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RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Concern over future of planned €300m Wicklow film studio
Concerns have been raised about the future of a €300m film studio planned for Greystones in Co Wicklow because three years after the project was launched, there has been no sign of progress. Locals say there's a lack of information about what's happening to the site, and expressed concern about the €24m of taxpayers money committed to the project. They say if the media campus, which was expected to create 1,500 jobs, is no longer viable, the land should be used for other business purposes. Plans for state of the art studio and production facilities on the 44 acre site were unveiled to much fanfare in 2022, promising to build Ireland's largest tv and film campus, which was to have begun operating in 2024. A consortium called Hackman Capital Partners took a lease on IDA land for the Greystones Media Campus for 999 years at just under €600 a year Louise Gaskin, Chair of the East Wicklow Business Network, says her members are concerned about the lack of progress on the site and the "void" of information about the project. "It would bring a lot of community employment and it would bring for businesses locally, huge economic development. "Lying idle, it's becoming an ugly site, overgrown, just lying there doing nothing. "First of all we were being told it was about the actors strike going on. Then we were told it's commercially sensitive. Then we're getting blanks. "No one's coming back with information. So who has the information? Someone has to know something." Ms Gaskin said that - if there are questions about the viability of the project - she would like to see the lease agreement revoked and the land put to other business use. Since the launch of the Greystones Media Campus three years ago, planning permission has also been granted for a large media campus in South Dublin called Dublin Fields. However, those in the industry say that the facilities at Greystones are still badly needed. Larry Bass, Founder and CEO of ShinAwil Productions, says the lack of studio space in Ireland meant that his company had to build a new studio to film Dancing With the Stars when it returned after Covid-19 lockdowns. He said that, despite global uncertainty and the threat by Donald Trump of tariffs on the industry, Ireland's film industry personnel remain in demand, but the lack of studio space is a barrier to attracting productions here "Apple, Amazon, Netflix, the BBC, the big American networks, these studios will all still, thankfully, be creating new shows. "We're an English language country, we've got a fantastic crew base. "It has evolved from, maybe five or six thousand people working in the industry 20 years ago to over thirty thousand people, highly skilled, highly sought after. "All we need is the raw material, the place, to build. And you know, this has never been a truer statement. If you build it, watch them come." The Department of Finance said that while investment is likely to be on a phased basis, it can't say how much of the €24m committed to the Greystones Media Campus has been spent to date. It also says that the current Minister has not had any engagement on the project from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund or the consortium behind it, Hackman Capital Partners. A spokesman for the consortium said that they will make a statement on the project in the coming months.
Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Pearl Snap Shirts: 5 Can't-Miss Looks for Everyday Casual Wear
Pearl Snap Shirts: 5 Can't-Miss Looks for Everyday Casual Wear Why Pearl Snap Shirts Are Making a Comeback From the Ranch to the Runway These snaps have busted broncs and bar fights with equal grit. These days you'll find 'em on baristas slinging lattes, guitar players tuning up backstage, even art snobs sipping chardonnay. Funny how shirts made to withstand barbed wire end up looking this damn sharp in civilization. Function Meets Fashion Pearl snaps earned their scars on barbed wire and broncos before becoming your favorite shirt. Born to handle the rugged wear of ranch life, they also happen to look damn good while doing it. Those iconic snaps? Practical. The pointed yokes? All-American detail. That sturdy fabric? Ready for whatever your Saturday throws at you—ranch chores or bar stools. The Anatomy of a Pearl Snap Shirt What Sets It Apart It's more than just a button-up. Pearl snap shirts typically feature: Decorative front and back yokes Snap buttons (instead of traditional buttons) Two front chest