The Government is set to unveil a significant new investment programme aimed at strengthening Ireland’s appeal as a global tourism destination, with a particular focus on visitors from India, the United Arab Emirates and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the announcement, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will publish a €4.7 billion capital investment strategy covering the next five years. This funding forms part of the wider National Development Plan and signals a renewed emphasis on international tourism, enterprise growth and strategic infrastructure.

According to the plans, tourism policy is entering a new phase, supported by improved international connectivity. New and expanded direct flight routes from markets such as Canada, the United States, India and the UAE are expected to play a central role in broadening Ireland’s reach and reducing reliance on traditional source markets.

More than €77 million has been earmarked for overseas tourism promotion, with targeted campaigns planned for regions that have received limited attention in recent years. The objective is to diversify visitor numbers and build long-term resilience within the tourism sector.

Beyond tourism, the investment strategy also places strong emphasis on domestic enterprise and future-focused industries. Proposed allocations include €1.1 billion to support Irish-owned businesses, €400 million specifically for the tourism industry, and €100 million for the development of large-scale sites linked to advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

The plan also introduces a new initiative, Start Up Ireland, designed to help indigenous companies scale internationally and develop globally recognised brands. Additional funding includes €300 million to assist firms in reducing carbon emissions and €190 million to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy.

Together, these measures highlight a coordinated approach to tourism, innovation and sustainable growth, with the potential to create long-term economic benefits across multiple sectors.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

New car registrations increased modestly last year, with the latest industry data showing a 3% rise compared with the previous year. Figures released by Society of the Irish Motor Industry indicate that 124,954 new cars were registered nationwide in 2025.

Electric vehicle uptake accelerated sharply over the period. A total of 23,601 battery electric cars were registered during the year, representing an increase of 35.1% on the 17,460 registrations recorded in 2024. This marked the strongest annual performance for electric vehicles to date, exceeding the previous high reached in 2023.

Despite this momentum, petrol-powered cars remained the single most popular engine type in 2025, although their overall share of the market continued to decline. Taken together, electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for more than 56% of all new registrations, highlighting the ongoing shift away from traditional fuels.

For the year as a whole, petrol vehicles represented 25.11% of the market. Hybrid models followed closely at 22.48%, with electric vehicles accounting for 18.89%. Diesel cars made up 17.09% of registrations, while plug-in hybrids held a 14.82% share.

According to Brian Cooke, the new car market finished broadly in line with expectations and there is cautious optimism across the motor industry for the year ahead. He noted that sales of light commercial vehicles were 7% higher than in 2024, while heavy goods vehicle registrations declined by 5% over the same period.

Mr Cooke also highlighted that battery electric car registrations increased in every county during 2025. Combined with growth in plug-in hybrid vehicles, this performance meant that Ireland exceeded its Climate Action Plan targets for the year. Hybrid electric vehicles continued to gain traction, while petrol and diesel vehicles experienced further erosion of their market share.

The figures also show that new heavy commercial vehicle registrations fell by 5.1% compared with 2024. In contrast, imported used cars increased by 16.6% over the same timeframe, reflecting continued demand in that segment of the market.

Automatic transmissions now dominate new car sales, accounting for 75.25% of registrations, while manual transmissions have fallen to 24.73%. In terms of body type, the hatchback remained Ireland’s best-selling style in 2025. Grey also retained its position as the most popular car colour for the tenth consecutive year.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Residential property prices continued to climb throughout last year, with new data showing that average asking prices nationally rose by 5.5%. The latest report from Daft.ie highlights that listed prices are now only around 10% below their peak during the Celtic Tiger period.

By the final quarter of the year, the average asking price for a three-bedroom semi-detached home had reached slightly over €423,000. According to Ronan Lyons, who authored the report, there is no evidence to suggest that upward pressure on prices is easing.

