Irish construction growth slows

The Republic of Ireland saw construction activity in March continue to grow, but at the slowest pace in eight months. There was a particularly sharp increase in the civil engineering sector, which offset weaker growth in housing and commercial activity.

Figures from Ulster Bank's Construction Purchasing Managers' Index showed that Irish construction activity in March hit an index reading of 56.6. This was down from 59.2 in February and 60.2 in January. Any reading above 50 represents an increase in activity.

Civil engineering saw the most dramatic growth for 15 months, with an index reading of 62.5. Commercial construction, by contrast, hit a 23 month low.

The survey also found that construction orders continued to expand, as did employment growth and the use of subcontractors. Ulster Bank reported high levels of optimism among Irish construction companies.