19	21
Financial liabilities fair value	(10)	(31)
Cross-currency, Interest Rate Swaps and Commodity Forwards [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Financial assets fair value	12	3
Financial liabilities fair value	(1)	(1)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Disclosure of Detailed Information about Hedges [Line Items]
Financial assets fair value	€ 5	€ 6

Provisions for Liabilities - Su

Provisions for Liabilities - Summary of Provisions for Liabilities (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ 1,060	€ 1,035
Translation adjustment	(72)	(26)
Arising on acquisition	49	(18)
Provided during year	266	243
Utilised during year	(154)	(147)
Disposed during year	(1)	(1)
Reversed unused	(108)	(56)
Discount unwinding	24	30
Ending balance	1,064	1,060	€ 1,035
Non-current liabilities	693	678	603
Current liabilities	371	382	432
Environment and Remediation [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Beginning balance	430	450
Translation adjustment	(25)	(21)
Arising on acquisition	43	(16)
Provided during year	27	38
Utilised during year	(29)	(17)
Disposed during year		(1)
Reversed unused	(14)	(9)
Discount unwinding	9	6
Ending balance	441	430	450
Insurance [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Beginning balance	286	244
Translation adjustment	(28)	5
Arising on acquisition	3
Provided during year	101	105
Utilised during year	(61)	(76)
Reversed unused	(19)	(11)
Discount unwinding	10	19
Ending balance	292	286	244
Rationalisation and Redundancy [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Beginning balance	23	26
Arising on acquisition		1
Provided during year	32	23	23
Utilised during year	(27)	(25)
Reversed unused	(3)	(2)
Ending balance	25	23	26
Other Provision [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Beginning balance	321	315
Translation adjustment	(19)	(10)
Arising on acquisition	3	(3)
Provided during year	106	77
Utilised during year	(37)	(29)
Disposed during year	(1)
Reversed unused	(72)	(34)
Discount unwinding	5	5
Ending balance	€ 306	€ 321	€ 315

Provisions for Liabilities -169

Provisions for Liabilities - Summary of Provisions for Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Additional provision	€ 266	€ 243
Environment and Remediation [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, unwind period for legal and constructive obligations	30 years
Additional provision	€ 27	€ 38
Environment and Remediation [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	2 years
Environment and Remediation [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	10 years
Insurance [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Insurance provisions average life	5 years 6 months	6 years
Additional provision	€ 101	€ 105
Rationalisation and Redundancy [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Additional provision	€ 32	€ 23	€ 23
Rationalisation and Redundancy [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	1 year	1 year
Rationalisation and Redundancy [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	2 years	2 years
Legal Related Provision [member] | Minimum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	2 years	2 years
Legal Related Provision [member] | Maximum [member]
Disclosure of other provisions [Line Items]
Provision reverse term	5 years	5 years

Deferred Income Tax - Summary o

Deferred Income Tax - Summary of Deductible and Taxable Temporary Differences in Deferred Tax (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Abstract]
Deferred tax liabilities	€ 1,666	€ 2,008
Deferred tax assets	(95)	(159)
Net deferred income tax liability	1,571	1,849	€ 1,874
Deferred income tax assets (deductible temporary differences)
Deficits on Group retirement benefit obligations	72	119
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value	7	12
Tax loss carryforwards	132	150
Share-based payment expense	29	38
Provisions for liabilities and working capital-related items	157	350
Other deductible temporary differences	145	83
Total	€ 542	€ 752

Deferred Income Tax - Additiona

Deferred Income Tax - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of income taxes [abstract]
Amount of tax losses	€ 1.5	€ 1.4
Deferred tax assets expiration year	2,022	2,021

Deferred Income Tax - Summar172

Deferred Income Tax - Summary of Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Taxable Temporary Differences) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [Abstract]
Taxable temporary differences principally attributable to accelerated tax depreciation and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition (i)	€ 2,089	€ 2,569
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments to fair value	11	18
Rolled-over capital gains	13	14
Total	€ 2,113	€ 2,601

Deferred Income Tax - Summar173

Deferred Income Tax - Summary of Movement in Net Deferred Income Tax Liability (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [Abstract]
Beginning balance	€ 1,849	€ 1,874
Translation adjustment	(173)	41
Net income for the year (note 11)	(265)	(15)
Arising on acquisition (note 31)	132	(35)
Reclassified as held for sale	(14)
Disposal (note 5)	2	(1)
Movement in deferred tax asset on Group retirement benefit obligations	33	(3)
Movement in deferred tax asset on share-based payment expense	7	(12)
Ending balance	€ 1,571	€ 1,849

Deferred Income Tax - Summar174

Deferred Income Tax - Summary of Movement in Net Deferred Income Tax Liability (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [Abstract]
Expense relating to discontinued operations	€ 1	€ 2

Retirement Benefit Obligatio175

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Other payable	€ 226,000,000	€ 461,000,000
Employer contributions payable including estimated minimum funding payments	112,000,000
Republic of Ireland [member] | Contracted Payments (on a discounted basis) [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	18,000,000	35,000,000	€ 52,000,000
United Kingdom [member] | Contracted Payments (on a discounted basis) [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	16,000,000	20,000,000	€ 21,000,000
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Gains losses arising from past service credit net defined benefit liability asset	€ 81,000,000
Percentage before reduction conversion factor on retirement accumulated savings	6.40%
Percentage after reduction conversion factor on retirement accumulated savings	5.00%
Funded defined benefit obligation [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Net liability of defined benefit pension schemes	€ 175,000,000	444,000,000
Unfunded defined benefit obligation [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Net liability of defined benefit pension schemes	202,000,000	147,000,000
Defined contribution pension liabilities [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Other payable	€ 78,000,000	€ 89,000,000

Retirement Benefit Obligatio176

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Major Long-Term Assumptions Used By Actuaries in the Computation of Scheme Liabilities (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [Line Items]
Salaries	3.59%	3.41%	3.64%
Pensions in payment	1.70%	1.50%	1.75%
Inflation	1.75%	1.50%	1.75%
Discount rate	2.05%	1.86%	2.61%
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [Line Items]
Salaries	1.25%	1.25%	1.75%
Inflation	0.75%	0.75%	0.75%
Discount rate	0.70%	0.65%	0.85%
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [Line Items]
Salaries	3.27%	3.28%	3.29%
Inflation	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Discount rate	3.52%	4.01%	4.22%
Medical cost trend rate	6.33%	5.98%	6.21%

