The pace of growth in Irish manufacturing activity rose slightly in April to reach its second highest level in 11 years, as export growth offered some hope to an otherwise struggling economy.

The NCB Purchasing Managers' Index, which measures manufacturing activity, rose to 56.0 in April from 55.7 in March, staying above the 50 mark separating growth from contraction for the seventh month.

The index has only fallen below the 50 mark once in the past 14 months.

Today's figures showed new export orders in the manufacturing industry remained strong, falling just a touch to 59.0 from 59.2 in March.

"The manufacturing sector is largely driven by exports and the euro's continued rise against sterling and dollar will be of concern, but to date demand is outweighing this impact," said Brian Devine, economist at NCB Stockbrokers.