News

Report suggests vehicles may pay pollution tax
A report in the Irish Examiner on Tuesday, July 25th has claimed that a new plan to cut greenhouse gases responsible for global warming could see company cars paying pollution tax.

Motor tax set for overhaul
Motor taxes are in line for a major review to encourage drivers to buy more environmentally friendly cars under new State plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Oil firms expected to reach record profits
British Petroleum (BP) and Royal Dutch Shell are both expected to announce record profits of around €4.7 billion on the week of Monday, July 24th amid record high oil prices.

Construction company settles debt as two cases are adjourned
A construction company in County Wexford has settled a debt of around E150,000 with the Revenue Comissioners after the Revenue petitioned to wind up the firm.

Papers show Government persisted with rail plans despite warnings
It has emerged that the Government continued with plans to restore much of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) even though it was thought that it would only be carrying 750 passengers a day.

CRH facing legal battle after buying Spanish company
Building materials giant CRH is facing a legal battle in Spain after Spanish cement company Cementos Portland Valderrivas (CPV) said it has paid over E1 billion to own over half of the Catalan cement firm Uniland.

Fine Gael criticises Government for road works delay
Fine Gael has blamed some of the expense and delay on major road works on inadequate compensation being offered for land acquired by the National Roads Authority (NRA) through compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

Northern water charges move closer
Legislation allowing for water charges in Northern Ireland in April 2007 was set out on Thursday, June 1st by David Hanson, NIO minister with responsibility for social development.

Motor industry group cites VRT as big factor in purchase price
An Oireachtas Committee heard on Wednesday, May 31st that Government tax on new cars was discouraging safety features being fitted.

Tax rebate on Focus FFV now in place as biofuel network expands
Following the updating of systems at the Vehicle Registration Office, the special tax rebate on the Ford Focus FlexiFuel Vehicle (FFV) is now available to customers at the point of purchase.

County Councils likely to lose thousands to toll companies
Two local authorities may lose thousands of euros in rates after Celtic Road Group, the consortium which works the M1 toll plaza, appealed the amount it must pay.

Roads maintenance problems may cost ratepayers
An underspend on roads maintenance estimated at around E300 million is likely to be passed on to the new super councils in Northern Ireland with the bill to be picked up by the norths ratepayers.

NRA highlights high cost of M3 motorway
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has claimed that delays in building the M3 toll motorway in Meath are costing E1 million a week and have already come to around E70 million.

Bord Gais expect prices to steady
Although Bord Gais is looking for a price rise of 30-40 per cent, the company is expecting prices to moderate in the medium to long term.

Survey shows Irish car prices above EU average
Car prices in Ireland are almost a third higher than the EU average and are continuing to rise according to research from motoring research firm roadtodata.com.

Fuel hike costs motorists Eu58 million
Fuel retailers have been accused of ripping off motorists as the price of oil, diesel and petrol is higher in Ireland than most European countries.

Toll road deal sees E600 million price tag
The Government’s decision to end its toll road franchise with National Toll Roads could cost them in the region of E600 million, it has been revealed.

Dublin Parking meters rake in E25 million
Dublin City Council benefited from parking meters in the capital last year, as motorists paid a staggering E25 million just to park.

Increase in NTR revenue
The National Toll Roads has revealed that there was a seven percent increase in toll revenue for 2005 that seen the company turnover E50 million.

Irving Oil make bid
Irving Oil has made a formal bid for the 256 Statoil filing stations around the country according to a morning newspaper report.

Tullow Oil prices rise again
Recent acquisitions and higher gas and oil prices has helped Tullow Oil record impressive results for 2005.

Freight volumes increase for Irish Ferries
Dublin Ferryport Terminal has reported an increase of seven per cent in freight volumes for 2005 and it is hoped that will rise further when the Port tunnel opens.

BP profits fall short of Shell's success
Oil giant BP's record profits haul has come in well short of the £1.5 million an hour achieved by its major rival, Royal Dutch Shell.

State set for E600 million bill
National Toll Road’s (NTR) proposal to sell their interest in the M50 toll could cost the tax payer in the region of E600 million, according to the National Roads Authority (NRA).

VRT unlikely to be scrapped
Despite calls for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) to be scrapped, an Oireachtas Committee has been told that road tax would increased to E960 per annum, a situation that looks certain to be avoided.

ARA seizes assets after alleged fuel smuggling
Assets worth £700,000 belonging to two alleged fuel smugglers in south Armagh have been frozen by the High Court.

Higgins contracts toll charges with Afghan crossings
Toll charges on the M50 were described in the Dail on Tuesday, January 31st, as medieval and compared to an Afghan warlord fleecing peasants who crossed a pass he controlled.

Barrier-free tolls may be removed after repayments made
The new barrier-free tolls that are to be installed on the M50 after the removal of the westlink barriers in 2008 are likely to be removed when enough money has been raised to pay for upgrade works and to pay off National Toll Roads (NTR).

Cork Council receives largest amount in non-national roads funding
Cork County Council is to receive Eu50.5 million towards the cost of improving non-national roads in 2006, the largest amount payable to one local authority.

NRA halts talks with NTR over M50 toll bridge
The National Roads Authority has said that it has stopped negotiations with National Toll Roads (NTR) as it was not happy with the value for money being offered on the M50 westlink toll bridge.

Groups voice concern at motorway tolling
Residents' associations, the AA and politicians in the M50 area have all expressed dismay at the prospect of tolling on the entire motorway.

