Survey signals upbeat outlook for travel sector in 2026
A new industry survey suggests a confident outlook for Ireland’s travel sector heading into 2026, underpinned by strong profitability and rising revenues across much of the industry. According ...
Manufacturing growth remains modest despite rising confidence
Growth across Ireland’s manufacturing sector remained relatively subdued last month, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index published by AIB. While activity continued to expand, the pace of ...
Gold and silver rebound after sharp sell-off
Gold and silver prices moved higher today, recovering some ground after suffering their steepest two-day decline in decades. The recent volatility followed the nomination of Kevin Warsh as ...
Why High-Cost Credit Remains a Pressing Issue in Ireland
High-cost credit continues to pose significant challenges for consumers in Ireland, despite legislative efforts to curb the most excessive lending practices. The introduction of the Consumer Credit (Amendment) ...
Dollar Recovers After US Treasury Reaffirms Commitment to Strong Currency
The US dollar strengthened against a broad range of currencies, rebounding from a four-year low reached in the previous session, after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated that ...
Vhi to Increase Health Insurance Prices by Average of 3% from March
Vhi has confirmed that it will raise the cost of its health insurance policies by an average of 3% from the beginning of March, marking the third price ...
Dollar hovers near multi-year lows as markets react to Trump remarks
The US dollar remained under pressure near its weakest levels in almost four years, following comments from President Donald Trump that were widely interpreted by markets as dismissive ...
Why high cost credit continues to pose serious challenges in Ireland
High cost credit remains a significant concern for households across Ireland, despite legislative efforts to limit its most extreme impacts. The Consumer Credit Amendment Act 2022 introduced a ...
Consumers feel tipping is becoming less of a choice, CCPC research finds
A growing number of consumers believe tipping is shifting away from being a voluntary gesture, according to new research published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). ...
Electric vehicles overtake petrol cars in EU December sales milestone
Fully electric vehicles outsold petrol cars in the European Union for the first time in December, marking a significant shift in the region’s car market, according to new ...
AI skills increasingly feature in Irish job market
Around one in ten job advertisements in Ireland now reference artificial intelligence, according to new research from Indeed. The findings place Ireland ahead of the United States, the ...
Bank of Ireland revises economic growth outlook
Bank of Ireland has trimmed its forecast for economic growth in 2026, pointing to a slightly slower pace of expansion than previously expected. In its latest economic outlook, ...
Enterprise Ireland-backed firms record continued jobs growth
Companies supported by Enterprise Ireland recorded a net increase of 2,938 jobs last year, bringing total employment across its client base to 232,425, according to the agency’s latest ...
Why focusing on generations can miss what really matters at work
Few workplace ideas have gained as much traction as the notion of generational difference. Baby Boomers are often portrayed as loyal and hierarchical, Millennials as purpose-driven, and Gen ...
Gold pushes beyond $5,100 as investors seek safety
Gold climbed to a new all-time high above $5,100 an ounce, extending a powerful rally as investors moved funds into assets seen as a store of value amid ...
The Growing Challenge of Solar Panel Replacement and Waste
Solar energy plays a central role in the transition to low-carbon power, yet an emerging issue is attracting increasing attention. As early generations of solar panels approach the ...
Wholesale Electricity Prices Fall Sharply Over the Past Year, CSO Data Shows
New data from the Central Statistics Office indicates that wholesale electricity prices continued to trend downward at the end of last year, offering some relief after several years ...
IT and Finance Roles Lead Salary Rankings in Ireland for 2025
New research from IrishJobs indicates that professionals working in IT and finance continued to command the strongest earning power in Ireland during 2025, with both sectors recording the ...
EU Parliament backs three-hour delay rule in vote on airline passenger rights
The European Parliament has voted to retain the current three-hour delay threshold for flight compensation as part of proposed reforms to EU airline passenger rights. The decision was ...
House price inflation moderates as annual growth slows to 6.6%, CSO data shows
New figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate that residential property price growth continued to ease in November, with prices rising by 6.6% in the year to the ...
Skills shortages now a major strategic risk for Irish businesses, survey finds
A new survey from Ibec suggests that skills shortages have become one of the most pressing challenges facing Irish employers, with more than four in five firms reporting ...
Musk Floats Ryanair Takeover Idea Amid Escalating Dispute
Elon Musk has publicly raised the idea of acquiring Ryanair, as his ongoing dispute with the airline’s leadership continues to attract attention. The proposal surfaced through a poll ...
