5th Oct 2026 01:33
(Alliance News) - Ireland's private sector activity strengthened in September despite a slowdown in services.
The AIB Ireland composite composite purchasing managers' index increased to 55.6 points in September from 55.4 points in August.
This was above the long-run series average of 53.8 points.
A reading above the 50.0-point neutral mark indicates an overall increase in month-on-month business activity, while a reading below signals a contraction.
The services PMI fell to 54.1 in September from 55.4 points in August.
This was the first decline in the pace of expansion in the current growth sequence.
David McNamara, AIB chief economist, said: "New business continued to grow strongly following a dip in activity earlier in the year, although new export business growth eased on the month. Higher activity was driven by new clients and marketing efforts.
"In that context, the volume of outstanding work rose at the fastest pace in over two years. Amid this solid demand backdrop, employment expanded once again following a decline in August. That said, the rate of growth was modest compared to recent trends."
S&P Global said technology, media and telecommunications saw the fastest expansion, but business services and financial services both faced weaker growth.
"In terms of the outlook, business sentiment continued to strengthen in September, reaching the highest level since February 2025. Confidence was linked to planned business investments, new contracts and marketing efforts," McNamara said.
Last week, S&P Global said the Ireland manufacturing PMI edged up to 55.5 points in September from 55.4 points in August
S&P Global compiles the PMI figures each month using survey responses from a panel of 400 service sector companies and around 250 manufacturers.
The composite figure is a weighted average of the services PMI and manufacturing output index.
By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter
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