Motorists asked to pay M50 costs
Drivers will be asked to pay at least Eu1.5 billion in tolls to finance the upgrade of the M50 motorway, it emerged on Monday, January 30th.

AA condemns Cullen's plan for M50 tolling
A plan to introduce a barrier-free tolling system on the M50 announced recently by Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, has been criticised by the AA.

Businesses unhappy with road network
Businesses throughout Ireland have claimed that despite the massive investment into the transport system throughout the country, the amount of time lost in traffic jams is costing them a huge amount financially.

Ferries dispute likely to effect exports
The Irish Ferries dispute is likely to have an impact on exports in the run up to Christmas, it was claimed on Monday, November 28th.

Mulvey warns on dispute's consequences
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) chief executive Kieran Mulvey has stated that the continuing standoff at Irish Ferries will have implications for the wider business community.

FG proposes tax-reduction through alternative fuel
Fine Gael has proposed that vehicles using energy-efficient fuels should be charged a lower vehicle registration tax (VRT).

Survey shows petrol prices drop despite overall rise
Petrol prices have fallen by 7.3%, according to the latest results of an AA survey, with the motoring body saying that a litre of petrol now costs 109.9 cent (on average.

DTA head makes vow
Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) chief Professor Margaret O'Mahony has promised to deliver projects on time for the newly announced transport plan.

Penalities to be considered for transport project delays
The Minister of State for Transport says that the Government will consider introducing penalty clauses in the contracts for developing new transport projects in Dublin to try to minimise delays.

Raise toll barriers on M50 or else renegotiate NTR contract - Hayes
Why spend E750m upgrading M50 with toll bridge still in place?

Transport plan to take toll on roads
The Government’s transport plan is likely to result in tolls becoming a reality on major roads throughout the country.

Ahern says plan will finish on time and will change system
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said that the Government’s 10-year transport plan will be finished on time and will radically alter the State’s infrastructure.

Irish earn decent living
A recent survey by the Department of Finance has revealed that Irish people have never made as much money from their jobs which includes the haulage industry.

Government transport plan set to be approved
The Government’s 10-year strategic transport plan which will, among other things, include the extension of the Luas system, will be brought to Cabinet for approval on Tuesday, November 1st.

'Ireland in line for 21st Century roads - Minister
Transport Minister Mr. Martin Cullen has claimed that a 10 year Government plan will ensure Ireland has a 21st Century public transport and road infrastructure.

Motor chief calls for VRT cut
The Government has come under pressure to reduce the rate of Vehicle Registration Tax in the wake of a bumper 'take' from new car sales revenue.

Government missed two million euro road tax take
The Irish Government was underpaid by almost two million euros by National Toll Roads (NTR) for 2002 and 2003, the Comptroller and Auditor General's annual report has stated.

Failure to expand Dublin Port 'may cost 40 million a year'
A study by a leading economist has concluded that a failure to expand Dublin Port will cost the economy 40 million euros annually within the next decade and that constraints on space may have "cost millions in the past 10 years.

Road contracts to be fixed
Fixed price contracts for roads are on the way, the Government has confirmed.

Trucker defends protest
A leading member of the 30-strong protesting hauliers who disrupted traffic earlier this week in Dublin protest at rising fuel charges has defended the truckers' right to make a stand on the issue.

Slow-moving trucks causes traffic chaos
A convoy of hauliers protesting over the cost of diesel fuels have caused traffic disruption in Dublin city centre.

Department of Finance to meet truckers
IRHA to meet Government officials calling for immediate action to combat fuel crisis

European governments attempt to aid hauliers
European governments yesterday took steps on Tuesday 13th September to help hard-hit businesses such as truckers and farmers.

IBEC calls on government to reduce fuel excise
Employers’ group IBEC has asked the Government to consider reducing the amount of excise duty payable on fuel.

Lower petrol tax hides other costs
Department of Finance figures show that Ireland’s excise rate on unleaded petrol is below the EU average. However figures have revealed that the government is able to obtain tax revenue through other expenses.

IBEC calls for massive roads investment
A report by employers' body, IBEC, has recommended that up to 5.5 billion euros be invested in the country's road network.

Transport system to break even by 2006
The much maligned Luas transport system is expected to break even next year despite recording huge losses last year, a report has disclosed

Government rejects new fuel tax advice
As filling stations nationwide reported heavy demand for diesel and petrol from motorists, the Government has ruled out the introduction of additional taxes on fuel as advised by the Economic and Social Research Institute.

ERSI say more tax on fuel needed
The Economic and Social Research Institute has advised the Government to put a new tax on fuel including petrol in its latest report.

Fuel prices will rise but not workers' incomes says Minister
Huge pay rises to offset rising oil prices for workers within the private or public sector were not realistic, Finance Minister Brian Cowen has warned.

IRHA to back IBEC campaign?
Speculation is mounting in industry circles that the Irish Road Haulage Association may row in behind a campaign by employers' group IBEC to take on the Government over "exorbitant" local government charges now crippling Irish industry.

Hauliers call for fuel tax rebate
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on the Government to introduce a tax rebate on fuel in light due to rising oil prices.

Worse has yet to come - AA
The Automobile Association has warned that motor fuel costs are set to rise even further due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Motorists hit in the pocket again
The annual cost of running a typical family car has jumped by almost 3,000 euros in the past five years.

Transport chiefs braced for barrel hike
Transport chiefs in Ireland are bracing themselves for rocketing fuel costs matching the levels of the 1980s if crude oil price fears are realised.

Haulage industry helps exports figures rise
The importance of the haulage industry to Ireland's economy has been underlined by a report into the volume of exports from the country in 2004.

