Construction activity down 21% in first quarter

Activity in the building sector has fallen by a fifth in volume terms in the first three-months of the year, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office today.

The index of production in building and construction showed a 21.6 per cent fall in volume terms and a 18.2 per cent drop in value.

The main component in the reduced output was a 38 per cent fall in residential house-building which was only marginally offset by a 9 per cent rise in non-residential construction.

Activity in civil engineering projects fell 4 per cent over the period.

In the euro zone area, overall output rose 2 per cent with Slovenia showing a 32.2 per cent rise and Romania’s construction sector rising 31.8 per cent.

© 2008 irishtimes.com