Building and construction growth slows to 6-year low

Construction activity grew at its weakest pace in nearly six years last month, the latest survey of the sector shows.

The July edition of Ulster Bank's construction purchasing managers' index - which is viewed as being a key barometer of the sector's health - gives a reading of just 51.4 points. That is down from 53.1 in June and leaves the sector only slightly above the neutral 50 point mark, which divides a growing sector from one in decline.