The Irish manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace for 15 months in October, according to a survey published this morning.
Driven by rising levels of output and new orders, the NCB Purchasing Managers' Index for manufacturing picked up to 52.4 last month from 50.4 in September. The rate of improvement was the sharpest since July last year.
"The latest manufacturing PMI provides clear evidence that recovery in the sector is becoming more solid," said Mr Dermot O'Brien, chief economist at NCB Stockbrokers, said.
"Of particular note in the latest survey is that improved business confidence has resulted in the first positive reading on manufacturing employment for 14 months," he added.