News

Services activity contracted faster in November, ahead of the reopening from this week of large parts of the sector, a business survey showed today.  Ireland became one of first European countries to reimpose tough Covid-19 restrictions in late October when the Government shut non-essential retail and limited pubs and restaurants to takeaway services. The restrictions […]

Brexit talks have stretched late into the night as both sides fought their corners with the clock ticking down to the deadline for a trade deal.  It was reported that several boxes of pizza were delivered to the talks venue last night.  EU and UK officials are trying to hammer out an agreement ahead of the end […]

Irish consumers are planning on buying Irish after Brexit and many have already switched from UK websites due to concerns around consumer rights.  The Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said there has been an 18% increase in the number of people planning on buying more from Irish-based businesses. But more than half of consumers here still […]

Dublin is the sixth most active real estate market in Europe for capital invested, according to a report by PwC and Urban Land Institute. In its 18th year, the report ranks 31 European cities for investment and development potential as well as ranking sector prospects. It is based on the opinions of 995 real estate professionals across […]

One third of Irish consumers, or 1.2 million people are Christmas shopping earlier this year due to lockdown, according to new research from PayPal. The study, conducted by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers in Ireland, found that the top reasons for starting shopping earlier are concerns over the availability of items and worries about […]

New figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland show that October was the busiest month for mortgage approvals since BPFI began compiling the numbers in 2011. A total of 5,207 mortgages were approved in October. First-time buyers (FTBs) were approved for 3,041 mortgages, or 58.4% of the total volume, while mover purchasers accounted for 1,267 […]

As the country moves out of Level 5 restrictions today, Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers looks at the impact on health services, while Economics Correspondent Robert Shortt examines the financial fallout. The big question about Level 5 restrictions, which are being eased from today is, was it worth it? From a health perspective, the figures show […]

The budgetary watchdog, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), has said the Government’s commitment in the Budget to support incomes and the economy is “appropriate”. However, it was critical of billions in non-Covid expenditure commitments for which it said there were no long term funding plans in place. The Government is expected to borrow over €20bn […]

A new report shows that nearly two in three Irish law firms recorded a decline in revenue over the last year. Six out of ten firms cited maintaining profitability as a key challenge facing the sector over the next two to three years. The report from accountancy and professional services firm Smith & Williamson – its […]

A total of 7,412 people have availed of the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant since applications were opened in August.  The once-off payment is worth up to €1,000 per person and €6.85m has been paid out in Enterprise Support Grants since August. It is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters […]