Signs grow for upturn in construction despite drop in building figures

The number of construction projects that got underway in Galway in 2013 dropped by almost one-fifth when compared to the previous year. The 18% drop is four-and-a-half times the national average rate of decrease of 4%. 

However, there are signs of an upturn in the property and construction sectors locally and GMIT’s Department of Building and Civil Engineering is set to host a national conference next week on how best to prepare for a turnaround in the market.

Growth in construction is accelerating and set to continue, according to industry reports.

The latest ‘National Housing Construction Index’ compiled by researchers at Link2Plans.com measures the extent of the drop in construction activity here through planning applications to the city and county councils across the country.

Galway (which includes the city and county) is now in joint fifth place with Cavan for the rate of decline in project commencements, after Westmeath (38), Limerick (30%), Waterford and Kerry (26%).

The construction industry and preparations for the continuing upturn is to be the focus of a national conference hosted by the Department of Building and Civil Engineering in GMIT next Tuesday.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune