Consumer confidence in Ireland has declined to its lowest point in four months as households face renewed anxiety over escalating energy costs, new research from the Irish League of Credit Unions reveals.

Analysis reveals significant shifts in household expenditure across energy, fuel and mortgage sectors following geopolitical tensions that began in late February, with Irish consumers facing varied financial pressures across essential spending categories.

A significant majority of tobacco consumers in Ireland are sourcing their cigarettes from outside the Republic, with industry research indicating this trend could intensify if excise duty increases materialize in the upcoming budget announcement.