Posts by sean

Solar energy plays a central role in the transition to low-carbon power, yet an emerging issue is attracting increasing attention. As early generations of solar panels approach the end of their working lives, concerns are mounting about how they are handled once they are removed from service. Globally, it is estimated that up to 250…

New data from the Central Statistics Office indicates that wholesale electricity prices continued to trend downward at the end of last year, offering some relief after several years of volatility in energy markets. According to the latest figures, wholesale electricity prices fell by 11.7% in December compared with the previous month. On an annual basis,…

New research from IrishJobs indicates that professionals working in IT and finance continued to command the strongest earning power in Ireland during 2025, with both sectors recording the highest median advertised salaries across the labour market. According to the data, advertised roles in technology and finance carried a median salary of €80,000 last year. Construction…

New figures from the Central Statistics Office indicate that residential property price growth continued to ease in November, with prices rising by 6.6% in the year to the end of the month. This marks a slowdown from the revised annual increase of 7.2% recorded in October. On a month-to-month basis, national residential property prices increased…

The European Parliament has voted to retain the current three-hour delay threshold for flight compensation as part of proposed reforms to EU airline passenger rights. The decision was taken during a plenary session and also included support for a number of amendments, including clearer rules around carry-on luggage. Despite the vote, any changes remain some…

A new survey from Ibec suggests that skills shortages have become one of the most pressing challenges facing Irish employers, with more than four in five firms reporting gaps that are damaging productivity, innovation and competitiveness. The 2025 Skills Survey indicates that the disconnect between the skills available in the labour market and those required…

Wind Energy Ireland is set to launch a new strategy at its 2026 Annual Conference in Dublin, outlining a proposed roadmap towards what it describes as an Irish “electrostate”. The concept centres on an energy system powered by secure, affordable, domestically produced clean electricity. Chief Executive Noel Cunniffe explained that an electrostate would deliver cleaner…

Elon Musk has publicly raised the idea of acquiring Ryanair, as his ongoing dispute with the airline’s leadership continues to attract attention. The proposal surfaced through a poll posted on X, the platform owned by Mr Musk, where he asked followers whether he should buy the airline and reinstate “Ryan” as its leader. The comments…

Ireland continues to hold its position as Europe’s most active data protection enforcer, according to the latest annual Data Breach Survey published by DLA Piper. Since the introduction of GDPR in May 2018, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has issued fines totalling €4.04 billion, placing it well ahead of all other EU regulators. The report shows…

Gold prices surged to a new record today, moving beyond $4,700 per ounce for the first time, as renewed geopolitical tensions unsettled global markets and pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets. The rally comes amid fresh threats from US President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on European allies, reigniting fears of an escalation in…