Retail sales rose sharply in January amid strong car sales at the start of the year.
According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office, the volume of sales rose 4 per cent compared with the previous month, bringing the annual rate of 7.3 per cent.
This is the biggest monthly rise for 12 months. However, when motor sales are removed, the monthly rise was just 0.3 per cent bringing the annual rise to just 6.3 per cent.
The volume of motor sales increased by 6.7 per cent, compared with January.
When the value of retail sales are analysed, the monthly rise was 3.9 per cent and the annual rise was 8.5 per cent.
The seasonally adjusted data also show a 7 per cent fall in the volume of department store sales. However, sales of DIY-related material including hardware, paints and glass surged by 17.5 per cent.
Bar sales grew by 1.5 per cent last month, and the annual growth in the sector was 1.5 per cent.