The Northern Ireland economy saw a small bump at the start of the year, new figures show.
Economic activity in Northern Ireland increased by 0.4% during the first quarter of 2024.
And overall, it rose by 2.3% over the last year, according to the Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index.
Breaking down the figures by sectors, construction saw a 0.3% increase at the start of 2024, with services seeing a 0.2% lift.
However, Northern Ireland’s agri sector reduced slightly by 0.1%.
Overall economic output is now 8.1% above the pre-pandemic level seen in quarter four 2019.
“The services sector (which accounts for 52% of NI GVA) has had a sizeable positive contribution to this growth (5.5%) showing a strong recovery post pandemic,” the latest report said.
“There were also further positive contributions from the construction sector (1.4%) and the public sector (1.3%).
“In quarter two 2024, construction output reached a 15 year high following seven consecutive quarters of annual growth.
“In the second quarter of 2024, construction output is 17.2% above the pre-pandemic level seen in quarter 4 2019 and is 72.7% above the series low seen in quarter 2 2020.”