AGP Executive Report

Data Centres & Power Strain: Ireland’s Oireachtas AI committee hears data-centre growth could push electricity demand to 5.8GW by 2040, with centres already using 22% of national power and set to exceed 30% soon. Aviation Carbon Costs: Europe’s biggest airlines warn the EU against extending emissions trading to outbound international flights, saying it will lift ticket prices as IATA flags net-zero aviation targets as hard to meet. Obesity Policy Divide: An ESRI-linked study finds the public in Ireland (and elsewhere) more often blame personal choices, while experts point to environmental drivers and favour “stick” measures like taxes. Construction Watch: Irish home-building activity fell sharply again in May, while civil engineering continued a long contraction, even as the wider sector nudged back to growth. Retail & Trade Rules: From 1 July, a new €3 customs duty will apply to many non-EU online parcels entering Ireland (per item type), ending the old low-value relief. Agri & Energy Transition: Farm Fest in the UK cut emissions by switching generators and machinery to HVO, while Ireland’s biomethane sector highlights safety-by-design for new anaerobic digestion plants. EU Scrutiny on Alumina: The EU’s top diplomat arrives in Dublin facing questions over Russian-linked alumina exports, as Ireland prepares for the rotating Council presidency. Precision Farming: SoilEssentials expands its SKAi spot-spraying line with a new 9m model for smaller farms, aiming to cut chemical use while keeping weed control effective.

Critical Materials & Sanctions: Ireland has launched an official investigation into claims that alumina from Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick may have ended up in supply chains feeding Russia’s military-industrial complex, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas set to raise the issue with the Taoiseach. Regional Investment & Delivery: Limerick Chamber is pushing back on Mid-West funding, saying project delays and underinvestment are holding the region back, with housing and transport upgrades flagged as urgent. Logistics & Trade Pressure: A new look at the 3PL market says stability is returning after the freight slump, but geopolitical shocks and tariff uncertainty keep raising the bar. Retail Insurance: Liberty Specialty Markets has launched a new retail insurance proposition for mid-sized shops across the UK and Ireland, rolling out via hubs including Dublin. Energy & Community: Oweninny Windfarm visitor centre in North Mayo opens to the public this summer, with free entry and family-focused activities. Business & Courts: Rathwood customers who never received goods are being told they’ll only get a “nominal sum” back as the examinership process continues. AI & Industry Services: TCS has signed a multiyear transformation and managed services deal with Canada Life to modernise European IT infrastructure using AI and digital capabilities. Consumer Safety: The CCPC and watchdogs have issued warnings over “baby sleep pillows” sold online, citing suffocation risk.

Consumer Safety: The CCPC has warned parents not to buy or use “baby sleep pillows”, saying more than 1,100 listings were removed and the products can cause death via suffocation or overheating. Retail & Consumer Complaints: A CCPC warning also follows broader scrutiny of online marketplaces, while a separate report highlights how Ticketmaster’s “Computer Says No” approach left an Irish booking agent unable to resolve ticket issues. Energy & Transport Costs: AA Ireland reports diesel down to €1.88/l in June, while petrol nudged up to €1.84/l; EV charging rates stayed broadly stable. Small Business Pressure: The Small Firms Association says costs for Irish firms rose 44.4% over three years, with energy, labour and insurance driving strain and nearly half facing liquidity risk within three months. Industrial Tech & Jobs: SK Chemicals appoints Omya as its European distributor for SKYPEL, targeting growth across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia. EU Economy Watch: Eurostat data shows euro area GDP down 0.2% QoQ in Q1 2026, with Ireland flagged for a sharp decline. Housing & Social Impact: A new homelessness-focused report points to a worsening mismatch in supply and demand, with thousands more people now affected than during pandemic-era protections.

Canada-Ireland Dealmaking: Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Ireland next week, meeting Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin and then travelling to Mayo for talks with President Catherine Connolly, with a focus on agri-food, digital innovation, AI, pharmaceuticals and climate ahead of the G7 in France. Forestry & Construction Inputs: CSO data shows Irish timber removals jumped 18% in 2025 to a record 5.2m cubic metres, but timber sale values rose only 1% as prices fell, with private forests driving most of the increase. Housing Supply Investment: Kennedy Wilson and APG have launched a €2bn Irish residential joint venture to deliver and manage 3,400+ private rented homes across Dublin sites, turning derelict industrial land into new communities. SME Hiring Pressure: A new EU survey finds Irish SMEs are far more likely than peers to try hiring non-EU staff, but report major difficulty both recruiting and integrating them. Health & Regulation: Irish doctors are warning about rising use of tobacco-free nicotine pouches (snus), calling for stronger bans as nicotine levels and addiction risks come under scrutiny. Energy & Rates Watch: Markets are bracing for an ECB rate hike, with eurozone growth weighed down by a sharp downward revision to Irish GDP.

