Posts by sean

Overall gas demand in March rose by 13% compared to February, and by 4% compared to the same month last year, new figures from Gas Networks Ireland show today. Gas Network Ireland noted that gas demand in the transport sector increased by 90% year on year, reflecting a growing shift toward compressed natural gas (CNG)…

The Republic of Ireland has higher wages, stronger economic growth and better living standards than Northern Ireland, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute. The report was commissioned by the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach. It found the population of the Republic was growing faster than…

Oil prices inched higher today, supported by new tariff exemptions floated by US President Donald Trump and a rebound in China crude oil imports in anticipation of tighter Iranian supply. Brent crude futures gained 25 cents, or 0.4%, to $65.13 per barrel in early trade while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 28 cents,…

A golden visa scheme giving residency in Ireland and access to Europe has generated €500 million since it was axed by the Government two years ago. However the Government does not know how many “immigration permissions” it issued under the scheme. Figures relating to the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) were revealed to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland…

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that the European Union needs “to be careful about what we put on the table” in tariff negotiations with the United States. Speaking RTÉ’s This Week, Mr Chambers said lowering tariffs between countries has been the basis of prosperity built over decades. “We want to preserve the…

The US government has granted tariff exclusions for smartphones, computers and other electronics imported largely from China, sparing them from President Donald Trump’s steep 125% reciprocal duties. In a notice to shippers, the US Customs and Border Protection agency published a list of tariff codes that will be excluded from the duties. The exclusions are…

New research from Ibec shows that flexible or hybrid working arrangements remain a critical factor for employee workplace wellness. The survey of more than 1,000 people found that 68% of employees highlighted hybrid or flexible work as key to their wellbeing, with 35% saying they would be willing to leave a high-paying job for one…

New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the country’s inflation rate rose to 2% on an annual basis in March compared to 1.8% a month earlier. This marked the first time that inflation has been at, or above, 2% since July 2024 when the rate of inflation was 2.2%. The CSO said that…

Oil prices rose today after settling more than $2 a barrel lower in the previous session, but were set to drop for a second week in a row on concerns over a prolonged trade war between the US and China. Brent futures rose 90 cents, or 1.4%, to $64.23 a barrel this morning, while US…

A new survey of homeowners, renters and prospective buyers reveals a big jump in younger age groups saying they are considering applying for social housing in response to housing affordability concerns. PTSB’s latest Reflecting Ireland research shows that 46% of people who are in the market to buy a home are now considering applying for…