Ireland predicted to outstrip EU growth

AN EU think tank says Ireland will have the fastest-growing western European economy between now and 2020.

Simon Tilford, chief economist with the London-based Centre for European Reform was bullish on the economy over the next 12 years, but also highlighted where Ireland is falling down in meeting some of the economic and social targets set by the Lisbon Process.

“Despite the sharp slowdown we’re seeing at present, the signs look pretty good. If I was having a bet I’d still wager that Ireland will be the fastest growing of the western European member-states between now and 2020,” he said.