AGP Executive Report

Consumer Rights Update: New Irish law gives people a legal right to speak to a human instead of a chatbot when buying financial products, with clearer contract-cancellation rules also set to come in. AI in Health Tech: Haleon and Microsoft are expanding their AI partnership to speed up health research and clinical content, using Microsoft Azure and Copilot with a security and governance framework. Food & Retail Supply Chains: BWG Foods launches “Market Square Select”, an own-brand range co-developed with Irish producers for independent MACE and LONDIS retailers. Energy & Community Benefits: BnM’s Community Benefit Fund Awards Evening highlights €700,000+ in local supports tied to renewable energy projects, education and community energy schemes. Property & Housing Pressure: A new study links tourism to rent rises, flagging Ireland as facing the biggest absolute rent increase over the next five years, with Dublin Airport expansion likely to worsen pressure. EV Market Watch: Privacy concerns are leaving Government wary of using tech to calculate a new EV tax, weighing odometer-based approaches against tracking fears. EU Sanctions Spotlight: Pressure grows on Ireland over Aughinish Alumina’s Russian links, with EU-level discussions on potential alumina sanctions. Transport & Digital Travel: Vienna Airport rolls out new CT scanners to streamline security, letting passengers keep electronics and carry more liquids in hand luggage. Business Leadership: PwC Ireland appoints six new partners across advisory, tax and assurance. Local Business & Culture: Yamamori Izakaya in Dublin will end DJ-led late-night events from July 19 after a legal dispute.

Housing & Planning: Ireland’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for rezoning a former Uniphar enterprise site in Dublin for new homes, after a challenge over how an objector’s agent was named in the planning report. Waste & Environment: A Dublin and Wicklow Mountains clean-up group says illegal dumping rose nearly 30% in the first half of 2026, with 90,000kg of rubbish removed, including mattresses, construction waste and car parts. Land Use & Water: A new report warns Ireland’s land-use model isn’t meeting climate, nature or water goals, citing high-emission farming, limited protected land and polluted waterways. EU Presidency & Industry: The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Cork for meetings as Ireland takes the EU Council presidency, with a heavy security footprint around key venues. Energy & Supply Chains: The Taoiseach says an investigation into Aughinish Alumina’s links to Russia’s war effort should be finished within weeks. Tech & Research: New Irish-linked research coverage highlights AI-enabled programmable electromagnetic metasurfaces and faster terahertz imaging approaches. Business Markets: Jersey Mike’s has filed for a US IPO, signalling continued appetite for fast-growing franchise brands.

Ukraine War & EU Security: Russia launched a massive missile-and-drone barrage on Kyiv, killing at least 13 (later figures rose) and injuring dozens, with residential blocks hit and residents sheltering in metro stations; the strikes came after Zelenskyy cut short his Dublin visit over intelligence of an imminent attack, while the EU’s top diplomat signalled further sanctions. Irish EU Presidency: Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Cork as Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency, with competitiveness, security and the next long-term budget on the agenda. Energy & Industry Sanctions: Tánaiste Simon Harris said he has not been involved in “any conversations” about nationalising Aughinish Alumina, as the Government investigates the firm’s Russia-linked alumina exports amid sanctions. Food & Retail: A family-run protein bar maker faces a major test as an Aldi deal ramps up volume across Ireland, shifting it from small-batch supply to supermarket-scale expectations. Agriculture Policy: People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy urged a Dáil ban on hare coursing, calling it cruel and poorly regulated. Construction & Infrastructure: A public consultation opened on the N25 Midleton to Youghal transport project in East Cork. Innovation & Skills: A €3.25m innovation centre opened in Leitrim to support construction and quarrying R&D, including prototype building and 3D concrete printing. Housing Supply: BPFI reported housing output up 33% in the first quarter, with completions rising but planning and capacity still a risk.

