Wind generation was third highest on record in October
Wind generation in Ireland was the third highest on record for the month of October, according to new figures from Wind Energy Ireland. The latest figures show that wind energy provided 35% of Ireland’s electricity last month, while solar power and other renewables accounted for 4%. It means that Irish wind farms have generated nearly […]
Skills shortages a top concern within trades – survey
Skills shortages – and the cost of recruiting skilled labour – is the most common concern among tradespeople, according to a new survey. It was cited by 29% of respondents to the Onlinetradesman.com survey – which included builders, plumbers, electricians and landscapers – as their biggest obstacle to their operations and growth. “The issue is […]
Petrol and diesel prices up slightly in November – AA
The latest AA Ireland Fuel Survey reveals a slight increase in petrol and diesel prices for November after three months of fuel price decreases in a row. AA Ireland said that petrol prices have risen by two cents to an average of €1.73 a litre, while diesel prices have increased by a cent to €1.67 […]
Ireland says it expects to meet deadline for workers’ rights directive
The Government has said it expects to meet a deadline today to transpose an EU directive on workers’ rights. Unions however have accused the State of not fully implementing the rules by failing to pass new legislation. The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages seeks to reduce working poverty and inequality by improving statutory minimum […]
Dublin ranks 17 out of 30 cities for real estate investment
Dublin has dropped from 13th to 17th position out of 30 European cities ranked for investment and development potential for 2025. London, Madrid and Paris took the top spots, according to a report by PwC and the Urban Land Institute. When it comes to investing in Ireland, interviewees referenced certain infrastructure deficits and the complexity […]
Building sector running at 77% capacity despite demands
The Irish construction industry is running at around three quarters of its capacity on average at present, despite the strong demand for new housing and infrastructure. That’s according to the latest Construction Market Overview from building services firm Turner & Townsend, covering the period from July to September. Overall 78% of respondents said the construction […]
Onshore wind energy delays may result in 2030 target miss
The slow pace at which onshore wind energy infrastructure is being built in the Republic and Northern Ireland could result in the renewable energy targets set for 2030 being missed. Energy market consultancy Cornwall Insight estimates that at the current level of delivery the target could be missed by as much as three years. Its […]
Most Irish CEOs optimistic about growth and profitability
Most Irish CEOs are optimistic about the economic and business outlook over the next 12 months, new data shows. The latest EY CEO Outlook surveyed 1,200 executives globally – including CEOs in Ireland. 60% of Irish CEOs surveyed said they are either very or somewhat optimistic about managing input costs and the overall cost of […]
Crypto market capitalisation hits record $3.2 trillion
The value of the global cryptocurrency market has topped $3 trillion as the election of Donald Trump as US president spurred bets that friendlier US regulation could usher in a new boom for all corners of the asset class. The sum market value of cryptocurrencies touched a high of nearly $3.2 trillion early on November […]
Rents climb 1.7% between July and September
Advertised rents for homes across the country rose by a further 1.7% between July and September, according to new data from the property listings website Daft.ie. It was the 15th consecutive quarterly rise and brought the average monthly rent sought nationally to €1,955. That represents an increase of 7.2% compared to the same time last […]
Value of food services up 5.2% driven by rising costs
The value of the food bought outside the home across the island rose 5.2% over the last year, new data from Bord Bia shows. It brought the total turnover in the food service industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland to €9.8bn, the highest level in the sector over the past decade. However, the Irish food […]
Motorists must provide driver number to insurer under new measure
Motorists will have to provide their driver number to their insurer when taking out a policy from next year. The new measure, which comes into effect on March 31st, will also require the driver numbers of named drivers to be provided. The development follows the signing of a commencement order by the Minister for Transport, […]
Majority expect Christmas shopping to be more expensive this year
The cost of living continues to be felt among consumers with 72% saying they expect Christmas shopping to be significantly more expensive this year, while 36% expect to spend less compared to last year. Those are the views of respondents to the latest KPMG Next Gen Retail Survey. “Price is still the primary factor influencing […]
More ECB rate cuts coming but pace of easing uncertain, Rehn says
More European Central Bank interest rate cuts are coming and the deposit rate could hit the so-called neutral level in the first half of next year, Finnish central bank chief Olli Rehn said today. The ECB has already cut rates three times this year as prices have fallen and further cuts at each of its […]
IHF calls for urgent action to safeguard tourism and hospitality sectors
The Irish Hotels Federation has called on all political parties and candidates in the General Election to commit to policy measures aimed at staving off the commercial crisis facing the wider tourism and hospitality industry – particularly food service businesses. Launching its manifesto, IHF President Michael Magner said an urgent change in direction is now […]
China consumer prices rise at slower rate in October
China’s consumer inflation rate slowed in October, official data showed over the weekend, in a sign that demand remains sluggish in the world’s second biggest economy. The slowdown comes as authorities have been seeking to boost domestic activity as a property crisis weighs on confidence. The consumer price index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, […]
Live Register figures edge 0.4% higher in October – CSO
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the seasonally adjusted Live Register total for October rose by 0.4% to 169,000 people – an increase of 700 people from the previous month. The CSO said that the unadjusted Live Register total stood at 163,766 people for October. Today’s figures show that the 35-44 age […]
Total construction activity falls despite strong growth in housing
Total activity in the construction sector fell in October, despite strong growth in housing. The BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland Construction Total Activity Index rose slightly from 49 in September to 49.4 last month. However, the index was still below the 50 mark which indicates growth. This is the second month in a row in […]