Construction activity is continuing to rise, according to a recent survey.

The Construction Trade Survey, carried out by the Construction Products Association (CPA), shows another quarter of growth and its strongest performance in over six years.

Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, said: "Activity rose in the fourth quarter compared to a year earlier according to 44% of contractors, on balance, although this moderated from 60% reported in Q3.

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"Increased activity was led by the private housing sector, in which 53% of firms, on balance, reported a rise in output. Output was also driven by private commercial, the largest construction sector, where 40% of firms on balance reported rising volumes of offices and retail work.

"Looking forward, contractors expect continued strength in private housing and commercial this year, boosted by public non-housing as a stream of work on the Priority School Building Programme gets underway. Outside of these sectors, however, order books weakened in Q4, suggesting a moderation in growth in 2015. SMEs in particular reported a noticeable slowdown in new enquiries in Q4."

(CD/MH)