EU Presidency Kick-off: Ireland took over the Council of the EU presidency for six months, with the programme framed around competitiveness, values and security, and the big test ahead being the 2028–2034 budget talks. Defence & Security: Ukraine said it declined an Irish offer of stored armoured vehicles because refurbishment costs were too high, while Zelenskiy used Dublin to press for tougher EU sanctions on Russian-linked firms. Energy Storage & Grid: EnergyPathways launched work on its MESH project, targeting compressed air storage and a second Ofgem window, as Ireland and Europe push more storage to cut gas reliance. Food Industry: Aldi announced €9m in price cuts across 500+ products, including steak and dairy, as households face higher bills; meanwhile Irish retailers issued urgent ham recalls over listeria/bacteria risks. Farming & Beef: Teagasc’s BEEF2026 open day highlighted “sustainable performance” for beef farms, with time-efficiency, tech and farm profitability central to the message. EU Trade Costs: A new €3 customs charge for small parcels from outside the EU came into effect, changing the cost of online shopping for many Irish consumers.

EU Presidency & Competitiveness: Ireland takes the EU Council Presidency from today with a €300m security-heavy agenda focused on competitiveness, security and enlargement, while pushing key talks on the next EU budget and CAP. Dairy Finance & Sustainability: Certified Irish Angus has partnered with Bank of Ireland to roll out sustainability-linked Enviroflex loans for beef farmers, with reduced rates tied to farm improvements under its Elevate Bonus scheme. Food Safety Alerts: FSAI recalls multiple cooked ham batches over possible listeria risk, urging consumers not to eat affected products. AgriTech Boost: MTU becomes Ireland’s tenth agrifoodTEF node, giving Irish agri-food SMEs access to AI and robotics testing and validation services. Biodiversity on Farms: Carbery reports 19% nature-rich habitat across 980 supplier farms, nearly double the EU 10% target, using mapping work with ODOS Tech. Consumer & Trade Pressure: New EU customs charges start for goods under €150, with guidance on how to spot legitimate Irish .ie businesses. Manufacturing Pulse: AIB’s PMI shows Irish manufacturing growth easing in June but still expanding, with orders and employment holding up. Transport Infrastructure: MetroLink legislation could be fast-tracked to keep the Dublin metro project on schedule.

VAT Cut Watch: Tánaiste Simon Harris and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke say the new 9% VAT rate for restaurants, cafes and hairdressers (down from 13.5%) is a viability and affordability boost for mostly Irish-owned SMEs, with claims it won’t reliably flow through to lower prices. Food Safety: The FSAI issued a recall for specific cooked ham batches over possible listeria, urging shoppers not to eat and retailers to remove affected stock. Rural Housing Rules: Housing Minister James Browne outlined new national planning guidelines for one-off rural homes to end an “Eircode lottery” approach, aiming for consistent, transparent decisions across local authorities. Energy & Transport Costs: Government confirmed fuel excise and the NORA levy cuts stay in place until September, then phase out gradually to December. Agribusiness Spotlight: Teagasc’s BEEF 2026 National Beef Open Day at Grange (1 July) will focus on practical ways to lift profitability and sustainability through efficiency, grass use and cost control. EU Presidency Security: Cork is under a major security operation for EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s visit, with UCC locked down and road closures and drone restrictions in place. Local Community Access: Donegal County Council opened an accessible boardwalk at Lisfannon Beach under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme. Business Finance: Great-West Lifeco priced €500m senior fixed-rate euro bonds, listing on Euronext Dublin.

