Growth in industrial output slows

INDUSTRIAL output grew at its slowest pace since last April achieving a growth rate of 1.7% year-on-year in February.

The latest Central Statistics Office figures show that manufacturing output by foreign firms will be the key driver of industrial output in 2011.

Overall, the figures show a subdued start to the year, but chief economist with Bloxham Stockbrokers, Alan McQuaid, is optimistic that manufacturing output will rise again in the current year.