Irish consumer prices unchanged in year to August

Irish consumer prices were unchanged last month compared to August 2014, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Rising prices in education, communications, restaurants, hotels and miscellaneous goods were offset by decreases in transport prices, clothing prices and the cost of household maintenance.

There were increases in the cost of education (5 per cent), communications (2.5 per cent) and restaurants and hotels (1.9 per cent).

Conversely, there were decreases in clothing and footwear (-4.9 per cent), transport (-3.3 per cent), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (-2.3 per cent).

Transport prices decreased mainly due to lower petrol and diesel prices and a reduction in the price of motor cars which was partially offset by an increase in air, bus and taxi fares.

Restaurants and hotels prices increased mainly due to an increase in the cost of hotel accommodation and higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, and cafes.

While prices were unchanged year-on-year, prices rose by 0.4 per cent in the month of August.