Confidence up but ‘pitfalls remain’

As the new year approaches, businesses are feeling more confident about their prospects, according to the latest business sentiment survey published by the Irish business body, Ibec.

The survey found that business sentiment has recovered from the depression it went through in the middle of the year. Exporters are particularly confident that the domestic economy has improved on this time last year.

Ibec chief economist Fergal O’Brien said there was a renewed sense of optimism in business but pitfalls still remain for the economy.