Hobbs highlights transport costs
The popular Rip Off Ireland programme currently been shown on RTE 1 will tonight (Monday 29th August) look at the tax income from motorists

OPEC admit concern
OPEC oil producers have revealed that they are looking at ways to reduce oil prices and will put their options forward at the September meeting of the board.

Stealth taxes to rise
Rising car sales, road tolls, Vehicle Registration Tax, VAT, road tax and fuel have contributed to an extra Eur600 million been paid to the Government

EU quota system hits Chinese imports
Upwards on two million garments of clothing, destined for the Irish market, which originated in China are being stored in warehouses across the continent, because of a new EU quota on textiles.

Higgins calls for fuel duty relief for hauliers
North West MEP Jim Higgins has called on Finance Minister Brian Cowen to introduce an Essential User Rebate scheme for licensed and tax compliant hauliers.

Government hints at excise duty freeze
The Government has indicated that it may consider freezing or reducing excise duty on diesel in the Budget on the back of appeals from the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA).

Swansea Cork Ferry Company in the black
The Swansea Cork Ferry Company returned a profit of just E7,000 last year, a marginal improvement of the its results in 2003.

Crude oil prices fall to $64 per barrel
Crude oil prices fell by 3% on Wednesday (August 17) on the back of softer gasoline demand in the United States.

Crude oil price warning
Crude oil prices would need to soar to $100 per barrel, before the Irish economy would be seriously affected, economists have predicted.

Government revises growth figures as oil prices bite
The Government has been forced to revise its economic growth forecast as rising oil prices impact negatively on the economy.

Worse still to come as crude oil hits $66 per barrel
Soaring oil prices are beginning to affect inflation; new figures released on Thursday (August 12) have shown.

Euro zone fuel watch
Ireland is the fourth dearest country in the euro zone for road diesel; figures released by the International Road Transport Union have shown.

West Link toll figures unveiled
Toll operator NTR, the Government and Fingal County Council will share E1.5 billion from the West Link toll bridge on the M50, over the next 15 years a leading firm of consultants has claimed.

Farmers call for tax cuts on diesel
The Irish Farmers’ Association has reiterated its call on Finance Minister, Brian Cowen for a reduction in excise duty on diesel.

IRHA reiterates call for Essential User rebate scheme
The Irish Road Haulage Association has reiterated its call for the introduction of an Essential User Rebate scheme for licensed and fully tax compliant hauliers.

Energy increases are crippling business - SFA
The Small Firms’ Association (SFA) wants the Government to step in to halt “crippling” increases in the cost of energy

Fine Gael calls for excise duty relief
The Government must move to reduce excise duty on fuel at a time when manufacturers and hauliers are being “driven to the wall”, according to Fine Gael’s spokesman on Enterprise.

SIMI highlight VRT rip off on new cars
Irish motorists are getting a raw deal as a result of punitive VRT rates on new cars, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has claimed.

Automobile Association calls for fuel tax cuts
The Automobile Association (AA) has called on the Government to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel, amid warnings that the cost of fuel will continue to rise for the remainder of the year.

Retailers holding down cost of diesel - IPRA
Most of the major fuel suppliers are recommending that retailers sell diesel at E1.17 per litre, but retailers are resisting the proposals, the Irish Petroleum Retailers Association (IPRA) has claimed.

Taxman cometh
Over 4,600 taxpayers who bought insurance policies with undeclared funds have paid Eur312 million to the Revenue Commissioners, it has been revealed

Hauliers seek changes in transport taxation policy
Last week’s meeting between Finance Minister Brian Cowen and the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) had more to do with setting an agenda for changing the Government’s mindset on the taxation of the haulage industry, than seeking specific excise duty reductions on diesel, www.irishtrucker.com has learned.

Hauliers call for essential user rebate
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is seeking a “sliding scale essential user rebate scheme” on road diesel, for fully licensed and tax compliant hauliers, www.irishtrucker.com can confirm.

Euro zone inflation up
Inflation in the euro zone has risen to 2.1 per cent on the back of higher oil prices, Eurostat has confirmed.

SIMI urges VRT reform
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has urged the Government to start reducing excise duty on cars ahead of a proposed EU directive that will outlaw the controversial tax.

Crude oil prices surge again on hurricane fears
Crude oil prices have surged past the $60 per barrel mark again on the back of worries that two tropical storms could hit US crude production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Eurotunnel could sink without a trace
Eurotunnel has admitted that it is on the slippery slope to bankruptcy, unless it can cobble together a deal with its financiers.

Toll operator raise E255 million
Toll operator NTR, has raised E255 million from seven leading banks to underpin its ongoing investment programme.

Fine Gael highlights E12 billion infrastructure over spend
Transport projects currently under construction are currently running at E12 billion above original estimates, Fine Gael’s spokeswoman of transport, Olivia Mitchell has claimed.

IRHA warns on LRUC charges
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has warned industry that hauliers won’t be able to carry the burden of Lorry Road User Charging (LRUC), when it is introduced in the UK in 2007

Cullen denies Dublin Port Tunnel cost overrun
Transport Minister Martin Cullen has vehemently denied that the Dublin Port Tunnel project is currently E250 million over budget.

Fuel prices set to soar - AA warns
The Automobile Association (AA) has warned that fuel prices are set to break all-time records later in the summer.

IBEC warns on UK LRUC
The employers’ group IBEC has warned that imminent Lorry Road User Charges (LRUC) in the UK will cost business in the Republic up to E60 million annually.

