Irish manufacturing showed modest growth in September on rising levels of output and new orders, a survey showed today.
The latest NCB purchasing managers' survey showed a tentative increase in activity, but this failed to stimulate any further growth of employment, as companies looked to reduce costs.
The seasonally adjusted indicator, which is designed to provide a snapshot of business conditions, registered 51.4 in September to signal expansion of the manufacturing sector for the eighth consecutive month.
A reading of the purchasing managers' index below 50 indicates a decline in activity; above 50, signals expansion.
But despite a marginal acceleration, the pace of growth remained subdued.
Export orders fell for the second successive month in September. Firms cited global economic uncertainty as the main factor behind weaker foreign demand.