Wind Energy Ireland to Unveil Roadmap for an Irish ‘Electrostate’
Wind Energy Ireland is set to launch a new strategy at its 2026 Annual Conference in Dublin, outlining a proposed roadmap towards what it describes as an Irish ...
Ireland Maintains Lead in European Data Protection Enforcement
Ireland continues to hold its position as Europe’s most active data protection enforcer, according to the latest annual Data Breach Survey published by DLA Piper. Since the introduction ...
Gold Breaks Above $4,700 as Trade Tensions Drive Investors Toward Safe Havens
Gold prices surged to a new record today, moving beyond $4,700 per ounce for the first time, as renewed geopolitical tensions unsettled global markets and pushed investors toward ...
PTSB Reduces Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rates by up to 0.45%
Permanent TSB has announced further reductions to its fixed-rate mortgage offerings, cutting rates by as much as 0.45% across a range of products. The revised rates take effect ...
EU Leaders Address Davos as Trade Tensions with US Intensify
European leaders are taking an early lead at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, as renewed trade tensions with the United States cast a long shadow ...
Global billionaire wealth surges as inequality widens, new report finds
The combined wealth of billionaires worldwide increased by an estimated $2.5 trillion last year, according to new research from Oxfam. The findings were published to coincide with the ...
Tourism Ireland sets sights on overseas visitor spend exceeding €10bn by 2031
Tourism Ireland has outlined plans to grow overseas tourism revenue to more than €10 billion a year by 2031, representing average annual growth of around 6%. The organisation ...
Ireland records strongest start-up year in 15 years, new data shows
Ireland experienced its most active year for new business formation in over a decade, with more than 26,500 companies registered in 2025. According to fresh analysis from CRIFVision-Net, ...
Guidance Still Pending as New Retirement Law Nears Commencement
New legislation designed to support employees who wish to remain in work beyond their contractual retirement age has formally entered the statute books, although key guidance on how ...
Ireland Showcases Housing Investment Potential at Major Global Property Event
Ireland is set to promote its residential development ambitions on the international stage by participating in a major global property conference in France this March. The aim is ...
ECB Signals Rate Stability as Long as Conditions Hold, Though US Risks Linger
The European Central Bank is unlikely to revisit interest rate changes in the short term if current economic trends remain intact, according to its chief economist Philip Lane. ...
Dollar dominance under pressure amid global shifts, analyst warns
The US dollar continues to hold its position as the world’s leading reserve currency, yet signs are emerging that its dominance is being steadily eroded. That view was ...
UK economy posts stronger-than-forecast growth in November
The UK economy recorded a stronger-than-anticipated expansion in November, supported by a rebound in manufacturing activity and improved performance across key sectors. Official figures show that gross domestic ...
PTSB reduces variable rates on State-backed retrofit loans
Permanent TSB has announced a reduction in its variable interest rates for homeowners borrowing under the Government-supported Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, aimed at improving energy efficiency and ...
Construction activity continues to decline, though signs of stabilisation emerge
Activity across Ireland’s construction sector declined again in December, marking the eighth consecutive month of contraction, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from AIB. The survey shows ...
Retirement beyond 66 increasingly viewed as a financial necessity for many workers
A growing proportion of workers in Ireland believe they will need to remain in employment well beyond the traditional retirement age in order to make ends meet, according ...
Global unemployment set to remain steady, but quality of work remains a major concern
Global unemployment is expected to remain broadly unchanged through 2026, according to new analysis from the International Labour Organization. While this headline figure may appear reassuring, the organisation ...
Stamp prices set to rise in February as An Post responds to falling volumes
The cost of sending letters in Ireland is due to increase from early February, with An Post confirming higher prices for both domestic and international mail. From Tuesday ...
Construction activity continues to contract, though signs of stabilisation emerge
Activity across Ireland’s construction sector declined again in December, marking the eighth consecutive month of contraction, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from AIB. The survey shows ...
Nearly one in five workers expect to delay retirement until 70
A significant proportion of people in Ireland believe that retiring before later life is financially unrealistic, according to new research on retirement expectations. The latest Retirement Age Financial ...
Report highlights €8.3bn economic boost from stronger SME digital investment
A new economic assessment suggests that significantly increasing digital investment among Irish small and medium-sized enterprises could deliver a substantial boost to the wider economy. The research estimates ...
Gold reaches record levels as political tensions drive demand for safe-haven assets
Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels today, reflecting heightened investor anxiety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty around US monetary policy leadership. Spot gold climbed sharply, trading ...
