11th Aug 2026 01:40
(Alliance News) - Ireland's construction sector activity returned to growth in July, with activity rising at the fastest pace in four months, S&P Global reported Tuesday.
The AIB Ireland construction purchasing managers' index rose to 53.0 points in July from 45.4 points in June.
A reading above the 50.0-point neutral mark indicates an overall increase in business activity from the previous month, while a reading below signals a contraction.
John Fahey, AIB senior economist, said: "The sectoral breakdown showed that the improvement in July was broad-based...The best performing of the three and main driver of the expansion was commercial. It returned to growth after contracting for the first time in five months in June.
"Meanwhile, activity levels in the residential sector expanded for the first time since March, albeit the rate of growth was modest. There was good news as well emanating from the civil engineering sector, with it recording its first month of growth since April."
Irish construction firms increased hiring in July and expanded their use of sub-contractors.
Purchasing activity was broadly stable. Some firms lifted input buying to meet higher new orders, while others said existing material stocks were sufficient to cover current requirements.
"Construction sector firms' confidence on the prospect of increasing activity levels over the coming 12 months strengthened for a third successive report, in part due to optimism that the improvement in new orders would be sustained.
By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific
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