New construction work maintains growth pattern

The total volume of new construction work in the year to the third quarter of 2004 rose by 7% compared to the previous 12-month period and was 1% higher in the third quarter than the previous quarter, according to figures from the Department of Trade & Industry — despite a 12% fall in infrastructure orders for the 12 months. The private-industrial sector enjoyed a 15% year-on-year rise and 4% higher new work for the third quarter of the year compared with the previous quarter. The private-commercial sector was virtually static, with just a 2% rise in new work for the year to the third quarter of 2004 and unchanged in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter. Figures are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.