He pointed out that demand in the housing market continues to exceed supply by a significant margin, based on both asking prices and completed sales. While there has been a marginal slowdown in the rate of price growth compared with the previous year, and a small improvement in the availability of second-hand homes, the underlying imbalance remains firmly in place. This marks the twelfth consecutive year of rising prices, with supply levels since the pandemic remaining well below historical norms.

The report argues that the core issue remains unchanged. Ireland’s current level of housing delivery, estimated at between 30,000 and 35,000 homes annually, falls short of what is required. To restore balance, overall output across owner-occupied, social and rental housing would need to increase substantially, so that housing supply reflects societal needs rather than forcing households to adapt to scarcity.

Regional differences remain pronounced. Dublin recorded the lowest annual rate of price inflation at 3.1%, while prices in Connacht-Ulster increased by 11.6% over the same period. Nationally, asking prices are now 41% higher than pre-pandemic levels. In Dublin, the average listed price has reached €611,000.

Mr Lyons warned that sustained conditions of high prices and limited supply risk deepening income and wealth segregation. At current price levels in the capital, home ownership is largely confined to higher-income, dual-earner households, a pattern he believes poses long-term risks for the social and economic fabric of the city. While remote working has allowed some buyers to consider locations further from their workplace, he stressed that access to housing close to family, employment and social networks should not depend on income bracket or inherited wealth.

The data also reinforces that supply shortages remain the dominant driver of price growth. At the start of December, there were only 11,551 second-hand homes available for sale nationwide. Although this represented a year-on-year increase of 7%, availability remains well below the 2015 to 2019 average of approximately 26,000 homes. The shortfall is more severe outside Dublin, where supply is 63% below late-2010s levels, compared with a 16% gap in the capital.

Political concerns have also intensified. Eoin Ó Broin of Sinn Féin has said that many younger people increasingly believe home ownership in Ireland is beyond reach. He described this outlook as unacceptable and criticised current housing policy for failing to deliver sufficient affordable and social homes.

Mr Ó Broin argued that the housing crisis is solvable through the delivery of the right types of homes, in appropriate locations, and at prices people can realistically afford. He has indicated that his party intends to continue pressing the issue of affordability when the Dáil returns, calling for a fundamental shift in housing policy to address what he sees as a lack of ambition in current strategies.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Motorists are being warned to prepare for higher fuel costs following a series of policy measures that came into effect at the start of the year. Fuels for Ireland has urged the Government to re-examine the current fuel taxation framework, arguing that recent changes are placing additional strain on households and businesses.

The industry body has indicated that petrol and diesel prices are expected to rise by between four and six cent per litre. These increases stem from adjustments introduced from 1 January, rather than movements in global oil markets or commercial pricing decisions.

According to Fuels for Ireland, changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation are expected to add approximately four cent per litre to fuel prices. A further increase of around one cent per litre is linked to a rise in the Better Energy Levy on petrol and diesel, along with associated VAT.

The organisation’s chief executive has criticised what he describes as a piecemeal approach to policy, suggesting that successive charges are being applied without an overarching strategy. He argues that consumers are ultimately bearing the cost of layered regulatory and tax measures, rather than responding to underlying market conditions.

Fuels for Ireland claims that cumulative policy changes over recent years have pushed Ireland’s fuel prices close to the top of the European scale. The group says this is intensifying pressure on families, small businesses and the transport sector at a time when living and operating costs remain elevated.

It estimates that policy decisions over the past five years have added roughly €19 to the cost of filling a standard 60-litre fuel tank. This figure includes the most recent increase of approximately five cent per litre introduced at the beginning of 2026. Annual carbon tax increases, rising obligations under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, and higher targets under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme have all contributed to these costs. Fuels for Ireland has also highlighted that VAT is applied on top of these charges, resulting in motorists paying tax on tax.

The Department of Finance has responded by noting that while taxation plays a role in determining retail fuel prices, it cannot fully offset price pressures arising from broader energy market dynamics, embedded costs and wholesale and retail pricing structures. The department stated that the Government remains aware of the impact of fuel costs across society and maintains that the carbon tax system is designed to be progressive.

