The number of people employed in the construction sector increased by 0.5 per cent in January compared with the same month a year ago.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office today show the monthly employment index increased from 107.5 in January 2005 to 108 in January of this year.
The annual increase in employment was 3 per cent for December 2005. The CSO survey covers work in private firms employing five or more people.