Sharp slump in construction activity

The headline seasonally adjusted Construction Activity Index registered below the crucial 50.0 mark during August to signal a back-to-back reduction in activity in the Irish construction sector.

A sharp slowdown in commercial activity saw Ireland's construction industry contract again, falling to its lowest level recorded this year.

Housing construction also slowed again while construction material inflation picked up again for the second successive month according to the latest construction purchasing managers’ index from BNP Paribas Real Estate.