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News
NEWS
Rise In New Business
Orders Prompts Spike In Building Activity
A
rise in new business orders led to a strong increase in construction
activity during October, bucking the recent trend of monthly declines.
The latest Ulster Bank Construction Index — seen as the primary
barometer of health for the Irish building sector — shows a reading of 56.3
points for October, up from 55.8 points in September, thereby signalling an
accelerated expansion in activity during the month.
The survey has been posting readings of more than 50 points — the cut-off
point between a sector in growth mode and one in decline — for more than two
years now.
However, the latest monthly figures bring to an end a mini-run of three
consecutive monthly declines.
“The pace of activity accelerated in both housing and civil engineering, and
though there was a marginal easing of growth in commercial activity, all three
sectors registered expansion for the second month in a row,” commented
Simon Barry, Ulster Bank’s chief economist in the Republic of Ireland.
“The path of expansion in new orders and employment eased slightly last
month, but in each case the growth rates remain very solid.
“Both overall activity and new business levels have been rising for well over
two years now and the sustained expansion of activity in the sector continues to
drive higher staffing levels among survey respondents.
“More generally, optimism about future prospects for the sector remains
high and strengthened in October, with nearly 60% of respondents expecting a
further rise in activity levels over the next 12 months,” he added.
In terms of outlook, more than 58% of respondents to the October survey
predicted that activity will increase over 2016, with just 6% of them pessimistic
regarding the 12-month outlook.
Hortisculptures Unique Creative Design
P
eter Little based in Bantry, Co Cork is the
artist and sculptor behind Hortisculptures and
he had a presence with Foroige at the 2015
national ploughing championships. You can read that
article on page 64 of this issue. He does a variety of
artistic products ideal for both the home or business
and can be bought or rented depending on your
needs. “Hortisculptures designs are tailored to fit and
transform a space with lush planting and sculptural
form as well as functional and practical solutions.”
Peter enthuses.
Our favourite has to be the ‘The Pod’. Each ‘Pod’ is
individual and handmade from the forged steel spiral
frame, to the recycled tractor inner tubes stretched
over the frame. The different layers and membrane
between them makes them well insulated for sound
and temperature. The interior material is hard wearing,
stain and water resistant and comfortable. If interested
to know more go to www.hortisculptures.com or contact
Peter Little on 086-238 7069.
Home & Build Winter 2016
Winter 2016.indd 4
08/01/2016 4:28 p.m.