Optimism in construction

OPTIMISM among construction firms is at its strongest level in three years despite business falling sharply again last month.

Firms expect activity to be higher in 12 months time, as the wider economy begins to recover sending the level of sentiment in April to its strongest since March 2007, according to the latest Ulster Bank purchasing managers index (PMI).

New business and employment fell at faster rates last month, while overall activity continued to contract substantially.