New building completions down 57%

The number of new buildings being constructed in Ireland has fallen by 57% in the first six months of this year, according to new figures out today.

GeoDirectory, a joint venture between An Post and the Ordnance Survey, says just over 26,000 commercial and residential buildings have been completed this year.

That compares to more than 60,000 in the first six months of last year.

The highest increase in completed new buildings was recorded in Cork, where more than 3,000 were constructed.

Monaghan, meanwhile, recorded the lowest rate at just 299 residential completions and 12 commercial properties.