Employment growth of 2 per cent or more is in prospect for both this year and 2019 SAM BOAL/PHOTOCALL IRELANDThe Irish unemployment rate will fall to 5 per cent by the end of next year as the economy surges above the peak reached in 2007, according to Bank of Ireland. Loretta O’Sullivan, chief economist with the bank, revised the growth outlook for this year from 3.8 per cent to 4.7 per cent and pencilled in a growth forecast for next year of 3.8 per cent. “Further job gains and rising incomes are expected to underpin solid consumer spending in Ireland,” she said. “Underlying investment, especially construction activity, is set to expand as well, with exports continuing to benefit from the improving global economy.” Employment growth in the region of 2.4 per cent is in prospect for this year and 2 per cent is expected…

Source: The Times February 21, 2018 00:00 UTC