Households were more upbeat about the economy while there was a mixed reaction from businesses across the country, according the latest Bank of Ireland economic pulse index.

A survey that canvasses both business and consumers shows Irish confidence in the economic recovery has improved, but employers are still less upbeat than before the UK voted last summer to leave the EU.

Munster-based companies scaled back their near-term expectations for business activity and their hiring plans, last month, albeit to a lesser extent than firms in other regions of the country, according to data from Bank of Ireland.

Business confidence amongst Irish companies has dipped to its lowest level this year, with the ever-changing uncertainties arising from Britain’s decision to leave the EU creating fresh concerns, according to a new survey.

New figures show a rebound in consumer sentiment following the Brexit vote, accoring to new figures from the Bank of Ireland.

Improving the existing N20 Cork to Limerick road should be an “immediate priority” for government as part of a wider effort to improve transport links across the island of Ireland.

The euro surged against sterling yesterday after the Bank of England unexpectedly signalled that a possible rise in interest rates will be later rather than sooner.

The Government deficit fell to 5.6% at the end of the first quarter, according to the Central Statistics Office.