Fall in consumer prices easing

CONSUMER prices are no longer falling sharply, with figures showing an easing off in price drops.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) prices fell on average by 0.1% in the year to July, with insurance and travel costs showing big hikes. This compares with a decrease of 0.8% recorded in July of last year.

The CSO said the cost of education increased by 9.2%, while housing, water, electricity and gas was up 5.5% in the year.