Retirement Benefit Obligatio177

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Future Life Expectations Based on Retirement at 65 years of Age for Current and Future Retirees (Detail) - yr	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Republic of Ireland [member] | Current Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	22.7	22.5	22.8
Republic of Ireland [member] | Current Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	24.4	24.3	24.9
Republic of Ireland [member] | Future Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	25.5	25.4	25.8
Republic of Ireland [member] | Future Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	27	26.9	26.9
Switzerland [member] | Current Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	22.4	22.3	21.5
Switzerland [member] | Current Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	24.4	24.3	24
Switzerland [member] | Future Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	24.6	24.6	23.6
Switzerland [member] | Future Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	26.6	26.6	26
United States and Canada [member] | Current Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	20.6	20.5	21.2
United States and Canada [member] | Current Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	23.1	23	23.4
United States and Canada [member] | Future Retirees Male [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	22.3	22.3	23
United States and Canada [member] | Future Retirees Female [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Future life expectations on retirement at 65 years of age	24.7	24.7	25.1

Retirement Benefit Obligatio178

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Retirement Benefit Expense in Consolidated Income Statement (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans and defined contribution expenses recognized in income statement [Abstract]
Total defined contribution expense	€ 237	€ 232	€ 204
Total defined benefit (credit)/expense	(1)	75	77
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	€ 236	€ 307	€ 281

Retirement Benefit Obligatio179

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Analysis of Defined Benefit Expense (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Current service cost	€ (62)	€ (61)	€ (63)
Administration expenses	4	4	2
Past service credit (net)	78	2	1
Gain on settlements			(4)
Subtotal	(12)	63	60
Interest income on scheme assets	49	58	50
Interest cost on scheme liabilities	60	70	67
Net interest expense	11	12	17
Net (credit)/expense to Consolidated Income	(1)	75	77
Plan assets [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Beginning balance	2,556	2,399
Interest income on scheme assets	49	58
Arising on acquisition (Note 31)	5
Remeasurement adjustments - return on scheme assets excluding interest income	112	81
Employer contributions paid	123	133
Contributions paid by plan participants	14	14
Benefit and settlement payments	(114)	(130)
Administration expenses	(4)	(4)
Translation adjustment	(119)	5
Ending balance	2,622	2,556	2,399
Defined pension liabilities [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(3,147)	(2,987)
Current service cost	(62)	(61)
Past service credit (net)	78	2
Interest cost on scheme liabilities	(60)	(70)
Arising on acquisition (Note 31)	(57)	(1)
Remeasurement adjustments - experience variations	11	20
Remeasurement adjustments - actuarial (loss)/gain from changes in financial assumptions	(29)	(176)
Remeasurement adjustments - actuarial (loss)/gain from changes in demographic assumptions	20	14
Contributions paid by plan participants	(14)	(14)
Benefit and settlement payments	114	130
Translation adjustment	147	(4)
Ending balance	€ (2,999)	€ (3,147)	€ (2,987)

Retirement Benefit Obligatio180

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Net Charge to Consolidated Income Statement (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	€ (1)	€ 75	€ 77
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	25	18	27
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	(49)	37	37
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	14	11	6
Other [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Total expense in Consolidated Income Statement	€ 9	€ 9	€ 7

Retirement Benefit Obligatio181

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Scheme Assets (Detail) - Plan assets [member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Scheme assets	€ 2,622	€ 2,556
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Scheme assets	1,184	1,116
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Scheme assets	781	804
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Scheme assets	448	453
Other [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Scheme assets	€ 209	€ 183

Retirement Benefit Obligatio182

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Actuarial Value of Liabilities (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Recoverable deficit in schemes	€ (377)	€ (591)
Related deferred income tax asset	72	119
Net pension liability	(305)	(472)
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(168)	(188)
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(30)	(154)
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(68)	(65)
Other [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(39)	(65)
Defined pension liabilities [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(2,999)	(3,147)	€ (2,987)
Defined pension liabilities [member] | Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(1,384)	(1,338)
Defined pension liabilities [member] | Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(819)	(995)
Defined pension liabilities [member] | United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(540)	(554)
Defined pension liabilities [member] | Other [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	€ (256)	€ (260)

Retirement Benefit Obligatio183

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Composition of Net Pension Liabilities (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	€ (305)	€ (472)
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(168)	(188)
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(30)	(154)
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	(68)	(65)
Other [member]
Disclosure of Net Defined Benefit Liability (Asset) [Line Items]
Net pension liability	€ (39)	€ (65)

Retirement Benefit Obligatio184

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Impact of Movement in Principal Actuarial Assumptions (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Plan assets [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	€ (2,622)	€ (2,556)	€ (2,399)
Total assets	2,622	2,556
Plan assets [member] | Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Equity instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	828	802
Plan assets [member] | Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Debt Instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	1,413	1,191
Plan assets [member] | Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Property [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	120	112
Plan assets [member] | Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Cash and cash equivalents [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	26	37
Plan assets [member] | Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Investment fund [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	95	148
Plan assets [member] | Unquoted investments [member] | Equity instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	2	1
Plan assets [member] | Unquoted investments [member] | Debt Instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	8	102
Plan assets [member] | Unquoted investments [member] | Property [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	92	120
Plan assets [member] | Unquoted investments [member] | Cash and cash equivalents [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	13	18
Plan assets [member] | Unquoted investments [member] | Assets held by insurance company [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Total assets	25	€ 25
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(2,999)
Scheme liabilities	(2,999)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(2,878)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(3,129)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(3,067)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(2,934)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(3,094)
Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(2,905)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,384)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,325)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,448)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,441)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,330)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,430)
Eurozone [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(1,338)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(819)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(785)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(856)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(822)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(816)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(846)
Switzerland [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(791)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(540)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(524)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(556)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(542)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(538)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(555)
United States and Canada [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(527)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(256)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(244)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(269)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(262)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(250)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	(263)
Other [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member] | Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme liabilities	€ (249)

Retirement Benefit Obligatio185

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Impact of Movement in Principal Actuarial Assumptions (Parenthetical) (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Increase by 0.25% [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Actuarial assumption rate, increase	0.25%
Actuarial Assumption of Discount Rates, Decrease by 0.25% [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Actuarial assumption rate, decrease	0.25%
Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Increase by 0.25% [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Actuarial assumption rate, increase	0.25%
Actuarial Assumption of Expected Rates of Inflation, Decrease by 0.25% [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Actuarial assumption rate, decrease	0.25%
Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Increase by 1 Year [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Life expectancy	Increase by 1 year
Actuarial Assumption of Life Expectancy, Decrease by 1 Year [member] | Retirement Benefit Obligations [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Life expectancy	Decrease by 1 year
Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Non-Government debt instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme assets	€ 831	€ 687
Investments quoted in active markets [member] | Government debt instruments [member]
Disclosure of Scheme Assets And Liabilities Sensitivity Analysis [line items]
Scheme assets	€ 582	€ 504

