A report on the economy from consulting group PwC forecasts Irish GDP growth of 5.2% this year, easing to 4% in 2008

RTE Business:

It says Ireland is likely to top the euro zone growth league this year, before dropping to third next year.

The report says the strength of the euro zone economy should help boost exports growth this year, though this will be partly offset by the impact of a strong euro and the high rate of inflation in Ireland.

PwC says consumers are likely to remain cautious in the months ahead because of higher interest rates and the housing slowdown. It adds that the construction sector should remain 'reasonably strong' due to increases in spending on infrastructure.

PricewaterhouseCoopers’ report says Ireland to remain on strong growth path over the next 18 months at least