Households returned to a more normal pattern of saving in August, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank. The Central Bank has also published data on credit and debit cards which shows that while a recovery is evident in many sectors, overall spending levels are still down on last year.
Households and businesses made deposits of €322m last month, well down on the average €3.3 billion in savings made each month from March to July.
In the year to the end of August, household deposits have exceeded withdrawals by €11.4 billion or 10.5%, today's Central Bank figures show.
Bank lending grew on an annual basis by €135m - the lowest annual net lending since mid-2017. Mortgages declined by €97m in the month of August.