Irish industrial production rebounded in April having fallen back in March, increasing by 4.0 per cent in April on an annual basis.

Having decreased in March, production in the pharmaceutical industry and beverage sector rebounded last month, growing by 11.3 per cent and 9.9 per cent respectively.

Industrial production figures are a key indicator of the health of the economy.

The seasonally adjusted volume of industrial production for manufacturing industries for the three month period between February and March was 1.8 per cent lower than in the preceding three month period.

The 'modern' sector, which comprises high-tech and chemical sectors saw an annual increase in production of 2.6 per cent, with the traditional sectors increasing by 1.4 per cent.

Separately, the number of new cars licensed in May increased by 5.2 per cent, according to figures released by the CSO this morning.

9,359 new private cars were licensed last month, compared with 8,893 in May 2010.

Ford was the most popular choice for customers, with 1,613 new cars registered during the month, followed byVolkswagen with 1,276, Toyota which sold 1,073,  and Renault with 791.

Of the total new cars sold, 24.6 per cent were petrol while 73.6 per cent were diesel.

The Government scrappage scheme is due to be phased out later this month.