NORTHERN Ireland's economy contracted by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2025 after a full year of steady growth. This downturn, revealed in the latest Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index (NICEI), marks the first economic reversal since the end of 2023. Construction output dropped by 5.1% quarter-on-quarter, while industrial production, particularly manufacturing, also … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland’s economy shrinks amid global uncertainty
Ireland launches major maritime overhaul to fuel growth
IRELAND has introduced major new maritime legislation to help the country’s offshore energy sector and fuel growth in its blue economy. The new law, which came into force on June 1, 2025, establishes a dedicated Marine Accident Investigation Unit (MAIU) and a regulatory framework for offshore service vessels (OSVs). These are Ireland’s first specific rules for OSVs, which … [Read more...] about Ireland launches major maritime overhaul to fuel growth
Ireland joins EU SAFE defence scheme
IRELAND is set to join the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme. This will speed up Ireland’s ability to acquire new defence systems like cyber and air defence technology. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to formalise the decision this week, marking a major change in Irish defence policy. The SAFE initiative, which came into force in May, … [Read more...] about Ireland joins EU SAFE defence scheme
Ireland becomes first EU nation to introduce ban on trade with Israeli settlements
IRELAND has become the first country in the EU to bring forward legislation that bans trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The law, titled the 'Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025', was approved by the Irish Cabinet and is now headed to the Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny. Tánaiste Simon Harris … [Read more...] about Ireland becomes first EU nation to introduce ban on trade with Israeli settlements
€34m HealthTech hub launches in Ireland
A NEW €34m research hub focused on chronic disease management has been launched in Ireland’s Northern and Western regions. University of Galway is leading the hub in partnership with Atlantic Technological University and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The Accelerating Research to Commercialisation (ARC) Hub for HealthTech aims to fast-track healthcare research … [Read more...] about €34m HealthTech hub launches in Ireland