pockets Reinforced stitching They're structured without feeling stiff—and that's where the charm lies. Fabric Guide: Built for Your Life Chambray : Think denim's breezy cousin – tough enough for job sites but soft for all-day wear. Spring's best friend. : Think denim's breezy cousin – tough enough for job sites but soft for all-day wear. Spring's best friend. Canvas: The blue-collar MVP. Thick enough to shrug off wood chips and bonfire sparks, yet ages like your favorite leather jacket. The blue-collar MVP. Thick enough to shrug off wood chips and bonfire sparks, yet ages like your favorite leather jacket. Linen: Summer's secret weapon. Wrinkles tell the story of your day while keeping you cooler than polyester pretenders. Summer's secret weapon. Wrinkles tell the story of your day while keeping you cooler than polyester pretenders. Flannel-Lined: When frost bites, these snap-ups laugh. Plaid on the inside, smooth operator outside – winter's two-faced charmer. How to Choose the Right Pearl Snap Shirt for You The Goldilocks Fit You want shoulders that sit right like they were measured for you, enough chest room to actually breathe, and just enough taper to show you're not wearing a feed sack. Too tight and you'll split seams reaching for a beer. Too boxy and you'll look like you stole dad's shirt. The sweet spot? Fits like it's worked beside you—shoulders locked in, arms free to swing. Color and Pattern Options Solid Colors : Easy to match, timeless. : Easy to match, timeless. Plaids & Checks : A little bolder, great for layering. : A little bolder, great for layering. Faded Washes: Instant vintage appeal. American Made Shirts: Quality You Can Feel American-made shirts? They're not just a flag-waving statement—they're a bet on quality. Take Richter Goods: U.S. workshops, fabrics that age like whiskey, and stitches that laugh at time. These shirts bury fast fashion in their dust. Pearl Snap Shirts: Dressing Like You Mean It The Ranch Hand Special Grab your most broken-in pearl snap, pair it with jeans that have actual dirt on them, and boots that've seen more miles than your truck. Top it with a sweat-stained cowboy hat if you're feeling nostalgic. City Slicker Version Swap the boots for crisp white sneakers, trade the denim for khakis that actually fit, and lose the hat unless you want tourists asking for photos. Roll those sleeves like you've got work to do. Beachcomber Mode Linen pearl snap + shorts that actually cover your thighs + loafers that've walked barefoot before. Saltwater wrinkles included at no extra charge. Layer Like You Know Things Over your favorite band tee for that 'I didn't try but still look cool' vibe Under that bomber jacket that's seen more bar fights than parades Between your flannel and your ego when autumn hits Warm Weather Looks with Pearl Snaps Open Shirt with a White Tee This look never fails. It's clean, crisp, and cool. Opt for a chambray or linen pearl snap shirt, wear it open over a white crew neck tee, and you're good to go. Shorts and Canvas Slip-Ons Keep it easy. A tucked pearl snap shirt with chino shorts and canvas slip-ons makes for an unbeatable summer barbecue outfit. Camp Collar Shirts for a Summer Feel Camp collars breathe easy—perfect match for pearl snaps' tough-guy bones. Find ones with collars that roll like waves and fabric light enough for salt air. It's got vacation written all over it. Cold Weather Looks with Pearl Snap Flair Layer Under a Bomber or Leather Jacket This combo adds some edge. Toss a plaid pearl snap under your bomber jacket—suddenly your 'just running errands' look has bar-ready swagger without trying too hard. Flannel-Lined Canvas Shirts for Fall Swagger If the temperature's dipping, grab a flannel-lined canvas shirt. Warm, masculine, and made for sipping bourbon by a fire pit. Add jeans and boots and you're untouchable. Accessories That Complement the Look Watches, Hats, and Western Belts Leather strap watches : Simple and classic. : Simple and classic. Trucker caps or fedoras : Adds personality. : Adds personality. Western-style belts: If you're leaning into the western aesthetic, a detailed belt goes a long way. Keep It Natural: Leather and Earth Tones Work Best Avoid anything too flashy. Pearl snap shirts already have character—your accessories should complement, not compete. Dos and Don'ts of Styling Pearl Snap Shirts Don't Overdo the Cowboy Save the full cowboy costume for the rodeo. In real life? Pick one Western touch—boots or hat or bolo—then pair it with jeans and a tee that's seen actual laundry. Do Keep It Balanced and Effortless Roll the sleeves. Half-tuck the shirt. Mix it with streetwear. Make it yours. That's the secret sauce. Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own Here's the truth about pearl snaps—they're not some cowboy museum piece. These shirts belong as much on city pavement as they do on ranch dirt. Timeless? Sure. But outdated? Hell no. That's the magic of getting it right. Stylish without being fussy. And most importantly—it's you. So, grab one, throw it on, and get out there. You've got style to show off and places to be. FAQs Can you tuck in a pearl snap shirt and still keep it casual? Absolutely. Tuck just the front, let the back ride free. Use a belt that's actually worked before. Are pearl snap shirts good for layering? Yes! They work perfectly over tees or under jackets—great all-season layering piece. What shoes go best with western shirts for men? Match your kicks to the mission: ropers for ranch work, Chucks for bar hops, or clean white sneakers when you're playing civilian. How do you wear linen pearl snap shirts in cooler months? Toss it under your denim jacket, bomber, or that canvas coat that's seen every storm since '09. The texture contrast is perfect for fall. Is it okay to mix western shirts with modern streetwear? 100%. That's the new frontier. Western meets urban equals fashion gold. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
British shoppers spending more on beef, but buying less
Spend on beef products increased by 5pc between late February and mid-May compared to the same period last year, due to a combination of a 2.4pc decrease in volumes purchased as well as a 7.7pc increase in average prices paid, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), citing Kantar data. Total primary beef volumes sold to British consumers by supermarkets decreased by 2.5pc in this period. Mince saw a 1.8pc decrease in volumes purchased (-607 tonnes) due to a decrease in shoppers and volume purchased per trip. Diced beef saw volume decreases this period (-4.2pc) due to a decrease in buyers and a decrease in frequency of purchase. Steak also saw a 4pc decrease in volumes due to declines in volumes purchased per trip and number of buyers. Beef roasting volumes saw a moderate increase (+0.4pc). While there is a decrease in frequency of purchase, this was offset by an increase in volume purchased per trip, likely influenced by Easter falling within this period. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume Processed beef saw a 1.2pc increase in volumes purchased year on year. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume. Total added-value products all saw an 8.4pc decrease in volumes purchased this period, driven by the performances of marinades, sous vide and ready-to-cook beef. Marinades saw a 5.1pc volume decrease due to decreases in frequency of purchase and shopper numbers. Ready-to-cook beef volumes declined 2.6pc year on year due to a decrease in shoppers. Meanwhile, the AHDB has also reported that the total British cattle population at April 1 has contracted again to 7.54 million head, down 1.7pc on the previous year. A key driver of this decline was contraction in the beef breeding herd, down 3.4pc from the same time last year. The dairy breeding herd has remained more constant, down by only 0.2 pc from last April. The cattle population available for beef production aged 12-30 months was recorded to be down by 52,000 head (-3pc) compared to April last year, with the biggest reduction being seen in the 18-24 month age group. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The AHDB said this indicates continued beef supply tightness moving forward, potentially lending support to prices over the next six to 12 months. However, the number of cattle for beef production recorded aged zero to six months has increased by almost 8,000 head compared to April last year, with year-on-year increases in beef animals of both sexes. Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months 'Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months, supporting this increase,' AHDB analyst Grace Bolton said. However, she said, from the most recent data, it appears that, in the short term, falling GB cattle populations are here to stay, especially influencing the beef supply chain. 'However, the recent record high beef prices may be beginning to support the production decisions of farmers, leading to annual growth in the zero-to-six-month population of cattle available for beef as of April 1. 'The composition of the GB beef herd is also continuing to shift, with breed types changing and dairy beef becoming ever more prevalent as dairy bull numbers continue to fall,' she said.
