Category: Syndicated

US Fed expected to leave rates unchanged

The US Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged today for the first time since the US central bank kicked off a historically aggressive round of monetary policy tightening in March last year. Many analysts and investors are calling it ‘a skip’ as they expect the Fed will skip a hike this time. […]

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Data centres needed as economy ‘tech-centred’ – Martin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said Ireland is a “technology-centred economy” with a need for further data centres. He was responding to reports of concern over a surge in energy use by data centres. Yesterday, the CSO said data centres increased their power consumption by 31% and now account for 18% of electricity used. This industry […]

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Prices paid for farmers’ produce drop 2.2%

Returns to farmers for their produce have fallen overall from March to April this year, according to the latest figures from the CSO. Output prices for produce fell 2.2%, heralding a general decline in returns to most farmers. Dairy farmers in particular experienced a price fall 8.6% in the month, as processors have pulled back […]

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Calm weather leads to drop in wind energy generation in May

Wind generated just 23% of Ireland’s electricity in May, with calm conditions leading to a 38% drop in generation when compared to April. New figures from Gas Networks Ireland show that gas generated 57% of Ireland’s electricity last month, up 21% month-on-month. Gas has been the highest contributor to Ireland’s electricity generating system for the […]

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Government urged to tackle energy poverty in Budget

The Government is being urged to use October’s Budget to tackle energy poverty and break Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels for home heating. A cross-section of social, environmental and voluntary organisations issued the call ahead of the National Economic Dialogue, which takes place in Dublin Castle today. The conference will see Government leaders, charities, trade […]

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McGrath calls on banks to keep mortgage customers out of arrears

Speaking at a Banking Payments Federation Ireland conference, Micheal McGrath said genuine people should not be allowed to fall into arrears due to higher interest rates. Speaking at a Banking Payments Federation Ireland conference, Micheal McGrath said genuine people should not be allowed to fall into arrears due to higher interest rates. By Adam Maguire […]

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Slight contraction in construction activity in May

Construction activity contracted again in May, but only slightly, as demand improved. The latest BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPRE) Ireland Construction index was still below the crucial 50 mark at 49.4, the eight consecutive month that activity fell. But there were further signs of recovery, with new orders, employment and buying activity improving on previous […]

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Annual inflation rate slows to 6.6% in May from 7.2%

The annual rate of inflation slowed to 6.6% in May, compared to 7.2% in April, new figures from the Central Statistics Office show today. The rate of goods inflation has slowed to 2.9% while the price of services has risen to 9.5%. The pace of inflation across the economy is gradually slowing down but prices […]

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Mortgages from credit-servicing firms face higher interest rates, Central Bank data shows

The Central Bank has published data showing customers with mortgages at credit-servicing firms face higher interest rates. The analysis shows that 90% of loans held by the so-called ‘non-bank’ sector that administers mortgages bought up by investment funds, have an interest rate of 6.5% or less. 20% of these loans had interest rates of 6% […]

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INAB calls on businesses to be ‘accreditation aware’

Today on World Accreditation Day, the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) is calling on businesses to employ accredited services to test, inspect, verify or certify their products or services. When manufacturing a product, a business will hire a company to make sure their products or services meet the specified requirements set out in legislation or […]

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