Author Archives: splash

Over 6,500 Irish SMEs helped by National Enterprise Hub in first year

More than 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first year since its launch. The National Enterprise Hub is an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland and brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different departments and […]

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Govt to discuss checks on legal challenges to planning decisions

Businesses and individuals bringing legal challenges to planning decisions will face additional restrictions under changes being discussed at Cabinet today. Minister for Housing James Browne is reforming the area of judicial reviews in Irish planning amid Government frustration at delays in securing permission for large housing developments. It is understood that the “leave to apply” […]

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1-in-4 businesses yet to take action to prepare for pension auto-enrolment

One-in-four businesses in Ireland have yet to take any action to prepare for the introduction of pension auto-enrolment ahead of its launch on 1 January 2026, according to a new survey. The research from professional services firm Aon found that only 7% of organisations have fully updated their internal systems and legal documents ahead of […]

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Govt plans to inject additional €30bn into infrastructure

The Government is finalising a major investment plan to inject up to €30 billion of additional funding into Ireland’s infrastructure between 2026 and 2030. Coalition leaders and senior ministers met last night to agree the final details of the revised National Development Plan that will take expected overall investment in the State’s infrastructure over the […]

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Is Bitcoin a smart buy after a volatile Crypto Week?

Bitcoin hit new all-time highs of $123,000 before pulling back during a big policy week in the US for cryptocurrency. In an unprecedented move, US lawmakers set aside a week for cryptocurrency, advancing a trio of landmark bills aimed at regulating stablecoins, clarifying digital asset oversight, and blocking a central bank digital currency. Dubbed Crypto […]

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Govt set to sign off on €100 billion revised National Development Plan

Coalition leaders and senior ministers will meet this morning to sign off on the €100bn revised National Development Plan. The blueprint for infrastructure spending will be announced tomorrow along with the Summer Economic Statement. Housing, transport, energy and water services will be funded from the new National Development Plan. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers […]

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Number of properties available under HAP scheme fell last month

The number of properties that were available to rent within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme last month fell to 32. It is a decrease of nine properties (-22%) since March, according to the latest Simon Communities quarterly Locked Out of the Market report. Over three dates last month, 16 areas […]

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Exports jump by 47% in first five months of 2025 – CSO

Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products jumped by almost 74% in May to €13.7 billion when compared with the same month last year, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. The CSO says medical and pharmaceutical products accounted for over half (58.7%) of all goods exported in May, with the total value […]

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Inside Ireland’s multibillion euro infrastructure plan

Next week the Government will publish a review of its National Development Plan, which adds €20bn to spending. David Murphy explains why is it crucial to dealing with the housing crisis. What is the National Development Plan? The National Development Plan is the Government’s scheme to build infrastructure such as roads, rail, electricity connections and […]

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