Consumer prices fell by 0.5 per cent last month, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The annual inflation rate was 1.8 per cent in January, down from 1.9 per cent in December; the drop was partially due to the January sales.
The CSO said the most notable changes in the year were increases in health (6.9 per cent), education (6.4 per cent), alcohol and tobacco (4.5 per cent), restaurants and hotels (3.7 per cent) and communications (2.9 per cent), while there was a decrease in the overall price of clothing and footwear (4 per cent).
Significant price changes in the month of January were seen in clothing and footwear (-14.8 per cent) and in furnishings and household equipment (-2.6 per cent). There were increases in health (2.9 per cent) and restaurants and hotels (0.4 per cent). The price falls were due to the traditional January sales. Health prices rose, however, due to an increase in hospital charges.
The annual rate of inflation for goods was 0.5 per cent last month, while the rate for services was 3 per cent.
According to the CSO, the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices fell by 0.6 per cent in January, compared to no change in January of last year.