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. The research suggests annual growth of slightly over 2%, pointing to a period of stability rather than rapid expansion. The study assesses how the Irish economy may […]
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 2.9% rate recorded in October and represents the highest annual inflation level since February 2024. The data shows that price pressures remain widespread across several sectors 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 domestic product fell by 0.1% over the August to October period, defying expectations of flat growth and reinforcing market expectations of an imminent interest rate cut by […]
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 Minister for Communications, Jim Mitchell, ring broadcaster Pat Kenny for a light conversation that happened to signal the beginning of a new era in Irish telecommunications. Ireland […]
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 same period last year. This marks the strongest quarter of approvals since late 2023 and will likely be interpreted as an encouraging sign for future housing supply. […]
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 a slight monthly decrease and the lowest level recorded since March 2023. Although rates have eased, Ireland still ranks among the higher-cost mortgage markets in the euro […]
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 close to €1,200 on average last Christmas, with a significant number dipping into savings or turning to borrowing to cover festive costs. The pressures of the season […]
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 for airport passengers as early as 2028, signalling a significant shift in short-distance air mobility. Vertical Aerospace is working toward regulatory approval for its new Valo aircraft, […]
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 drop reflects persistent weakness in demand and a slowdown in new project inflows. The headline Construction Total Activity Index fell to 46.7 in November, down from 48.1 […]
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 interventions introduced after a slowdown in apartment delivery have altered the economics of the sector in a noticeable way. Before any State assistance was applied, only two […]
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 findings form part of the CCPC’s State of Competition in Ireland programme, which is reviewing developments in non-financial services over a fifteen-year period from 2008 to 2022. […]
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 data signals ongoing pressure across the sector, with firms reporting a continued drop in new orders and subdued demand for building projects. The headline Construction Total Activity […]
Irish Internet Banking Usage Climbs to 94 Percent as Digital Reliance Deepens
New data from the Central Statistics Office indicates that Irish households continue to increase their use of online services, with internet banking reaching its highest level of adoption to date. The CSO’s latest Household Digital Consumer Behaviour report, covering the second quarter of the year, highlights a continued shift toward digital habits across nearly all […]
Report Highlights Higher Living Standards in the Republic Compared with Northern Ireland
A new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that living standards in the Republic of Ireland exceed those in Northern Ireland across several key economic and social indicators. The report shows a clear income gap. In 2022 the average household in the Republic had disposable income of €36,900, compared with €33,400 […]
Ireland’s Multinational Surge Drives Record Growth and Tax Returns
Ireland’s economic momentum has accelerated significantly this year, propelled largely by the extraordinary performance of the multinational sector. A combination of booming pharmaceutical activity, strong technology exports and robust domestic conditions has resulted in one of the strongest periods of growth the country has experienced in recent years. Pharmaceutical exports have been a standout factor. […]
Euro Zone Inflation Edges Higher as ECB Holds Steady on Rates
Inflation across the euro zone rose slightly in the latest figures, reinforcing expectations that the European Central Bank will maintain its current interest rate stance for the foreseeable future. New data from Eurostat shows annual inflation increasing to 2.2 percent from 2.1 percent, keeping it close to the ECB’s target for most of the year. […]
Irish Workers Slow to Adopt AI Tools Despite Recognised Benefits
A new survey from PwC suggests that although Irish workers are aware of the potential advantages of artificial intelligence, daily usage of these tools remains limited. The firm’s latest Workforce Hopes and Dreams report found that only 10 percent of employees in Ireland use generative AI each day, a lower proportion than the global average […]
Irish Adults Favour Short to Mid-Term Saving as Investment Uptake Remains Limited
New research into personal finance habits shows that most adults in Ireland maintain savings or deposit accounts alongside their current accounts. The survey, commissioned by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, indicates that three quarters of respondents have set money aside, although the amounts vary widely. A significant proportion of those with savings hold smaller balances. […]