Consumer prices rose by 0.2% in August according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The cost of education, restaurants, and hotels all increased last month - while transport, clothing and footwear costs were all lower.

The cost of alcohol and tobacco also rose by 5.4%. While the cost of restaurants and hotels increased mainly due to higher prices for alcohol consumed on their premises.

The CSO said there was an increase in housing, water, electricity and gas prices during August.

It says this was mainly due to the rising cost of rents, electricity and gas. But the the CSO says these were partially offset by lower mortgage interest repayments.

The drop in the cost of transport is being attributed to decreases in airfares as well as petrol and diesel prices.