RIGA, Jan 10 (LETA) - Construction investments in Latvia's southwestern port city Liepaja totaled EUR 100.8 million last year, which is an increase of 26 percent against 2023, according to the data released by the Liepaja Construction Board.

The Construction Board's spokeswoman Dace Freidenfelde informed LETA that last year, the largest investments were made in the construction of production facilities, with total investments coming to EUR 79.5 million.

Arvids Vitals, head of the Liepaja Construction Board, commented that this is a good result, considering that total construction costs rose by an average of 2 percent over the year. For the municipality, the period between the two EU programming periods has been relatively calm in the implementation of construction-related projects. In the manufacturing sector, however, investment grew significantly - by EUR 58.8 million more than a year earlier.

At least two major projects are expected to be implemented this year - the Liepaja Prison and wind farms in the city's Karosta district. Both projects are scheduled to be completed and taken into operation this year, which will be a significant investment in the city's overall construction sector, Vitals said.

Data shows that 879 construction projects were approved in 2024, which is an increase of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Furthermore, 182 renovated, reconstructed or newly built facilities were taken into operation, an increase of 17 percent. Total construction costs amounted to EUR 100.8 million, an increase of 26 percent.

The issuance of building permits decreased, however, with 114 building permits issued in 2024, which is a decrease of 20 percent from 2023. The drop was largely due to new amendments to construction legislation permitting a simplified procedure of construction approval, the Construction Board explained.