Inflation rate hits highest level in almost three years

13/04/2006 - 11:51:20
Ireland's annual inflation rate has risen to its highest level in almost three years, according to figures published today by the Central Statistics Office.

The CSO said average prices increased by 0.4% in March, compared to a 0.3% rise in March 2004.

This pushed the annual inflation rate up to 3.5%, its highest level since June 2003.

The CSO said the most notable price increase over the past year was a 12.4% rise in the cost of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.

Transport costs have also gone up by 5.4%, health costs by 4.7% and education costs by 4.6%.

Elsewhere, the prices charged by hotels and restaurants have increased by 3.6%, while the cost of communications, clothing and footwear and household maintenance and goods has fallen by between 1% and 2%.