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The cost of living has risen 1.2% over the last year, official figures revealed.
High street prices dropped 0.5% last month, mainly thanks to the traditional January sales, but over the course of the year alcohol, tobacco, education and transport saw some of the biggest increases.
According to the Central Statistics Office, prices came down for communications (5.7%), furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (3.3%), and clothing and footwear (1.2%).
In January the consumer price index recorded increases of 4.9% for rail travel and 4.7% for bus fares.
Press Association
