NIB breaks ranks to issue upbeat economic forecast
National Irish Bank has broken ranks with most other economic commentators by issuing a relatively rosy forecast for the Irish housing market.
In its latest quarterly economic report, the bank says the recent drop in house prices was modest and predicts that prices will remain at current levels for the next few years.
Most other commentators are predicting further price falls, with the ESRI saying prices could come down by 15% by the end of next year.
Elsewhere, NIB is also predicting strong economic growth, saying a decline in construction will be offset by increased demand for Irish exports.
