Many families still struggling - Consumer survey

IRISH consumers are more hopeful for the future than they have been in years, according to a study by An Bord Bia, the state agency that promotes the sale of Irish food and horticulture.

Perceptions of the economy are improving, with 51% believing that “things are going well financially in Ireland”, shows the study, which was undertaken in conjunction with The Futures Company. This has risen from a low of 8% in 2011.

Irish people’s attitude towards their personal finances has also improved, with 56% of respondents saying that things were going well.

That’s the good news.

The not-so-good news is that families are digging much deeper to buy essentials such as bread and milk, as grocery prices continue to rise. A supermarket-basket survey, carried out by the Consumer Association of Ireland, has found that 19 common consumer items cost far more now than they did during the heady heights of the Celtic Tiger.

Considering that many low- and middle-income families’ incomes have been decimated over the past eight years, this means that essential items may be out of the reach of many households.

While renewed consumer confidence is welcome, it should not be forgotten than many Irish families are still struggling.