Fuel prices driving inflation upwards
Rising fuel prices have been fingered as one of the reasons behind the increase in the rate of inflation in Ireland for the second month in succession.

Employment figures rise
A statement released by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Michael Martin has announced his delight over the positive labour market figures for the 1st quarter

Environmental firm open doors in Derry
One of the country's top engineering, environmental, surveying and management services consultancy, White Young Green have opened there fifth office nationwide.

Bruton accuses fuel suppliers over rising prices
Greedy fuel companies, who are using the cover of rising international crude oil prices to hike pump prices, Fine Gael’s Richard Bruton has claimed, are ripping off motorists.

Irish Ferries gets Dail mention
Shipping company Irish Ferries has been accused of shedding Irish jobs and outsourcing its labour requirements, while availing of a Government sponsored mechanism, which considerably reduces its tax liabilities.

Dublin costs spiralling out of control - IBEC
The cost of doing business in Dublin is disproportionately higher than the rest of the country, the employers’ group IBEC has claimed.

Kelly eyes Ennis bypass costs
Clare County Council is set to exert tight budgetary controls over the costs associated with the construction of the E190 million Ennis bypass.

Dept of Finance warns on excise duty
Reductions in excise duty on diesel could only be delivered as part of the Budget, the Department of Finance has confirmed.

IRHA predicts job losses as fuel prices continue to soar
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has warned that upwards on 100 companies could go out of business in the next year unless the Government cuts excise duty on fuel to stem rising prices.

Government "idiots" got carbon tax U-turn wrong
The Green Party has branded the Government as “idiots” over its decision to scrap the proposed carbon energy tax, which was due to come into force at the beginning of the year.

Road to ruin
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has unveiled a damning report into the cost of the roads programme under the National Development Plan.

PAC backs Prime Time's claim on cost over runs
An interim report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which will be launched later in the week will back claims by RTE’s ‘Prime Time’ that billions of euro has been wasted on the roads programme to date.

Roads programme criticised
The roads programme under the National Development Plan is four years behind schedule and E12 billion over budget.

Cullen to unveil "L test initative
Transport Minister Martin Cullen is set to unveil a suite of measures aimed at drastically reducing waiting times for a driving test

Motorists will be taxed on the double on all future motorway tolls - Mitchell
Motorists will be taxed on the double for using motorways in the future, because they will have to pay for the cost of the toll system, as well as paying for the toll itself

Limerick Ring costs escalate
The final leg of the Limerick Ring, which includes the Shannon Tunnel, is set to cost E120 million more than original estimates, it has been confirmed.

Stena's Irish Sea routes back in black
Stena Lines has confirmed that its Irish Sea routes from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard returned to profit in 2004 after performing weakly the previous year.

Oil prices cause concern
The escalating oil prices has seen the European Central Bank issue a warning that there is no sign of economic growth in the euro zone improving.

EU Finance Ministers warn on high oil prices
EU finance ministers have voiced their concern over sky-high oil prices ahead of this week’s scheduled meeting of the powerful G7 group of industrialised nations.

Dublin Port is facing capacity crisis - exporters
A capacity crisis at Dublin Port could be the main obstacle to export growth over the next five years, according to the Irish Exporters’ Association (IEA).

IEA issues ports capacity warning
The Irish Exporters’ Association (IEA) has warned that the country’s leading ports are now facing a capacity crisis, which could affect exports and damage the economy.

OPEC concedes on higher oil prices
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has hinted that higher oil prices are here to stay.

Ahern's transport pledge
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has pledged to spend E10 billion over the next decade to sort out the country’s transport infrastructure problems.

West Link buy back now on the cards
The Government is ready to buy back the West Link Bridge in Dublin, from toll operator NTR.

IRHA backs West Link buy back
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has welcomed reports that the State is considering buying back the West Link Bridge on the M50 in Dublin from toll operator, NTR.

RHA call for excise duty harmonisation
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) in Britain has called on Chancellor Gordon Brown to reduce fuel duties in the North to the same level as the Republic, in an attempt to stifle the North’s blossoming fuel smuggling industry.

Cost of road deaths and injuries soars to E1.1 billion
Road deaths and injuries are costing the taxpayer more than E1.1 billion a year, according to the National Roads Authority (NRA).

FTA wants fuel duty freeze
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) in Britain has called on Chancellor Gordon Brown not to increase fuel duty on diesel in the Budget on Wednesday (March 16).

Pension fund has money for infrastructure
The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission (NPRFC) has money available to invest in infrastructure, the Dail Public Accounts Committee has heard.

EU ready to relax rules on borrowing
Ireland could spend an additional E1.5 billion in infrastructure projects if a controversial EU proposal gets the green light.

Shell record huge profits
Oil giant Shell have announced record profits of £9.3 million for last year a rise of 38% from the previous year.

Cost of taxes rises
The average annual cost for Irish motorists to keep their cars taxed on the roads has risen to an alarming 2,380 euro a year.

Sign maker happy with a job well done
The metric changeover may be shrouded in controversy and confusion, but it was music to the ears of one Dublin based company.

Mallow needs infrastructure upgrade
Irish Sugar's decision to consolidate all of it's beet processing activities in Mallow, means the town's infrastructure will have to be totalling upgraded, according to the town's development association.

Red Tape is stifling small firms - ISME
Red tape’ is costing small businesses four per cent of turnover, according to business lobby group ISME.

Exporters warn on German toll tax
The Irish Exporters’ Association (IEA) has warned that Germany’s new road charging system, LK Maut, which comes into effect on January 1, will hamper trade links between Ireland and Germany.

