There has been a significant rise in employment in the construction sector in Ireland, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Minister for Housing, Planning and Construction, Paudie Coffey TD, welcomed the figures and said a healthy economy must have a "vibrant" construction sector.

Minister Coffey also confirmed progress was being made on the delivery of the Construction 2020 Strategy.

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He said: "In the last year we have seen employment grow by almost 20,000 to 126,000 people. The number of houses being built is increasing and the number of commencement notices for construction of houses has more than doubled when compared to 2014. The number of planning permissions in the first quarter of 2015 has increased by 97% when compared to the same period in 2014.

"The construction sector is a vital part of the economy right across Ireland as it has the potential to deliver jobs in every town and village. I am confident that the sector has the potential for strong growth over the coming period and we need to have a healthy construction sector in our economy to help drive economic growth and boost employment further."

(CD/MH)