LATEST NEWS:
Ireland’s gambling watchdog launches but strict new laws won’t take effect until 2026
Ireland’s new gambling regulator is now operational, but the multibillion-euro industry will continue operating without strict oversight until mid-2026, delaying crucial funding for addiction support services. The Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was formally established in March when Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan appointed its senior leadership, including civil servant Paul Quinn as chair. However,
Greencore acquires UK’s Bakkavor in €1.4 billion food manufacturing deal
Dublin-based convenience food manufacturer Greencore has reached an agreement to acquire UK fresh food provider Bakkavor Group in a deal valued at £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion), creating a major player in the British food-to-go sector. The acquisition, announced Thursday following preliminary discussions in April, will combine two complementary businesses with extensive reach across UK supermarkets.
Bank of Ireland commits to financing 30,000 new homes across Ireland
Bank of Ireland Group has increased its housing development financing target to 30,000 homes as the lender steps up efforts to address Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis. The bank is currently supporting the construction of more than 24,000 homes across all housing types on 220 sites in 22 counties, representing a significant increase from the 21,000
Survey reveals most people in Ireland support welcoming immigrants
A recent survey revealed that around 64 per cent of people believe that Ireland should welcome individuals who move to the country in search of a better life for themselves or their families. However, 18 per cent of those surveyed disagree with this stance. The survey, conducted by Ireland Thinks for the Migrant Rights Centre
EU seeks trade deal based on respect after Trump escalates tariff threats
The European Union’s trade chief has emphasized the bloc’s commitment to securing a trade deal with the United States based on “mutual respect” rather than threats, following dramatic escalation by President Donald Trump in their ongoing trade standoff. Trump significantly raised the stakes yesterday by threatening to impose a 50% tariff on EU goods, complaining
Consumer spending surges in April with big boost from cinema and hospitality sectors: AIB survey
Consumer spending in April climbed 11 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest AIB Spend Trend survey, with online purchases up 16 per cent and in-store spending rising by 6 per cent. Cinema spending soared by 47 per cent compared to April 2024, driven largely by the Easter release of A Minecraft Movie and boosted
Revolut launches instant access savings for under-18s, offering up to 2.5% interest
Revolut has introduced instant access savings accounts for users of its ‘Revolut <18’ app, tailored for children aged 6–17 and linked to a parent or guardian’s main account. This new feature is designed to help young users grow their pocket money by earning daily interest—just like adult accounts—with no cap on how much interest they
Skype shuts down after two decades as Microsoft focuses on Teams
Microsoft has officially discontinued Skype today, ending a 21-year run for the pioneering video communication service that once dominated internet calling. The technology giant, which acquired Skype in 2009, announced the closure in February as part of its strategy to consolidate video communication services around Microsoft Teams, its business-oriented collaboration platform that has gained substantial
Ireland’s young footballers secure maiden World Cup spot in dramatic qualification
In a momentous achievement for Irish football, the Republic of Ireland’s Under-17 national team has qualified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking the first time the men’s youth squad has reached this prestigious tournament. Manager Colin O’Brien’s talented young squad sealed their historic qualification through a compelling performance in the UEFA European
