Building sector growth slows down in August

The pace at which Irish construction firms hired new staff quickened to a six-month high in August as builders saw new business orders rise at their fastest pace since March.

The latest monthly construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) from Ulster Bank — seen as the key barometer of health for the sector — shows that the industry continued to grow last month, albeit at a slower pace than in July.

A reading of 58.4 points was noted, down from 61 in July.