News

Banks and builders are the main winners from minister Noonan’s €1.3bn budget package, according to Irish stockbrokers Goodbody and Davy. The new help-to-buy scheme was introduced to improve the mortgage market and increase house building. Goodbody tipped AIB and Permanent Tsb to be the biggest beneficiaries from the scheme, which the broker said should help […]

More than half of Irish companies are now less likely to hire workers from the UK due to the potential need for work visas and increased complications, new research has shown. Despite job postings from foreign direct investment hitting an all time high in 2016, Irish businesses now see UK workers as less attractive after […]

Controversial airline boss Michael O’Leary has offered to build a third terminal worth €200m at Dublin Airport, it has been reported. The offer bears similar hallmarks to the construction of Terminal 2 six years ago. During the construction of the second terminal Mr O’Leary clashed with the airport’s manager, the DAA, over the design and […]

Ireland’s 2017 budget goes beyond the limit of prudent policy, the country’s fiscal watchdog said Wednesday after the government announced a €1.3bn package of spending increases and tax cuts. The measures appear to break European Union budgetary rules, but not by a significant enough margin to justify fines, the head of Ireland’s Fiscal Advisory Council […]

The garda anti-burglary initiative, Operation Thor, is to continue next year after €71.5m was set aside for overtime payments. But Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said no additional money is being set aside for garda pay claims. The funding for Operation Thor is part of the €2.5bn Department of Justice Budget for 2017 […]

Hoteliers and restauranteurs have welcomed the decision to retain the reduced 9pc VAT rate in Budget 2017. But Michael Noonan appeared to fire another warning shot across the bow of the tourist industry in particular, noting that the economic case for the special rate has arguably diminished. “The tourism and hospitality industry has recovered well,” […]

The main speeches have been given, the briefcase has been pictured and we’re trying to figure out what it means for us. If you’re a motorist, no fear, here are the five things it means for you: 1. Push to go electric VRT relief (€5,000) on electric vehicles is extended for five years. Buyers benefit […]

There’s no doubting that the referendum result in the UK earlier this year came as a surprise to many. But today’s budget plan lacks a key component – a better Brexit plan. Giving more resources to the Revenue Commissioners with a focus on customs and excise is a good idea, of course, as is giving […]

Rural job creation will form the cornerstone of a multi-million Euro plan to spread Ireland’s recovery throughout the country. And about 4,500 frontline staff, such as nurses, gardai, and teachers will be recruited in the coming months, as part of a far-reaching employment package announced in the budget. In addition, €52 million has been allocated […]

WITH the detail of the latest Budget still being examined, personal finance expert Sinead Ryan has a snap reaction on some of the measures that will benefit us financially: *OAPs getting fiver extra and a restoration of 85pc of their Christmas bonus. If they’re smokers, it’ll probably get spent though… *Anyone on housing assistance programmes […]