Stamp prices set to rise as An Post responds to falling letter volumes
An Post has confirmed that the cost of sending letters will increase from Tuesday, 3 February, with changes affecting both domestic and international post. The price of a ...
First Home Scheme Supports Nearly 5,000 Purchases Since Launch
New figures from the latest quarterly update show that the First Home Scheme has played a significant role in helping buyers access newly built homes since its introduction ...
Consumer Confidence Ends 2025 Muted Despite Solid Economic Growth
Irish consumer confidence closed out 2025 at a relatively low level, reflecting persistent concerns about living costs even as headline economic indicators pointed to continued growth. The latest ...
What Could the Mercosur Deal Mean for Irish Shoppers?
Irish households have experienced sustained pressure on food budgets over recent years, with the cost of everyday groceries rising sharply. Products such as beef, butter, milk and cheese ...
UK House Prices Ease to Six-Month Low at Year End
UK house prices edged lower in December, bringing the average property value to its lowest point in six months, according to the latest Halifax house price index. Data ...
Euro Zone Inflation Returns to Target as Outlook Points to Further Softening
Inflation across the euro zone slowed in line with expectations at the end of last year, reaching the European Central Bank’s 2% target and setting the stage for ...
House Price Growth Shows Signs of Easing in Late 2025
Ireland’s residential property market appears to be moving into a more measured phase, with the latest MyHome report pointing to a slowdown in price momentum towards the end ...
Avant Money cuts mortgage rates and boosts cashback incentives
Mortgage lender Avant Money has announced a series of changes to its mortgage products, including lower fixed rates and enhanced cashback offers for borrowers. The lender confirmed that ...
How to upskill or reskill for free in 2026
With the pace of change in the workplace accelerating, many people are reassessing their skills and long-term career prospects. Technological advances, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping roles across ...
Government outlines major tourism and enterprise investment drive
The Government is set to unveil a significant new investment programme aimed at strengthening Ireland’s appeal as a global tourism destination, with a particular focus on visitors from ...
Petrol Continues to Lead Irish Car Market Despite Shift Toward Electrification
New car registrations increased modestly last year, with the latest industry data showing a 3% rise compared with the previous year. Figures released by Society of the Irish ...
Irish House Prices Close in on Celtic Tiger Highs
Residential property prices continued to climb throughout last year, with new data showing that average asking prices nationally rose by 5.5%. The latest report from Daft.ie highlights that ...
Fuel Industry Warns of Further Increases in Petrol and Diesel Prices
Motorists are being warned to prepare for higher fuel costs following a series of policy measures that came into effect at the start of the year. Fuels for ...
Italian Regulator Fines Ryanair Over Alleged Market Dominance Practices
Italy’s competition authority has imposed a €255 million fine on Ryanair, alleging that the airline abused its dominant position in its dealings with travel agents. The decision centres ...
AIB Expands Cash and Cheque Lodgement Network Across Ireland
AIB has begun rolling out a new generation of Cash and Cheque Lodgement machines as part of a €40 million investment programme across its branch network. The initiative ...
European Car Sales Continue Upward Trend as Electric Vehicles Gain Ground
New car registrations across Europe increased in November for the fifth consecutive month, supported by continued growth in electric vehicle uptake across several major markets. Figures released by ...
Digital ads drive majority of online purchases among Irish shoppers
New research indicates that digital advertising continues to play a decisive role in online buying behaviour, with more than half of Irish consumers influenced to make purchases through ...
Sophisticated bank scams highlight growing risks for customers
Bank customers are being urged to remain alert this Christmas as fraudsters deploy increasingly convincing tactics designed to impersonate well-known financial institutions. Recent scam activity shows a shift ...
Government expands housing investment fund with new €400m equity programme
The Government has confirmed a significant expansion of its housing investment strategy, announcing a new €400 million equity programme through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. The move brings ...
ISME cautions against passing grid upgrade costs onto businesses and consumers
The Irish SME Association has warned that planned investment in Ireland’s electricity grid should not result in higher energy bills for businesses or households. The organisation argues that ...
Banks warn of surge in text message scams as festive season approaches
Irish banks are warning consumers and businesses to be on high alert for a rise in so-called smishing scams in the lead-up to Christmas, as fraudsters increasingly exploit ...
Central Bank warns housing targets remain difficult as supply pressures persist
The Central Bank has warned that achieving the Government’s target of delivering 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030 will remain difficult, pointing to ongoing constraints across ...
House Price Inflation Moderates Slightly as Regional Gaps Persist
Residential property prices continued to rise in the year to October, with annual growth easing marginally to 7.3 percent, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics ...
