Irish Times Inside Business
Business & Finance
About
A weekly look at business and economics from an Irish perspective hosted by Irish Times Business Editor Ciarán Hancock. Produced in association with EY. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- PrepayPower are hiking their prices - will other energy suppliers soon follow suit?
This episode of Inside Business discusses PrepayPower's price increase and its potential impact on other Irish energy suppliers. It also features a conversation about artificial intelligence, examining its perceived benefits and threats.
- Inflation remains steady; and Conor Pope’s energy saving tips
On this episode of Irish Times Inside Business, Cliff Taylor discusses steady inflation figures. Conor Pope provides energy-saving tips for consumers, including small changes that can lead to substantial savings.
- Kerry Group CEO on the impact of Middle East conflict, AI and drive to keep bread fresher for longer
Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group, joins Inside Business to discuss the company's work in reducing salt and sugar, extending the freshness of bread, and the impact of the Middle East conflict and the weak dollar on their operations. Kerry…
- Has the fuel protest shown that the loudest lobby generally gets what they want?
This episode of Irish Times Inside Business discusses the recent fuel protests in Ireland and the government's response. It also features an interview with entrepreneur Ciaran Crean, co-founder of Micksgarage.com, about his business journe…
- “Back yourself”: Aimee Connolly shares her story of 10 years in business
Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee, reflects on her decade in business, discussing the company's growth, leadership strategies, expansion plans, and supply chain challenges. She also shares insights on entering the US market.
- Iran’s cyber-attacks on Irish-based companies and the ongoing impact of conflict in the Middle East
Ciarán Hancock discusses the impact of trade tariffs and cyber-attacks on Irish businesses with Aidan Meagher. Additionally, Irish Life CEO Declan Bolger outlines his views on pension schemes, the rising cost of health insurance, and the i…
- Are Government's fuel measures betting on a quick resolution to the conflict in Iran?
This episode of The Irish Times Inside Business examines the Government's €250 million fuel support package for households and businesses. Guests discuss the potential impact of these measures and whether they adequately address the ongoin…
- The difficult choices that could dramatically increase housing supply in Dublin
This episode of Inside Business examines Dublin's housing supply issues with Mark Fitzgerald and discusses an ESRI report on the challenges of meeting Ireland's 2030 climate action goals for household decarbonisation with Muireann Lynch.
- ‘Over a billion eyeballs will be on the parade’: St Patrick’s festival CEO Richard Tierney
St Patrick’s Festival CEO Richard Tierney discusses the preparations and economic impact of the event with host Ciarán Hancock. Additionally, Fiona Reddan joins the show to discuss her series on investing and the amount of money held in Ir…
- How the conflict in the Middle East is already affecting Irish consumers
Host Ciarán Hancock and guests discuss how the escalating Middle East conflict is influencing the Irish economy, specifically regarding rising fuel and home-heating oil prices. They explore whether these price increases are justified and w…
- Could Trump’s new global tariff scupper the US-EU trade deal?
This episode examines the implications of Donald Trump's new global tariffs on Irish exporters and the US-EU trade deal. Additionally, the show discusses recent CSO figures regarding the decline of remote work in Ireland.
- Could Simon Harris’s savings scheme for the ‘middle classes’ prove to be a sound investment?
Cliff Taylor discusses Simon Harris's proposed savings scheme and its potential impact on the economy. Eoghan O’Mara Walsh joins to analyze the challenges and outlook for the Irish tourism industry ahead of the upcoming season.
- David McWilliams on how social media giants are making billions from fake ads
This episode of Inside Business discusses research on revenue generated by scam ads on social media platforms and the practice of ghost bidding in the Irish property market. Guests include Hugh Dooley, David McWilliams, and estate agent Ow…
- Is it time Ireland abolished mandatory retirement?
This episode of Inside Business discusses the potential abolition of mandatory retirement in Ireland and examines the current challenges facing the German economy. Guest contributions include John Fitzgerald on retirement policy and Derek…
- With the price of an ounce now more than $5,000, why is everyone going for gold?
Host Ciarán Hancock and Cliff Taylor discuss the recent surge in gold prices and the factors driving it. Additionally, Roger Wallace and James Kelly join the podcast to discuss the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme and the state of ent…
- Old order ‘not coming back’ as Trump overshadows World Economic Forum
Host Ciarán Hancock and Eoin Burke-Kennedy discuss the World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on the impact of US foreign policy, including relations with Greenland and the EU, on the global rules-based order according to various internat…
- Trump vs the Fed: What does it mean for global trade and Ireland?
The Irish Times economics team discusses the tensions between Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve, as well as Ireland's vote against the Mercosur trade deal. The episode examines the implications of these developments for global trade and…
- Ireland’s record tax take makes light of Trump tariffs fear
In this episode, host Cliff Taylor discusses Ireland's record €106bn tax take in 2025 with economist Kevin Timoney and explores trends in Irish electric vehicle sales and road safety with motoring editor Michael McAleer.
- Another huge corporate tax take to AI’s next phase: What’s in store for 2026?
Host Ciarán Hancock and an expert panel discuss the economic and technological outlook for 2026, including Ireland's corporate tax receipts, the development of artificial intelligence, and potential international economic policies under Do…
- Trump’s tariffs, a deepening housing crisis, and more corporate tax bonanza: The big stories of 2025
A panel of experts reviews the economic and political stories of 2025, including US tariffs, the Irish housing crisis, and record corporate tax receipts. The episode examines these key issues and their implications for the Irish economy.
