The construction sector recorded its first expansion in activity last month since April of last year with commercial building remaining strong and the residential sector returning to growth, the latest AIB Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) shows. The PMI said that anecdotal evidence from the survey indicated that the rise in construction activity was in response to improving demand conditions. “Construction firms continued to face sharply rising input costs, with panellists reporting higher metals prices in particular. Irish construction firms continue to be optimistic about the prospect of increasing activity levels over the coming 12 months. “Expectations of further increases in new orders supported ongoing confidence in the year-ahead outlook for construction activity.

Source: Irish Examiner March 10, 2026 01:12 UTC