63% of construction companies are currently engaged in onsite construction activity, according to a new survey by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

The CIF's Construction Confidence Index also recorded an increase in activity amongst 26% of construction companies over the last three months, while 37% believe it has stayed at the same level.

Other statistics revealed in the survey include:

The number of employees has increased in 22% of construction companies over the past three months, while the number employed has decreased in 33% of construction companies over the same period.

28% of construction companies have submitted an increased number of tenders over the last three months and 34% have submitted the same number over the same period.

28% of construction companies expect the level of tenders to increase over the next three months and 43% expect it to stay the same.

55% of construction companies have less confidence in the state of the construction industry in Ireland over the past three months.

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Speaking about the CIF Construction Confidence Index, CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "Looking at the statistics from this survey, it would seem that Irish construction companies have been faring relatively well in recent times, despite the difficult circumstances in the industry. Most construction companies are actually on site at present so that is positive news and a positive sign for the industry. This positivity is backed up by the statistic in the CIF Construction Confidence Index, which deals with activity. It shows that six out of ten companies have seen their activity increase or stay at the same level over the last three months.

"The number of tenders submitted by construction companies also seems to have stopped declining. Again six out of ten construction companies say they have submitted more tenders or the same number of tenders as they were three months ago. When it comes to the outlook for the next three months seven out ten construction companies expect the number of tenders they submit to increase or stay the same.

"However there was a reminder of the difficulties the sector has been going through with the statistic on confidence in the state of the industry. 55% of construction companies have experienced a decrease, which unfortunately reflects the fact that the sector has gone through six years of decline. As an industry we are still looking for light at the end of the tunnel and until we do see measures being taken to improve the conditions for the construction industry – such as implementing some form of stimulus plan – then it will be difficult for construction companies to have confidence about their business environment."

(CD/MH)