Business activity in the service sector expanded at a sharper pace in September, according to the latest Purchasing Managers' Services Index from NCB Stockbrokers.
NCB said: "September data pointed to a substantial rise in business activity at Irish service sector firms."
The rate of growth picked up from the six-month low recorded in August, as highlighted by the seasonally adjusted Business Activity Index registering 63.5, from 60.7.
Business activity has now risen in each month since June 2003. "Many firms commented that increased activity reflected a general improvement in economic conditions," it said.
New business volumes at Irish services companies also expanded at a substantial pace in September.
Over 40 per cent of firms noted a rise in new orders since August, which many linked to recent marketing activities.
Chief economist at NCB Dermot O'Brien said: "Growth in the Irish services sector remains on a solid upward trend with strength in new business, lengthening backlogs of work and accelerating employment growth."