Concerns have also been raised by the Irish Road Haulage Association, which has warned that the cumulative effect of recent measures is severely squeezing margins for transport operators. Its president has suggested that many hauliers are struggling to remain viable and has indicated that protest action could emerge if members feel they have no alternative.

While Fuels for Ireland has reiterated its support for the transition to cleaner energy, it has cautioned that climate ambition must be matched with clear planning. The group is calling for an independent expert review of Ireland’s fuel taxation framework, with the aim of ensuring climate targets are achieved in a manner that is fair, transparent and economically sustainable.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Italy’s competition authority has imposed a €255 million fine on Ryanair, alleging that the airline abused its dominant position in its dealings with travel agents. The decision centres on claims that the carrier restricted how travel agencies could sell Ryanair flights alongside other airlines or bundled travel services.

According to the regulator, Ryanair created economic and technical barriers that made it harder for travel agents to include its flights in broader travel packages. The authority highlighted a sequence of actions, including the initial introduction of facial recognition procedures, followed by restrictions on payments from online travel agencies, and later the imposition of partnership agreements that limited how agents could offer Ryanair flights.

The watchdog argued that Ryanair’s market power extends beyond its growing share of the low cost aviation market. It pointed to a combination of structural and operational factors that, in its view, allow the airline to operate with a high degree of independence from competitors and consumers. The alleged conduct is said to have taken place between April 2023 and at least April of this year.

From a regulatory perspective, the case reflects increasing scrutiny of how dominant companies interact with intermediaries in digital and travel markets. While airlines often argue that tighter control over distribution channels protects consumers from inflated prices, regulators are increasingly questioning whether such practices restrict competition and consumer choice.

Ryanair has confirmed that it intends to appeal the fine. The airline disputes the findings and claims the regulator’s decision conflicts with established legal precedent. It maintains that its distribution policies are designed to improve price transparency and prevent certain online travel agencies from overcharging customers.

The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched by the wider travel industry, as it may influence how airlines structure relationships with agents and digital platforms across Europe. For businesses operating in regulated markets, the case serves as a reminder that commercial strategies designed to protect margins can attract significant regulatory risk if they are perceived to limit competition.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

AIB has begun rolling out a new generation of Cash and Cheque Lodgement machines as part of a €40 million investment programme across its branch network. The initiative will see 60 new machines installed in 127 branches nationwide, improving access to everyday cash services for personal and business customers.

The new machines allow customers to both lodge and withdraw cash in a streamlined way, with a single withdrawal limit of up to €1,500. Installations are scheduled to take place over the coming weeks in locations across Dublin, Kildare, Kerry, Louth, Tipperary, Cavan, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and Cork.

Alongside the new lodgement machines, AIB has increased the standard cash withdrawal limit at its ATMs from €600 to €1,000. This change is intended to support customers who rely on cash for day to day transactions, particularly small businesses and community organisations that continue to operate with physical payments.

The wider €40 million investment programme includes upgrades to 127 branches, with 35 locations undergoing full refurbishment. AIB has stated that these works will also contribute to its sustainability targets, with an estimated 10 percent reduction in operational carbon emissions as a result of energy efficiency improvements.

Accessibility has been a further focus of the programme. All ATM and Cash and Cheque Lodgement machines have been upgraded to improve usability for customers with visual impairments, reflecting growing expectations around inclusive banking services. Earlier this year, AIB also became the first Irish bank to achieve Autism Friendly Accreditation from AsIAm across all 170 of its branches.

Commenting on the rollout, AIB’s Managing Director of Retail Banking said the branch network continues to play a central role in local communities throughout Ireland. She noted that branches remain key locations for building relationships, offering tailored advice, and supporting both individuals and businesses, particularly at a time when many banking services are moving online.

