New Index shows extent of drop in construction activity in Offaly

A new National Housing Construction Index  complied and issued by
Link2Plans has shown the extent of the drop in construction activity in
Offaly measuring both submitted Planning Applications and Planning
Commencements for the county.

Link2Plans’ National Housing Construction Index has shown huge variations
nationally in housing construction activity and that housing extensions now
make up the majority of active projects.

Produced by a team of researchers at
www.link2plans.com http://email.mediacontact.ie/wf/click?upn=plDLg…
the
new National Housing Construction Index relates to all Planning
Applications and Planning Commencements throughout the months of January
and February 2012 and gives a direct comparison with the same period in
2011.

In January and February 2011 38 Planning Applications were submitted in
Offaly. In the same period this year just 24 Applications were submitted
constituting a drop of 37%. In the same period the number of Commencement
Notices issued in Offaly had increased from 11 projects to 12 making the
percentage increase, 9%, the fifth highest in the country.

Link2Plans will produce this index bi-monthly and will give a real time
barometer to sentiment (Planning Applications) and to activity (Housing
Commencements) in housing construction including residential developments
(multiple units), one-off housing (self-build) and one-off housing
extensions.

The detailed index shows the overall national trend, and highlights the
counties that have seen a significant rise or significant fall. The index
shows huge variations in activity from county to county.

Speaking about the new Index, the Managing Director of Link2Plans, Danny
O’Shea said,

“Construction related statistics tend to be up to 6 months out of date
which limits their usefulness to those working in the sector. Our new National
Housing Construction Index shows clear and current patterns and
indications of activity in every county in Ireland. Link2Plans will issue
this index on a bi-monthly basis and it will provide a solid and reliable
resource for people in the industry in Offaly, economic commentators and
professionals who service the sector.”

“Commencement Notices, which are a real time barometer of construction
activity, are down 14% nationally on the same period last year. Offaly has
experienced a increase of 9%, bucking the national trend, albeit with a
small number of projects. The decrease in submitted Planning Applications
will further impact on this figure in Offaly into the future.”

pr29907_1_National_Housing_Construction_Index_Volume_1_2012.pdf

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