Inflation hits highest level in three years

HIGHER energy prices, mortgage repayments, rents, clothing and food costs were responsible for the highest inflation figures in over three years.

The latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the annual rate of inflation for March was 3.5%, compared to 3.3% for February.

The figures, almost 1% higher than Government predictions, have been driven by significant increases in the price of clothing and footwear, gas, oil and water prices for houses, higher mortgage repayments, higher rents along with hikes in health insurance and motor insurance.