Strikes damage consumer morale

Confidence amongst Irish consumers fell for a second successive quarter in the three months to the end of September, with those living in Dublin less confident than their counterparts around the country.

The latest quarterly consumer sentiment index, from KBC Bank Ireland and the ESRI, suggests recent industrial disputes and increased global uncertainty “likely contributed” to feelings and not just continued concerns over Brexit.

The survey, however, suggests consumers are still confident, albeit more cautious.