FX.co ★ Irish AIB Construction Activity Grows for 3rd Month

The PMI slipped to 50.4 in September 2026 from 50.7 in August, indicating a third consecutive monthly expansion in construction activity, though only at a marginal pace. This was the weakest rate of growth in the current three-month sequence, as new orders rose only slightly despite firmer demand. Overall growth was held back by another solid decline in residential construction activity.

In contrast, civil engineering activity returned to expansion, and commercial construction grew for the third month in a row. Employment fell for the first time in 11 months, even as supplier delivery times continued to lengthen and purchasing activity edged up.

Input cost inflation quickened to a three-month high, amid widespread reports of higher fuel and transportation costs. Looking ahead, business confidence softened from August’s six-month peak but remained positive, underpinned by rising new orders and a solid pipeline of upcoming projects.