Ireland ranks 2nd in EU for high prices

IRELAND is showing no sign of shedding its Rip-Off Republic tag as figures reveal the cost of filling a shopping basket is almost 30% higher than the EU average.

Despite falling prices, the latest Eurostat research, whose price comparisons take into account differing incomes throughout the EU 27, shows Irish consumers are paying way over the odds, despite the fact that much of what we consume is produced in this country.

Dairy products here were the most expensive in the EU, at 37% above average. The price of bread and cereals was second only to Denmark, while meat costs 20% more than the EU average.