There has been an increase Ireland's construction sector in 2015, according to the Ulster Bank purchasing managers' index.

It rose to 58.6 in December from 55.5 in November.

Activity in Ireland's construction sector has continued to rise over the last 28 months.

Ulster Bank's Chief Economist said: "Overall activity trends were buoyed by a strong acceleration in both commercial and housing activity, with the pick-up in the residential arena a particularly welcome development given concerns about the housing supply shortfall.

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"Growth in civil engineering continues to lag some way behind the other sectors though it did record a fourth consecutive month of expansion last month.

"Overall, the December survey results indicate that Irish construction firms are reporting solid momentum as a second full year of recovery drew to a close. The New Orders index continues to show vibrant expansion, with increasing enquiries for new business pointing to a healthy near-term pipeline of activity."

(CD)