Solid growth on the cards for this year and next according to Bank of Ireland’s Chief Economist

Strong export performance
Domestic activity firming
Unemployment to fall to 8.8%

Bank of Ireland’s latest Quarterly Economic Outlook for the Irish economy reiterates its GDP forecast announced in October last of 4.2% in 2015, forecasts growth of 3.8% for 2016, and shows the unemployment rate falling to 8.8%.

Commenting Loretta O’Sullivan, Group Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland said: “2014 stands out because it was the year in which all four stages of Ireland’s recovery – export growth, investment, employment and consumer spending – came together. In 2015, trading partner growth and a weak euro will continue to support exports, with the broadening out of domestic activity and the recovery in the property market helping investment. Further employment gains and improving household incomes should also see consumer spending gather pace.

“Exports of goods and services picked up significantly during 2014, increasing at an annual rate of 15.5% in the third quarter. This has been driven by competitiveness gains and strengthening activity in the UK and US, with goods exports receiving an additional boost from positive base effects and contract manufacturing. Exports are set to make a positive, albeit more modest, contribution to GDP growth in 2015 and 2016.

“New car sales are up 26% on an annual basis in January and consumer confidence is at its highest level since early 2006. Spending is forecast to increase by 2.0% this year and 2.2% next year, as household disposable incomes benefit from employment growth and a pick-up in earnings, as well as from lower oil prices and inflation.

“With the economy growing and creating more jobs, the unemployment rate is expected to fall to 8.8% in 2016.

“In the housing market, mortgage activity has picked up, albeit from a low base. Cash buyers remain a significant feature of the market though, accounting for approximately 50% of purchases. On the price side, the upward movement which started in Dublin in mid-2013 spread out over the course of 2014 to other areas. “Looking ahead, rising employment and household incomes, along with household formation trends, are set to support demand for housing; though the Central Bank’s new regulations may have a dampening effect. The lack of supply in some urban areas remains a key issue and in response to these dynamics, new house building is expected to gradually increase in the coming years”, concluded Loretta O’Sullivan.

Ends