Northern Ireland construction hits its highest level in 15 years

Date published: 26 March 2026

New accredited official statistics published 26 March 2026 by NISRA statisticians show that construction activity in Northern Ireland reached its highest level in 15 years in the final three months of 2025 (October to December).

Key findings

• Overall construction output grew by 7.5% compared to the previous quarter and by 6.2% compared to the same time last year. This is the highest level of construction activity recorded in Northern Ireland in 15 years, driven by increases in both the New Work and the Repair and Maintenance sectors.
• The amount of New Work grew by 5.3% in the quarter and by 10.8% over the year, also reaching a 15-year high.
• Repair and Maintenance work grew strongly, up 9.6% on the previous quarter but decreased by 0.9% over the year. Although it remains slightly below its all-time peak, it is nearly double the low point recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
• Infrastructure work, such as roads and utilities, rose by 8.7% in the quarter and 8.2% over the year, reaching a new record high.
• Other Work saw the biggest quarterly jump, rising by 19.3%.
• Housing was the one area to fall, down 4.6% on the previous quarter. However, it remains 4.5% higher than a year ago and is close to its 15-year high reached in the summer of 2025.

About the publication

This bulletin tracks how much construction work is carried out in Northern Ireland every three months. It covers new builds, repairs, housing, roads and infrastructure, and other construction activity. Figures are adjusted to account for normal seasonal patterns and only include work done within Northern Ireland.

Further information

Read the full report: Northern Ireland Quarterly Construction Bulletin

View data tables and background information: Construction output statistics