Ireland’s construction output will increase for the next three years by 28%, the second fastest in Europe, as home building picks up pace, according to new industry forecasts, writes Eamon Quinn.

Irish-headquartered builders’ merchants and DIY firm Grafton Group have bought a market leading Dutch company in its biggest ever deal in Continental Europe.

THE ISEQ ended the week at 2,741.30, down 10.70 points on the day in relatively quiet trading.

Construction output in this country is to continue in freefall over the next year, according to Euroconstruct, the main network for construction, finance and business forecasting in Europe.