Posts by sean

Recent Budget decisions are set to lead to a fall of around 1.3 percent in disposable incomes for many households, according to new analysis from the Economic and Social Research Institute. The ESRI suggests the impact will be felt most acutely by middle and higher income earners, following the freezing of income tax credits and…

Ireland has reduced its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 16% since 2018, yet remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels as the economy continues to expand, according to a new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The Energy in Ireland 2025 report finds that while emissions linked to energy use are now at their…

New figures from IrishJobs indicate that construction-related roles are leading Ireland’s employment demand as the labour market moves through 2025, with project managers emerging as the single most sought-after position. According to the data, eight of the ten most in-demand roles this year are linked to the construction sector. This reflects ongoing skills shortages that…

New figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics indicate a continued softening in the British labour market, with unemployment rising and wage growth easing again, particularly affecting younger workers. The unemployment rate increased to 5.1% in the three months to October, up from 5% in the previous period. This marks the highest level recorded…

The cost of putting Christmas dinner on the table has risen slightly this year, according to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator. A traditional Christmas dinner for a family of four is estimated to cost €32.28, compared with €31.22 last year, reflecting modest but noticeable increases in seasonal food spending. While some everyday items such…

The European Commission is expected to outline proposals that could significantly alter the EU’s plan to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035. The move follows sustained lobbying from major member states, including Germany and Italy, alongside mounting pressure from European carmakers facing intense competition from US and Chinese manufacturers. While final…

Electricity users across Ireland are set to see higher bills from next year as funding is put in place for a large-scale overhaul of the national electricity grid. Monthly increases are expected to range from €1 to as much as €1.75 before VAT, depending on how the investment programme progresses. While the individual increase may…

Market volatility and uncertainty look set to remain a defining feature of the investment landscape into 2026, according to investment specialists, with geopolitical change reshaping both risks and potential returns. The past year has been characterised by rising international tensions, trade disputes, tariffs and a growing trend towards economic isolation. These forces show little sign…

The European Central Bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its meeting this week, marking a fourth consecutive pause as inflation remains broadly under control. While policy itself looks set to stay steady, disagreement is growing beneath the surface over where rates should head next. After a year of rate reductions, the…

The European Commission is expected to signal a significant shift in its climate and transport policy, with plans to revise the EU’s effective ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. The move follows sustained lobbying from major member states, including Germany and Italy, alongside mounting pressure from European carmakers facing…