For business owners, especially those handling regular cash takings, the expansion of lodgement facilities may ease operational pressure. That said, reliance on cash services continues to decline overall, and businesses may still need to balance traditional banking needs with the growing shift towards digital payments and online banking tools.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

New car registrations across Europe increased in November for the fifth consecutive month, supported by continued growth in electric vehicle uptake across several major markets. Figures released by the European automobile industry body show year on year gains driven largely by rising demand for battery electric and hybrid models in countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain.

Electric vehicles continue to take a larger share of the market. Battery electric cars accounted for around 21 percent of registrations within the European Union, rising to 26 percent in the UK and reaching near total dominance in Norway. This shift highlights the pace of consumer adoption, although it also masks significant differences between individual countries and their charging infrastructure readiness.

Despite the recent improvement in sales volumes, Europe’s automotive sector faces structural and geopolitical pressures. Manufacturers are navigating intensifying competition from Chinese producers, uncertainty around potential US import tariffs, and the financial strain of meeting domestic emissions and regulatory targets while maintaining profitability.

Adding to the uncertainty, the European Commission recently signalled a change in direction on its proposed 2035 phase out of combustion engine vehicles, following sustained pressure from the automotive industry. This policy reversal represents one of the most notable recalibrations of the EU’s environmental agenda in recent years. While this may provide short term relief to manufacturers, analysts continue to view electrification as the dominant long term trajectory for the sector.

Across the EU, the UK and European Free Trade Association countries, total car sales rose by 2.4 percent in November to approximately 1.1 million vehicles. Among major manufacturers, registrations at Volkswagen and Renault increased, while Stellantis recorded a decline following several months of growth.

Tesla experienced a fall in European registrations, despite exceptionally strong performance in Norway, while Chinese manufacturer BYD posted significant gains across the region. Within the EU alone, overall car sales rose by 2.1 percent to almost 900,000 vehicles. Electrified models, including battery electric, hybrid and plug in hybrid vehicles, now account for nearly two thirds of all registrations, reflecting a substantial shift from earlier in the year.

The industry body cautioned that, although momentum has improved, overall sales volumes remain materially below pre pandemic levels, underlining the ongoing challenges facing the European automotive market.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

New research indicates that digital advertising continues to play a decisive role in online buying behaviour, with more than half of Irish consumers influenced to make purchases through ads on websites and social media in the run-up to Cyber Monday.

The findings come from the latest Digital Consumer Index, commissioned by Digital Business Ireland and carried out by Amárach Market Research. The research shows that 56 percent of consumers who shopped online in the month before 1 December made a purchase directly after clicking on an online or social media advertisement.

According to Digital Business Ireland, the results highlight the effectiveness of digital advertising in converting consumer interest into completed sales, particularly during high-demand retail periods. The data suggests that well-placed and well-timed online ads remain a powerful commercial tool for businesses operating in a competitive digital environment.

The research also points to renewed momentum behind more established marketing channels. Forty percent of online shoppers reported making purchases after receiving email marketing communications. This trend supports feedback from Digital Business Ireland members that email marketing has regained prominence in 2025, offering a dependable way to reach customers alongside search optimisation and social media strategies.

In terms of consumer preferences, clothing emerged as the most popular online retail category, with 48 percent of shoppers making purchases, followed by cosmetics, beauty and wellness products at 35 percent.

Chairperson of Digital Business Ireland, Caroline Dunlea, said the findings underline the growing importance of digital advertising in the modern economy. She noted that with a significant proportion of online purchases influenced by digital ads, online marketing has become a core requirement for businesses seeking to grow sales and visibility.

She also highlighted the strong performance of email marketing, describing it as a reminder that carefully targeted, data-driven communication remains highly effective, even as technology and platforms continue to evolve.

For Irish SMEs, the research reinforces the need to invest in digital marketing capability. Ms Dunlea said access to the right tools, training and supports will be critical in helping businesses remain competitive and sustain growth in an increasingly digital-first marketplace.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

Bank customers are being urged to remain alert this Christmas as fraudsters deploy increasingly convincing tactics designed to impersonate well-known financial institutions. Recent scam activity shows a shift towards highly polished phone-based fraud, where criminals use authentic bank recordings to create the illusion of legitimacy.

