Ireland saw a climb in the number of manufacturing jobs during March 2011, new figures reveal.

As the economy as a whole continues to struggle in the wake of the recession and government bailouts to the banks, the country's production sector witnessed growth.

The most recent NCB Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dipped slightly over the month to 55.7, down from an 11-year high of 56.7 reached in February.

However, growth in the industry continued and more manufacturing jobs in Ireland were created with strong overseas demand pushing up orders.

Meanwhile, the employment index climbed between February and March from 53.4 to 54.7, the highest rate of expansion in 11 years and the fourth monthly rise in a row.

With any number above 50 indicative of expansion, NCB Stockbrokers economist Brian Devine said: "The manufacturing sector is largely driven by exports and we expect them to grow by a further six per cent in 2011."

Recent data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office has shown the nation's standardized jobless rate stood at 14.7 per cent during March 2011, registering now change from the previous month.

Posted by Alex Donnell