P&O's position remains strong despite port congestion
P & O, Britain’s largest ferry operator has claimed congestion at ports has limited company expansion this year.

IRHA accuses NTR of profiteering
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has accused NTR of “profiteering on the back of the haulage industry” following the toll operator’s decision to increase tolls on the West Link Bridge on the M50 by 20 per cent from January 1.

IRHA disappointed with Cowen's Budget
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is bitterly disappointed over Brian Cowen’s decision to leave exchange duty on diesel unchanged in the Budget.

Cowen announces E36 billion infrastructure spend
Finance Minister Brian Cowen has pledged E36.3 billion to fund the State’s infrastructure deficit over the next five years.

Dollar hits all-time low against the euro
The US dollar has fallen to an all-time low against the euro, which is great news if you are planning a shopping expedition to New York, but ominous if you are an exporter.

Union wants SDS reprieve
The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) has urged An Post to reverse its decision to close its parcel delivery service, SDS.

IRHA wants French-style rebate system
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) wants the Government to live up to its new “caring” mantra and pass on some relief to the road haulage industry in the form of excise duty rebates on diesel.

Cost overruns on roads programme hitting taxpayer
More than E4 billion of taxpayers’ money has been squandered on cost overruns on the Roads Programme, according to Fine Gael.

IRU wants new "professional diesel" rate
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has called on the European Commission to re-launch its “professional diesel” proposals with a view to standardising excise duty on diesel across the EU.

EU finance ministers discuss worsening oil crisis
The spiralling cost of crude oil on international markets, and its effect on economic growth has dominated a meeting of euro-zone finance ministers in Luxembourg.

Fuel prices impacting on Irish economic growth
Spiralling oil prices are beinning to impact on economic growth, figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) suggest.

Exporters seek new freight carriers
The Irish Exporter’s Association (IEA) has entered into talks with a range of airlines in an attempt to find alternative carriers to Aer Lingus, who are set to withdraw from the market.

Trucker arrested following cigarettes seizure
Customs officials have seized a truck and arrested its driver following the discovery of 3 million cigarettes in a container at Rosslare Port over the weekend.

IBEC warns on carbon energy tax
The employers’ body IBEC says the introduction of a carbon energy tax on fuel is “unnecessary” in light of spiralling fuel prices.

IBEC warns on traffic congestion
The employers’ group IBEC says its members are being badly hit by Dublin’s worsening gridlock.

British Government rejects fuel plan
The British Government has rejected a plan to align fuel duty in the North with tax rates in the Republic as a means of eliminating fuel smuggling.

FTA welcomes fuel duty postponement decision
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the British Government’s pragmatic decision to postpone the planned increase in excise duty on diesel, which was due to take effect from September 1.

RHA welcomes postponement of fuel duty increase
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) in Britain has welcomed the Government’s decision to postpone the proposed increase in fuel duty, which was due to come into effect on September 1.

Road pricing in UK within 10 years - study claims
Nationwide road pricing could be established in Britain within the next 10 years, according to a new study

EU court decision a blow for motorists
Pressure on the Government to reduce or remove Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) has abated following a judgement by the European Court of Justice.

NRA chief defends E10 billion overspend
National Roads Authority chief executive Michael Tobin has defended overspending of E10 billion in the past five years.

McCreevy under fire as fuel prices continue to soar
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has been accused or ripping off motorists and hauliers alike as fuel prices continue to spiral.

Traffic congestion cost Dublin E50 million last year - annual report
Traffic congestion and Luas related road works cost Dublin Bus almost E50 million last year, according to its annual report.

EU ministers to exert pressure on oil producers
EU member states have been urged not to take unilateral action in response to spiralling international oil prices, according Ireland's Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.

Prices of goods and services set to soar
Spiralling fuel prices could lead to a raft of price rises throughout the economy, according to the Consumers' Association of Ireland.

Minister for Trade and Commerce Mr. Michael Ahern welcomes indications of a recovery in exports
The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Michael Ahern T.D. has welcomed the positive indications the CSO trade statistics recently released showed in relation to Ireland's trade with non-EU countries, exports to non-EU countries in March this year amounted to 3.3 billion euro, 16% higher than in the same month last year.

Business confidence is on the up - ISME
Business confidence amongst small and medium enterprises is on the increase, according to a quaterly survey conducted by ISME

Exporters confident of a good year
Irish exporters are looking forward to an increase in business activity this year, after taking a hammering in 2003.

Euro slide against the dollar
The euro has fallen against the dollar on the back of comments from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet that the bank will cut its benchmark interest rate to stimulate economic recovery across the EU.

SFA calls for wage moderation
The Small Firms' Association (SFA) says the economy is improving, but the Government needs to tackle a number of issues to sustain progress.

Beef exports to Europe on the increase
Beef exports to other EU countries are on the increase, because of a new found confidence in the product.

Industrial output rises
Industrial production jumped by more than 6 per cent in the last quarter of 2003, compared to the previous three months, latest figures have shown.

Crime cost businesses E1 billion a year - SFA
Crime is costing small businesses almost E1 billion a year, according to a survey conducted by the Small Firms' Association (SFA).

Commission gives Ireland clean bill of health
The European Commission has given Ireland’s economy a clean bill of health, predicting moderate growth over the next two years.

Truckers hit back at high distribution costs jibe
The Irish Road Haulage Association IRHA) has hit back at claims that high distribution costs in Ireland are costing jobs.

IBM chief warns on costs
Increased competition is needed in key sectors of the economy, if Ireland is to continue to attract inward investment, the new president of the Amercian Chamber of Commerce has stated.

