DUBLIN, Jan 6 Reuters Irish services sector activity expanded slightly slower in December but growth in new business hit its fastest pace since March and optimism for the coming 12 months improved, a survey showed on Monday.

The AIB Global SP Purchasing Managers39; Index PMI slipped to 57.1 in December from 58.3 in November, but remained well above the 50 level than signals growth and above the longrun trend level of 55.1.

The expansion in December was driven by a rapid increase in new business, and solid gains in outstanding business and employment, AIB Chief Economist David McNamara said in a statement.

The rate of growth in the Irish services sector was faster than the flash euro zone and United Kingdom PMIs, both at 51.4, but slower than the U.S. flash PMI of 58.5.

All four subsectors saw strong growth in Ireland, with Transport, Tourism Leisure the best performer.

Confidence in future business activity rose to its highest level in ten months, with nearly half of companies expecting growth in the coming year.

Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Hugh Lawson

Source Reuters