Ireland now second most expensive EU country for goods and services – with prices 42pc higher than average

Prices here are 42pc higher than the average for the EU, just pipping Denmark which is the most expensive, according to figures from the EU’s statistical agency Eurostat.

Prices in Denmark are 43pc higher than the average for the bloc, meaning that it and Ireland are pretty similar when it comes to the high cost of living in both countries.

Consumer experts said the high cost of living of living in this country was “staggering”, blaming high taxes and weak regulatory enforcement for the elevated prices paid by consumers.

The gap in pricing between this country and the average for the EU is widening.

In 2016, prices here were 29pc above EU average but the gap has increased every year since.

Prices in Ireland are now well above traditionally expensive countries like Sweden and Norway.

Housing costs, such as rents, mortgage rates, gas and electricity, are the most expensive in the EU, at over double the average.

Alcohol and tobacco prices here are the most expensive in the EU, at more…

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Independent.ie