Housing activity falls sharply but builders remain optimistic about output next year

Business confidence strengthened among those surveyed as 32% of respondents predicted a rise in activity next year

The number of new orders also declined and lower current workloads led constructors to scale back employment for the first time in almost a year. Picture: PA

Housing targets are at risk of being missed next year as the construction industry suffered a sharp fall in activity in November while staff levels also declined, according to a leading survey.

The continued weakness in residential construction was “surprising” said John McCartney, director and head of research at BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland in the organisations latest purchasing managers index (PMI).