IMF Concludes 2026 Article IV Consultation with Ireland, Projects Slower Growth and Upside Inflation Risks

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded its 2026 Article IV Consultation with Ireland, noting the economy's resilience despite external shocks. Growth is projected to slow but remain robust, with modified domestic demand moderating from nearly 5% in 2025 to about 2.5% in 2026–27. Headline inflation is expected to rise to approximately 3.5% in 2026 before returning to 2% around 2028. The IMF highlighted downside risks to growth and upside risks to inflation, particularly from the Middle East conflict and Ireland's reliance on multinational enterprises.