Production at Irish manufacturing firms was 11.4 per cent higher in August than a year ago, Central Statistics Office data shows.

The seasonally adjusted volume of industrial production grew 1.2 per cent during the three months from June to August, when compared to the preceding quarter. Turnover at manufacturing firms was 7 per cent up on an annual basis.

The figures “were a lot stronger than expected”, Alan McQuaid, chief economist with stockbrokers Bloxham said.

The “modern” sector, which includes high-tech, grew by 10.2 per cent year- on-year, while the “traditional” sector increased output by 10.8 per cent.