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Wage rises likely to add to construction cost pressures

Labour costs could be on course to rise in the construction industry as some firms in the sector report difficulties in recruiting staff. According to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index from BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland, wage pressures in the sector have remained “well contained” so far with 23,300 more construction workers being hired last […]

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Banks ‘not yet where they need to be’ ahead of Ulster Bank and KBC’s exit

The Central Bank’s Director of Consumer Protection has said he thinks banks here “are not yet where they need to be” in preparing for Ulster Bank and KBC’s exit from the Irish market. Colm Kincaid also said the Central Bank has an “appetite to intervene” where it considers necessary to do so if it is […]

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Once-off fuel allowance payment to be paid to recipients this week

A once-off fuel allowance payment of €125 will be paid to recipients this week. The measure was announced last month as part of the Government package to tackle the rising cost of living. Fuel prices are one of the main drivers of rising inflation, while the war in Ukraine has also pushed costs higher. Last […]

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Fuel industry engaging in profiteering ‘simply not the case’

Fuels for Ireland, the industry body for fuel suppliers and retailers, has written to Taoiseach Mícheál Martin to express its members’ deep unhappiness at what it claims have been misleading statements about the sector. The organisation also said that comments made by Mr Martin suggesting the actions of the organisation’s members were morally reprehensible should […]

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Inflation hits highest level since 2001 in February, with more increases certain

The annual rate of inflation rose to 5.6% in February, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. This is the highest annual rate in almost 21 years. Today’s CSO figures show that the main contributor to inflation remains fuel and energy. Unfortunately, inflation is almost certain to climb higher because February’s figures […]

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ECB speeds up stimulus exit and opens path to interest rate rise

The European Central Bank has scaled back its bond-buying stimulus plan in response to inflation being driven up by the war in Ukraine, while giving itself more flexibility on the timing of a potential interest rate rise this year. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a watershed for Europe,” the ECB said in a statement […]

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Cut in petrol and diesel excise duty comes into effect

The price of petrol and diesel has been reduced since midnight. Late last night, the Dáil voted in favour of a cut in excise on petrol and diesel. The reduction is 20 cent per litre on petrol, 15 cent per litre on diesel and a cut of 2 cent per litre on green diesel. The […]

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Ireland ‘not in a position’ to place a cap on fuel prices

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said Ireland is not in a position to place a cap on rising fuel prices, as it is a country that must buy the majority of its own fuel. Asked about the prospect of price regulation – which has been called for by the Opposition and touted by the […]

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Irish mortgage rates see biggest rise in five years

New figures from the Central Bank show that Ireland had the second highest mortgage rates in the euro area in January, coming just after Greece. The Central Bank said the average interest rate on new Irish mortgages was 2.76% in January, up from 2.69% in December but down three basis points on the same time […]

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Plan to cut fuel excise duties to go before Dáil

It is expected that a proposal will go before the Dáil today that will cut fuel costs through a reduction in excise duties. The changes would then take effect from midnight if, as expected, the Dáil passes the financial resolution. Work was ongoing at the Department of Finance late last night on proposals to decrease […]

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