Activity in the construction sector contracted for the 35th month in a row in April, new figures have shown.

The latest Ulster Bank Construction PMI survey reveals a further deterioration of operating conditions with both new business and employment falling at faster rates.

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However, the index has risen in each of the first four months of this year and now stands at its highest level in the last two and a half years.

According to Ulster Bank's Chief Economist, Simon Barry, there is a renewed optimism within the sector, with construction firms expecting activity to be higher in the next 12 months.

(NS/BMcC)