THE COST of commonly used services is on average 30 per cent higher in Dublin than in Belfast, even though VAT rates in the Republic are often lower, according to a new survey.
Dublin consumers pay 45 per cent more for a mechanic and 33 per cent more for a plumber, the survey found. Dentists were found to be 29 per cent more expensive in Dublin compared to Belfast, while both driving lessons and chiropractors were 25 per cent dearer.
The survey by Consumer Choice magazine appears to support the criticisms of some professions by the Tánaiste last month. Mary Coughlan said some sectors had yet to feel the “chill winds of economic reality” and “certain professions” had yet to reveal how they intended to reduce fees and charges. Food prices surveys last year showed a similar price gap of about 30 per cent between the North and the South, but this has tumbled in recent months as retailers in the Republic engage in a vigorous price war.
“The survey shows that some groups just haven’t got the message on lowering prices,” said Dermot Jewell, chief executive of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, which publishes Consumer Choice.
“They’re keeping their head down and hoping the bad stuff blows over, but it won’t. Prices for services on either side of the Border aren’t even remotely comparable.” Mr Jewell pointed out that while most consumers are free to shop around for groceries and other goods, they have little option but to find help locally in the event of a dental or plumbing emergency. He said consumers needed to become more vocal on the issue and the Tánaiste needed to be more active on their behalf.
On average, it cost more than €100 more to have a car serviced in Dublin than in Belfast, a difference of 45 per cent, according to the survey. This rose to 47 per cent when VAT was stripped out. Quotes from Dublin garages varied from €135 to €270, while the Belfast quotes ranged from €53 to €91. The cost of getting a standard gas boiler serviced varied from €80 to €110 in Dublin; the equivalent job in Belfast cost from €57 to €74. The average difference was 33 per cent, or 35 per cent excluding VAT.
The average cost of a one-hour driving lesson in Dublin is €39, compared to €29 in Belfast. One comfort for drivers in the Republic is that the driving test is cheaper: €75, against €105 in Belfast.
Quotes for a routine dental examination and polish from Dublin dentists varied between €70 and €140. The same work cost between €57 and €91 in Belfast, a 100 per cent difference.
The authors of the survey acknowledge that the difference in price for dental work is hardly surprising, given the constant flow of consumers heading out of the Republic for dental work. It also points out that consumers with PRSI contributions can reclaim some of the cost of certain dental treatments.
The cost of a consultation with a chiropractor was an average €66 in Dublin and €50 in Belfast.