Retirement Benefit Obligatio186

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Maturity Profile of the Group's Contracted Payments (On a Discounted Basis) (Detail) - Contractual Payments (on a discounted basis) [Member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	€ 34	€ 55	€ 73
Within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	19	20	20
Between1 and 2 years [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	2	19	19
Between 2 and 3 years [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	2	2	19
Between 3 and 4 years [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	2	2	2
Between 4 and 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	1	2	2
After 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Information About Maturity Profile of Group's Contracted Payments [Line Items]
Contractual payments to defined benefit scheme	€ 8	€ 10	€ 11

Retirement Benefit Obligatio187

Retirement Benefit Obligations - Summary of Average Duration and Scheme Composition (Detail) - yr	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Eurozone [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Average duration of defined benefit obligation (years)	17.8	17.1	14.7
Active plan participants	72.00%	63.00%	64.00%
Deferred plan participants	9.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Retirees	19.00%	25.00%	24.00%
Switzerland [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Average duration of defined benefit obligation (years)	17.2	18.6	18
Active plan participants	84.00%	84.00%	85.00%
Retirees	16.00%	16.00%	15.00%
United States and Canada [member]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [Line Items]
Average duration of defined benefit obligation (years)	12.2	13.1	14
Active plan participants	40.00%	41.00%	45.00%
Deferred plan participants	16.00%	17.00%	17.00%
Retirees	44.00%	42.00%	38.00%

Commitments under Operating 188

Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases - Summary of Commitments under Operating Leases (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Maturity Analysis of Operating Lease Payments [Line Items]
Commitments under Operating Leases	€ 2,191	€ 2,171	€ 2,116
Within 1 year [member]
Disclosure of Maturity Analysis of Operating Lease Payments [Line Items]
Commitments under Operating Leases	419	402	370
After one year but not more than five years [member]
Disclosure of Maturity Analysis of Operating Lease Payments [Line Items]
Commitments under Operating Leases	962	978	915
After 5 years [member]
Disclosure of Maturity Analysis of Operating Lease Payments [Line Items]
Commitments under Operating Leases	€ 810	€ 791	€ 831

Commitments under Operating 189

Commitments under Operating and Finance Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [Abstract]
Operating lease commitments for discontinued operations	€ 252	€ 237	€ 172

Share Capital and Reserves - Su

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Share Capital (Detail) - EUR (€)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends	2,563,542	6,544,869	5,345,402
Ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
1 January and 31 December	€ 400,000,000	€ 400,000,000
Number of shares, At 1 January and 31 December	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Beginning balance	€ 269,000,000	€ 266,000,000
Performance Share Plan Awards	1,000,000
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends	1,000,000	2,000,000
Share options and share participation schemes		1,000,000
Ending balance	€ 271,000,000	€ 269,000,000	€ 266,000,000
Beginning balance	833,000,000	824,000,000
Performance Share Plan Awards	2,000,000
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends	3,000,000	7,000,000
Share options and share participation schemes	1,000,000	2,000,000
Ending balance	839,000,000	833,000,000	824,000,000
Income Shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
1 January and 31 December	€ 25,000,000	€ 25,000,000
Number of shares, At 1 January and 31 December	1,250,000,000	1,250,000,000
Beginning balance	€ 15,000,000	€ 15,000,000
Ending balance	€ 15,000,000	€ 15,000,000	€ 15,000,000
Beginning balance	833,000,000	824,000,000
Performance Share Plan Awards	2,000,000
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends	3,000,000	7,000,000
Share options and share participation schemes	1,000,000	2,000,000
Ending balance	839,000,000	833,000,000	824,000,000

Share Capital and Reserves -191

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Share Capital (Parenthetical) (Detail) - € / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Par value per share	€ 0.32	€ 0.32
Percentage of shares representing in total issued share capital	93.73%
Income Shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Par value per share	€ 0.02	€ 0.02
Percentage of shares representing in total issued share capital	5.86%
Description of voting rights	Income Shares carry no voting rights.
Date of issued share capital created	Aug. 29, 1988

Share Capital and Reserves -192

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Final and Interim Dividend (Detail) - € / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Number of shares	2,563,542	6,544,869	5,345,402
Final Dividends [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Number of shares	433,046	5,301,827	5,056,633
Price per share	€ 33.08	€ 24.69	€ 24.60
Interim Dividends [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Number of shares	2,130,496	1,243,042	288,769
Price per share	€ 29.24	€ 29.41	€ 26.16

Share Capital and Reserves - Ad

Share Capital and Reserves - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)Options€ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)Options€ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015Options
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Number of options,ordinary share exercised | Options	1,589,335	2,223,574	2,876,066
Number of shares appropriated to participation schemes	7,862,416	7,729,412
Number of shares satisfied by issue of new shares (by reissue of treasury shares)	133,004	116,160
Total number of Treasury Shares held	53,848	83,423
Total number of Treasury Shares held, nominal value | €	€ 0	€ 0
Reissued from treasury to satisfy share options	0	13,936
Reissued from treasury to the CRH employee benefit trust	29,575	697,903
Average price of the treasury shares reissued | € / shares	€ 15.89	€ 17.23
Purchase of treasury shares | €	€ 0	€ 0
Ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Percentage of shares representing in total issued share capital	93.73%
7% 'A' cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Fixed cumulative preference dividend rate	7.00%
Percentage of shares representing in total issued share capital	0.39%
Cumulative preference shares dividend payable, description	Half-yearly on 5 April and 5 October in each year
5% Cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Fixed cumulative preference dividend rate	5.00%
Percentage of shares representing in total issued share capital	0.02%
Cumulative preference shares dividend payable, description	Half-yearly on 15 April and 15 October in each year
2014 Performance Share Plan, 2014 Deferred Share Bonus Plan and 2013 Restricted Share Plan [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Number of Ordinary Shares held by CRH Employee Benefit Trust behalf of company	337,909	284,980
Number of Ordinary Shares held by CRH Employee Benefit Trust behalf of company, nominal value | €	€ 100,000	€ 100,000
2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Increase in nominal share capital and share premium | €	€ 63,000,000
Maximum [member] | Ordinary shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Percentage of issued share capital	10.00%

