Housebuilder Abbey has reported pre-tax profits of €29.68m for the six months to the end of October, up from €16.99m the same time last year.
The company said that profits at the operating level were €29.38m compared to €16.53m at the half way stage last year.
Abbey's housebuilding division completed 294 sales during the six month period - 264 in the UK and 15 in both Ireland and the Czech Republic.
Turnover for the six month period came to €100.13m, the company said.
In Ireland, Abbey said its project in Lucan was selling well, while its project in Delgany is in production and will launch early next year.
It noted that trading in the UK was buoyant during the six month period, and sales have continued at a good level into the second half of its financial year.
Favourable weather conditions have helped production to keep pace with sales, but Abbey said that the final quarter of the year will be critical to the year's results.
In Prague, Abbey said its sales activity was stronger than last year with its project in Na Vidouli progressing steadily, while work started recently on its project in Prezletice.
It also noted that skill shortages in all aspects of its business continue to impact the company's activities.
The Abbey board has declared a dividend of six cents per share which together with the seven cents approved at the company's AGM in October will make a total of 13 cents for the financial year.
"The immediate outlook is good. Sales across our business are firm. In the medium term the strong trading conditions being experienced in Southern England will dissipate and we should expect tougher conditions ahead," commented the company's chairman Charles Gallagher.
"Meanwhile, the group is in good heart," he added.
Shares in the company saw solid gains in Dublin trading today.
