AGP Executive Report

Mosquito Watch: Queen’s University Belfast reports record mosquito numbers in the North, with nuisance biters moving from the Lough Foyle salt marsh into Ballykelly village woodlands, and urges public sightings via MosquitoNI. Farm Health & Feed: DAFM warns bluetongue risk stays high in warm weather, with cases detected across multiple counties, while the IFA pushes drought-hit farmers to stretch fodder using Irish grain and forage options. Energy Grid Reality: Wind Energy Ireland says 15% of wind power was wasted in H1 2026 due to grid constraints—enough for about 667,000 homes—despite strong June generation. Consumer Protection: The CCPC issued 31 enforcement actions against 18 traders for consumer law breaches, including price display and unit pricing failures. Food & Industry Business: Teagasc-linked Moorepark Technology posted a €176,000 loss for 2025, and Breedon maintained 2026 guidance as Ireland and the US offset weaker Great Britain. Ports & Policy: Ireland’s revised ports policy reframes ports as strategic infrastructure, but delivery and funding will decide outcomes.

Energy Retrofit Push: Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council says heat-pump installs must rise twentyfold and home retrofits at least double, with a clear 2040 phase-out plan for oil and gas boilers and faster rules so renters and apartment dwellers can use plug-in solar. Agri-Diesel Costs: The FCI warns green diesel prices jumped sharply in July, with contractors hit by “disproportionately higher” increases amid limited supplier competition. AI Compliance in Banking: Ireland-based Fenergo launched Fen-AI, an agentic AI orchestration platform aimed at speeding up bank onboarding, due diligence and ongoing compliance while keeping humans in control and preserving an audit trail. EU Budget Politics: Germany’s Friedrich Merz repeated calls for major EU budget cuts in talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin during Ireland’s EU presidency. Data Centre Scrutiny: Malaysia’s data-centre boom is facing rising local pushback over power use and sustainability—an issue Ireland has wrestled with as AI infrastructure expands. Irish Tech/Industry: Logicalis is also moving deeper into Ireland’s enterprise connectivity with a private 5G service launch.

Planning & Housing: New planning exemptions for homeowners have come into effect, cutting red tape under the Planning and Development Act 2024 and updating rules last revised decades ago. Energy & Grid: Wind Energy Ireland says 15% of Ireland’s most affordable electricity was wasted in the first half of 2026 because the grid couldn’t carry all wind output—enough to power 667,000 homes. Aviation & Jobs: Ryanair has lodged plans for a €50m Shannon expansion: a new four-bay MRO hangar plus an Engineering Academy, targeting 80 apprenticeships and training for 400+ mechanics. Agri-food & Farming Skills: The Future-Focused Dairy Farming Roadshow runs in Laois, Cork and Tipperary in August, covering breeding, herd health, and technology/labour efficiency. Retail & Compliance: PSRA flagged client-bank-account deficits at three livestock marts in 2025, but says it worked with them to eliminate the shortfalls. Consumer & Industry: Ireland’s alcohol consumption fell again in the latest DIGI figures, with beer volume down and wine up. EU Policy & Trade: Ireland is aligning furniture flammability rules with the EU’s GPSR, modernising the domestic framework. Transport Disruption: French wildfires have suspended southbound rail freight from Bordeaux and closed the A63 motorway corridor, disrupting routes that can affect UK and Ireland-bound traffic.

OpenAI in Ireland: OpenAI’s first hardware drop landed in the spotlight with the Codex Micro keyboard ($230), sold out fast and now flipping on eBay—some listings even point to Ireland, underlining how quickly Irish tech talent is chasing AI tools. Higher Education & Migration: Irish universities are raising concern over a sharp rise in study-visa refusals for Gazan scholarship students ahead of September, with officials citing a shift from last year’s higher grant rate. Medical Manufacturing in Galway: TE Connectivity has introduced an automated 3D-printing process in Galway to streamline catheter shaft production, aiming for faster, more consistent manufacturing. Local Housing Delivery (Waterford/Kilkenny): A Minister of State has officially opened two new housing developments—Abbeymount (16 homes) in Ferrybank and Churchview (25 homes) in Kilmacow—backed by local authorities and state funding. Energy & Deals: DCC Energy’s £5.75bn takeover by KKR-led buyers is formally backed, adding fuel to the broader Irish/UK conversation on foreign acquisition appetite. Agriculture & Succession: Teagasc highlights farm succession as an urgent, sensitive issue for Ireland’s ageing farming population, urging earlier planning and family discussions. Sports & Community: Mayo’s historic All-Ireland win sparked massive homecoming scenes in Castlebar, with Andy Moran telling supporters “they won’t laugh at us anymore.”

