Business News

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a 12.5% fall in the total number of homes granted planning permission in the second quarter of this year, with approvals falling to 7,447 units from 8,513 units the same time last year. The CSO planning permission figures give an indication of future building activity. The CSO…

British inflation held at 3.8% in August, remaining the highest of any major advanced economy, according to official data that underscores why investors believe the Bank of England is unlikely to cut interest rates again this year. High inflation is a problem for Britain’s government as well as the Bank of England. Finance minister Rachel…

Almost half of Irish food and Agribusinesses have delayed investment due to uncertainty, despite record optimism in the sector. The 2025 Food and Agribusiness Report, which is now in its 8th year, is based on the views of food and agribusiness leaders and is Ireland’s only dedicated sentiment tracker for the sector. The report is…

ESB has reported operating profits of €424m for the six months to the end of June, a €5m increase on the same time last year, despite the impact of Storm Éowyn in January. The energy company said its half year profits after tax rose to €313m from €297.8m. The company said that Storm Éowyn resulted…

A total of 84% of people in Ireland are worried about the cost-of-living crisis, while fewer than one in seven believe the Government is doing enough to address it. Almost half of 1,243 adults surveyed by Ipsos B&A for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) said they feared that they would not meet…

It’s unlikely young people in Ireland have ‘making a will’ as a priority in their lives. Only around one third of Irish adults have made a formal will, meaning most people don’t have one. But is it something young people should be considering? Contrary to popular opinion, making a will is not morbid, it is…

President Trump’s confrontational approach to tariffs has dominated the transatlantic relationship since he returned to the White House in January. Following months of negotiations between EU and US officials, an agreement in principle was reached on 27 July in Scotland, with a follow-up “framework agreement” announced on 21 August. A costly trade war was averted,…

New research shows there has been in an increase in the number of Irish adults who do not have a retirement plan in place. The research from the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission found that one-in-four remain unprepared for retirement, up from one-in-five last year. A third of pension holders also regret not starting their…

There has been a fall in the proportion of companies planning to increase their headcount next year, according to a new survey from business group Ibec. The research shows that 37% of companies plan to increase headcount in 2026, down from 41% in 2025 and 45% in 2024. A total of 56% of respondents plan…

The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged today as expected but offered no clues about its next move, even as investors continue to bet that more support will be needed as inflation dips below target next year. The ECB halved its key rate in the year to June but has been on hold at…