Readymix has announced a 17 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to €25.4 million (£20 million) with the company's businesses in the Republic proving the principal driver of profits. The company, which is 63 per cent owned by British cement firm RMC, said turnover rose by 25 per cent to €229 million as demand for its products in the Republic showed a significant increase over previous years.

Readymix will pay a final dividend of 3.987 cents, 16 per cent up on the previous year.