Biggest EU price hikes hit Ireland

INFLATION might be falling but Irish consumers were still faced with some of the highest price increases of all Europeans for a wide range of goods and services last year.

According to EU figures, the cost of many essential items including health, transport, education and communications, as well as eating out and accommodation, in Ireland continued to soar in 2003.

EU statistics show Ireland only offers real value to consumers shopping for basic groceries and clothing and footwear.