ECB Rate Rise Watch: The ECB is expected to lift rates by 0.25% to 2.25%, pushing up mortgage repayments for Ireland’s 110,000 tracker holders and nudging borrowing costs higher for everyone. Retail & Consumer Costs: From July 1, EU customs rules will add €3 duty per item for online orders worth €150 or less from outside the EU, hitting Irish shoppers with extra charges. Data Centres & Power Debate: A new UN-linked discussion on Ireland’s data centre growth highlights how electricity demand is driving political friction, with calls for smarter planning as the grid gets squeezed. Energy Policy Shock: A report on Trump’s wind rollback describes “pay-not-to-play” deals that cancel offshore projects and redirect money to fossil fuels, raising questions for energy security and jobs. Agriculture & Innovation: A new autonomous robot trial targets ragwort on Dorset farms, aiming to cut chemical use and labour while improving land management. Marine Education: An Taisce’s Green-Schools SeaKeepers project brought Carrigans pupils to Rathmullan beach for hands-on marine biodiversity learning.

AI & Jobs: The Government says it will upskill 100,000 “white-collar” workers to tackle AI-driven job shake-ups, pointing to recent tech cuts in Dublin and elsewhere. Energy & Planning: Donegal County Council has refused a battery storage plan near Letterkenny after the applicant failed to address a direct conflict with the TEN-T road project, risking prejudice to an €800m-plus infrastructure delivery. Offshore & Marine Tech: NovaUCD-based Restore Blue is seeking €500,000 to help offshore construction design with nature in mind, aiming to protect marine life while supporting projects like offshore wind. Data Centres & Power Debate: A new Business Post subscriber piece argues critics are focusing on the wrong issue in the data centre electricity row, while pushing the idea of a “data centre dividend” for households. Agriculture & Emissions: Farmers are urged to use free veterinary advice, while another report highlights pressure on family farming as emissions expectations rise. Sports & Community: Galway’s dominant Leinster SHC win over Dublin books an All-Ireland semi-final spot, while Armagh beat Cork in the All-Ireland series opener.

EU Court Action on Peat: Ireland is facing an EU turf court case over failure to protect carbon-rich bogs, with warnings of a “quite significant” fine—another pressure point for Irish land management and rural policy. Energy & Industry Links to Russia: Aughinish Alumina in Limerick is back in the spotlight over alleged Russian military supply links, with calls for sanctions clarity versus government arguments that the material has broad civilian uses. Irish Economy Watch: Ireland’s GDP slump is dragging the eurozone into reverse in Q1, underlining how volatile sectors can swing wider European growth. AI Governance Debate: Trinity College Dublin’s AI accountability lab says Anthropic’s call for a global AI pause is a “clever marketing trick,” arguing there’s no solid basis for claims of autonomy. Transport & Aviation: A first direct boat service to New York has sailed from an Irish port, while Dublin-based Killick Aerospace is buying Spirit A320neo aircraft for part-out amid ongoing engine supply pressures. Leaving Cert Pressure: Students report exam timing and mental load challenges, with accommodations helping but not removing the strain.

Agri Support: Ministers Heydon and Collins opened the Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture, offering a once-off payment to growers of tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, strawberries, chillies, herbs and hydroponic lettuce, with online applications open until 24 June. Organic Growth: The National Organic Awards 2026 were launched at Bloom, with 6,100 organic farmers and food businesses in Ireland and Bord Bia research pointing to 12.5% market growth last year. Manufacturing & Jobs: Mincon’s North Bay operation says automation upgrades are planned to lift output and keep the drilling-equipment business competitive. Food & Local Trade: Limerick’s Canteen café was honoured with the McKennas Guides plaque after 14 years of handmade food, while its owner warned small independents still face cost pressure. Environment & Enforcement: Inland Fisheries Ireland and officials responded to a major River Glyde fish kill in Co Louth, with over 20,000 fish estimated dead; the pollution source was identified as agricultural discharge and a prosecution file is being prepared. Economy Watch: Revised Eurostat figures show the eurozone contracted in Q1, driven by a sharp Irish GDP slump linked to multinational pharma output swings. Energy Policy: A US lawsuit over cancelled wind projects highlights how shifting policy is creating business turmoil, echoing wider uncertainty for renewables investment. EU Politics: Ireland’s Minister Jack Chambers backed Cohesion Policy at an EU General Affairs Council meeting ahead of Ireland’s EU presidency start in July.