Cowboys costing haulage industry E10 million annually
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has claimed that “cowboy operators” who go into liquidation only to re-appear under a different name, are costing the sector E10 million annually.

New rules could free up funds for infrastructure
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy may be able to loosen the purse strings with regard to spending on infrastructure, under new EU rules to be announced tomorrow (January 23).

Government ignoring small firms
Only five per cent of the Ireland's 200,000 small and medium seized enterprises are receiving support for the Sate, according to a leading brewer.

Inflation falls below two per cent
Inflation has fallen below two per cent for the first time since 1999, according to figures just released.

Two haulage companies wound up
Two related haulage companies that supplied refrigerated distribution services to mainland Europe have been wound up in the High Court.

IRHA looks into liquidated transport companies
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is attempting to clarify the relationship between a series of companies connected to a leading Co Kildare distribution company, two of which are now in liquidation.

Small firms' pay rise by 6.2%
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) says that wages in the sector rose by 6.2 per cent in the past 12 months, well ahead of the rate of inflation.

Inflation falls again
Inflation fell slightly during November, but Ireland still has the highest inflation rate in the European Union, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Ireland may veto new Treaty
Ireland's ability to set its own rate of tax is under threat from the latest draft EU Constitutional Treaty, which was published last night (December 9).

Harney launches better business show
Tanaiste Mary Harney has described small business as the backbone of entrepreneurship and economic activity in Ireland. Ms Harney made her comments at the launch of the Small Firms Association's Better Business Show in Dublin yesterday (December 4).

Excise duty on diesel will be hit in the Budget
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy is expected to increase excise duty on petrol and diesel, when he unveils his Budget on Wednesday (December 3)

Door is open borrowing of E3 billion
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy could borrow up to E3 billion without the threat of sanction under the EU Growth and Stability Pact.

Dublin Port Tunnel keeps concrete mixers rolling
The construction of the Dublin Port tunnel and the Luas line has boosted the sale of concrete by 10 per cent, according to the Irish Concrete Federation (ICF).

Timber hauliers are overloading because of poor rates - IFCA
Timber hauliers are being forced to overload their lorries, as a result of the poor rates being paid by Coillte, the Irish Forestry Contractors' Association (IFCA) has claimed.

NSC takes swipe at McCreevy
The National Safety Council (NSC) has criticised Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy for failing to take account of the huge financial benefits of the road safety strategy, which has significantly reduced road deaths.

Costs continue to spiral - IBEC
A survey commissioned by the employers' lobby group IBEC has found that business costs are rising at three times the rate of inflation.

ISME warns against tax hikes
ISME, the small and medium sized enterprise lobby group had warned Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy not to raise taxes in the Budget.

Inflation falls to four-year low
Inflation fell to a four-year low of 2.3 per cent at the end of October compared with 2.9 per cent at the end of September.

Green MEP joins protest over export of live animals
A petition containing more than 7,500 signatures calling for a ban on live exports was handed in at the Department of Agriculture yesterday (November 11).

Employers body issues Budget warning
The employers' body IBEC is concerned that Ireland's competitiveness will be damaged in the Budget.

Walsh under pressure to end live export of cattle
The organisation "Compassion in World Farming in Ireland" wants Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to ban the live cattle export trade.

Government urged to reduce VRT
The Government is coming under increasing pressure from the motor industry, the RAC and the Consumers' Association to reduce VRT in the forthcoming Budget.

Motoring lobby group goes on the offensive
The Government is raking in E8, 000 in taxes every time a motorist buys a new car valued at E21, 000, according to a new three-pronged pressure group.

Putting power into the roads programme
A leading economist has called on the Government to borrow next year to fund the ailing national roads programme.

Cullen rubbishes ESRI report
Environment Minister Martin Cullen has rubbished claims by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) that the Government has mis-managed the National Development Plan (NDP).

Private motorists cost Dublin E8 billion a year
Private motorists are costing Dublin E8 billion a year, according to new research just published.

IBEC call for holding budget
The employers' body IBEC, has urged Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy to go for a non-expansionary or holding budget in December.

SIMI wants VTR reduced in Budget
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has called on the Government to reduce Vehicle Registration Tax and to reintroduce the scrappage scheme in the forthcoming Budget.

IBEC wants a holding Budget
The employers' body IBEC wants the Government to get to grips with current spending, while holding all forms of taxation at their current levels in the forthcoming Budget.

Transport department had financial problems
The Department of Transport, which is charged with overseeing spending on major infrastructure projects can't reconcile its own finances, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Spiralling insurance has cost 3,000 jobs - ISME
A 300 per cent increase in insurance premiums over the last four years has resulted in more than 3,000 Irish workers losing their jobs and the closure of more than 100 companies, according to the business lobby group ISME.

ISME anger at inflation increase
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprise association (ISME) has questioned the Government's commitment to tackle inflation.

Early SSIA exit could fund roads programme - DCC
Dublin Chamber of Commerce (DCC) has urged the Government to introduce an "early exit option" for holders of Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) in a bid to free up resources for investment roads.

Government must tackle soaring costs of business - Staunton
The president of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland has called on the Government to tackle the soaring cost of doing business in Ireland.

Only one in five hauliers making a profit
Less than one in five road haulage companies are operating at a profit, according to a leading road transport consultant.

Euro rise against dollar will hit exporters
Irish exporters to the United States were dealt a blow yesterday (September 8) when economic analysts predicted that the euro would continue to rise against the dollar in the foreseeable future.