Travel & Tourism: TUI has announced a new Cork-to-Palma route for Summer 2027, with weekly Tuesday departures and options for cruise-and-stay packages via Marella’s Palma homeport. Fuel Policy: Ireland’s coalition is weighing how to extend petrol and diesel excise cuts beyond July 31, with a likely gradual taper to avoid a sudden jump at the pumps and protect against inflation pressure. Hospitality & Tax: Ireland’s VAT cut for food and catering firms (and hairdressing) drops to 9% from 13.5%, while watchdogs and economists argue the state still needs more tax revenue. Food Safety: FSAI consumer complaints rose 23% in 2025, with most issues tied to unfit food and hygiene lapses. Health & Labour: The INMO is staging a lunchtime protest over unsafe staffing at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, citing deficits from the HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy and neonatal capacity strain. Retail & Imports: New customs charges from 1 July will apply to low-value non-EU purchases entering Ireland, adding €3 per item (plus VAT) where packages were previously exempt. Aviation Consumer Rules: Ryanair has confirmed parents can sit next to children under 12 for free after check-in, following CMA scrutiny. Industry & Energy: EnergyPathways says the next year is pivotal for its long-duration storage push, targeting a final investment decision as it advances the Marram Energy Storage Hub. Infrastructure: West Cork councillors are seeking an urgent meeting with ministers and TII to demand more funding for the dangerous N71.

Biomethane & Planning: Minister Darragh O’Brien says planning guidelines for anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are being drafted to tackle inconsistent decisions across local authorities, with seven AD plants already under construction and a second €200m capital grant scheme secured for later this year. Farm Safety & Community Support: Irish Rural Link’s AgriKids farm safety awards went to Monaghan’s St Daigh’s NS as “best school”, while the FCI donated €1,000 to Embrace FARM to support bereaved farm families. Dairy Sector Cashflow: Tirlán announced a €4.5m dairy support payout for 2026 milk suppliers, with a further payment run expected before year-end for those meeting qualifying thresholds. Legal & Property Development: A Dalkey couple are seeking a High Court injunction over alleged breaches of planning conditions in an unauthorised development near their home in south Dublin. Pharma & Life Sciences Deals: Trinity Biotech has terminated its standby equity purchase agreement with Yorkville, while pharma M&A coverage highlights Ipsen’s planned acquisition of Kartos Therapeutics and Zymeworks’ deal for Theravance Biopharma. Construction & Water: Uisce Éireann told an Oireachtas committee clear water is safe to drink, disputing HSE advice on discolouration. Tech & Cyber Identity: One Identity plans to become an independent company and move its global HQ to Cork, aiming to capitalise on unified identity governance growth.

Aviation Safety: A Westmeath helicopter crash that killed instructor Antonin Kabelka and student Niall Cosby in 2024 was likely caused by loss of control during a training autorotation at low altitude, according to an investigation. Media & Production: Netflix’s “Wednesday” filming near Dublin was disrupted after Bond actress Eva Green was rushed to hospital with a “sustained injury,” with reps saying she is recovering well. Engineering Skills: MTU has launched a new part-time level 9 Master’s in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering from its Kerry campus, targeting advanced skills for Ireland’s manufacturing and the green/digital transitions. Industry Tech & Workplaces: The Workplace Technology Group has formalised its parent structure, aligning its cabling, audio-visual, security, data centre and networking divisions to support global delivery, including operations in Ireland. Health Tech Investment: Cork’s NeuroBell secured €4.8m to scale its LUNA neonatal brain monitor launch in the US after clinical work at CUMH. Fraud Watch: Bank of Ireland warns of a likely surge in scams tied to new customs charges from 1 July, urging customers to avoid links and verify via official channels. Retail Pressure: PwC reports retail insolvencies up 35% in the first half of 2026, with 444 insolvencies recorded across six months. Energy & Transport Costs: Coalition leaders are set to discuss whether Ireland’s petrol and diesel excise cuts—introduced after April fuel protests—will be extended beyond 31 July. Data Centres & Water: A new critique argues data-centre water use is being underestimated, pointing to major consumption by a small number of facilities and calling for better planning and data. EU Presidency: Ireland sets out priorities for its EU Council presidency starting 1 July, with Dublin tasked with brokering deals between Brussels rules and US tech influence. Manufacturing & Food: HARIBO opened a £35m warehouse and production expansion in Castleford to boost UK confectionery capacity and supply-chain resilience. Agrifood & Livestock: Farmers are being advised on tackling sheep lameness, while industry coverage also highlights demand drivers for modern livestock equipment like electric shearing systems.

