Ireland pays price as rip-off capital of EU

IRELAND’S reputation as rip-off capital of Europe has been cemented by a damning report which shows we pay the most in the EU for food, beverages, tobacco and rented accommodation.

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Statement on Prices and Costs shows the average price of goods and services for Irish consumers has increased by 22% more than for our EU neighbours over the past four years.

The report highlights how Ireland is the most expensive of the 12 eurozone countries for food, non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco and rent. Eating out and drinking out are the second highest in the eurozone.