The surge in activity in the Irish construction sector continued in August, but not as dramatically as in recent months. The purchasing managers index for the sector had a reading of 57.5, down from 62.8 in July but still well above the 50 mark dividing growth from contraction.

Ulster Bank's chief economist for the Republic, Simon Barry, said jobs growth in the sector signalled by the survey accelerated last month to the fastest since May, though supply-chain developments continue to represent a notable headwind for construction firms.