The value of equipment purchased for use in the mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors in the State in the first six months of the year rose significantly compared with the same period last year, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office today.
This equipment cost €1140.7 million in the six months to the end of June compared with €755.8 million for the same period the previous year.
Land and buildings purchases cost €157.5 million, up from €112.5 million compared with the same period the previous year.
The highest level of purchase of machinery and equipment was recorded in the electricity and gas supply sector which accounted for €278.4 million, compared with €206 in the first six months of 2003.
Property sales were highest in the chemical products sector.