Quarterly Bulletin 2026:2 – Domestic resilience even as inflation rises, but effects of the Middle East conflict hang over the outlook

Source: Central Bank of Ireland

  • Inflation forecasts have been revised upwards notably, to 3.5 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2027
  • Weaker consumer spending expected in 2026 but continued growth in MDD is projected over the forecast horizon with MNE-related investment playing a prominent role
  • GDP fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting its sensitivity to the (onshore and offshore) activities of a small number of multinational enterprises
  • A swift resolution to the conflict would see oil and gas prices fall below baseline assumptions, supporting modestly stronger MDD growth and lower inflation than in the central forecast.

The Central Bank has today (18 June 2026) published its elaine.scanlon@centralbank.ie / 087 213 6313