Ireland’s Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index slipped to 61.1 in September 2026 from 63.2 in August, its lowest reading since May. This decline effectively erased the previous month’s gain and was described in the survey as “marginal,” indicating that consumer confidence did not deteriorate sharply. Nonetheless, the index remained significantly below both its long-term survey average of 83.0 and its most recent 10-year average of 76.1.
Sentiment was dampened by renewed concerns about rising energy costs, linked to the ongoing US–Iran war, as well as indications of a cooling labour market, higher interest rates and increasing health insurance premiums. These factors continued to pressure household finances and darkened expectations for the coming 12 months.
Looking ahead, attention is now focused on next month’s budget. Consumers are placing particular importance on improvements in healthcare, support with day-to-day living costs, measures to ease the housing shortage and a reduction in the overall tax burden. Despite these priorities, around half of respondents do not expect their standard of living to improve as a result of the upcoming budget.
