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The Economic and Social Research Institute has further downgraded its forecast for growth in the economy this year. However, in its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary the think-tank says the underlying performance of the economy is stronger than the headline figures suggest. It has also questioned the assumptions underpinning the national spending rule. Meanwhile, later today…

Residential property price growth picked up on a yearly basis for the second month in a row in October, Central Statistics Office figures showed today. Prices for residential property increased by 2.3% in October compared with a near three-year low of 1.1% two months earlier. Prices had risen by 1.4% in September. Property price growth…

The average interest rate on new mortgages in Ireland eased very slightly in October, new data from the Central Bank shows. But at the same time the average interest rate offered on term deposit accounts rose to its highest level in 14 years. At the end of the month, the average rate on new mortgages…

The average cost of a private motor insurance policy fell by 7% last year to €568, new data from the Central Bank has found. That is despite a 20% rise in the cost of an average damage claim during the year, amid the inflationary environment. It means that on average, damage claim costs have risen…

Grocery sales are expected to exceed €1.4 billion for the first time ever in December, according to the latest predictions from Kantar. New figures from Kantar today show that take-home grocery sales increased by 7.2% in the four weeks to November 26. Kantar noted that shoppers visited stores more often in November, making an average…

Retailers are predicting an increase in household spending in the run-up to Christmas, despite cost-of-living pressures and the difficult economic backdrop for many. Retail Ireland, the Ibec group representing the sector, is expecting that on average each household in Ireland will spend €1,019 more during December compared to other months of the year. That represents…

Talks between EU fisheries ministers to finalise quota arrangements for national fishing fleets for 2024 have resumed in Brussels Talks were suspended last night with firm proposals for most stocks but no political sign off. Irish sources report both positive and negative decisions on some of the stocks important to Ireland’s fishers, and also some…

The health insurance regulator has cut the level of stamp duty on all health insurance policies next year. The move should result in around three quarters of consumers paying €18 less for their policies in 2024, provided the saving is passed on to them by their providers, which the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) says they…

Construction activity fell in November, new data from BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland has found. The fall in its Construction Total Activity Index is the fifth successive monthly drop. The organisation says respondents blamed a slowdown in the economy, the completion of projects and delays in decision making at clients. Activity slipped in all three…

Revenue has warned of “potentially serious consequences” for people who do not disclose payments they have received as part of the misuse of the planning appeals system. It said payments which influence the planning process may have tax implications, and people are obliged to include them in the appropriate tax return. The statement follows an…