This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 30th of March until the 7th of April 2026.
This latest survey took place as the implications of the Iranian war began to manifest itself. and the findings reflect public anxiety of what lies ahead . All metrics have suffered a downturn.
Overall consumer confidence has seen a sharp decline again in April, with a net rating of -65 (those feeling downbeat versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares with -58 in March and is now at its lowest in nearly four years.
75% believe that the country will be worse off in the year ahead while less than one in ten (9%) expect the country’s economy to improve. Again, these are lows not seen in several years.
Dubliners continue to be most upbeat. As seen previously, confidence is lowest among females and those over the age of 35. The gap between ABC1s and C2DEs has remained narrow. It seems that both cohorts on the socio-economic ladder are feeling the pain.
The proportion of households who claim to be “coping” with rising prices again stands at 62%. One in five say that they are struggling to some extent – there has been a very consistent proportion of the population that note issues with coping.
Unemployment remains low at 4.8%.
Just over one in five (21%) believe their personal disposable income will increase over the next 12 months, compared to nearly half (46%) expecting it to decline.
The net gap (those feeling upbeat versus those more uncertain) is at its highest level since March 2023.
Those outside the capital are less upbeat about the next 12 months. Over half (54%) of 35-54 year olds feel their income will be less. However, 39% of 16–24-year-olds expect their income to increase.
In total, over half (53%) think they will spend less over the year ahead, versus one in seven (14%) planning to spend more. 33% feel that their spending patterns will remains steady, thus leading to a net gap of -39%.
In terms of savings, 52% expect to save less, with just one in five (21%) planning to feather their nests more.
So what worries Ireland most? The cost of living (56%), fuelled by the impact of the Iranian War, and housing (39%) are by far the most pressing issues.
But those aged 65+ are significantly less concerned about the cost of living (49%) and unsurprisingly place a greater emphasis on healthcare.
Survey results are based on a sample of 1,067 adults aged 16+, quota controlled in terms of age, gender, socio-economic class, and region to reflect the profile of the adult population of the Republic of Ireland. All interviewing was conducted via Ipsos B&A’s Acumen Online Barometer.
For more information, please contact Paul Moran (Director): paul.moran@ipsos.com
