IRELAND is officially a rip-off republic – with new figures showing we’re the most expensive country in the EU.
New Eurostat figures show that prices are now 146 per cent of the EU average.
Ireland is closely followed by Denmark (145 per cent) and Luxembourg (137 per cent).
Meanwhile, the lowest levels were recorded in Romania (58per cent) , Bulgaria (59per cent ) and Poland (62 per cent).
Daragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie said: “We all know that Ireland is an expensive country.
“But the fact that we’re now the most expensive country in the entire EU is still pretty shocking.
“We’re now even more expensive than Denmark, which has long been known as one of the most expensive countries in the world.
“Prices here are now over 46 per cent above the EU average. And it’s getting worse every year.
“In 2015 prices were 28% above average for example.
“And the difference has risen every year since.”
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When it comes to alcohol and tobacco, prices here are a staggering 216 per cent of the EU average.
For food and non-alcoholic drinks, prices here are the fourth highest in the EU at 15 per cent above average.
And we’re the second most expensive country for electricity, gas and other fuels with prices over 38 per cent above average.
Communications costs are 56 per cent above average while recreation and cultural activities are the fifth most expensive, with prices 17 per cent above average.
SILVER LINING
There is some good news for hard-pressed punters as clothing and footwear prices are just under the EU average.
The cost of furniture, carpets and flooring is almost exactly the EU average too.
Mr Cassidy said: “Of course wages in Ireland are also above the EU average. However not by over 46 per cent for many people.”
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD said the figures “expose the growing gap between our economy’s performance and Irish living standards.”
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He said: “A deepening housing crisis, access to healthcare, childcare costs and the high cost of living continue to hit the pockets and quality of life of Irish workers and families.
“This drift is a growing threat to the competitiveness of our economy, impacting the ability of firms to attract and retain staff.”
