Cement company Readymix posted an interim pre-tax profit of €12.4 million on sales of €114.7 million as intense competition and adverse currency movements offset increased volumes.
Increased competition in the construction sector squeezed margins, while sterling, which was 9 per cent weaker during the period, weakened translated profits from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
In the Irish market which accounts for most of Readymix's sales, turnover rose 21 per cent to €69 million due mainly to buoyant residential construction activity. The industrial, office and agricultural sectors all declined, the company said.
However the National Development Programme ensured satisfactory levels of infrastructure work.
The company also said it incurred redundancy costs of €300,000 during the period.
Readymix left its interim unchanged at 1.65 cent.