Share Capital and Reserves -194

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Number of Shares (Detail) - Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Options exercised during the year	1,589,335	2,223,574	2,876,066
Issued Shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Options exercised during the year	1,589,335	2,209,638
Treasury Shares/Own Shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Options exercised during the year		13,936	2,876,066

Share Capital and Reserves -195

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Preference Share Capital (Detail) shares in Thousands, € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)shares
5% Cumulative preference shares [member]
Authorised
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | shares	150
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | €	€ 0
Allotted, called-up and fully paid
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | shares	50
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | €	€ 0
7% 'A' cumulative preference shares [member]
Authorised
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | shares	872
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | €	€ 1
Allotted, called-up and fully paid
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | shares	872
At 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017 | €	€ 1

Share Capital and Reserves -196

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Preference Share Capital (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017€ / shares
5% Cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Par value per share	€ 1.27
Interest rate of cumulative preference shares	5.00%
7% 'A' cumulative preference shares [member]
Disclosure of classes of share capital [Line Items]
Par value per share	€ 1.27
Interest rate of cumulative preference shares	7.00%

Share Capital and Reserves -197

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Treasury Shares (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Capital and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	€ (14)	€ (28)
New Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)	(63)
Shares acquired by the Employee Benefit Trust (own shares)	(3)	(4)
Treasury Shares/own shares reissued	2	18
Ending balance	(15)	€ (14)
2014 Performance Share Plan [Member]
Disclosure of Capital and Reserve [Line Items]
Own Shares released by the Employee Benefit Trust under the 2014 Performance Share Plan	€ 63

Share Capital and Reserves -198

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Reconciliation of Shares Issued to Net Proceeds (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Shares issued at nominal amount:
- Performance Share Plan Awards	€ 1
- scrip shares issued in lieu of cash dividends	1	€ 2	€ 2
- share options and share participation schemes		1
- share capital issued - equity placing			26
Premium on shares issued	180	216	1,722
Total value of shares issued	182	219	1,750
Issue of scrip shares in lieu of cash dividends (note 12)	(77)	(167)	(132)
Shares allotted to the Employee Benefit Trust*	(63)
Expenses paid in respect of shares issued			(25)
Net proceeds from issue of shares	€ 42	€ 52	€ 1,593

Share Capital and Reserves -199

Share Capital and Reserves - Summary of Share Premium (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Premium [Abstract]
At 1 January	€ 6,237	€ 6,021
Premium arising on shares issued	180	216
At 31 December	€ 6,417	€ 6,237

Business Combinations - Additio

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Stakeholder's percentage in the entity	100.00%
Acquisition related costs	€ 11	€ 2	€ 152
Scotash Ltd [member] | United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Stakeholder's percentage in the entity	100.00%
Newhaven Roadstone Ltd [member] | United Kingdom [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Stakeholder's percentage in the entity	100.00%

Business Combinations - Summary

Business Combinations - Summary of Identifiable Net Assets Acquired, Including Adjustments to Provisional Fair Values (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
LIABILITIES
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance leases	€ (12)	€ (3)	€ (175)
Goodwill arising on acquisition	6,905	7,396
NET CASH OUTFLOW ARISING ON ACQUISITION
Total outflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	1,841	149	7,296
Business Combinations [member]
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	1,536	19	5,413
Intangible assets	56	14	298
Equity accounted investments			24
Other financial assets			5
Total non-current assets	1,592	33	5,740
Current assets
Inventories	114	9	621
Trade and other receivables	129	28	1,533
Cash and cash equivalents	174	4	494
Total current assets	417	41	2,648
LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables	(149)	(14)	(1,549)
Provisions for liabilities	(49)	18	(581)
Retirement benefit obligations	(52)	(1)	(87)
Current income tax liabilities	(22)	4	(149)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(132)	35	(627)
Total liabilities	(416)	39	(3,168)
Total identifiable net assets at fair value	1,593	113	5,220
Goodwill arising on acquisition	487	71	3,187
Joint ventures becoming subsidiaries			(25)
Non-controlling interests	(20)	(9)	(489)
Total consideration	2,060	175	7,893
Consideration satisfied by:
Cash payments	2,015	153	7,790
Deferred consideration (stated at net present cost)	45	21	97
Contingent consideration		1
Profit on step acquisition			6
Total consideration	2,060	175	7,893
NET CASH OUTFLOW ARISING ON ACQUISITION
Cash payments	2,015	153	7,790
Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired	(174)	(4)	(494)
Total outflow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	1,841	149	7,296
Goodwill expected to be deducted for tax purposes	€ 260	€ 15	€ 254

Business Combinations - Summ202

Business Combinations - Summary of Identifiable Net Assets Acquired, Including Adjustments to Provisional Fair Values (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Business Combinations [member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Gross contractual value of trade and other receivables	€ 132	€ 30	€ 1,588
Fair value of trade and other receivables	129	28	1,533
Goodwill expected to be deducted for tax purposes	260	15	254
Gross contractual value of trade and other receivables	132	30	1,588
Fair value of trade and other receivables	€ 129	€ 28	€ 1,533

Business Combinations - Summ203

Business Combinations - Summary of Number of Acquisitions Completed and Details of Goodwill and Consideration (Detail) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)Acquisition	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)Acquisition	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)Acquisition
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Goodwill	€ 6,905	€ 7,396
Business Combinations [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Goodwill	487	71	€ 3,187
Consideration	€ 2,060	€ 175	€ 7,893
Business Combinations [member] | Total Group - pre adjustment to provisiional fair values of prior year acquisitions [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	31	21	19
Goodwill	€ 487	€ 26	€ 3,187
Consideration	2,061	167	€ 7,893
Business Combinations [member] | Adjustments To Provisional Prior Year Acquisitions [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Goodwill		45
Consideration	€ (1)	€ 8
Business Combinations [member] | LH Assets [member] | Unallocated Goodwill [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition			1
Goodwill			€ 2,307
Consideration			€ 6,561
Business Combinations [member] | CRL [member] | Unallocated Goodwill [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition			1
Goodwill			€ 833
Consideration			€ 1,169
Business Combinations [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	10	8	4
Goodwill	€ 172	€ 9	€ 6
Consideration	€ 728	€ 37	€ 18
Business Combinations [member] | Americas [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	21	13	13
Goodwill	€ 315	€ 17	€ 41
Consideration	€ 1,333	€ 130	€ 145
Business Combinations [member] | Europe Heavyside [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	8	5
Goodwill	€ 155	€ 2
Consideration	€ 698	€ 15
Business Combinations [member] | Europe Lightside [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition		2	3
Goodwill		€ 7	€ 6
Consideration		€ 22	€ 17
Business Combinations [member] | Europe Distribution [member] | Europe [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	2	1	1
Goodwill	€ 17
Consideration	€ 30		€ 1
Business Combinations [member] | Americas Materials [member] | Americas [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	13	8	10
Goodwill	€ 239	€ 10	€ 32
Consideration	€ 1,171	€ 97	€ 80
Business Combinations [member] | Americas Products [Member] | Americas [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions | Acquisition	8	5	3
Goodwill	€ 76	€ 7	€ 9
Consideration	€ 162	€ 33	€ 65

