Economy grew just 0.4% in Q4

Ireland’s economy probably grew by 0.4% in the last quarter of 2013 and more robust growth is expected for 2014 as the labour market gains momentum and exports improve, a Reuters poll showed yesterday.

Ireland’s economy has begun the year on a positive note, after completing an international bailout. Unemployment has fallen below the eurozone average and consumer sentiment is near a seven-year high.

The economy grew by a better-than-expected 1.5% in the third quarter, but sluggish exports probably held quarterly growth to 0.4% in the fourth quarter, economists polled by Reuters forecast before a report on gross domestic product is released this week.