The rate of growth in Ireland's construction sector slowed in August, this was the second month in a row when growth slowed in the industry.

Ulster Bank's Construction Purchasing Managers' Index was at 56.5 in August - down from 59.1 in the previous month.

Any figure over 50 indicates growth.

The sector has been consistently growing for the last two years, and came close to hitting a record high in June of this year.

The index covers three sectors of construction, residential, commercial and civil engineering - the commercial sector has seen the strongest growth.

Simon Barry, Ulster Bank Republic of Ireland chief economist commented on the figures:

"Solid, but somewhat slower rates of expansion were also recorded in residential and commercial activity though a second consecutive decline in civil engineering activity highlights this sub-sector remains a relatively weak spot."