Business Combinations - Summ204

Business Combinations - Summary of Post Acquisition Impact (Detail) - Post acquisition impact [Member] - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Revenue	€ 532	€ 101	€ 2,679
(Loss)/profit before tax for the financial year	€ (2)	€ 1	€ (7)

Business Combinations - Summ205

Business Combinations - Summary of Revenue and Profit Effected During the Year had Been at Beginning of the Year (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789		€ 21,406
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Revenue	1,188
Profit before tax for the financial year	38
CRH Group excluding 2017 acquisitions [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Revenue	24,688
Profit before tax for the financial year	1,869
CRH Group including 2017 acquisitions [Member]
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [Line Items]
Revenue	25,876
Profit before tax for the financial year	€ 1,907
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Non-controlling Interests - Add

Non-controlling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Total Non-controlling interest	€ 486	€ 548
Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. and Republic Cement Land & Resources, Inc (formerly Luzon Continental Land Corporation) [member]
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Total Non-controlling interest	€ 391	€ 472
Percentage of equity share capital interest	40.00%
Percentage of equity share capital interest held by another party	60.00%
Combined Philippines business [member]
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interest	55.00%
Percentage of economic interest held by another party	45.00%

Non-controlling Interests - Sum

Non-controlling Interests - Summary of Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017
Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. and Republic Cement Land & Resources, Inc (formerly Luzon Continental Land Corporation) [member]
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Economic ownership interest held by non-controlling interest	45.00%

Non-controlling Interests - Sch

Non-controlling Interests - Schedule of Summarized Financial Information of Non Controlling Interest (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Profit for the year	€ 24	€ 27	€ 5
Current assets	9,771	9,394
Non-current assets	21,862	22,200
Current liabilities	(6,031)	(5,898)
Non-current liabilities	(10,625)	(11,253)
Cash flows from operating activities	2,189	2,340	€ 2,247
Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. and Republic Cement Land & Resources, Inc (formerly Luzon Continental Land Corporation) [member]
Disclosure of noncontrolling interests [Line Items]
Profit for the year	14	47
Current assets	159	118
Non-current assets	1,292	1,460
Current liabilities	(140)	(124)
Non-current liabilities	(663)	(690)
Net assets	648	764
Cash flows from operating activities	€ 9	91
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests during the year		€ (1)

Related Party Transactions - Sa

Related Party Transactions - Sales to and Purchases From Associates and Joint Ventures (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Associates [member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [Line Items]
Sales	€ 51	€ 56	€ 48
Purchases	400	401	422
Joint Ventures [member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [Line Items]
Sales	111	88	64
Purchases	€ 55	€ 54	€ 56

Related Party Transactions - Su

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Key Management Remuneration (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related party transactions [Abstract]
Short-term benefits	€ 9	€ 13	€ 10
Post-employment benefits	1	1	1
Share-based payments - calculated in accordance with the principles disclosed in note 8	3	3	2
Total	€ 13	€ 17	€ 13

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)
Key management personnel [member]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [Line Items]
Transactions involving key management personnel	€ 0

Supplemental Guarantor Infor212

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2008USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2003USD ($)
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest	100.00%
Notes | €		€ 7,981		€ 7,790
Bonds acquired			$ 362,130		$ 87,445
Bonds issued		€ 7,602		€ 7,497		$ 650,000	$ 300,000
CRH America Finance, Inc. [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest	100.00%
CRH America, Inc [member] | 8.125% Notes due 2018 [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Notes	$ 288,000
Notes interest rate	8.125%	8.125%
Notes maturity year	2,018
Notes listing description	NYSE
Bonds acquired			$ 362,130
Bonds issued						$ 650,000
CRH America, Inc [member] | 5.750% Notes due 2021 [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Notes	$ 400,000
Notes interest rate	5.75%	5.75%
Notes maturity year	2,021
Notes listing description	NYSE
CRH America, Inc [member] | 3.875% Notes due 2025 [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Notes	$ 1,250,000
Notes interest rate	3.875%	3.875%
Notes maturity year	2,025
Notes listing description	ISE
CRH America, Inc [member] | 6.40% Notes due 2033 [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Notes	$ 300,000						$ 300,000
Notes interest rate	6.40%	6.40%
Notes maturity year	2,033
Notes listing description	ISE
Bonds acquired					$ 87,445
CRH America, Inc [member] | 5.125 Notes due 2045 [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Notes	$ 500,000
Notes interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
Notes maturity year	2,045
Notes listing description	ISE

