Almost two-thirds of construction firms are engaged in on-site building activity, according to a survey by the Construction Industry Federation.

The federation’s construction confidence index also recorded a rise in activity among 26 per cent of construction firms over the last three months, while 37 per cent believe activity has stabilised. And 22 per cent increased employment over the past three months, although the number employed has fallen in 33 per cent of construction companies over the same period.

CIF director general Tom Parlon said, “It would seem that Irish construction companies have been faring relatively well in recent times, despite the difficult circumstances.”