Orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by 13 per cent compared to the previous quarter, with decreases in all sectors. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.

Private housing orders in the twelve months to September 2007 fell by one per cent compared to those in the previous twelve months. Orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by 13 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by nine per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

Public housing and housing association orders rose by three per cent in the twelve months to September 2007 compared with the previous twelve months. Public housing and housing association orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by 11 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 21 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.

Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to September 2007 rose by 13 per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by four per cent compared with the previous quarter but rose by 14 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months to September 2007 rose by eight per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by four per cent compared with the previous quarter but rose by 12 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to September 2007 were one per cent higher than in the previous twelve months. Orders in the third quarter 2007 were 18 per cent lower compared to the previous quarter, but were unchanged compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to September 2007 fell by 11 per cent compared to the previous year. Orders in the third quarter 2007 fell by 16 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 21 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Source: Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory reform