Construction Activity Grows strongly at the end of 2014

The Ulster Bank Construction PMI report for December 2014 continues to show growth in the Irish Construction industry.

Commenting on the survey, Simon Barry, Chief Economist Republic of Ireland at Ulster Bank  said “The results of December’s Ulster Bank Construction PMI survey confirm that activity trends in Irish construction remained robust as 2014 drew to a close. The sustained expansion in orders and activity, along with high levels of optimism in relation to future business activity, meant firms continued to report increased staffing levels last month. In fact, the employment index remained above the no change 50 level for the sixteenth consecutive month in December.”

Housing activity increases sharply

Where activity increased, this was linked to rising new business, with the housing sector mentioned as a source of growth by some companies. Residential activity continued to rise sharply despite the pace of expansion slowing for the third month running. The fastest rise of the three categories of construction was on commercial activity. Meanwhile, civil engineering activity increased for the third month running.

Construction firms generally expect economic conditions in Ireland to improve further during 2015, resulting in optimism around the prospects for activity over the next 12 months.

Improving Safety in the Construction Industry

As part of their Ladder Exchange campaign, The Ladder Association in The UK recently ran an Idiots On Ladders photo competition to highlight unsafe and dangerous ladder use.  Ladder Association Communications & Social Media Officer, Michael Fern, said:  Idiots on Ladders is a great reminder of the importance of training. Its message is clear – if you are using a ladder you must make sure that you are competent, otherwise you really are taking your life in your hands.”

The winning photo, voted by users of The Ladder Associations Facebook page

Sticking It To The Recession

In an interview in the November / December 2014  issue of The Hardware Journal Andrew D’Arcy of Contech Building Products based in Co Kildare,  talks about the growth  in sales of adhesive and sealant products in the last year.  One of the company’s most popular products is Tec 7 which seals, mounts and bonds building materials.  They have also seen an increase in demand in other products over the last 12 months.  He says “ There is a definite change in the mindset of our customers  with very positive attitude’s from merchants looking to the future”

Tec 7 products are now onsale in our hardware shop in South Circular Road