Supplemental Guarantor Infor213

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	€ 13,094	€ 12,690	€ 13,062
Intangible assets	7,214	7,761	7,820
Investments accounted for using the equity method	1,248	1,299	1,317
Other financial assets	25	26
Other receivables	156	212
Derivative financial instruments	30	53
Deferred income tax assets	95	159
Total non-current assets	21,862	22,200
Current assets
Inventories	2,715	2,939
Trade and other receivables	3,630	3,979
Current income tax recoverable	165	4
Derivative financial instruments	34	23
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total current assets	9,771	9,394
Total assets	31,633	31,594
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Non-controlling interests	486	548
Total equity	14,977	14,443	13,544	€ 10,198
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	7,660	7,515
Derivative financial instruments	3
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,666	2,008
Other payables	226	461
Retirement benefit obligations	377	591
Provisions for liabilities	693	678	603
Total non-current liabilities	10,625	11,253
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	4,534	4,815
Current income tax liabilities	458	394
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	316	275
Derivative financial instruments	11	32
Provisions for liabilities	371	382	€ 432
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total current liabilities	6,031	5,898
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Total equity and liabilities	31,633	31,594
Guarantor [member]
Non-current assets
Subsidiaries	8,658	7,654
Total non-current assets	8,658	7,654
Current assets
Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings	6,141	6,546
Cash and cash equivalents	401	401
Total current assets	6,542	6,947
Total assets	15,200	14,601
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Total equity	14,491	13,895
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	3
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	704	704
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	2	2
Total current liabilities	709	706
Total liabilities	709	706
Total liabilities	709	706
Total equity and liabilities	15,200	14,601
CRH America, Inc [member]
Non-current assets
Subsidiaries	458	375
Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings	3,627	4,508
Derivative financial instruments		13
Total non-current assets	4,085	4,896
Current assets
Trade and other receivables	4	6
Derivative financial instruments	4
Total current assets	8	6
Total assets	4,093	4,902
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	1,797	1,922
Total equity	1,797	1,922
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	2,020	2,934
Derivative financial instruments	3
Total non-current liabilities	2,023	2,934
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	29	46
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	244
Total current liabilities	273	46
Total liabilities	2,296	2,980
Total liabilities	2,296	2,980
Total equity and liabilities	4,093	4,902
Non-Guarantor subsidiaries [member]
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	13,094	12,690
Intangible assets	7,214	7,761
Subsidiaries	1,682	1,682
Investments accounted for using the equity method	1,248	1,299
Other financial assets	25	26
Other receivables	156	212
Derivative financial instruments	30	40
Deferred income tax assets	95	159
Total non-current assets	23,544	23,869
Current assets
Inventories	2,715	2,939
Trade and other receivables	3,626	3,973
Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings	704	704
Current income tax recoverable	165	4
Derivative financial instruments	30	23
Cash and cash equivalents	1,714	2,048
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total current assets	10,066	9,691
Total assets	33,610	33,560
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	9,001	7,789
Non-controlling interests	486	548
Total equity	9,487	8,337
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	5,640	4,581
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,666	2,008
Other payables	226	461
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	3,627	4,508
Retirement benefit obligations	377	591
Provisions for liabilities	693	678
Total non-current liabilities	12,229	12,827
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	4,502	4,769
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	6,141	6,546
Current income tax liabilities	458	394
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	70	273
Derivative financial instruments	11	32
Provisions for liabilities	371	382
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total current liabilities	11,894	12,396
Total liabilities	24,123	25,223
Total liabilities	24,123	25,223
Total equity and liabilities	33,610	33,560
Eliminate and reclassify [member]
Non-current assets
Subsidiaries	(10,798)	(9,711)
Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings	(3,627)	(4,508)
Total non-current assets	(14,425)	(14,219)
Current assets
Advances to subsidiaries and parent undertakings	(6,845)	(7,250)
Total current assets	(6,845)	(7,250)
Total assets	(21,270)	(21,469)
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	(10,798)	(9,711)
Total equity	(10,798)	(9,711)
Non-current liabilities
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	(3,627)	(4,508)
Total non-current liabilities	(3,627)	(4,508)
Current liabilities
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	(6,845)	(7,250)
Total current liabilities	(6,845)	(7,250)
Total liabilities	(10,472)	(11,758)
Total liabilities	(10,472)	(11,758)
Total equity and liabilities	(21,270)	(21,469)
CRH and subsidiaries [member]
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	13,094	12,690
Intangible assets	7,214	7,761
Investments accounted for using the equity method	1,248	1,299
Other financial assets	25	26
Other receivables	156	212
Derivative financial instruments	30	53
Deferred income tax assets	95	159
Total non-current assets	21,862	22,200
Current assets
Inventories	2,715	2,939
Trade and other receivables	3,630	3,979
Current income tax recoverable	165	4
Derivative financial instruments	34	23
Cash and cash equivalents	2,115	2,449
Assets held for sale	1,112
Total current assets	9,771	9,394
Total assets	31,633	31,594
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company's equity holders	14,491	13,895
Non-controlling interests	486	548
Total equity	14,977	14,443
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	7,660	7,515
Derivative financial instruments	3
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,666	2,008
Other payables	226	461
Retirement benefit obligations	377	591
Provisions for liabilities	693	678
Total non-current liabilities	10,625	11,253
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	4,534	4,815
Current income tax liabilities	458	394
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings	316	275
Derivative financial instruments	11	32
Provisions for liabilities	371	382
Liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale	341
Total current liabilities	6,031	5,898
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Total liabilities	16,656	17,151
Total equity and liabilities	€ 31,633	€ 31,594

