Inflation at 2.7% as cost of living rises

INCREASES in the cost of electricity, alcohol and medical care pushed the rate of inflation to 2.7% in July.

New figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that although inflation fell by 0.8% in the month of July, prices are 2.7% higher than they were a year ago.

The cost of living was pushed higher by a 6.5% rise in electricity and gas prices, education costs were 6.1% ahead and the cost of going out for a meal and a drink has risen by 4.5% since last year.