The total volume of construction output in the year to the third quarter of 2007 rose by 3% compared to the previous year, new government figures reveal.

Ouput during the third quarter was up by 1% in volume terms and by 2% in current prices.

New private housing work for the year to the third quarter grew by 1%, while the public housing sector saw a 16% increase.

Private industrial work was 5% up and a 14% jump was recorded in the private commercial sector.

Public and private housing repair and maintenance work fell by 2% and 1% respectively.

Repair and maintenance work in the private non-housing sector was down by 13%.