The country's manufacturing sector started off the year on a solid footing, new figures show.
Investec's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index hit a six month high in January, rising to 54.3 from a reading of 54.2 in December.
Investec noted a sharp expansion in new orders during the month, with the rate of expansion rising for the second month in a row and at the fastest level since July.
New business has risen continuously since July 2013 with the latest increase due to improved customer demand.
Exports also put in good growth in the month despite some unfavourable currency moves, especially recent sterling weakness.
The UK was again the main source of new export business, while there was also evidence of new work from Asian clients.
January also saw a further monthly increase in employment at Irish manufacturing companies, but the rate of job creation was modest. However, companies have now increased their workforces during each of the past 32 months.
Input costs fell for the fifth month in a row in January, with about 19% of companies seeing lower costs due to lower oil prices and reduced costs for metals such as copper and steel.
utput prices decreased solidly last month, ending two months of inflation. Around 11% of companies signalled a decline in selling prices due to the passing on of lower input costs.
"Notwithstanding the more troubled international backdrop, we are reassured by another sharp rise in the quantity of purchases, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than had been recorded in December," Investec Ireland's chief economist Philip O'Sullivan said.
"This buying activity, along with rising headcounts, suggests that Irish manufacturers remain optimistic on the outlook for the sector," he added.