AI & Jobs: OpenAI will open an EU HQ in Dublin Docklands, leasing the Tropical Fruit Warehouse, and plans to create 250 jobs over two years across engineering, legal, privacy and more. Energy & Investment: DCC Energy, Dublin-headquartered, has agreed a £5.75bn takeover by KKR and Energy Capital Partners, with deal terms including a potential add-on for its Nexora unit. Retail & Consumer Costs: Irish grocery inflation eased to 4.16% in the 12 weeks to July 12, with branded and premium ranges growing faster as shoppers trade up. Agriculture Policy: An Irish MEP says proposed CAP budget cuts won’t deliver generational renewal or gender equality, warning against shrinking support. Renewables Auction: RESS 6 will split onshore wind and solar pots and add EU NZIA non-price criteria, with qualification running late July into August. Water Infrastructure: Uisce Éireann keeps water conservation orders in place in Cork through August 26, citing faster use than treatment and reservoir recovery needs. Legal Services: Solicitors allege barristers face “blacklisting” threats amid a dispute over criminal legal aid reforms. M&A Watch: Irish M&A deal values hit €33.2bn in H1 2026, led by a small number of very large transactions. Climate & Farming Transition: A Just Transition Commission report urges clearer long-term policy and funding for farmers shifting to climate neutrality.

All-Ireland Football: Mayo ended 75 years of hurt by beating Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 in a Croke Park final that swung on ferocious Mayo pressure, crucial turnover scores, and a late surge that Kerry couldn’t finish. Sports Business & Local Economy: The win caps a week of major Irish sporting activity, including record youth football turnout in the north west that boosted tourism, hospitality and retail. Retail Restructuring: Claire’s has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators via Interpath, putting 2,100+ jobs at risk across 278 UK stores and 28 Irish locations, while trading continues during the rescue process. Agri & Fertiliser Costs: France is set to open applications next week for a €147m fertiliser aid package, adding pressure on Irish policy makers as Ireland’s own EU crisis-fund allocation and co-financing details remain under scrutiny. Energy & Industry: Limerick recorded 1,084 residential buildings under construction as of June 2026, with vacancy rates low—another sign of demand outpacing supply. Tech & AI Policy: The Irish Writers’ Union is backing claims tied to Anthropic’s $1.5bn settlement over training on pirated books, raising the stakes for European copyright enforcement against AI firms. Public Safety Online: Gardaí have referred minors linked to an “obsessed with violence” online network to Tusla after an EU-wide Europol operation targeting extremist content. Budget 2027: Tánaiste Simon Harris says Budget 2027 will include €1.5bn in tax initiatives aimed at cutting income tax for working people.

Aviation & Cost Pressure: Ryanair warned soaring jet-fuel costs could force some rival airlines out of the market by December, as operating costs rise and capacity is expected to come out this winter. Energy & Policy: Eurostat says renewables hit 26.2% of EU energy use in 2025, but Ireland sits at the low end (17.2%), underlining pressure on the State to meet targets. Renewables & Infrastructure: A Mayo-focused debate on whether Ireland can afford to miss renewable generation goals is tied to grid constraints and the cost of buying “statistical allocations” instead of building at home. Agriculture & Farm Viability: A farmer ambassador says new policies must reward farmers for unpaid work and rising input costs, while strengthening family farms and making farming a viable career for young people. Water & Compliance: Teagasc highlights that 43% of inspected farms were non-compliant on water protection rules, with fixes often achievable through better yard and field management. Transport & Local Spending: Cavan County Council says €50,000 earmarked for an Active Travel footpath was diverted, sparking councillor questions over timelines and road safety hazards. Workforce & Skills: Over 1,300 work permits were issued for the agri-sector in the first half of 2026, pointing to ongoing labour demand. Air Travel Milestone: Aer Lingus pilots made history as a mother and daughter operated a Dublin–Frankfurt flight together.

