#News Update - Ireland's rate of growth in the manufacturing sector accelerated last month as businesses reported signs of strengthening demand.
The latest NCB Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.5 in February, up from 50.3 in January. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. Irish manufacturing activity has now expanded for 12 successive months.
A breakdown of the numbers showed new orders returned to growth in February, following a marginal reduction in January. For more on this The Irish Times has a report.