The scam typically begins with a text message claiming to be from a major Irish bank, warning that a card transaction has been declined and that the account has been temporarily restricted. The message urges the recipient to make immediate contact using a phone number provided. Variations of the text have circulated in the names of Permanent TSB, Bank of Ireland and AIB.

Once the call is made, victims may hear genuine bank welcome messages that have been copied from official customer service lines. This detail alone can lower suspicion. Call handlers then speak confidently, often with Irish accents, and claim to have identified suspicious activity such as a declined card payment or unauthorised use of Apple Pay. The aim is to create anxiety and prompt the caller to disclose sensitive card or account details.

Those who investigate these scams closely report that the explanations offered by the callers are entirely fabricated, yet delivered with assurance and technical language. Even when challenged, scammers adapt quickly, offering plausible responses that keep the conversation moving. When pressed with questions about their identity or location, inconsistencies often emerge and calls may end abruptly.

The scale of the problem is significant. Data from the Central Bank of Ireland shows that fraudulent payments totalled €160 million in 2024, representing a 25% increase on the previous year. Banks continue to invest heavily in prevention, though criminals frequently change numbers and methods to stay ahead.

According to Peter Vance, Chief Operations Officer at Permanent TSB, tackling fraud has become a continuous cycle of detection and response. While banks can have scam numbers blocked, fraudsters often migrate to new ones quickly. He notes that PTSB’s Protect service has significantly reduced customer exposure by flagging suspicious texts and fraudulent websites before users engage with them.

Industry bodies are also urging caution. Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, through its Head of Financial Crime Niamh Davenport, stresses that banks will not send texts from mobile numbers or ask for personal information via links. Messages that do so should be treated as warning signs.

Customers who believe they may have been targeted are advised to act quickly. Contacting a bank using the phone number on the back of a debit or credit card, or through the institution’s official website, gives the best chance of limiting losses. Resources such as scamchecker.ie can also help verify suspicious links.

While reimbursement is assessed on a case-by-case basis, early reporting can improve the likelihood of recovering funds. As scams continue to evolve, awareness and caution remain the strongest defences for consumers.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.

The Government has confirmed a significant expansion of its housing investment strategy, announcing a new €400 million equity programme through the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. The move brings total equity backing for homebuilding under the fund to €800 million since the initiative was launched in mid-2023.

ISIF, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency, operates as a commercial development fund with a remit to support economic activity and employment across Ireland. Alongside the State funding, the initiative will be complemented by a further €200 million in equity from domestic banks, increasing the overall scale of available capital.

According to the Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, the expanded programme builds on ISIF’s existing housing-related commitments, which already total €2.5 billion. These investments are aimed at supporting the delivery of more than 25,000 new homes by the end of the decade. He noted that the combined €600 million in new equity is expected to unlock up to €2 billion in overall financing, with capacity to support the construction of around 5,000 additional homes nationwide. The participation of the banking sector was highlighted as evidence that targeted State investment can attract private capital and strengthen long-term funding structures within the homebuilding sector.

The Minister for Housing, James Browne, said the initiative is designed to broaden access to funding, particularly for small and medium-sized housebuilders. He emphasised that increased equity availability can help these firms develop a more reliable pipeline of projects, supporting sustainable growth in housing output across the country. He also pointed to the wider objective of creating a more supportive operating environment for residential development through closer collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

From an investment perspective, Sarah Hickey, senior investment director for real assets at ISIF, stressed the importance of equity risk capital in enabling housing delivery. She noted that earlier ISIF commitments have already helped unlock development sites and improve project viability, contributing to the delivery of thousands of homes. The new funding is intended to extend that progress by supporting additional funding platforms and encouraging further co-investment from other capital providers.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.