EY: Ireland will ‘continue to prosper’

Irish businesses will find the new year “tougher going” but the country’s economy should still continue to “prosper” for the rest of the decade, according to accountancy giant EY.

In its latest economic outlook, EY forecast that Irish GDP should grow by 3.1% this year and 2.9% next year, with consumer spending — being bolstered by low inflation and increased employment — increasing by 2.7% per annum over the next four years.

That increased employment, it added, will be driven by jobs growth in the retail, health and education sectors gathering pace.