Sanctions & Trade: Swedish investigators allege Putin-linked control at Aughinish Alumina’s parent, while Ukraine raises concerns over Irish alumina exports to Russia—adding fresh pressure on Irish authorities and the EU. EU Legal Pressure: The European Court of Justice is set to investigate Ireland peat extraction, as the EU also pursues turf-cutting enforcement failures. Energy & Industry Risk: Ireland’s defence posture is being tested by Russia’s alleged hybrid activity around undersea cables, underlining that neutrality may not shield critical infrastructure. Economy Watch: CSO data shows a sharp 12% GDP fall, with commentary pointing to pharma export swings as the key driver—while unemployment is flagged as the real barometer. Workplace & Safety: Bord na Móna faces a High Court fight over claims that security staff at a Co Laois bog were racially abused and assaulted during an altercation. AI & Data Centres: New reporting warns AI data centres could increase fossil fuel dependence and strain grids, while Ireland’s energy costs and regulation debates keep heating up. Construction & Housing: Irish construction cranes are back, with housing starts rising and apartments increasingly dominating new builds.

EV Charging Rollout: The European Investment Bank will partner with Ireland’s transport bodies and ZEVI to speed up a nationwide public EV charging network, aiming for a point within reach of every community. Scrappage Push: Minister Darragh O’Brien’s €10m pilot ICE2EV scrappage scheme starts 1 July, offering €8,500 total support (€5,000 scrappage plus the €3,500 EV grant) to swap older petrol/diesel cars for new battery EVs. Data Centres & Power Demand: Europe’s electrification advantage is at risk as AI and data centres drive electricity needs; Eurelectric in Helsinki warned grid build-out and investment coordination must keep pace. Fish Kill in Co Louth: Inland Fisheries Ireland says agricultural discharge caused the River Glyde pollution, with estimates of 20,000+ fish deaths; sampling is underway and a prosecution file may follow. Aughinish Alumina Probe: Calls are growing for the Government to finish its Aughinish Alumina investigation quickly after concerns about alumina linked to Russia’s arms supply chain. Peat Enforcement Clash: An opposition TD called it a “farce” that Ireland faces the EU court over illegal peat cutting enforcement gaps, while agriculture and environment groups argue the rules must bite. Digital IDs: Google expands Google Wallet with passport-based digital ID passes and age credentials in several EU states, including Ireland. CAP Talks: An Irish MEP says a key European Parliament agriculture report will kick off a “crucial phase” of CAP negotiations next week.

Energy & Climate Policy: A new push argues Ireland’s climate targets are there, but the missing piece is a clear plan to end fossil-fuel dependence—linking it directly to energy security and cost-of-living pressures. Data Centres & Public Impact: Erin Brockovich has launched a platform tracking data-centre growth, spotlighting concerns over energy and water use as AI demand surges. Planning & Competition: Lidl says rivals are exploiting Ireland’s planning system with “spurious objections”, warning delays are undermining a €600m store and distribution investment. Housing Market (Dublin): New releases at Portmarnock’s Pebble Cove bring three- and four-bed homes from €685,000, while Kilternan Village near the M50 offers sustainable apartments and houses from €615,000. Agriculture & Trade: UK imports of Irish beef fell in Q1, while beef price cuts in the UK are drawing criticism from farmers over how fast prices are dropping. Beef Policy & CAP: Big landowners “doing little farming” are in the firing line as Fine Gael presses for a tougher definition of an active farmer in the next CAP. SME Finance: The Tánaiste’s SME Credit Demand Survey shows fewer SMEs applying for bank finance in 2025 and rising interest in investing in AI.

EV Push: Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien announced the €10m ICE2EV scheme (SEAI-run) launching 1 July, offering €5,000 to scrap older ICE cars (registered 2013 or earlier) and buy new battery EVs, on top of the existing €3,500 grant. Climate Pressure: O’Brien also conceded Ireland won’t meet its 2030 carbon target, raising the prospect of EU fines running into billions. Data Centres vs Power Bills: The EU is urging households to cut electricity use during peak hours as AI data centres strain grids; Ireland is already seeing data centres take over 22% of national electricity, with knock-on cost concerns. Energy Efficiency Rules: The EU’s new Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package brings a rating system and work toward minimum performance standards. Aquaculture Funding Gap: BIM flagged that aquaculture breakthroughs often stall at the “pre-revenue” stage because investors won’t fund long, costly sea trials—highlighting the need for patient capital. Engineering Deal: COWI has acquired Irish consultancy PUNCH Consulting Engineers, boosting its Irish capacity for buildings and infrastructure tied to the green transition. Consumer Safety: The CCPC warned Irish shoppers to stop using a 65W laptop charger adapter sold on Temu due to fire and burn risks. Water Infrastructure: Uisce Éireann welcomed CRU’s RC4 determination to 2029 and outlined major Mayo water and wastewater upgrades.

