This article is from page 23 of the 2012-04-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
THE number of people building new houses in Clare has dropped by almost a half in the last year.
During January and February 2011 81 planning applications were submitted to Clare’s three planning authorities – Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council and Kilrush Town Council.
In the same period this year, that number had dropped to 46 applications in total.
This is a 43 per cent drop, the second largest decrease in the country.
However there has been a three per cent rise in the number of commencement notices issued in Clare.
According to the new National Housing Construction Index complied and issued by Link2Plans Clare is experiencing a significant decrease in construction activity.
Link2Plans National Housing Construction Index has shown huge variations nationally in housing construction activity and that housing extensions now make up the majority of active projects.
Produced by a team of researchers the new National Housing Construction Index relates to all Planning Applications and Planning Commencements throughout the months of January and February 2012 and gives a direct comparison with the same period in 2011.
The detailed index shows the overall national trend, and highlights the counties that have seen a significant rise or significant fall. The index shows huge variations in activity from county to county, with Clare and Kildare showing the second largest drop in planning applications.
Managing director of Link2Plans, Danny O’Shea said, “Construction related statistics tend to be up to six months out of date which limits their usefulness to those working in the sector. Our new National Housing Construction Index shows clear and current patterns and indications of activity in every county in Ireland. Link2Plans will issue this index on a bi-monthly basis and it will provide a solid and reliable resource for people in the industry in Clare, economic commentators and professionals who service the sector.”