Economy
Colm McCarthy on 13 Oct 2021
Colm McCarthy: the big divide on nuclear energy
Newer technologies promise both easier cost control and smaller scale units better suited to the Irish grid.
Justin McCarthy on 07 Oct 2021
Editorial: FDI untouchable but Irish farmers fair game
Politicians and policymakers would do well to remember the contribution the agri-food sector made to Ireland's battered economy when the tide went out.
Colm McCarthy on 06 Oct 2021
Colm McCarthy: what’s the solution to the future of fuel tax revenue?
In rural Ireland, and contrary to Minister Ryan’s view, the best strategy is to electrify the car fleet.
Colm McCarthy on 29 Sep 2021
Colm McCarthy: fossil fuel subsidy is in the firing line
At present, road diesel costs around €1.40/l while green diesel is around €0.84/l.
Colm McCarthy on 22 Sep 2021
Is rollout of fast-charging infrastructure the answer for rural Ireland?
The numbers are such that the emission benefit of the trend to electric cars is being offset by the changes to fleet composition.
Stephen Robb on 22 Sep 2021
Northern Ireland’s biogas industry – a success story
Stephen Robb gives an overview of Northern Ireland’s anaerobic digestion industry and takes a look at the future opportunities and challenges.
Colm McCarthy on 15 Sep 2021
Environment Minister favours investment in rail over road
It is depressing that ministers continue to commit publicly to enormous capital projects before anyone has done the sums.
Colm McCarthy on 08 Sep 2021
Cryptocurrencies: a new fool's gold?
The price of bitcoin in dollars has shown incredible volatility, halving and doubling in short periods on several occasions along the way. Colm McCarthy writes.
Colm McCarthy on 01 Sep 2021
Colm McCarthy: agriculture in the firing line
Ireland takes the rap for its success in food export markets, but also for imported oil and coal.
Tommy Moyles on 30 Aug 2021
US Secretary of Agriculture to address ASA conference
The high-profile American politician joins an impressive lineup of national and international speakers.
Colm McCarthy on 25 Aug 2021
How far could the carbon tax go?
Rural dwellers should not get too nervous about their higher car reliance and annual mileage – urban motorists would likely end up paying the biggest share, the penalty for congestion.
Matt Dempsey on 18 Aug 2021
Dempsey at Large: quota abolition drives Irish efficiency
The Teagasc study very clearly shows that taking all costs into account, Irish dairy farmers are the lowest cost producers in Europe.
Colm McCarthy on 18 Aug 2021
Colm McCarthy: a target is not a policy
The 7% per annum overall cut in Ireland’s emissions was always ambitious, even had there been a coherent energy policy framework.
Ellen Durkin on 18 Aug 2021
IFA pre-budget submission a blueprint for Government – Cullinan
The 2022 Budget provides an opportunity to lay foundations for a fair, sustainable agri-food sector, says the IFA.
Ellen Durkin on 12 Aug 2021
Over €700,000 worth of tobacco found concealed in load of 'potatoes'
The tobacco was found hidden in a load marked as 'potatoes' in Dublin Port on Thursday.
Ellen Durkin on 12 Aug 2021
Agri-food exports worth €14.2bn in 2020
The agriculture and food sector also contributed to 7.1% of total employment in 2020, according to the Department’s annual report.
Colm McCarthy on 11 Aug 2021
Hard Brexit inflicts costs and extra form-filling
When push comes to shove, the United Kingdom is unlikely to exploit its new-found freedom to diverge dramatically from EU product standards, including standards for food products.
Ellen Durkin on 10 Aug 2021
Nitrates regulations 'unnecessarily harsh' – ICMSA
New nitrates proposals could result in substantial costs being inflicted on farmers, ICMSA president says.
Colm McCarthy on 04 Aug 2021
Colm McCarthy: shuffling emissions around is a waste of time
The planet has just one atmosphere and shuffling emissions around, across the 200 or so national territories, is a waste of time.
Stephen Robb on 02 Aug 2021
250,000t of Irish grain used in the drinks sector
On average, around 40,000ha of malting barley is grown each year