News

Irish Energy Prices Drop by More than 60 Percent Year on Year

01.09.2023

Energy prices in Ireland have more than halved in the past year according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Wholesale electricity prices in July had dropped by 64 percent compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, prices were 18 percent lower than they had been in June of this year. 

General

Wages Continue to Increase but Fall Behind Inflation

01.09.2023

Rising wage average still falling behind inflation according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) latest earnings and Labour costs figures for April to June. The average weekly wage has risen by 4.3 percent while annual inflation is running at 5.8 percent.

General

Ireland Ranked in the Top 15 Countries in the World for Job Seekers

25.08.2023

Ireland has ranked among the top 15 most attractive countries globally for international job seekers, according to research by job site, Indeed.   The study analysed data from 62 countries in which Indeed has job sites, and ranked countries in terms of the proportion of job searches originating from people living overseas. 

Digital Services Act Regulation to Take Effect

25.08.2023

The European Union’s (EU), Digital Services Act (DSA) has come into force today, requiring big technology firms to do more to police harmful content on their platforms.   Under the DSA, companies face fines up to 6 percent of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the EU. 

Ireland Ranks First Globally for Energy Efficiency but System is Vulnerable to Shocks

11.08.2023

Ireland ranks first globally for energy efficiency a new study has found.  According to Euromonitor International’s first global energy vulnerability index, which surveyed 100 countries globally, Ireland’s "high share of wind power in the electricity mix'" has given Ireland an efficient energy industry

General
AI

Government to Establish an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

11.08.2023

The Government has published its progress report on the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, outlining its priorities for Ireland’s AI strategy for 2023 and 2024.   Among the key objectives outlined in the progress report is the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.  

Ireland Shows Highest GDP Growth in EU as Tax Records Reach Record High

04.08.2023

Ireland recorded the highest growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the eurozone, in quarter 2 of this year, new figures show. Data from Eurostat, shows that Ireland’s GDP grew at 3.3 percent between April and June when compared to the previous 3 months. After Ireland, Lithuania had the next largest increase at 2.8 percent.

Ireland has the Largest Proportion of Remote Workers in the EU

28.07.2023

Irish workers have been the biggest adopters of remote working in the European Union (EU), according to research from Eurostat.

General

Vacant Housing in Ireland Hits Record Low

28.07.2023

The national residential vacancy rate hit a record low of 3.9 percent in June of this year, new figures show. The analysis from GeoDirectory Ireland, found that 81,712 residential properties were recorded as vacant last month. Dublin was the county with the lowest residential vacancy rate in June 2023, at just 1 percent. This was followed by Kildare at 1.2 percent, Waterford at 2.3 percent and Meath at 2.3 percent. 

New Electricity Taxes Proposed to Government

21.07.2023

New taxes on electricity could provide an alternative revenue stream to replace the tax income currently generated from fossil fuels, the Tax Strategy Group (TSG) has suggested. 

Minister McGrath Recognises AmCham Members for their Vital Work Supporting the Economy

07.07.2023

Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD, told AmCham members that Ireland’s strong and prosperous economy could not exist without the work of US multinationals here.  Speaking as Guest of Honour at AmCham’s 2023 Independence Day Lunch this week, Minister McGrath said: "I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the work undertaken by AmCham members across a wide range of sectors that are so vital to the dynamic economy that we enjoy in Ireland today.

Government Publishes Summer Economic Statement Outlining €91.2bn in Budget Spending

07.07.2023

The Government has said it intends to increase core public expenditure in October's Budget by 6.1 percent to €91.2bn.  The Summer Economic Statement (SES), which was signed off by the Cabinet this week, reveals that ministers are planning to boost core spending in the Budget by €5.2bn. There will also be tax measures amounting to €1.1bn, bringing the overall Budget package to €6.4bn.