Activity in the Irish construction sector deteriorated further in April at the fastest pace in seven months as new business, staff numbers and purchasing declined significantly, survey data released by Markit Economics showed on Monday.
The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index, which tracks the changes in total construction activity, dropped to 41.9 from 43.1 in March.
A PMI reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector.
Meanwhile, the rate of input cost inflation eased for a second consecutive month.
The pace of contraction quickened for the third month in a row reflecting renewed deterioration in both housing and commercial activity trends, Ulster Bank Ireland Chief Economist Simon Barry said.
"Construction firms continue to report a lack of new business as a critical issue," Barry said. "The New Orders index fell to its lowest level since last November, as declining demand for new work as well as client uncertainty contributed to an accelerated rate of decline in incoming new business levels in April."
Overall activity levels will remain under pressure in the short term, though respondents continue to expect a rise in activity over the coming 12 months from current, extremely low levels, the economist added.
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