Euronews
09-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Warner Bros. Discovery to split, dividing TV and streaming services
Media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Monday that it would split into two public companies by next year, carving off its TV network operations from its streaming service. The move to spin off one company devoted to streaming and a second devoted to traditional television comes as the company struggles with a decline in overall business. The organisation said the new Streaming & Studios group would include Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO and HBO Max as well as their film and television libraries. The Global Networks company will include CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery+ and other digital products. Shares in the company jumped more than 9% ahead of the market opening. Current Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav will continue as the head of Streaming & Studios, while the company's chief financial officer Gunnar Wiedenfels will become CEO of Global Networks. Both executives will continue in their current positions until the company separates. 'By operating as two distinct and optimised companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today's evolving media landscape,' Zaslav said in a statement. The US media giant said the split would unlock value for shareholders and create opportunities for both businesses. The split still needs final approval from the company's board but is expected to be completed by the middle of next year. Warner Bros. Discovery was created only three years ago after a merger between Warner Media and Discovery. The main street without many people, alleys that are not crowded with visitors; these are uncommon sights during the summer months in Santorini's capital, Fira. For the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic, Santorini, one of the most popular Greek islands, is experiencing a decline in tourist traffic. Earthquake activity on the island earlier this year deterred many international visitors from choosing it for their summer holidays. In recent weeks, arrivals have been increasing, but the numbers are far short of the highs of previous years. "In Santorini, available airline seats are down 26% from the beginning of the year to date. But the indications we have in terms of supply of seats are down in the range of 7%-8% for the summer, so we expect a result with losses of 10%-15%," said president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Yannis Paraschis. The president of the Santorini hoteliers, Antonis Pagoni, told Euronews he estimates a further fall in tourist traffic and warned that the effects will spread throughout the entire Greek economy. "The president of SETE talked about airport arrivals," he added, "but I will unfortunately say that overall arrivals will be down about 20%-25%. Right now we are moving at -25% to -30%. It's a huge reduction in a destination like Santorini that attracts more than 3 million visitors. You know, it's 10% of Greek tourism. We are not sure if Greece can afford to lose that revenue." The island's hoteliers are offering discounts on room rates to attract last-minute tourists. Almost every day three cruise ships stop in Santorini and thousands of visitors get off to admire the island's sights. The cruise tax, which will finally start to be collected from July, is not expected to affect this year's cruise ship arrivals. At the same time, the cost of living crisis affecting many parts of the world is also leaving its mark on Santorini. This year, visitors are more restrained in their spending and this can be seen not only in hotel bookings but also in the alleys of the Greek islands. According to shop owners, tourists this year are spending significantly less than in previous years, not only on dining but also on buying souvenirs.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Japan will spend $6.3 billion to shield its economy from Trump's tariffs
Japan has joined a growing list of nations, including Spain and Canada, that are assembling aid plans to help blunt the domestic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. On Tuesday, Japan approved a $6.3 billion spending package to 'fully support' businesses and households adversely affected by the tariffs, Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a briefing. The funds will bolster the finances of small and medium-sized businesses and subsidize household energy costs, he said. The measures underscore the precarious position the Japanese government is in ahead of an upper house election likely to take place in July. On top of managing an expected economic slowdown caused by U.S. levies, officials are dealing with public anger over higher consumer prices and growing pressure to reduce Japan's ballooning government debt. Trump has paused a so-called reciprocal tariff of 24% on Japanese goods until early July. But the country's automotive sector, the backbone of the economy, is already reeling from a 25% U.S. tariff on finished automobiles and car parts. Earlier this month, Toyota Motor, Japan's largest company, projected a $1.3 billion hit to its profits for April and May alone because of the tariffs. Honda Motor and Nissan Motor have similarly forecast sharp declines in their earnings. Nissan is considering closing two plants in Japan as part of its restructuring efforts. The automaker is also planning to shift some production from Japan to the United States to skirt the tariffs. The broader concern is that the auto levies will threaten jobs and profits at major automakers and across a dense network of smaller companies that supply parts. Economists have estimated that the higher auto tariffs alone could significantly curtail Japan's economy this year. Factoring in the wider disruptions caused by global trade tensions, officials have warned that overall growth could be more than halved. The ruling party's stimulus package lands as Japan is grappling with debt, which ranks among the heaviest among advanced economies. In recent months, Japan's prime minister has characterized both the nation's burgeoning debt and U.S. tariffs as reaching crisis levels. Before Japan, a number of countries have assembled funds to help their economies cope with escalating tariffs. Spain unveiled a $15 billion tariff-aid package last month. Canada has also earmarked billions of dollars to help its workers and businesses weather turbulent trade with the United States. Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met in Washington last week with his counterparts in the Trump administration. The talks have moved slowly, bogging down at least in part because Trump officials have signaled that Japan's primary demand -- an exemption from the auto tariffs -- is not up for negotiation. While Japan has yet to secure concessions, Akazawa expressed optimism that an agreement could be ironed out during a Japan-U.S. meeting in mid-June, set to be held on the sidelines of a Group of 7 summit meeting in Canada. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Copyright 2025