AI & Business Continuity: A US Commerce Department move has suspended access to Anthropic’s most advanced AI models for non-US users, throwing Irish and European tech firms into disruption mode as products built on the platform face sudden limits. Health Insurance Pressure: Irish Life chief Declan Bolger defends premium hikes as claim costs and medical inflation push up expenses, framing health cover as a low-margin business. Energy & Industry Tech: Google is expanding CO2 battery work with a new Ireland project, adding momentum to local energy-storage ambitions. Agri & Livestock: Teagasc reports on lameness in sheep, with trials highlighting infectious drivers like scald and footrot and practical farm responses. Transport & Infrastructure: Call for a new M9 exit for Kildare town underlines how road access decisions shape growth. Local Safety: A fatal helicopter crash in Westmeath was linked to loss of control during a training manoeuvre simulating engine failure. Sports (Irish): Ireland beat India in a one-run T20 series decider at Stormont, while Louth reach the All-Ireland semi-final after a dramatic win over Monaghan.

Energy Storage & Grid Resilience: Google and Energy Dome are backing a 23MW/200MWh CO2 battery in Offaly, with a 10-year capacity contract and expected operation from 2028, aiming to smooth wind and solar dips. Construction & Infrastructure: Work has started on HS2’s “world-class” Curzon Street station in Birmingham, with precast concrete beams lifted into place for the new platforms and tram links. Banking Access: Bank of Ireland has signalled a U-turn on ATM operations, moving back into the cash machine market after years of retrenchment. Consumer Safety: The CCPC issued multiple Irish recall warnings, including salmonella-linked Pink Lady apple batches and other recalled electronics and children’s items. Sustainability Credentials: Dalcour Maclaren has achieved B Corp certification, highlighting social and environmental performance across energy, water, transport and digital infrastructure. Food & Retail Watch: Kellogg’s has launched a new Crunchy Nut “Caramelised Biscuit” variant in UK stores, with Irish shoppers hoping it lands at home. EU Policy Focus: Ireland’s EU presidency agenda is set to prioritise competitiveness, digital/tech rule changes, energy and enlargement amid major geopolitical pressure.

CAP Negotiations: EU agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen says the next Common Agricultural Policy must strike the right balance between common rules and member-state flexibility, with targeted support for young farmers a key priority as Ireland prepares to take the EU Council presidency. Pig Farming Performance: Teagasc’s 2025 national pig herd report finds technical efficiency improving, with more pigs born alive per litter and better feed conversion as farms using the profit monitor system scale up output. Rural Policy Pressure: ICMSA warns communications on new bTB rules are still not good enough, warning farmers could face fresh confusion during autumn cattle buying and selling. Food Safety Recall: The FSAI issues an urgent “do not eat” warning over recalled K O’Connell Fishmongers smoked salmon slices in Irish supermarkets due to potential Listeria contamination. Airline Consumer Change: Ryanair will “reluctantly” scrap its paid seat policy for families, moving to free seat allocation for parents and children after a UK regulator investigation. Work & Tech: Trade unionists debate how AI is being used at work to monitor staff, raise workloads and enable job cuts, arguing it’s often a management tool rather than a magic replacement. Energy & Industry: Google and Energy Dome push forward with CO2 battery energy storage plans in Ireland, adding to the momentum around grid flexibility and decarbonisation.

Industrial Survival & EU Sanctions: Ireland is seeking EU money to keep Aughinish Alumina in Co Limerick operating if sanctions against its Russian owners force the business into State control, with concerns about supply risk to European manufacturing, aviation and automotive. Food & Retail Growth: Mushrooms & Love’s award-winning mushroom crisps are rolling into all 167 Aldi stores nationwide via the Grow with Aldi programme, marking a big leap for the Ballyconnell snack maker. Agri-Food Investment Pressure: Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has urged the Taoiseach to take a “personal interest” in finding a new investor for the Leprino Foods Portlaoise site after the plant’s closure plans. Aviation & Consumer Policy: Ryanair will “reluctantly” let parents sit with children for free after an investigation, aligning with European standards. EU Presidency & Competitiveness: Ireland’s EU Council Presidency agenda is framed around lowering costs, simplifying rules, and pushing digital and AI transformation. Energy & Infrastructure: EU officials unveiled first-ever strategies for islands and coastal communities, targeting transport, housing, climate and energy needs. Workplace Safety in Heat: Doctors warn some antidepressant users may face higher dehydration and heat-exhaustion risks during summer hot spells.

