The growth rate of Ireland's manufacturing sector fell back for the second consecutive month in August, according to the latest NCB Purchasing Managers' Index.
The index recorded a value of 51.3, compared with 53.6 in July.
However, for the seventh consecutive month, it is above the 50 mark, indicating the sector is generally expanding. A reading below 50 would suggest the sector is generally contracting.
The survey showed the rate of increase in production was the slowest since March.