Vol 19 No 1
	Belfast Show Bucks Building Trend
	We all know about the ‘price correction’ taking place in the construction industry throughout Ireland, but self builders appear to be ignoring it! The Self Build Extend & Renovate Show held at the King’s Hall in Belfast at the end of February was packed with more than 16,000 visitors over 3 days. This show is now Ireland’s biggest construction industry event with an enormous temporary building specially erected beside the King’s Hall to help accommodate over 250 exhibitors. Many visitors bring their plans which are copied at the Show and left with exhibitors for a quotation. More than 2,500 copies were made over the exhibition weekend. Clive Corry, Director of the organisers Self Build Ireland Ltd, said, “More than ever, self- builders want to build an energy efficient home and are increasingly turning to eco friendly design.”One exciting new company making its debut at the Belfast show was ‘Hempire Building’. It processes locally grown hemp and combines it with lime into a construction material which is totally sustainable and environmentally friendly. At the other end of the scale, ‘techies’ were spoilt for choice, with the latest home entertainment and security technology, future proofing for tomorrow’s communication needs. Read the full story in the Builder.