Dell Computers is here for the long haul
The Irish economy received a fillip yesterday (September 2) when the country's leading exporter, Dell Computers pledged it had a long-term future in Ireland.

UK port blockades could threaten Irish live animal exports
Farmers have warned that any disruption to the live export trade to Europe could have catastrophic effects on Irish exports.

Exporters predict significant fall in exports
The Irish Exporters' Association (IEA) has predicted a 13 per cent drop in the value of exports this year as the appreciation of the euro against sterling and the dollar takes it toll.

Foley criticises big banks
The Director of Consumer Affairs has accused Irish banks of operating like a private club in an effort to stifle competition.

Small businesses being ripped off by banks - ISME
ISME, the small and medium enterprise association has claimed that its members are being charged 78 per cent more interest on loans than its EU counterparts.

Ireland is paying its way for infrastructure - figures show
Figures released by the Department of Environment show that Ireland's dependency upon EU funds for infrastructure projects has diminished in the past decade.

Timber hauliers face ruin - study claims
Timber harvesters and hauliers are facing ruin because of the low rates being paid by State forestry company Coillte, a new study has claimed.

Workplace consultation legislation in the offing
Employers who fail to consult their staff on issues affecting them could face stiff penalties including prison under proposed new legislation.

Late payment legislation isn't working - ISME
ISME, the small and medium enterprise association has claimed late payment legislation introduced last year isn't benefiting small Irish companies.

Aughinish speaks out against energy tax
One of the country's leading employers has claimed that its future will be put in doubt, if the Government proceeds with its planned 'carbon energy tax'.

German HGV tax postponed for two months
The controversial LKW Maut (HGV) tax, which was due to be introduced on German motorways at the end of August has been postponed for two months.

SFA warns government on taxes
The Small Firms' Association (SFA) has called on the Government to resist the temptation of increasing taxes in its December budget.

Its official - growth slumps to a snail's pace
The economy grew by just one per cent in the past 12 months, according to figures released yesterday (July 31).

Dairygold to axe distribution division
As part of a major rationalisation programme Dairygold is set to privatise its transport division with the loss of 170 jobs.

Greens back energy tax proposal
The Green Party has backed the proposed introduction of the proposed 'carbon energy tax'.

Big guns square up to Government over carbon energy tax plan
The big guns of Irish industry are lining up to tackle the Government over its plans to introduce a controversial 'carbon energy tax' at the beginning of 2005.

Consultations begin on carbon energy tax proposal
The Government last night (July 30) began the process of consulting the public and business on the impact of introducing the proposed 'carbon energy tax' at the beginning of 2005.

Wages rise by 6.9 per cent in distribution sector
Average weekly earnings in the distribution sector, rose by 6.8 per cent for the year ending March 2003, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

Harney sets up industry think tank
Tanaiste Mary Harney has warned Irish industry that it will have to become more productive, and flexible in order to survive in the increasingly competitive global market.

McCreevy confirms carbon energy tax debate
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has confirmed the Government will launch a major consultative process before introducing a carbon energy tax at the beginning of 2005.

Motor tax joins cyberspace revolution
Moves are being made to ensure that motorists will soon be able to purchase motor tax and other documentation online.

Euro rises to six-week high against sterling
Irish exporters came under fresh pressure yesterday (July 21) as Sterling slipped to a six-week low of 71.38 pence against the euro.

IRHA wants 2 per cent profits levy to kick start road programme
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has called for the implementation of a 2 per cent levy on corporate profits to fund the Roads Programme under the National Development Plan.

Irish Rail secures container contract
Irish Rail has confirmed it will run two trains a week for Norfolkline from Waterford Port to Cork's North Esk freight depot.

Motorists to pay for cleaner environment
Environment Minister Martin Cullen is considering raising motor tax and excise duty on fuel in a bid to help Ireland meet European Union pollution targets by 2010.

IEA backs hauliers on tolls
The Irish Exporters' Association (IEA) gave the haulage industry a timely boost yesterday (July 9) when it told Transport Minister Seamus Brennan that toll roads were effectively a tax on international trade.

SFA warns on pace of insurance reform
The Small Firms' Association (SFA) has told the Joint Oireachtais Committee on Enterprise and Small Business that the pace of insurance reform is too slow.

ESRI wants Government borrowing for roads
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has urged the government to borrow to pay for the provision of roads and other infrastructure projects.

Exporters get breather as euro falls against the dollar
The euro fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two months and closed the day at $1.13, as investors continued to chase growth in equities.

VW in talks with Scania and MAN
Europe's biggest car manufacturer, Volkswagen has held talks with truck manufacturers Scania and MAN with a view to buying into the companies.

IBEC urges Government to borrow for infrastructure
The employers' body IBEC has called on the Government to borrow money to make major improvements to Ireland's infrastructure.

Running a car costs E200 a week - AA
It now costs just over E200 a week to run a small family car, according to figures just released by the Automobile Association (AA).

Late payment of invoices is hitting small firms - SFA
Almost four out of 10 small Irish firms are suffering as a result of late payment by debtors, according to a survey conducted by the Small Firms' Association (SFA).

Top haulier goes bust
A former 'haulier of the year' has gone in liquidation leaving debts of more than E125,000 and 35 people out of a job.

Bertie and Mary defend roads progress record
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tanaiste Mary Harney came out fighting yesterday (June 3) and defended the Government's record in office over the past 12 months.

Manufacturing sector hit by surge in euro
Irish manufacturing has slipped further into recession according to a survey just released by NCB Stockbrokers.

