Consumer prices fell by 0.9% in the month between August 2024 and September 2024 according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The divisions with the largest declines in the month were transport (-5.2%) and recreation and culture (-2.2%).

The divisions to record the largest growth in the month were clothing and footwear (+2%) and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (+0.3%).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.7% between September 2023 and September 2024, down from an annual increase of 1.7% in the 12 months to August 2024.

The CPI is designed to measure the change in the average level of prices (inclusive of all indirect taxes) paid for consumer goods and services by all private and institutional households in the country and by foreign tourists holidaying in Ireland.

Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI went up by 2.4% in the 12 months to September 2024.

The divisions with the largest increases in the 12 months to September 2024 were restaurants and hotels (+3.9%) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+3.1%).

The divisions to record the largest declines when compared with September 2023 were clothing and footwear (-7.5%) and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (-2.6%).

Commenting on annual changes Anthony Dawson, statistician in the CSO Prices Division, said Anthony Dawson: “Today’s publication of the CPI shows that prices for consumer goods and services in September 2024 rose by 0.7% on average when compared with September 2023."

The main factors contributing to the annual change were as follows:

Restaurants and hotels increased primarily due to higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, cafes etc.;
Miscellaneous goods and services rose mainly due to higher premiums for health and motor insurance and an increase in prices for hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments. This increase was partially offset by lower prices for childcare services and appliances, articles and products for personal care;
Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased due to higher prices across a range of products such as vegetables, mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetables juices, and sugar, chocolate and confectionery;
Recreation and culture rose mainly due to higher prices for recreational and sporting services, package holidays, and cultural services;
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels decreased primarily due to a reduction in the price of electricity, gas, liquid fuels (home heating oil) and coal. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the cost of rent and mortgage interest repayments.  
Clothing and footwear fell due to lower prices for garments and shoes and other footwear;
Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance decreased primarily due to lower prices for household textiles and other furniture and furnishings;
Transport fell mainly due to lower prices for diesel and petrol. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the cost of the maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, motor cars and airfares.