On the same theme, Davy Stockbrokers believes CRH is a good bet for investors. The shares have been fairly lacklustre of late and may provide opportunities for investors to find good value.

The shares have been out of favour against a strong performance by other European building materials stocks despite a continuing flow of good news from the group.

The brokers suggest CRH has more upside potential in terms of its expected earnings in 1998 than most of its international counterparts.

In an upbeat assessment, it also forecasts that CRH has more potential than most to supplement growth through acquisitions.

It believes the shares present investors with a possible upside of at least 10 per cent over the coming months.