Govt to discuss checks on legal challenges to planning decisions
Businesses and individuals bringing legal challenges to planning decisions will face additional restrictions under changes being discussed at Cabinet today. Minister for Housing James Browne is reforming the area of judicial reviews in Irish planning amid Government frustration at delays in securing permission for large housing developments. It is understood that the “leave to apply” […]
1-in-4 businesses yet to take action to prepare for pension auto-enrolment
One-in-four businesses in Ireland have yet to take any action to prepare for the introduction of pension auto-enrolment ahead of its launch on 1 January 2026, according to a new survey. The research from professional services firm Aon found that only 7% of organisations have fully updated their internal systems and legal documents ahead of […]
Govt set to sign off on €100 billion revised National Development Plan
Coalition leaders and senior ministers will meet this morning to sign off on the €100bn revised National Development Plan. The blueprint for infrastructure spending will be announced tomorrow along with the Summer Economic Statement. Housing, transport, energy and water services will be funded from the new National Development Plan. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers […]
Is Bitcoin a smart buy after a volatile Crypto Week?
Bitcoin hit new all-time highs of $123,000 before pulling back during a big policy week in the US for cryptocurrency. In an unprecedented move, US lawmakers set aside a week for cryptocurrency, advancing a trio of landmark bills aimed at regulating stablecoins, clarifying digital asset oversight, and blocking a central bank digital currency. Dubbed Crypto […]
Govt plans to inject additional €30bn into infrastructure
The Government is finalising a major investment plan to inject up to €30 billion of additional funding into Ireland’s infrastructure between 2026 and 2030. Coalition leaders and senior ministers met last night to agree the final details of the revised National Development Plan that will take expected overall investment in the State’s infrastructure over the […]
Inside Ireland’s multibillion euro infrastructure plan
Next week the Government will publish a review of its National Development Plan, which adds €20bn to spending. David Murphy explains why is it crucial to dealing with the housing crisis. What is the National Development Plan? The National Development Plan is the Government’s scheme to build infrastructure such as roads, rail, electricity connections and […]
Exports jump by 47% in first five months of 2025 – CSO
Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products jumped by almost 74% in May to €13.7 billion when compared with the same month last year, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. The CSO says medical and pharmaceutical products accounted for over half (58.7%) of all goods exported in May, with the total value […]
Number of properties available under HAP scheme fell last month
The number of properties that were available to rent within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme last month fell to 32. It is a decrease of nine properties (-22%) since March, according to the latest Simon Communities quarterly Locked Out of the Market report. Over three dates last month, 16 areas […]
EU Commission proposes €2 trillion seven-year budget
The European Commission has proposed a €2 trillion EU budget for 2028 to 2034, placing a new emphasis on economic competitiveness and defence while aiming to reform the rules around farm and economic development subsidies. “It is a budget that matches Europe’s ambition, that confronts Europe’s challenges and that strengthens our independence,” European Commission President […]
Bank of Ireland revises economic forecasts upwards
Bank of Ireland has revised upwards its economic forecasts for the year, if US tariffs remain at 10%. It predicts GDP growth of 8.5%, higher that the 3.5% growth previously forecast. The bank says modified domestic demand will grow to 2.9% (previously 2.8%) and employment will grow to 2.6% (1.8%) in 2025. There is one […]
UK pay growth slows, employee numbers fall in three months to May
British annual wage growth, excluding bonuses, was slightly higher than expected at 5% in the three months to May, official figures showed today while a sharp drop in employee numbers was much less drastic than first reported. Overall, the figures suggest Britain’s labour market is cooling, but perhaps less rapidly than the Bank of England […]
UK inflation unexpectedly rises to highest since January 2024
Britain’s annual rate of consumer price inflation unexpectedly rose to its highest in over a year at 3.6% in June, official figures showed today, potentially making it a tougher call for the Bank of England to cut interest rates next month. June’s reading from the Office for National Statistics took the annual CPI rate to […]
What’s the story with this PRSI tax thing on my payslip?
Analysis: All you need to know about one of the very taxes where what you pay is directly linked to your future entitlements We’ve all been there. You look at your payslip, see all the deductions and wonder where your money’s going. One of those deductions is PRSI. It’s a small amount, it’s easy to […]
Why did Bitcoin soar this week?
Crypto stocks jumped this week as crytocurrency Bitcoin soared past $120,000 for the first time. Today, Bitcoin added about 1% to $117,696, as it stabilised following its 6% pullback earlier this week from Monday’s all-time high at $123,153.22. But why did Bitcoin reach record highs this week? It’s been on a steady rise over the […]
Budget 2026 must be ‘sensible and prudent’ – Ibec
Business group Ibec has said Budget 2026 must be “sensible and prudent” given the fragile global environment. Launching its pre-budget submission, it urged the Government to take a “measured and strategic approach”. The group has also called for targeted investment in areas that enhance productivity and competitiveness. It said sound economic policy must focus on […]
Bitcoin tops $120,000 for the first time
Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time today, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week. Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4% higher around $122,000. Later in the day, the US House of Representatives will […]
EU says could target €72bn of US goods if tariff talks fail
The European Commission has said it was putting forward a new list of US goods worth €72 billion that could be targeted by EU levies if tariff talks with Washington fail. The bloc’s trade chief, Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, announced the proposal, “accounting for some 72 billion euros’ worth of US imports”, at a meeting with […]
Next fortnight crucial for Ireland amid US tariff threats
There’s no doubt US President Donald Trump’s threat of 30% tariffs is a significant blow to both the European Union and Ireland. Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed hopes that Brussels and Washington could agree a framework deal which would pause any escalation in trade tensions. But Mr Trump’s letter to the EU, dated […]