Podcasts

Are Groceries Really Cheaper Up North? Barry Finds Out

In July, Newstalk Daily asked a big question: Can we fix Ireland’s crippling grocery prices? The response from listeners was huge – and many of you wanted us to go one step further. You asked: how do prices in the Republic compare with those in the North?  Today, Sean Defoe is joined by Newstalk Chief Correspondent Barry Whyte, who’s been out on the road – and over the border – with our Newstalk grocery basket. From supermarkets in Dundalk and Dublin to the aisles of Asda in Newry, Barry’s been price-checking 25 everyday items, from milk, butter, cheddar cheese, fresh cod fillets, diced beef, chicken, pasta and vegetables to nappies, baby formula, washing up powder, shower gel, Coke Zero and even a bottle of prosecco.   The results? Let’s just say there’s one figure that will stick in your mind: €40. Barry reveals why a basket costing €155.50 in Dunnes Stores and €151.20 in Tesco comes in at just €107.54 in Asda – even before factoring in loyalty card savings.  We also hear from shoppers on both sides of the border about how they’re coping with soaring prices, and from economist Austin Hughes on why inflation isn’t going anywhere soon. And along the way, Sean and Barry swap personal perspectives on where they shop, why loyalty schemes and vouchers matter, and whether cross-border savings are really worth the trip for most of us.  If you missed the first part of this conversation from July 28th, you can find it in our archive on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.  Have you noticed a big difference between shopping in the Republic and the North? Are you making the trip to save on your weekly shop – or have you decided it’s not worth it? Email us at [email protected] and join the conversation.  see more