Northern Ireland construction output returns to 2008/09 levels
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Official statistics show Northern Ireland's construction output reached £4.9 billion in cash terms for the second quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth in residential housing.
Construction output in Northern Ireland has returned to levels last seen in 2008/09, according to official statistics published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
Figures released for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026 show that quarterly construction output reached £4.9 billion in cash terms. This represents a new high point for the 2025/26 financial year.
Housing Sectors Drive Growth
When adjusted for inflation, the annual construction output in Northern Ireland is approximately 26% higher than the levels recorded in 2020/21. Overall construction output increased by 4.3% over the past year.
This upward trend is primarily driven by residential construction activity:
- **Private Housing:** Output rose by 23% in real terms compared to the previous year.
- **Social Housing:** Output experienced a 38% increase over the same period.
These official figures from NISRA confirm that the ongoing recovery in Northern Ireland's construction output aligns with recent assessments from industry bodies.