BoI: Exports help economy grow in first quarter

The Bank of Ireland Quarterly Economic Outlook has revealed that the Irish economy grew in the first quarter of 2010 with the export sector being one of the main contributors.

Dr Dan McLaughlin, Group Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland and author of the publication said: "The consensus view in Ireland is that the economy will return to growth in the second half of the year, although it is thought this will be not be sufficient to offset a first-half decline, leaving annual GDP growth for 2010 in negative territory, albeit marginally so.