Irish Construction News August 2015

According to the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers Index for August 2015, economic recovery in the Irish construction sector gathered momentum in June, as activity increased at the second-fastest pace in the survey history.

Growth of activity was supported by a strong rise in new business and improved market confidence. As a result, companies hired additional workers again, with the rate of job creation accelerating.

Commenting on the survey, Simon Barry, Chief Economist Republic of Ireland at Ulster Bank,noted that: “The recovery in Irish construction gained further significant traction in June according to the latest results of the Ulster Bank Construction PMI survey. Building on the solid improvement registered in April and May, overall activity again accelerated sharply last month

Sharper expansions of activity were recorded across each of the three monitored sub-sectors in June. The strongest increase in activity was again seen on commercial projects where growth was the sharpest since last October.

The recent weakness of the euro continued to place upward pressure on input costs. The rate of inflation was marked and little-changed from that seen in May.

Changes to the Building Regulations regarding sound transmission between buildings

New regulations came into force on 1 July 2015 regarding sound transmissions.  The amendments are to The Technical Guidance Document E-Sound. The new regulations can be viewed here http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2014/en/si/0606.html

The new regulations don’t just apply to new buildings, changes of use and alterations must now comply with the new standards.

Construction details for masonry and timber framed party walls and floors are now included in the new regulations.

Testing is to be carried out on completion of building works by a competent tester.

Great home improvements event in September  2015 at Citywest Hotel, Dublin.

Over 130 exhibitors covering everything you need to build, extend, renovate or improve your home and garden.  The seminar theatre will hold talks on Extensions and Attic Conversions and House Planning. You can also get your own house plans analysed in the one to one clinics.