Critical Infrastructure Push: Ireland is set to fast-track nine major projects, including Dublin’s MetroLink and the Galway ring road, after they were designated “critical” under new legislation that speeds approvals and can bypass some environmental rules. Energy Grid Tensions: In Cavan, a councillor says landowners report Eirgrid is using entrances without the right permissions for the North-South interconnector, warning the issue could become “very serious” as site work ramps up. Housing Pipeline: A developer has lodged an amendment application for a €55m Fort View scheme near Cavan Town, shifting some duplex units from one-bed to larger two-bed, four-person apartments to align with updated design standards. Industrial Relations: SIPTU members at St Joseph’s dementia care centre in Shankill have agreed to postpone a planned 72-hour strike after an invitation to talks at the Workplace Relations Commission, with Wednesday action still possible if talks stall. Consumer Safety: The CCPC has issued urgent guidance to Irish air fryer users after finding many are operating them incorrectly, raising overheating and fire risks. Renewables Snapshot: Eurostat reports renewables supplied 26.2% of EU gross final energy use in 2025, while Ireland sits at 17.2%, one of the lowest shares in the bloc.

Irish Language & Media: Work is underway in Belfast’s Castle Street to build a 6,000 sq ft TG4 Fleadh marquee, with an entertainments licence approved for live TV coverage from Aug 6-9 and performances largely inside the marquee. Road Safety Push: Sligo councillor Marie Casserly says Ireland’s road deaths are rising again since 2021 and wants road safety treated as a national emergency, warning that e-scooter focus must not dilute the bigger problem. Pharmacy Reform: New laws will let pharmacists prescribe and renew contraception after an initial GP visit, with rollout expected before end-2026 once training, protocols and IT updates are in place. Financial Literacy: Ireland appoints its first financial literacy ambassadors as part of an EU-wide push to give citizens trusted, accessible guidance on money matters. Industrial & Trade Tensions: Aughinish Alumina’s confidential government review says sales into Europe have “markedly” declined amid concerns over Russian ownership, while the report’s publication is contested over claims of confidential and security-sensitive material. Agriculture & Farm Costs: The IFA kicks off its pre-Budget ’27 campaign in Dublin, urging protection of farm schemes, cost supports, and extension of key tax reliefs. Energy & Infrastructure: Permission for more offshore windfarms is expected in the short term, according to the minister.

Aughinish Alumina Probe: Taoiseach Micheál Martin says Ireland has found no evidence Aughinish Alumina exports are being used for Russian weapons manufacturing, after a review shared with Ukraine’s president in Kyiv; the inquiry also couldn’t definitively rule out the risk, keeping pressure on the Government and the EU. Rail Capacity Boost: Iarnród Éireann has started FourNorth to expand the busiest Dublin Connolly–Malahide corridor from two tracks to four, aiming to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability for DART and freight. DART+ Disruption: A new DART+ carriage was damaged by graffiti during testing in Drogheda; Irish Rail says it was reported to Gardaí and the unit was cleaned and returned to the testing schedule. Offshore Wind Pipeline: Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien expects further offshore wind farm decisions “in the short term” to help Ireland hit 80% renewables by 2030. Farm Safety & Compliance: Teagasc and the EPA outline what farmers should prepare for water quality inspections, including slurry storage, silage effluent, rainwater management and potential discharges. Road Safety Accountability: A roadworks company apologised in court to a Donegal woman after a crash killed her husband and two children in 2020, with the firm admitting safety breaches. E-scooter Injury Warning: Cork doctors report a sustained rise in serious e-scooter injuries in under-16s despite the ban, urging helmet use and safer riding. Energy Support Dispute: ICMSA says the Fuel Income Support Scheme “failed to recognise” heavier March–July diesel use, calling for a review of how payments are calculated. Agribusiness Climate Fight: A new EU livestock strategy is being criticised as “lipstick on a pig,” after earlier emissions plans threatened farmers with destocking. Rural Youth Spotlight: Macra launches its 60th National Autumn Rally in Limerick, backed by Kinisla, with farm visits and competitions for young people.

