A new survey has found that the rate of decline in the construction industry eased for the first time in over six years.

The survey, Ulster Bank's Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI), found growth in two of the three sectors it tracks.

A rise in residential construction projects resulted in the first back-to-back increase since 2006. This came alongside a rise in commercial construction for the first time in 19 months.

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The sector, civil engineering, remained the worst-performing sector, suffering another sharp fall in August.

However, the report, which tracks changes in construction activity and is adjusted seasonally, also found that firms in Ireland continued to reduce staff numbers in August.

Firms confidence in the construction sector however, rose in August, peaking at its highest since January 2006.

(MH/JP)