Repairs slow construction decline

A BOOST in repair work due to the bad weather meant the decline in activity in the construction sector slowed last month.

However, activity, new orders and employment all continued to decrease during the month, according to the latest Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

The index, which tracks changes in construction activity, remained below the 50 mark in January, posting 45.3. However, this was higher than the reading of 40.6 in December, pointing to a marked slowdown in the rate of contraction. A reading over 50 signifies growth in the industry.