DUBLIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's construction sector grew at a 15-month high in May, according to a survey published on Monday.
The construction purchasing managers' index (PMI), compiled by the Ulster Bank, rose to 63.6 in May from 61.3 in April, the 45th consecutive month of expansion.
The Ulster Bank is a large commercial bank in Ireland. It is one of the traditional Big Four Irish banks.
The data for the construction PMI are collected at mid-month, asking respondents to compare a variety of business conditions with the situation one month ago.
A reading of below 50.0 indicates that the economy is generally declining, above 50.0 that it is generally expanding and exactly 50.0 indicates no change on the level recorded in the previous month.
May's construction PMI showed the index moved further above the 50 level, indicating the sector is expanding, with firms reporting sharp increases in new business and further job creation during the month.
Respondents to the survey reported "particular strength" in housing, where activity expanded at the second-fastest rate in the survey's 17-year history.
