AGM Statement

CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS TO SHAREHOLDERS AT AGM

ABBEY CURRENT TRADING

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the 73rd Annual General Meeting of Abbey plc. Before commencing the formalities this morning, I wish to make a brief statement about current trading.

Trading in the first few months of this year has been satisfactory. Progress is being made across all parts of the business with a modest improvement in our plant hire business being notable.

In southern England activity continues at a steady rate.

In Ireland sales have picked up in recent weeks after the summer holidays. Our development in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow is particularly active.

On present trends the Group is on course for a reasonable outcome this year.

Charles H Gallagher

Executive Chairman

-ENDS-