Energy Infrastructure: SSE has started construction on the €300m Platin power station in Co Meath, a 180MW flexible gas/biomethane plant (convertible to hydrogen) to back up renewables, with a second SSE project also under way in Kerry. Power & Transport: Limerick braces for major Thomond Park concert traffic diversions over the next two weeks, with Garda and Treaty Traffic Management controls and advice to use public transport. Agriculture & Food Prices: ICSA warns factory lamb price cuts could wipe almost €15/head in under a fortnight, adding to uncertainty for sheep farmers facing high input costs. Agri-Tech & Rural Events: Virginia Show returns for its 83rd year on Aug 19, spotlighting rural enterprise and livestock competitions, while Athlone schools gear up for STEM Racing finals in Singapore after national success. Digital & Sovereignty: At the UN Open Source Week, ministers including Ireland’s push “digital sovereignty” via open standards and open source, aiming to reduce reliance on US cloud giants. Legal/Business: Dublin’s Hoxton Hotel and Yamamori Izakaya have resolved a High Court noise nuisance dispute. Climate & Work Safety: Coverage highlights Europe’s heatwave impacts, including school closures and warnings about unsafe working conditions.

Housing Delivery: The Land Development Agency and Dublin City Council are set to start work on 137 new homes at Cherry Orchard Point in Dublin 10, with construction due in the coming weeks and the units sold via the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Work Permits & Skills: Government updates to Ireland’s employment permits system will open up additional roles for skilled non-EU workers, including changes to Critical Skills and General Employment Permit eligibility and preparations to amend the 50:50 rule. Travel & Consumer Policy: Ryanair has changed its family seating policy after a UK competition watchdog probe, offering free seats next to children after check-in (with conditions), while seat selection can still cost extra. Tax & Jobs Dependence: The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warns Ireland’s reliance on foreign-owned multinationals goes well beyond corporation tax, with almost a third of income tax, USC, PRSI and VAT take in key sectors now linked to these firms. Climate & Heat Risk: A new assessment says the current European heatwave is the most severe on record and that conditions would be far less likely under the climate of 50 years ago—an issue with clear implications for Irish workers and public health. Agriculture: DAFM figures show over 10% of genotyped dairy-bred calves exported this year, highlighting continued export momentum in the dairy supply chain.

Energy Policy Clash: Ireland’s proposed LNG terminal in Co Clare faces fierce climate criticism in the Dáil, with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman warning it could be “death by 1,000 exemptions” as opponents argue it ties the State to fossil fuels. Legal & Planning Pressure: A Dáil committee report on transport, energy and housing delivery backs tougher judicial review rules for critical infrastructure and calls for faster, simpler planning approvals to cut duplication. Fuel Cost Uncertainty: Tánaiste Simon Harris says a decision on petrol and diesel excise duty cuts will come before the Dáil recess, aiming to avoid a “cliff-edge” as oil prices shift. Agriculture & CAP: Minister Martin Heydon says CAP talks will require a “balance” between subsidiarity and common rules, with “very delicate negotiations” ahead. Dairy Market Strain: ICMSA warns “poor milk” prices are collapsing farm incomes and urges an EU-wide voluntary milk supply reduction scheme. Rural Business Watch: Roscommon pubs are under pressure, with closures and costs reshaping rural life. Tech & Industry: Aviva confirms it will rebrand Probitas 1492 as “Aviva Syndicates” as Lloyd’s integration ramps up. Data Centres & Power: Coverage highlights the need for reliable energy and backup for data centre expansion, with AI driving demand for smarter power delivery.