Prison Infrastructure: Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has signed the contract for a major expansion of Cloverhill Prison, with capacity set to rise from 433 to more than 700. The 22-month project, awarded to JJ Rhatigan & Co, will add a four-storey extension to Block D with 143 new cells for up to 270 prisoners, as part of a wider programme to tackle overcrowding. Transport & Local Business: Roadworks at Parkmore Junction on the N83 near Galway Racecourse will be cleared ahead of Race Week after councillors raised safety concerns following multiple collisions, including issues for HGVs turning left. Housing & Construction Pipeline: GeoDirectory figures show 1,067 residential buildings under construction in Laois as of Q2 2026, with 618 new address points added over the year and vacancy at 2.7% (below the national 3.7%). Industry & Trade Compliance: Enterprise Minister Peter Burke says an independent review into Aughinish Alumina found “no adverse findings” linking alumina exports to Russia’s weapons industry, but noted a lack of verifiable internal trade data since Ukraine’s invasion. Sustainability & Packaging: Footprint has acquired Transcend Packaging’s PE-free hot and cold cup and lid solution, using a mineral-based coating aimed at home-compostable and recyclable performance across Europe. Aquaculture Tech Investment: Hatch Blue has invested USD 2m in Nernst Electric, a Bray startup developing on-site oxygen generation for fish farms to cut reliance on trucked liquid oxygen.

Aviation Jobs Boost: Ryanair has announced a €50m investment in Shannon Airport, including a new four-bay MRO hangar and an Engineering Academy, targeting 400 highly skilled roles. Ukraine Aid & Energy Resilience: Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Kyiv confirmed Ireland’s €125m package for Ukraine—€100m for priority non-lethal military equipment and €25m to restore and protect critical energy infrastructure ahead of winter—on top of earlier Irish support. Reconstruction Business Links: Martin and Ukraine PM Serhiy Koretsky discussed pulling Irish firms into Ukraine’s rebuild, with EU sanctions also green-lit for a 21st package aimed at limiting Russia’s war financing. Trade & Supply Chains: Zelensky warned Russia is escalating attacks to choke Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor, with major shipping suspensions raising food-security concerns. Climate Tech Push: NovaUCD and PTSB launched an “Energy Futures Accelerator Programme” to back early-stage Irish climate and renewable start-ups, alongside a new €250m impact lending fund. Agriculture & Women in Farming: Teagasc set a national conference, “Growing Voices, Women in Farming,” for 15 October in Tullamore to support women across every stage of farm life. Mental Health Accountability: A Cork family is calling for change after a High Court settlement over a husband’s suicide following admission to CUH’s acute mental health unit. Fuel Price Warning: Fuels for Ireland warned fuel costs could rise again as Middle East and Ukraine conflict pressures refined fuel markets. Local Industry Deal: Slattery’s Garage Nenagh has been appointed a Citroën dealer partner, with a new showroom due to open in early August.

EU Sanctions Push: Ireland’s EU presidency backed the 21st Russia sanctions package, adding 32 Russian banks to the transaction ban list and targeting revenue streams, the shadow fleet and supply chains. Energy & Grid Flexibility: ENGIE brought two 50MW/100MWh battery storage projects in Scotland into full commercial operation, underlining the push for flexible low-carbon infrastructure. Farm Cashflow: Payments under Ireland’s Fuel Income Support Scheme are now flowing to farmers and contractors, with €20.7m nationally and totals expected to reach about €27m. Farm Safety & Health: Teagasc says farmers’ health issues can raise farm injury risk, linking stress, sleep problems and cardiovascular factors to safety outcomes. Agriculture Policy: An Oireachtas committee chair says the next CAP should do more on succession and bring more women into farming. Telecom Security: A new IIEA report warns of a deteriorating security environment for Ireland’s telecoms, including subsea cables and data centres. Banking Watch: Bankinter beat forecasts with a 16% Q2 net profit rise, with lending income and fees supporting results. Payments Trend: ECB data shows euro area non-cash payments rising, while Cyprus leads on digital and instant payments. Irish Media/Drama: RTÉ confirmed a second season of The Walsh Sisters, starring Cork actress Máiréad Tyers. Logistics Automation: DPD Ireland is rolling out automated conveyor operations able to sort 10,000 parcels an hour. Cyber Risk: Stadler says it received an extortion demand after a supplier-linked breach, while it insists no ransom will be paid. Energy Company Update: Bord Gáis Energy reported marginally higher H1 EBITDA of €50m and highlighted ongoing investment in flexible generation and solar.

