
The week ahead in business: Michael Bloomberg visit to Dublin, Eurogroup candidacy and CSO population data
Also appearing will be Mary-Elizabeth McMunn, deputy governor at the Central Bank of Ireland, and Colin Hunt, the CEO of newly independent AIB, who is being tipped for a big pay rise now that the aforementioned Mr Donohoe has lifted a salary cap on the bank.
Staying with the finance minister, and next Friday is the deadline for a challenger to his position as president of the Eurogroup. So far he is the only finance minister among the 20 countries in the eurozone to announce his candidacy for what would be a third term in charge.
On Thursday we get a quarterly economic commentary from the ESRI, which may challenge the record for the most mentions of the word 'uncertainty' in a single economic document. The Central Bank managed 47 usages in its Quarterly Bulletin last week.
Statistics wise, tomorrow the CSO will have Irish population estimates from administrative data sources for 2023, and on Friday it will have an update on the number of people who have arrived from Ukraine.
Finally, most weeks feature a discussion about artificial intelligence and what it all means, and this week's is being hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs at its Dublin offices tomorrow. There's a 'keynote address' from Niamh Smyth, the junior minister at the Department of Enterprise who has special responsibility for AI.
In the subsequent panel discuss, the assistant secretary in the Department, Jean Carberry, will be among the participants.
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The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Chicken fillet rolls and Cork City: Taoiseach tries to pull the strings for more trade with Japan
Christina Finn reports from Osaka MICHEÁL MARTIN SAYS he needs to have words with European Commissioner and Fianna Fáil colleague Michael McGrath. Not to discuss anything serious to do with European affairs, but to ask why Cork City is not listed as a city at the photo station at the EU Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The Taoiseach was attending the global exhibition of cutting-edge technology and industry, taking a tour of the Ireland Pavilion and pavilions operated by the EU and UN. Sitting down in front of the camera, he was asked to choose where in Ireland he would like his photo superimposed into. He chose the option of 'cities'. 'You better have Cork,' he joked to one of the pavilion ambassadors. Christina Finn / TheJournal Christina Finn / TheJournal / TheJournal She laughed, not knowing how seriously this country leader takes his homestead. Only Dublin, she told him. 'Ah for God's sake, is that all you have, come on. I'll choose Dublin then. But I must tell Commissioner McGrath,' he said, smiling as he had his photograph taken. Sweltering heat in Osaka Expo 2025, which is expected to attract 28 million visitors over six months, was jam-packed with visitors today, despite the 33 degree sweltering heat. Christina Finn Christina Finn Ireland is one of 150 countries participating in the Expo, with the Taoiseach's visit today forming a key marking on his trip to Japan this week which the main focus has been on promoting trade links between the two countries. Advertisement The Journal / YouTube Over €16 million spent Irish participation in Expo has cost more than €16 million over the past three years, with the pavilion itself accounting for nearly €7 million. The Taoiseach defended the spend today, telling reporters that trade between Japan and Ireland is €21 billion and it is growing every year. Ireland is selling more to Japan than the Japanese is to Ireland, he said, stating 'you have to look at in that context'. Taoiseach at the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2025. Christina Finn / TheJournal Christina Finn / TheJournal / TheJournal Any links between the two countries were being gleaned on today. One Japanese staff member working at the Irish Pavilion is a 'culinary expert', the Taoiseach was told while getting his tour. The staff member laughed as he told the Taoiseach how he'd spent time in Ireland as a student and had worked in Centra making the Irish food staple 'the chicken fillet roll'. Now it's probably a fair assessment to state that it is highly unlikely the Taoiseach has had ever had a chicken fillet roll, given his notorious health diet, but he laughed along nonetheless. Irish whiskey Showcasing what Ireland has to offer, such as Irish whiskey, was also on the agenda today, with the Taoiseach taking a meeting with Clonakilty Whiskey. Martin sipped on a 'White Lady' gin cocktail that had been made up for him, regaling how there was once a nightclub after the same name in Kinsale that he used to frequent. Japan is the second largest market in Asia for Irish whiskey and the opportunities are growing. In 2020, 55,000 cases of Irish whiskey were sold to Japan, with 206,000 cases sold last year. Related Reads This Irish embassy in Japan is the state's most expensive building constructed outside Ireland Over Guinness and Enya music, Martin talks trade, undersea cables and 'Bakebake' with Japanese PM The Journal / YouTube There was also traditional Irish music played today, not only by professionals, but by the Taoiseach today who took to the harp to play what he said was an 'experimental piece'. The day was rounded out with a showing of a new 'asadora' known as a morning drama TV series, which the Japanese people watch first thing in the morning. A staple of Japan's domestic entertainment industry, they are only around 15 minutes long. A screening of the new series was shown at the Ireland Pavilion today. Christina Finn / TheJournal Christina Finn / TheJournal / TheJournal The story of Lafcadio Hearn, who came from Ireland to Japan as a journalist in 1890 and married Koizumi Setsu, is being made into a new dramatisation. 'As you may know, the National Broadcaster NHK are retelling the story of Setsu and Hearn in their popular morning drama series, 'Baké, Baké, 'The Ghost Writer's wife' later this year,' he said. The Taoiseach said he hoped the mini-series could be shown in Ireland to foster the links between the two countries. Rounding out his speech, Martin said Expo proves that by working together great things can be achieved when there is unity of purpose. 'It shows us that time differences, cultural differences, and language barriers can be overcome to create something great. What has been achieved here is truly a beacon of light in these turbulent times,' he said, before raising his glass and toasting: 'To Ireland and Japan, to Unity in diversity. Sláinte, Kampai.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Tetchy scenes between neutrality activists and politicians during Triple Lock abolition meeting
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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Limerick outshines Dublin suburbs as Ireland's top property destination
The study highlights Limerick's V94 district as the top property hotspot, boosted by a median home price of €307,500, a strong 12.84% price increase, and over 11,000 monthly Google searches, the highest nationwide. The study ranked Irish Eircode regions based on property prices, sales activity from 2023 to 2024, and online search interest, scoring each area out of 100. Limerick topped the list with a composite score of 60.23, followed closely by Malahide (K36) in second place and Bray (A98) in third. Bray saw a notable 16.85% rise in property transactions in the last year, while Sligo recorded the steepest price growth nationwide with a 29.49% surge, pushing median prices to €236,000. Other high-ranking areas included Galway, Wexford, and Kilkenny, all showing solid price growth and strong buyer interest. At the premium end, Blackrock remains Ireland's most expensive market with a median price of €720,000, though price growth there has stalled at just 0.35%. On the other hand, the study identified several rural areas struggling with declining prices and low buyer interest. Mitchelstown was named the least desirable location, suffering a 16.58% price drop and minimal online searches, alongside other towns such as Cootehill and Lifford showing similar downward trends. Paul Stewart, Managing Director at My Baggage, said: 'Our research shows how property interest is shifting across Ireland, with regional cities like Limerick experiencing substantial growth. 'The combination of reasonable prices and strong price appreciation makes many of these areas extremely attractive to buyers, both domestic and international.' He added: 'We're seeing more clients shipping household goods outside Dublin than ever before, reflecting this move towards regional centres with strong economic prospects and quality of life advantages.'