SFA warns on jobs losses
The Small Firms' Association (SFA) has warned that 2003 is on target to be a record year for redundancies with prospects for new jobs "very negative."

Where is your anti-inflation policy Charlie?
The Small Firms' Association (SFA) has called on the Government to unveil its anti-inflation policy.

Euro surge is hitting exporters - IEA
The euro's appreciation against the Dollar and Sterling is hitting Irish exporters hard, according to the Irish Exporters' Association (IEA).

Euro soars to new high against Dollar
The euro soared to an all-time high against the US Dollar yesterday (May 26) on the back of news that the European Central Bank is ready to cut interest rates.

Euro reaches four-year high against the dollar
The euro climbed above its 1999 launch rate against the dollar yesterday (May 19) as it becomes increasingly clear that the US has abandoned its "strong dollar" policy.

Ireland will oppose EU tax harmonisation
Ireland is set to oppose tax harmonisation plans currently being forward by the European Union.

Euro continues to surge against Sterling and Dollar
The euro surged ahead against the Dollar and Sterling this morning (May 12) piling further pressure on Irish exporters.

Trade Unions call for price freeze
The Government, the professions and trade unions are set to meet this week in an effort to thrash out a range of measures aimed at tackling inflation.

Inflation falls but exporters are under pressure
Falling oil prices and lower mortgage repayments contributed to a drop in Ireland's inflation figure last month, but economists predict the economic slowdown is set to continue.

Euro surge is hitting exports - IEA claims
The euro surged to a new four-year high against the dollar yesterday (May 6) and finished the day at $1.14.

Think tank predicts moderate growth
The economy will grow at an average of 4 per cent per annum, when the present slowdown is over, a leading economic think tank has predicted.

Euro breaks through $1.10
The euro broke through the $1.10 barrier yesterday (April 24) in the wake of an announcement that the number of Americans signing for unemployment benefits last week was the highest in more than a year.

New car sales slump in March
New car sales in March slumped by more than 13 per cent, according to figures just released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

ISME warns on job losses
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME) has warned that 20,000 industrial jobs could be lost as small companies face a "crisis of confidence".

ESRI predicts job losses
An economic think-tank has predicted that 17,000 jobs will be lost and inflation will fall in the next 12 months.

IFI creditors to get half of E80 million owed
Some 2,000 unsecured creditors will lose a total of E40 million when the liquidator of failed fertiliser company, IFI, finally winds up the company.

Banker warns on productivity
The days of a low cost wage environment are at an end, and the Government should be focusing on improving productivity, a leading banker has warned.

Government comes under pressure in wak of employment figures
The Government was strongly criticised yesterday (March 31) by Fine Gael as new employment figures showed a sharp decline in Ireland's economic fortunes.

Job creation has hit brick wall
Job creation in the private sector 'has hit a brick wall', according to the Small Firms Association (SFA). In its annual employment survey, the SFA claims there is a 58 per cent decline in demand for labour and projected new jobs in the country have fallen from 36,238 to 17,420.

Security costs spiral for exporters
The cost of implementing security measures to deal with possible terrorists threats will cost Irish exporters an estimated euro 9.6 billion this year, according to the Irish Exporters Association (IEA).

Exports decline as global economy stutters
Exports fell sharply in January, according to statistics just released by the Central Statistics Office.

Prolonged war could cost Irish jobs - survey
Business leaders have warned that a prolonged war in Iraq could push up prices, and lead to significant job losses.

IBEC predicts slow return to growth
The employers' body IBEC has predicted a slow return to growth, even after a speedy resolution to the Iraq conflict, in its latest quarterly report.

Inflation will ease by year end - IBEC
Inflation will ease significantly this year and should drop to 3.5 per cent by December, according to employers' group IBEC.

Euro approaches 1999 launch level against Sterling
The euro set a four-year high against Sterling yesterday (March 10) as the markets reacted badly to the British Government's insistence on going to war with Iraq.

Ireland's oil bill has doubled in last four years
The annual cost of Ireland's oil imports have doubled in the past four years to euro 1.4 billion.

Government set to introduce euro150 levy on new cars
The Government has decided to introduce a euro 150 levy on all new cars to fund a new 'end of life' vehicle scrappage scheme.

McCreevy set to introduce energy tax
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy is set to introduce a new 'carbon energy tax' from the beginning of next year, which will add significantly to the cost of diesel, petrol, home heating oil - in fact all combustible fuels.

Euro rise will spell bad news for exporters
The euro will break through $1.20 by the end of the year and could reach $1.30 by the middle of next year, according to financial analysts.

Transport department spends almost E3.9m on consultants
The Department of Transport spent almost E4 million on external Consultants last year, according to new figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Exporters losing E40 million a week
The exchange rate between the euro and the dollar is currently costing Irish exporters £40 million a week and reports suggest that if parity is not restored shortly, the situation will have a dramatic affect on the haulage industry in this country.

Tesco plans new distribution centre and six new stores
Tesco Ireland is set to build six new stores and a new distribution centre this year, creating 1,500 new jobs in the process.

Euro breaks through $1.07 mark
The euro surged through $1.07 last night (January 21 on the back of good economic data from the eurozone and continued worries about the United States' financial deficit with the rest of the world.

McMahon issues warning on carbon energy tax
A former president of the Irish Road Haulage Association has warned Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy and Environment Minister Martin Cullen that the proposed introduction of a carbon energy tax in 2004 will result in hundreds of company closures and thousands of job losses.

IBEC calls for private sector role
The employers' body IBEC has highlighted the need for more private funding in the provision of infrastructure and development.