Construction set for first rise in output

The construction sector could register its first annual rise in output this year since 2006.

Overall building and construction activity slowed for the second consecutive quarter, between April and the end of June, but still showed enough of an increase to suggest the worst is over for the construction sector.

CSO data, published yesterday, shows that total construction output — covering residential, commercial and civil engineering projects — increased by 1.7% in the second quarter of the year. This followed on from rises of 4% and 6.1% in the preceding two quarters.