Business News | Latest Breaking Stories & Headlines

L-R Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers and Finance Minister Simon Harris speaking to the media at the department of Finance in Dublin about the Spring Economic Statement. PA

Govt downgrades growth forecasts, predicts higher surplus

The Department of Finance has downgraded its growth forecasts but is projecting a big jump in the Government surplus.

Business • 1 min

New Apple CEO Ternus described as 'product perfectionist'

Apple has confirmed that John Ternus will replace Tim Cook as chief executive of the tech giant later this year.

Business • 4 hrs

A view of a construction cranes over the construction site of the Salesforce Tower Dublin in Dublin's Docklands

Construction sector 'resilient' as costs rise - CIF

Builders are reporting "daily notifications" from suppliers about price increases in building materials, according to the Construction Industry Federation.

Business • 8 hrs

a row of four petrol and diesel pumps with green and black handles

More money but more pressure on the Government to spend

Journalists had gathered at the Department of Finance today expecting a 'doom and gloom' Spring Economic Forecast that warned of the geopolitical threats to growth but the headline figure from the briefing proved to be the opposite.

Business • 45 mins

AB Foods to split Primark from its food businesses

Associated British Foods has decided to separate its Primark fashion chain from its food businesses through a demerger following a review of the group's structure, it said today.

Business • 8 hrs

Outside of a bank branch with BAWAG signage

BAWAG reports 16% increase in first quarter net profits

Austria-based BAWAG Group today said its net profit rose by 16% to €232m in the first quarter of 2026, supported by higher core revenue and lower costs.

Business • 9 hrs

The knock-on effects of easing one-off rural housing rules

Rural low-density development carries consequences that extend well beyond the costs associated with the site itself

Housing • 12 hrs

female client waiting for injection procedure for facial rejuvenation

79 websites promoting botox breached advertising rules

Two thirds of advertisers' websites were found to be in breach of prescription only medicine advertising rules following an investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Business • 3 hrs

3d render Black Oil Barrels and Financial Charts on Stack of $100 Bills, Oil and Finance Concept (Depth Of Field)

Oil prices dip as markets await possible US-Iran talks

Oil prices fell today with expectations that peace talks between the US and Iran might help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite US President Donald Trump saying he does not want to extenda ceasefire which is running out within hours.

Business • 4 hrs

Business man in a suit delivering a speech on a stage

Warsh promises independence as Trump expects rate cuts

Federal Reserve chief nominee Kevin Warsh told US senators today he would make monetary policy decisions independent of any advice or pressure from President Donald Trump, highlighting success in keeping inflation low as the "plot armor" that would insulate the central bank from criticism.

Business • 3 hrs

Multiple scam websites impersonated NCT booking system

Scam websites impersonating the NCT booking system were in operation for several months and evolved from charging drivers extra fees to outright fraud.

Business • 6 hrs

Two men pose with signs at Shannon Airport for the launch of a new route to Frankfurt

New Frankfurt service takes off from Shannon Airport

A new direct route from Shannon Airport to Frankfurt, operated by Discover Airlines, will take off for the first time this Saturday April 25.

Business • 8 hrs

Proposed exemptions for modular homes brought to Cabinet

A proposal to grant planning exemptions for modular homes of up to 45sq.m in back gardens has been brought to the Cabinet.

Ireland • 3 hrs

Boots owners hire consultants before possible London IPO

The owners of pharmacy chain Boots are working with consultants on a possible strategy overhaul in preparation for a potential London stock market listing which could come as soon as 2027, people familiar with the plans said.

Business • 8 hrs

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Gas prices over five dollars a gallon are displayed at an Exxon gas station near the U.S. Capitol Building on March 31, 2026 in Washington, DC. The national average of one gallon of gas has risen to roughly $4.02 amid the ongoin

US retail sales surge past expectations on energy spike

Retail sales in the US soared past expectations in March, government data showed today, as gasoline prices surged on fallout from war in the Middle East.

Business • 5 hrs

Irish economy holding up, but risks loom says KPMG

A new report shows that while the Irish economy continues to grow and outperform many European peers, the conflict in the Middle East has generated significant supply chain shocks and energy price volatility.

Business • 9 hrs

Thales said the Middle East crisis represented 'positive uncertainty' for the group

Thales Q1 sales jump 10% as defence deliveries surge

Europe's largest defence technology group Thales has today reported first-quarter sales well above analyst forecasts, with revenues rising nearly 10% organically driven by surging defence deliveries.

Business • 8 hrs

Iran war causing biggest energy crisis in history - IEA

The conflict between Iran and the US and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said today.

Business • 7 hrs

Musk, insiders to keep voting control of SpaceX after IPO

SpaceX plans to cement founder Elon Musk's control after its IPO, granting him and a small group of insiders super-voting shares that will outweigh other investors, according to excerpts of the company's IPO filing reviewed by Reuters.

Business • 5 hrs

UnitedHealth posts quarterly profit above estimates

UnitedHealth has today raised its annual profit forecast and beat expectations for first-quarter results as the healthcare conglomerate kept costs in check and received improved government payments for its health insurance services.

Business • 5 hrs

Vodafone Ireland announces €360m investment

Mobile, broadband and TV provider Vodafone has announced a €360m investment in Ireland.

Business • 8 hrs

The green UK job centre plus sign outside an office

UK labour market cools by less than expected - ONS

Britain's labour market cooled only slightly in three months to February with earnings growth easing by less than forecast and the jobless rate falling unexpectedly although that drop reflected rising numbers of students not looking for work rather than rising employment.

Business • 8 hrs

People walk past homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, Gaza

'No support' over suspension of EU-Israel agreement

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said there was no unanimity at a meeting of foreign ministers for a full suspension of the EU Israel Association Agreement.

Europe • 2 hrs

Image of newly built houses in a housing development

Homely announces new rent-to-own scheme in Co Kildare

Rent-to-own homeownership platform Homely has today launched a new scheme at Riverside Manor, a 180-unit residential development in Kilcullen, Co Kildare.

Business • 8 hrs

Iarnród Éireann's HVO fuel pilot on Cork commuter fleet

Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter train fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.

Business • 8 hrs