Housing & Planning: Louth County Council has approved a 1,025-home development near the Dún Dealgan national monument in Dundalk, with 51 conditions including a reduced apartment block height and a protected 50m buffer around recorded monuments. Budget & Tax: The Government’s Summer Economic Statement 2026 sets out an €8.5bn Budget 2027 package, with €7bn in spending and €1.5bn in new tax measures, alongside updated expenditure ceilings. Agriculture & Rural Support: Fuel Income Support Scheme payments have started, with €20.7m due to 29,464 farmers and contractors; separate Teagasc-backed “From Farm to Fork” organic lamb finishing events are scheduled in Mayo, Kerry and Carlow. Dairy Knowledge Transfer: Tirlán has named eight dairy “FarmElevate” lighthouse farms for a five-year peer-learning programme with Teagasc, targeting productivity, profitability and sustainability. Energy & Water: Uisce Éireann has extended nationwide hosepipe and water conservation orders as supplies remain under pressure. Public Sector Watch: DCU President Daire Keogh has been overpaid by €18,900 over four years due to an administrative calculation error, with repayment planned by 31 July. Media & Jobs: NUJ warns Reach is cutting jobs further after mid-year results, citing digital revenue pressure and ongoing restructuring. Irish Culture on Screen: RTÉ has confirmed a second season of The Walsh Sisters after an “excellent” first run.

Water Crisis Response: Uisce Éireann is extending Ireland’s water conservation order nationwide from 00:01 Friday July 24 to Aug 26, with a hosepipe ban aimed at protecting supplies amid hot weather and low rainfall; restrictions also hit specific public water schemes in counties including Cavan, Laois, Cork, and Mayo. Food Manufacturing: Greencore, a key Irish food supplier, upgraded FY26 adjusted operating profit guidance to above market expectations (range £234m–£242m) after strong Q3 volume growth and product launches. Agrifood Policy: A government-commissioned report recommends an income supplement and retirement inducements for fishers to cushion quota volatility, alongside support for fishery representative bodies. Farm Safety Push: Teagasc will host a major EU conference in Dublin (Nov 3–5) focused on making farming safer and more attractive, with working conditions and wellbeing at the centre. Local Business & Democracy: Local publishers are urging TDs and Senators for more State advertising support and stronger rules to make big tech pay for local news used in AI and search. Housing Pipeline: GeoDirectory data shows residential building activity rising sharply in June, with Dublin and Cork leading new construction addresses.

Irish Industry & Energy: Activ8 Solar Energies has started work on what it says will be Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation for Mannok in Ballyconnell, a 6MW project delivered via a PPA with SSE Airtricity, expected to cut about 792 tonnes of CO₂ a year. Waste & Local Services: The Government has opposed a bill aimed at overhauling Dublin’s bin-collection model, arguing it could affect costs and street cleanliness, while Labour’s Marie Sherlock pushes for more council control and investment in new systems. Farm Safety & Skills: Teagasc will host a major EU conference in Dublin this November on making farming safer and more attractive, with 23 farm deaths recorded last year and a focus on wellbeing and attracting younger workers. Food Security: A UN report warns the Iran war could add nearly 19 million people to chronic hunger by 2030, driven by impacts on energy and fertiliser. Retail Crime: New figures put Galway at the top for shop thefts in Ireland over the period measured, with retail crime estimated to cost Irish businesses €1.62bn annually. Public Sector Pay: Fórsa Youth held a Trinity housing conference and warned of escalating action as public service talks lag cost-of-living pressures.