Building sector in sharp decline

OVERALL activity in the construction sector fell at its sharpest rate for 16 months during September, showing the industry is a long way from recovery.

Further falls in new business orders, employment levels and business confidence summed up September, according to the latest edition of the monthly Ulster Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index, one of the chief health barometers for the Irish construction sector.

Housing and civil engineering activity both fell in September compared with the previous month, but there was a moderate rise in commercial building activity.