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 the European automobile industry body show year on year gains driven largely by rising demand for battery electric and hybrid models in countries such as Germany, Italy […]
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 will see 60 new machines installed in 127 branches nationwide, improving access to everyday cash services for personal and business customers. The new machines allow customers to […]
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 on claims that the carrier restricted how travel agencies could sell Ryanair flights alongside other airlines or bundled travel services. According to the regulator, Ryanair created economic […]
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 total equity backing for homebuilding under the fund to €800 million since the initiative was launched in mid-2023. ISIF, which is managed by the National Treasury Management […]
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 towards highly polished phone-based fraud, where criminals use authentic bank recordings to create the illusion of legitimacy. The scam typically begins with a text message claiming to […]
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 ads on websites and social media in the run-up to Cyber Monday. The findings come from the latest Digital Consumer Index, commissioned by Digital Business Ireland and […]
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 busy periods and heightened online activity. New figures show that text message fraud remains the most common source of payment scams reported by customers this year. AIB […]
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 while upgrading the national network is necessary, the financial burden should not be transferred directly to end users. The warning follows comments from the energy regulator indicating […]
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 the construction sector. While the bank has slightly upgraded its outlook for housing output, it remains cautious about the pace at which supply can increase. According to […]
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 Social Research Institute. The ESRI suggests the impact will be felt most acutely by middle and higher income earners, following the freezing of income tax credits and […]
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 economic data from across the single currency area has outperformed earlier ECB forecasts, easing pressure on policymakers to consider near term rate cuts. Growth across the 20 […]
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 Office. This compares with a revised growth rate of 7.5 percent in September, suggesting price inflation remains strong despite signs of a gradual slowdown. The figures show […]
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 sought-after position. According to the data, eight of the ten most in-demand roles this year are linked to the construction sector. This reflects ongoing skills shortages that […]
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 younger workers. The unemployment rate increased to 5.1% in the three months to October, up from 5% in the previous period. This marks the highest level recorded […]
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 new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The Energy in Ireland 2025 report finds that while emissions linked to energy use are now at their […]
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. Monthly increases are expected to range from €1 to as much as €1.75 before VAT, depending on how the investment programme progresses. While the individual increase may […]
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 follows sustained lobbying from major member states, including Germany and Italy, alongside mounting pressure from European carmakers facing intense competition from US and Chinese manufacturers. While final […]
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 family of four is estimated to cost €32.28, compared with €31.22 last year, reflecting modest but noticeable increases in seasonal food spending. While some everyday items such […]