This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 1st to the 9th of May 2026.
We have seemed to have reached our tolerance levels.
Overall consumer confidence has shifted upwards to -61 (those feeling downbeat versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares with -65 in April.
71% 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. While underwhelming, they are better than in April (75% felt that we would be worse off).
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 continued to converge.
The proportion of households who claim to be “coping” with the rising prices stands at 63%. 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.
Yet unemployment remains below five per cent.
Just over one in five believe their personal disposable income will increase over the next 12 months, compared to 44% expecting it to decline.
It is noticeable that the gap between Dubliners and those outside of the capital has narrowed, as have the differences between the social classes.
In total, over half (53%) think they will spend less over the year ahead, versus just one in ten (11%) planning to spend more. 33% feel that their spending patterns will remain steady, thus leading to a net gap of -42%.
In terms of savings, 52% expect to save less, with just one in six (16%) planning ahead.
So, what worries Ireland most? The cost of living (63%) and housing (38%) are by far the most pressing
Survey results are based on a sample of 1,056 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
