News

Bank says macroeconomic conditions in Ireland and the UK ‘remained favourable’ Bank of Ireland continues to trade “in line with expectations”, the company said today in advance of its annual shareholders meeting. It said improvements were achieved in the volume of non-performing loans while new lending increased. But its pension deficit widened and its UK […]

Trading profit rose in first quarter despite continued challenging conditions Food group Kerry has reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance after reporting a 2.9 per cent growth in business volumes in the first quarter. The company which makes Dairygold, Dennys and Cheesestrings, said group trading profit was up 50 basis points, reflecting a 40 basic points […]

The recovery is spreading at a faster rate than predicted as consumers loosen their grip on savings and tax receipts run ahead of target, according to a new report on the Irish economy. But it also warns of the dangers of Britain leaving the EU and the potential for other economic shocks due to global […]

Sterling has rebounded against the euro to its strongest level since mid-March as the ‘remain’ side in the Brexit campaign gains momentum. But with just under two months to go until the crucial vote, Irish exporters are likely to face further currency volatility. Although the UK currency has strengthened, it’s still trading at 77 pence […]

British imports into Ireland are set to increase by €26bn over the next ten years provided Britain stay within the EU, a new report has shown. In ongoing Brexit commentary much of the Irish coverage has been given to the UK as an export destination for Ireland. However, the UK relies heavily on Ireland too, […]

Dublin financier Paul Coulson – nicknamed ‘The Cooler’ – has pulled off one of the biggest-ever takeover deals by an Irish company. His Ardagh Packaging group has agreed to pay $3.4bn (€3bn) for 20 factories across Europe, the US and Brazil that make metal beverage containers. Mr Coulson, a billionaire who, along with his family, […]

JobBridge was introduced as a temporary measure in 2011 at the height of the economic crisis. But why is it still in existence now that Ireland has the fastest growing economy in the EU? Last week, acting Health Minister Leo Varadkar said the HSE was raiding €15m from the paltry €35m mental health budget because […]

Statistical ruling on AIB share transaction means there is additional money available The next government will have a little more scope to increase public spending than was assumed in the weeks of talks since the February election, The Irish Times has learned. Amid the stalemate between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, an arcane decision by […]

Cavan-based group currently generates annual revenues in excess of €20m Cavan-headquartered telecoms services group Obelisk is to create 200 new jobs after raising €6 million in funding to drive expansion in the UK and South Africa. The company, which was founded by Colm Murphy and Padraig Brady in 1996, is a specialist in service provision […]

Families renting properties owned or controlled by large investment funds are facing huge uncertainty over the future. Several of the largest investment firms, who have swooped in to buy swathes of Irish property loans in recent years, are refusing to give assurances about how long they will continue to operate here. Their silence will fuel […]