The Central Survey Unit (CSU) of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has revealed a slight fall in the construction index.

The figures in the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin from the Quarterly Construction Enquiry (QCE) showed that the Index of Construction was down 2.1 points on the previous quarter.

The seasonally adjusted Index of Construction was 100.6, down 2.1 points on the previous quarter (102.7) and up 2.2 points on the corresponding quarter in 2006 (98.4).

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The primary measure of the value of construction output in Northern Ireland (the Index of Construction) is obtained from the Northern Ireland Quarterly Construction Enquiry (QCE). The Bulletin provided a measure of the value of construction output in Northern Ireland for the period 1 January to 31 March 2007.

The estimated seasonally adjusted value of construction output (at 2000 prices) was £558 million, a decrease of 1.9% (£11 million) on the previous quarter (£569 million) and an increase of 2.4% on the corresponding quarter in 2006 (£545 million).

The QCE is a statutory survey, conducted by the CSU on behalf of the Department for Finance and Personnel. The Survey’s primary aim is to enable the calculation of the Northern Ireland Index of Construction, an estimation of construction output by construction firms and public bodies operating in Northern Ireland.

(LC/SP)