Building activity down 49% in the first half of year

The level of building activity in Ireland has fallen 49% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures out today.

The latest GeoDirectory database says just over 13,500 new residential and commercial units were built in the six months to June, compared to more than 26,000 in the first half of 2008.

GeoDirectory says 25 of the 26 counties in the Republic have experienced declines in building, with Laois suffering the largest fall at more than 80%.

Roscommon is the only county not to experience a decline, with building up around 12% in the six-month period.