Irish economy posts further strong growth

(DUBLIN) - Ireland's economy accelerated by 1.4 percent in the first three months of this year and expanded by more than previously thought in 2014, official data showed on Thursday.

Gross domestic product grew by 5.2 percent last year, compared to a previous estimate of 4.8 percent -- making Ireland the fastest growing economy in the European Union, the Central Statistics Office said in a statement.

Irish GDP grew 1.4 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the previous three months, the CSO added.

The eurozone nation, which exited an international financial rescue programme in 2013, is forecast to be the EU's fastest growing economy again this year.

This week the Irish Central Bank said growth in 2015 would be 4.1 percent, slightly higher than Dublin's forecasted four percent figure.

The European Commission expects GDP growth to be only 1.8 percent in the EU and 1.5 percent in the euro area overall this year.

The Irish economy is now the same size as it was at its peak in 2007.

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said "robust growth" was being recorded across most sectors of the economy.

"We have laid the foundations for a solid recovery. The task now is to build upon the gains we have made in recent years," Noonan said.

Analyst Alan McQuaid of Merrion Stockbrokers said he expects Ireland to "easily top the eurozone growth league table for the second-year running."

He added: "We would now say that growth is more likely to be in the five-six percent range and a positive boost for the government ahead of next year's general election."