Supplemental Guarantor Infor214

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Income Statement (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Revenue	€ 25,220	€ 24,789	[1]	€ 21,406	[1]
Cost of sales	(16,903)	(16,566)	[1]	(14,743)	[1]
Gross profit	8,317	8,223	[1]	6,663	[1]
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908	[1]	1,166	[1]
(Loss)/profit on disposals	56	53	[1]	99	[1]
Profit before finance costs	2,151	1,961	[1]	1,265	[1]
Finance costs	(301)	(325)	[1]	(303)	[1]
Finance income	12	8	[1]	8	[1]
Other financial expense	(60)	(66)	[1]	(94)	[1]
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42	[1]	44	[1]
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620	[1]	920	[1]
Income tax expense	(55)	(431)	[1]	(276)	[1]
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	1,812	1,189	[1]	644	[1]
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81	[1]	85	[1]
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270	[1]	729	[1]
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162	[1]	639	[1]
From discontinued operations	107	81	[1]	85	[1]
From continuing operations	24	27	[1]	5	[1]
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270	[1]	729	[1]
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162	[1]	639	[1]
From discontinued operations	107	81	[1]	85	[1]
From continuing operations	24	27	[1]	5	[1]
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270	[1]	729	[1]
Guarantor [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Operating income/(costs)	22	20		1,473
Group operating profit	22	20		1,473
(Loss)/profit on disposals				(7)
Profit before finance costs	22	20		1,466
Finance income	2	2		1
Share of subsidiaries' (loss)/profit before tax	1,754	1,529		(596)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,843	1,593		915
Income tax expense	(55)	(431)		(276)
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,895	1,243		724
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,895	1,243		724
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,895	1,243		724
CRH America, Inc [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Finance costs	(235)	(266)		(321)
Finance income	242	275		333
Share of subsidiaries' (loss)/profit before tax	83	95		62
Profit before tax from continuing operations	90	104		74
Income tax expense	(29)	(41)		(29)
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	61	63		45
Group profit for the financial year	61	63		45
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	61	63		45
Group profit for the financial year	61	63		45
From continuing operations	61	63		45
Group profit for the financial year	61	63		45
Non-Guarantor subsidiaries [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Revenue	25,220	24,789		21,406
Cost of sales	(16,903)	(16,566)		(14,743)
Gross profit	8,317	8,223		6,663
Operating income/(costs)	(6,244)	(6,335)		(6,970)
Group operating profit	2,073	1,888		(307)
(Loss)/profit on disposals	56	53		106
Profit before finance costs	2,129	1,941		(201)
Finance costs	(308)	(334)		(315)
Finance income	10	6		7
Other financial expense	(60)	(66)		(94)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,836	1,589		(559)
Income tax expense	(26)	(390)		(247)
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	1,810	1,199		(806)
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,917	1,280		(721)
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	1,786	1,172		(811)
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
From continuing operations	24	27		5
Group profit for the financial year	1,917	1,280		(721)
From continuing operations	1,786	1,172		(811)
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
From continuing operations	24	27		5
Group profit for the financial year	1,917	1,280		(721)
Eliminate and reclassify [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Finance costs	242	275		333
Finance income	(242)	(275)		(333)
Share of subsidiaries' (loss)/profit before tax	(1,837)	(1,624)		534
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Profit before tax from continuing operations	(1,902)	(1,666)		490
Income tax expense	55	431		276
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	(1,847)	(1,235)		766
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	(107)	(81)		(85)
Group profit for the financial year	(1,954)	(1,316)		681
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	(1,847)	(1,235)		766
From discontinued operations	(107)	(81)		(85)
Group profit for the financial year	(1,954)	(1,316)		681
From continuing operations	(1,847)	(1,235)		766
From discontinued operations	(107)	(81)		(85)
Group profit for the financial year	(1,954)	(1,316)		681
CRH and subsidiaries [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Revenue	25,220	24,789		21,406
Cost of sales	(16,903)	(16,566)		(14,743)
Gross profit	8,317	8,223		6,663
Operating income/(costs)	(6,222)	(6,315)		(5,497)
Group operating profit	2,095	1,908		1,166
(Loss)/profit on disposals	56	53		99
Profit before finance costs	2,151	1,961		1,265
Finance costs	(301)	(325)		(303)
Finance income	12	8		8
Other financial expense	(60)	(66)		(94)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620		920
Income tax expense	(55)	(431)		(276)
Group profit for the financial year from continuing operations	1,812	1,189		644
Profit after tax for the financial year from discontinued operations	107	81		85
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270		729
Profit attributable to:
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
From continuing operations	24	27		5
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270		729
From continuing operations	1,788	1,162		639
From discontinued operations	107	81		85
From continuing operations	24	27		5
Group profit for the financial year	€ 1,919	€ 1,270		€ 729
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Supplemental Guarantor Infor215

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	€ 1,919	€ 1,270	[1]	€ 729	[1]
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(1,076)	(82)		661
Gains relating to cash flow hedges	8	14		(2)
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(1,068)	(68)		659
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	114	(61)		203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	33	(3)		30
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	81	(58)		173
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(987)	(126)		832
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	932	1,144		1,561
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	969	1,128		1,538
Non-controlling interests	(37)	16		23
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	932	1,144		1,561
Guarantor [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	1,895	1,243		724
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(1,015)	(71)		643
Gains relating to cash flow hedges	8	14		(2)
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(1,007)	(57)		641
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	114	(61)		203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	(33)	3		(30)
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	81	(58)		173
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(926)	(115)		814
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	969	1,128		1,538
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	969	1,128		1,538
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	969	1,128		1,538
CRH America, Inc [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	61	63		45
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(186)	49		159
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(186)	49		159
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(186)	49		159
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	(125)	112		204
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	(125)	112		204
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	(125)	112		204
Non-Guarantor subsidiaries [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	1,917	1,280		(721)
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(890)	(131)		502
Gains relating to cash flow hedges	8	14		(2)
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(882)	(117)		500
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	114	(61)		203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	(33)	3		(30)
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	81	(58)		173
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(801)	(175)		673
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	1,116	1,105		(48)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	1,153	1,089		(71)
Non-controlling interests	(37)	16		23
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	1,116	1,105		(48)
Eliminate and reclassify [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	(1,954)	(1,316)		681
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	1,015	71		(643)
Gains relating to cash flow hedges	(8)	(14)		2
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	1,007	57		(641)
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	(114)	61		(203)
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	33	(3)		30
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(81)	58		(173)
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	926	115		(814)
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	(1,028)	(1,201)		(133)
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	(1,028)	(1,201)		(133)
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	(1,028)	(1,201)		(133)
CRH and subsidiaries [member]
Disclosure of supplemental guarantor information [Line Items]
Group profit for the financial year	1,919	1,270		729
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Currency translation effects	(1,076)	(82)		661
Gains relating to cash flow hedges	8	14		(2)
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	(1,068)	(68)		659
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit obligations	114	(61)		203
Tax on items recognised directly within other comprehensive income	(33)	3		(30)
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss net of tax	81	(58)		173
Total other comprehensive income for the financial year	(987)	(126)		832
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	932	1,144		1,561
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company	969	1,128		1,538
Non-controlling interests	(37)	16		23
Total comprehensive income for the financial year	€ 932	€ 1,144		€ 1,561
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.

