Irish factory output growth slows as sterling weighs

The growth in the output of Irish factories slowed dramatically in May, a monthly survey of Irish purchasing managers has showed.

This is further evidence that the Brexit debate in Britain is already having an effect here — even before the June 23 vote on EU membership.

The Investec manufacturing PMI index shuddered to its slowest growth in almost three years and demand for Irish exports weakened in Britain while gains for the euro against sterling have helped erode price competitiveness advantages for Irish firms selling goods across the Irish Sea.