The rate of decline in the Irish construction sector eased in January according to the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Index.

Anecdotal evidence suggested this partly reflected the end of severe weather conditions and associated repair work, with activity, new orders and employment all continuing to decrease during the month.

The PMI, which is seasonally adjusted, remained below the 50.0 no-change mark in January, posting 45.3. This marked slowdown in the rate of contraction since December