CRH said today current conditions in the group's various markets are less favourable than in recent years.
The comments came as the group announced first-half profits of euro 185.9 million on sales of euro 4.5 billion.
In Ireland, trading profit increased to euro 80 million in the six months to June 30th. CRH said although the Irish economy has slowed significantly, underlying demand is supported by a strong infrastructural investment programme.
In Britain and Northern Ireland, trading profits fell slightly by 2 per cent to euro 32 million against a background of a weak British housing market.
In Europe, the group's operations were affected by mixed trading patterns, and profits were reduced by rationalisation costs of euro 5.9 million and a euro 5.1 million loss on disposal of Belgian company Vebofoam.
Trading profit in the US rose by 12 per cent to euro 110 million. CRH said the impact of the first-time inclusion of the traditionally loss-making winter period for 2000 materials acquisitions were more than offset by the benefits of lower bitumen costs and a strong dollar.