Supplemental Guarantor Infor216

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow (Detail) - EUR (€) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	€ 1,867	€ 1,620	[1]	€ 920	[1]
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	146	121		113
Profit before tax	2,013	1,741		1,033
Finance costs (net)	349	383		389
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Group operating profit	2,238	2,027		1,277
Depreciation charge	1,006	1,009		843
Amortisation of intangible assets	66	71		55
Impairment charge		23		44
Share-based payment (income)/expense	65	46		27
Other (primarily pension payments)	(186)	(65)		(47)
Net movement on working capital and provisions	(209)	56		585
Cash generated from operations	2,980	3,167		2,784
Interest paid (including finance leases)	(317)	(346)		(302)
Corporation tax paid	(474)	(481)		(235)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	2,189	2,340		2,247
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds)	222	283		889
Interest received	11	8		8
Dividends received from equity accounted investments	31	40		53
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,044)	(853)		(882)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	(1,841)	(149)		(7,296)
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid	(53)	(57)		(59)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	(2,685)	(735)		(7,306)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)	42	52		1,593
Proceeds from exercise of share options				57
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	1,010	600		5,633
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	169	(5)		47
Premium paid on early debt redemption	(18)			(38)
Treasury/own shares purchased	(3)	(4)		(3)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(343)	(2,015)		(2,744)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company	(469)	(352)		(379)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(8)	(8)		(4)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	343	(1,732)		4,162
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	2,449	2,518		3,295
Translation adjustment	(161)	58		120
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	2,135	2,449		2,518
Guarantor [member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,843	1,593		915
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	146	121		113
Profit before tax	1,989	1,714		1,028
Finance costs (net)	(2)	(2)		(1)
Share of subsidiaries' loss/(profit) before tax	(1,900)	(1,650)		483
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Loss/(profit) on disposals				7
Group operating profit	22	20		1,473
Share-based payment (income)/expense	(1)	(3)		(2)
Amounts due from subsidary undertakings				(1,460)
Cash generated from operations	21	17		11
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	21	17		11
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received	2	2		1
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	407	287		(699)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	409	289		(698)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)	42	52
Proceeds from exercise of share options				57
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases				9
Treasury/own shares purchased	(3)	(4)		(3)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases		(9)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company	(469)	(352)		(379)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	(430)	(313)		(316)
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(7)		(1,003)
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	401	408		1,411
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(7)		(1,003)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	401	401		408
CRH America, Inc [member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	90	104		74
Profit before tax	90	104		74
Finance costs (net)	(7)	(9)		(12)
Share of subsidiaries' loss/(profit) before tax	(83)	(95)		(62)
Net movement on working capital and provisions	(11)	(1)		(9)
Cash generated from operations	(11)	(1)		(9)
Interest paid (including finance leases)	(236)	(266)		(283)
Corporation tax paid	(29)	(41)		(29)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	(276)	(308)		(321)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received	242	275		333
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	356	644		(632)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	598	919		(299)
Cash flows from financing activities
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	6			1,584
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	11	25		15
Premium paid on early debt redemption	(18)			(38)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(321)	(636)		(968)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	(322)	(611)		593
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents				(27)
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January				25
Translation adjustment				2
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents				(27)
Non-Guarantor subsidiaries [member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,836	1,589		(559)
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	146	121		113
Profit before tax	1,982	1,710		(446)
Finance costs (net)	358	394		402
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Loss/(profit) on disposals	(59)	(55)		(108)
Group operating profit	2,216	2,007		(196)
Depreciation charge	1,006	1,009		843
Amortisation of intangible assets	66	71		55
Impairment charge		23		44
Share-based payment (income)/expense	66	49		29
Other (primarily pension payments)	(186)	(65)		(47)
Amounts due from subsidary undertakings				1,460
Net movement on working capital and provisions	(198)	57		594
Cash generated from operations	2,970	3,151		2,782
Interest paid (including finance leases)	(323)	(355)		(352)
Corporation tax paid	(445)	(440)		(206)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	2,202	2,356		2,224
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds)	222	283		889
Interest received	9	6		7
Dividends received from equity accounted investments	31	40		53
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,044)	(853)		(882)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	(1,841)	(149)		(7,296)
Other investments and advances	(11)	(7)		(19)
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid	(53)	(57)		(59)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	(2,687)	(737)		(7,307)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)				1,593
Transactions involving non-controlling interests	(37)
Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings	(763)	(931)		1,331
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	1,004	600		4,040
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	158	(30)		32
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(22)	(1,370)		(1,776)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(8)	(8)		(4)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	332	(1,739)		5,216
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(120)		133
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	2,048	2,110		1,859
Translation adjustment	(161)	58		118
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(120)		133
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	1,734	2,048		2,110
Eliminate and reclassify [member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	(1,902)	(1,666)		490
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	(146)	(121)		(113)
Profit before tax	(2,048)	(1,787)		377
Share of subsidiaries' loss/(profit) before tax	1,983	1,745		(421)
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	65	42		44
Interest paid (including finance leases)	242	275		333
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	242	275		333
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received	(242)	(275)		(333)
Advances from subsidiary and parent undertakings	(763)	(931)		1,331
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	(1,005)	(1,206)		998
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances to subsidiary and parent undertakings	763	931		(1,331)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	763	931		(1,331)
CRH and subsidiaries [member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax from continuing operations	1,867	1,620		920
Profit before tax from discontinued operations	146	121		113
Profit before tax	2,013	1,741		1,033
Finance costs (net)	349	383		389
Share of equity accounted investments' profit	(65)	(42)		(44)
Loss/(profit) on disposals	(59)	(55)		(101)
Group operating profit	2,238	2,027		1,277
Depreciation charge	1,006	1,009		843
Amortisation of intangible assets	66	71		55
Impairment charge		23		44
Share-based payment (income)/expense	65	46		27
Other (primarily pension payments)	(186)	(65)		(47)
Net movement on working capital and provisions	(209)	56		585
Cash generated from operations	2,980	3,167		2,784
Interest paid (including finance leases)	(317)	(346)		(302)
Corporation tax paid	(474)	(481)		(235)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities	2,189	2,340		2,247
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposals (net of cash disposed and deferred proceeds)	222	283		889
Interest received	11	8		8
Dividends received from equity accounted investments	31	40		53
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,044)	(853)		(882)
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	(1,841)	(149)		(7,296)
Other investments and advances	(11)	(7)		(19)
Deferred and contingent acquisition consideration paid	(53)	(57)		(59)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities	(2,685)	(735)		(7,306)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of shares (net)	42	52		1,593
Proceeds from exercise of share options				57
Transactions involving non-controlling interests	(37)
Increase in interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	1,010	600		5,633
Net cash flow arising from derivative financial instruments	169	(5)		47
Premium paid on early debt redemption	(18)			(38)
Treasury/own shares purchased	(3)	(4)		(3)
Repayment of interest-bearing loans, borrowings and finance leases	(343)	(2,015)		(2,744)
Dividends paid to equity holders of the Company	(469)	(352)		(379)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(8)	(8)		(4)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities	343	(1,732)		4,162
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Reconciliation of opening to closing cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January	2,449	2,518		3,295
Translation adjustment	(161)	58		120
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153)	(127)		(897)
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December	€ 2,135	€ 2,449		€ 2,518
[1]	1 Restated to show the results of our Americas Distribution segment in discontinued operations. See note 2 for further details.