British newspaper group Johnston Press which owns a number of Irish papers said advertising revenues eased up 0.2 per cent in the five months to November, reversing the 1.5 per cent decline seen in the first half.
The exceptions included Ireland, where 10 per cent first half ad revenue growth reversed to a 1.2 per cent fall in the five month period, and property advertising, which continued to grow but at a slower rate than before.
Johnston bought the Leinster Leader Group for €139 million in 2005 also owns, among others, the Longford Leader, Leitrim Observer and the Dundalk Democrat and Kilkenny People.
In Britain like-for-like advertising sales fell 0.8 per cent between July and November, improving from a steeper 2.9 per cent decline in the first half.
The company said it expects to incur one-off costs of more than £6 million in the full year, which comes on top of those reported at the half year related to changes in corporation tax.