Housebuilding activity increases despite rising costs, survey shows 

Government scramble to meet housing demand as a general election looms has underpinned confidence among builders

Input cost inflation has crept upward again to 14-month high and was above the pre-pandemic average partly driven by rising charges by suppliers and geopolitical issues.

Construction activity declined slightly further into contraction territory in June due to a slowdown in commercial work but housing output continues to expand amid demand, according to a leading survey.

The BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland’s purchasing managers index showed housing activity is expected increase further despite rising costs, as the Government is under pressure to deliver housing targets as a general election looms closer.