Construction activity increased in Quarter 3 of 2014, according to the latest survey by the Construction Products Association (CPA).

Firms across construction, from SMEs to the largest contractors, reported increased output in the third quarter.

Commenting on the survey, Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director at the CPA, said: "Construction firms reported growth once again in the third quarter of 2014, the sixth consecutive rise in activity for the first time in six and a half years. Activity rose in the third quarter according to 60% of contractors, on balance.


"Private housing activity slowed in Q3 with 35% of firms, on balance, reporting that private housing output rose compared with 57% in Q1 and 41% in Q2. This slower growth in private housing, however, was offset by significant growth in other sectors. On balance, 43% of firms reported growth in private commercial, the largest construction sector, which covers offices and retail work. A further 41% of firms, on balance, reported work growing in the private industrial sector, which covers factories and warehouses construction.

"Construction firms also reported rises in forward looking indicators such as orders and enquiries, which clearly indicate that activity will rise throughout 2015. A rise in Q3 order books in private housing was reported by 15% of contractors, on balance. A further 13% and 12% of firms reported rises, on balance, in orders books across private industrial and public non-housing (education and health) respectively."

(CD/MH)