In today's consumer-focused podcast, Ciara Doherty dives into one of the most pressing issues facing households across the country: the soaring cost of food. Irish shoppers are now paying the second-highest grocery prices in the Eurozone, and it's hitting families hard. According to the CSO, food price inflation is running at more than double the overall rate – meaning your weekly shop is getting more expensive, even as your salary stays the same.
To unpack the facts and explore practical solutions, Ciara is joined by two expert voices. First up is consumer affairs journalist Sinead Ryan, who outlines why Irish shoppers are facing such punishing prices. From climate disruptions and soaring transport costs to high VAT and energy bills, the cost pressures are complex – but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
Sinead shares her belief that Irish consumers are being “ripped off”, referencing startling data showing price differences across Europe. She also explains how supermarkets here often exploit what's known as "price elasticity" – in simple terms, charging more because they know they can.
Later in the episode, Ciara speaks to retail expert Damian O’Reilly from TU Dublin, who gives a different perspective. While Minister Alan Dillon has called for an investigation into grocery market competition – and wants to see more international chains like ASDA or Carrefour enter the Irish market – Damian argues that we already have a wide choice of retailers, and that inviting in mega-stores could decimate our indigenous grocery economy.
The discussion is full of consumer takeaways: What can you expect in terms of price relief? Is more competition really the answer? And how might changes to retail planning laws impact where and how you shop in future?
🛒 You can hear more from Sinead on The Home Show on Newstalk every Saturday morning from 8am – or listen back anytime on the GoLoud app.
💬 We want to hear from you:
Do you feel you’re being overcharged at the supermarket? What changes would you like to see?
Email Ciara at newstalkdaily@newstalk.com and share your food shop stories, frustrations, or tips for saving.
