There has been a massive drop in activity in the housing sector according to the National Housing Construction Index.

The index shows that planning applications in the first half of 2012 are down almost 20% on last year, while the number of projects starting have dropped by 7%.

-- Advertisement --

Planning applications in Kildare have fallen by 40%, Kerry is down 38% and Clare by 35%.

Danny O'Shea, Director of Link2Plans who prepared the index, said that

while the capital is among the worst-affected areas it is not all bad news for the sector.

(CD/GK)