IRELAND’S BIGGEST OPERATOR of DIY home renovation retailers and building trade suppliers has been riding the wave of a property recovery.

The Grafton Group, which runs the Woodie’s chain of DIY outlets, today reported its sales had a big bounce last year across Ireland.

The company, which has the bulk of its operations in the UK and also has a footprint in Belgium, said better economic conditions on both sides of the Channel was driving extra demand for property maintenance and new building.

Grafton’s businesses also include the Chadwicks and Heiton Buckley chains selling builders’ and plumbers’ materials.

Its total sales for the Irish trade businesses were up 11.7% over the 9 months to the end of December, although its retail turnover was slightly down.

The company is estimated to own over 20% of the market to trade customers in the country.

Grafton said there had been a “modest recovery” in retail sales for Ireland but peoples’ household budgets were still under pressure because of their high levels of debt.

It decided to refocus on its core retail operations in DIY, home and garden products last year.

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