The decline in construction activity in Limerick is underlined in the latest figures from the National Housing Construction Index.
The figures show that the county had the fourth largest decrease in planning applications in the country and the second highest drop in commencements.
From January to April 2013, the county and city had a drop of 49 per cent from 94 to 48 compared to the same period last year.
Planning applications in the county also decreased by 27 per cent compared to January to April 2012. Limerick planning applications fell from 165 in January to April 2012 to 121 in the same period this year.