Renewables & Jobs: Greenvolt Next will create 50 jobs at its Waterford HQ (90 roles overall), expanding its solar and battery work and adding space and new tech at the site. Marine & Offshore Wind: Fugro has won a two-year contract with EirGrid to monitor marine mammal activity off Ireland’s south coast, using seabed sensors to build ecological baselines for offshore wind. Health Insurance Pressure: Ireland’s Health Insurance Authority says premiums rose about 10.6% last year while cover was cut, with more people on restricted orthopaedic plans and higher out-of-pocket risk for major procedures. Mortgage Costs: Central Bank warnings suggest many fixed-rate borrowers will face higher rates as fixes end, with households and banks still “resilient” but lower-income customers most exposed. Trade & Security: The Ukrainian Embassy has raised “serious concern” over alumina exports from Aughinish Alumina to Russia, citing rising volumes and links to Russia’s military-industrial complex. Agriculture Genetics: Dairy Gene Ireland tested 53 bulls in 2026, supporting AI-linked breeding and discounted straw supply to farmers. Policy & Industry Strategy: Minister Helen McEntee heads to an OECD meeting in Paris to push Ireland’s competitiveness agenda, including AI adoption supports and plans for a National AI Office.

Leaving Cert to green jobs: With CAO “change of mind” deadlines passed, coverage points to a 2030 jobs shift toward sustainability, renewables and energy retrofitting—highlighting demand for electricians, plumbers, insulation specialists and BER/heat-pump installers. Transport rail reassurance: Irish Rail rubbishes rumours that new DART carriages are too big for Bray Head tunnels, saying the trains are designed for the existing network and only minor overhead-line works are needed. Sheep sector focus: Teagasc’s National Sheep Conference (18 June, Ballinasloe) puts bluetongue and exotic diseases, flock health and labour on farms, plus outdoor practical workshops. Arts and culture in the Midlands: Harp Media launches the “Harp Cinema Series” with Irish film screenings and filmmaker Q&As in Longford, starting 11 June. Energy and data centres: Reports flag how data-centre growth is pushing energy demand and costs, while policy debate continues over whether centres are being treated as “bogeymen” on bills. Public service broadcasting: SIPTU RTÉ members back a preventive ballot for industrial action if outsourcing increases. Local business expansion: Hub Packaging in Newry buys Faleen Sales in Co Tipperary, extending packaging supply into meat processing.

Irish Manufacturing: AIB’s PMI says May was the sector’s strongest month since April 2022, with output, new orders and hiring all rising as firms front-loaded purchases amid Middle East-linked supply pressures. Climate & Weather Risk: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is likely to return this summer, raising the odds of record heat and extreme weather in Ireland and globally. Energy & Governance: BP has backed Amanda Blanc to lead its search for a new chair again after the abrupt exit of Albert Manifold, amid investor concerns over governance and conduct. Research Funding Row: Nearly 2,000 academics have signed a letter saying Research Ireland’s €4.55bn priorities over-focus on industry needs, sidelining arts, humanities and social sciences. Transport & Local Impacts: The transport minister says Cork Luas sports clubs should get compensation with extra facilities and playing fields as the project’s preferred route faces pushback. Property & Housing: A renovated Phibsborough three-bed semidetached home is listed at €595,000, highlighting ongoing demand for upgraded, energy-improved city housing. Business Growth: Primecore says it’s forecasting $50m revenue by 2028 and expects 150 new jobs across Ireland and the US after 50% revenue growth in six months. Road Safety: RSA data shows deer-related road incidents and insurance claims have been rising since 2019, with year-on-year increases in deer collisions.

Work Permits: Ireland expanded its employment permit system with 32 changes to tackle labour shortages in construction, healthcare, transport and agri-food, including new Critical Skills roles and updated quota rules. Energy Bills: Electric Ireland announced residential electricity and gas price rises, adding pressure on household budgets as debate continues over what’s driving costs. Home Energy Upgrades: Roscommon councillors urged higher SEAI grant amounts and faster payments for older homeowners, arguing many upgrades are too expensive upfront. Manufacturing & Jobs: A report highlights how automated workforce tracking can protect manufacturing margins by reducing overtime waste and scheduling drift. Tech Growth: Irish AI workflow firm Tines reported revenue jumping to $39.6m for the year to Jan 2025, with North America driving sales and headcount rising. Offshore Wind: Fugro won a marine mammal monitoring contract supporting Ireland’s offshore wind buildout. Mining: Cornish Metals completed its first Roskear exploration drill programme, intersecting multiple mineralised structures. Corporate Accountability: Seagate agreed a $175m settlement over alleged concealed sales to Huawei, with the company incorporated in Ireland.