ECB Expected to Keep Interest Rates on Hold as Euro Zone Growth Holds Up
The European Central Bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged, reflecting a growing confidence that the euro zone economy is proving more resilient than previously feared. Recent ...
Budget Measures Expected to Reduce Household Disposable Incomes, ESRI Warns
Recent Budget decisions are set to lead to a fall of around 1.3 percent in disposable incomes for many households, according to new analysis from the Economic and ...
Ireland Must Decouple Economic Growth from Fossil Fuel Use, SEAI Warns
Ireland has reduced its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 16% since 2018, yet remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels as the economy continues to expand, according to a ...
UK Unemployment Climbs as Labour Market Shows Further Signs of Strain
New figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics indicate a continued softening in the British labour market, with unemployment rising and wage growth easing again, particularly affecting ...
Construction Roles Dominate Ireland’s Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025
New figures from IrishJobs indicate that construction-related roles are leading Ireland’s employment demand as the labour market moves through 2025, with project managers emerging as the single most ...
Christmas Dinner Costs Edge Higher as Shoppers Balance Value and Festive Treats
The cost of putting Christmas dinner on the table has risen slightly this year, according to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator. A traditional Christmas dinner for a ...
EU Signals Possible Shift on 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Amid Industry Pressure
The European Commission is expected to outline proposals that could significantly alter the EU’s plan to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035. The move ...
Electricity Bills to Rise as Ireland Commits to Major Power Grid Investment
Electricity users across Ireland are set to see higher bills from next year as funding is put in place for a large-scale overhaul of the national electricity grid. ...
Global Shifts Reshape Markets, Bringing Fresh Risks and Opportunities for Investors
Market volatility and uncertainty look set to remain a defining feature of the investment landscape into 2026, according to investment specialists, with geopolitical change reshaping both risks and ...
ECB Expected to Pause Again as Debate Intensifies Over What Comes Next
The European Central Bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its meeting this week, marking a fourth consecutive pause as inflation remains broadly under control. ...
EU Reconsiders 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Amid Industry Pressure
The European Commission is expected to signal a significant shift in its climate and transport policy, with plans to revise the EU’s effective ban on the sale of ...
UK Economy Records Unexpected Contraction Ahead of Key Rate Decision
The UK economy recorded an unexpected decline in the three months to October, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The data shows that gross ...
Inflation Climbs to 21-Month High as Prices Continue to Rise
Ireland’s annual rate of consumer price inflation increased to 3.2% in November, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. This marks an acceleration from the ...
Irish Economy Faces Slower Growth Outlook Over the Coming Decade
Ireland’s domestic economy is expected to record modest but steady growth over the next ten years, according to a new projection from the Economic and Social Research Institute. ...
Irish Mortgage Rates Fall to Their Lowest Level in Over a Year
New data from the Central Bank shows that the average interest rate on new mortgages in Ireland fell to 3.56 percent at the end of October. This represents ...
Planning Activity Rises as Third Quarter Permissions Jump Nearly 30 Percent
New figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate a notable uplift in planning activity, with permissions granted in the third quarter rising by 29.4 percent compared with the ...
Ireland Marks 40 Years Since Its First Mobile Phone Call
Ireland marks a significant technological milestone this week, celebrating four decades since the country’s first mobile phone call. The call, made on 11 December 1985, saw the then ...
Construction Sector Activity Continues to Contract in November
New figures from the latest AIB Purchasing Managers’ Index indicate that construction activity in Ireland declined again in November, marking the seventh consecutive month of contraction. The continued ...
Electric Flying Taxis Could Serve London Airports by 2028
Air travel in and out of London may look very different within the next few years. A UK aviation company has announced plans to introduce electric flying taxis ...
Can Willpower Really Curb Christmas Overspending?
Every December brings the same familiar pattern. Days grow darker, routines get busier, and spending climbs far faster than many households anticipate. Surveys indicate that Irish consumers spent ...
Construction sector activity continues to contract as demand weakens
Ireland’s construction industry recorded another month of declining activity in November, marking the seventh consecutive month of contraction, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from AIB. The ...
CCPC reports declining competition across parts of Ireland’s services sector
A new analysis from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has highlighted a notable weakening of competitive pressures across several key segments of the Irish services sector. The ...
Government measures improve financial viability of new apartment developments, according to SCSI analysis
A new assessment by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland indicates that recent policy changes have strengthened the financial viability of apartment construction. The study suggests that Government ...
