Ireland’s services sector lost momentum in March, with the AIB Ireland Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) easing to 50.7 from 51.8 in February 2026. The latest reading, updated on 07 April 2026, leaves the index only marginally above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
The moderation suggests that while the services economy is still growing, it is doing so at a much slower pace than earlier in the year. The March print marks a further step down from February’s reading, underscoring a cooling in demand conditions and raising questions about the resilience of Ireland’s service-driven growth as the second quarter begins.
With the PMI hovering just above neutral, investors and policymakers are likely to watch upcoming releases closely for signs of whether the slowdown stabilises or tips into outright contraction in the months ahead.
