Economic momentum building as restrictions ease 

Many now considering the purchase of a 'big-ticket' item

Some 78% of construction firms reported an increase in non-labour input costs in the past three months. Stock picture: PA

Momentum in the economy is building amongst businesses and consumers with a third now saying they are considering purchasing a 'big-ticket' item.

The Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse, which tracks business and consumer sentiment, has returned to its pre-pandemic level, with economists at the bank revising up their Irish GDP growth forecast for 2021 to 5.8% from 5% in February.