- Could the decision to spend most of next year’s corporation tax come back to bite the Government?
Ciarán Hancock discusses concerns regarding the Government's expenditure of corporation tax with Seamus Coffey of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. The episode also examines the potential and practicality of 50-year mortgages with Joey Sh…
- Why are apartments in Ireland so much more expensive to build than houses?
Paul Mitchell, co-author of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland report, discusses the high costs of building apartments in Ireland. He explores affordability findings and addresses why the report is viewed as a positive development…
- Will the Government’s new plan speed up the delivery of vital infrastructure projects?
This episode of Inside Business examines the Government's new Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, which aims to speed up the delivery of essential projects. The discussion also covers the upcoming 'My Future Fund' pension auto-enrolment…
- If Irish households are so rich, why does it feel like an illusion?
Host Ciarán Hancock and TUD Dublin senior lecturer Lorcan Sirr discuss the discrepancy between statistics showing high Irish household wealth and the reality of the housing crisis. The episode examines why national wealth figures may be mi…
- How AI is beginning to wreak havoc in the jobs market
This episode of Inside Business examines the impact of AI on employment, including Amazon's recent job cuts, the "doom loop" in recruitment, and fake job postings. Additionally, the podcast covers the future of the Irish stock market and a…
- Irish business grandee Gary McGann on working with Michael Smurfit, the fall of Anglo Irish and the current state of the Irish economy
Business executive Gary McGann joins host Ciarán Hancock on Inside Business to discuss his career, including his leadership roles at Smurfit, Aer Lingus, and Gilbeys. He also reflects on his time as a director at Anglo Irish Bank and share…
- Will Imagine’s big gamble double its customer base?
Host Ciarán Hancock discusses Imagine's new fibre broadband strategy with CEO Niall Tallon, who aims to double the company's customer base by 2030. They explore the business case for this investment and the firm's history.
- Tom O’Brien of Nephin Energy on the importance of gas, the potential of biomethane, and whether our energy bills will come down
Nephin Energy CEO Tom O’Brien discusses the role of the Corrib gas field, the development of biomethane plants, the future of offshore wind, and the outlook for Irish energy prices on this episode of Inside Business.
- Are plug-in hybrids just as polluting as petrol cars?
Motoring expert Neil Briscoe discusses research suggesting plug-in hybrids may be as polluting as petrol cars. Additionally, the podcast examines updated economic growth forecasts for Ireland and Ibec research on the increase in hybrid wor…
- Dublin Bus CEO on recruitment challenges, going electric, and stamping out anti-social behaviour
Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann joins Ciarán Hancock to discuss current operational challenges, including recruitment, the transition to an electric fleet, and efforts to address anti-social behaviour.
- Budget 2026: What it means for Irish households and businesses
Ciarán Hancock and a panel of experts analyze the measures included in Ireland's €9.4 billion Budget 2026. The discussion covers changes to the minimum wage, weekly welfare payments, and the absence of one-off supports like child benefit p…
- Should we put more money into Irish soccer?
League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon, host Ciarán Hancock, and journalist Gavin Cummiskey discuss the proposal for increased state funding for Irish soccer academies. The episode examines the need for investment to support academy syste…
- The NFL comes to Dublin: How it became the richest sports league in the world
Paul Holland discusses the financial growth of the NFL ahead of a regular-season game in Dublin. Additionally, Colin Gleeson analyzes the impact of new visa fees on Big Tech companies and Irish workers in Silicon Valley.
- Why has the DAA board fallen out with chief executive Kenny Jacobs?
This episode of Inside Business explores the departure of DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs following reports of a rift with the board. Additionally, Conor Pope discusses new research indicating that one in four Irish adults lack retirement financial p…
- What can we potentially look forward to in Budget 2026?
Cliff Taylor discusses the upcoming Irish budget, including potential tax changes and housing support. Additionally, Brian Carroll explores whether the Irish banks' new Zippay feature can compete with Revolut.
- Why are some independent Irish breweries turning off their taps and closing?
This episode examines the challenges facing independent Irish breweries due to rising operating costs and market competition. Additionally, the program explores the details of the EU-Mercosur trade deal and potential implications for Irela…
- Why is the delivery of vital infrastructure so slow in Ireland?
This episode explores the reasons for slow infrastructure delivery in Ireland and discusses how Lidl has evolved its business model. Guests Frances Ruane and Derek Scally join host Cliff Taylor to examine planning processes and the company…
- Why is Ireland not considered a truly rich country?
This episode explores why Ireland was excluded from The Economist's annual rich list despite perceptions of national wealth. Additionally, the program examines consumer complaints filed with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commissi…
- ‘I don’t think the Department of Finance have any respect for the tourism industry’
Host Ciarán Hancock is joined by Paul Gallagher of the Irish Hotels Federation and Sean O’Driscoll of iNua hotels to discuss the state of the Irish tourism industry, including VAT rates, the Dublin airport passenger cap, and hotel pricing.
- Influencers beware, Revenue is on the prowl
This episode of Inside Business discusses the tax obligations of social media influencers following new Revenue guidance. Additionally, host Ciarán Hancock interviews entrepreneur Luke Joyce about the growth and expansion of his online win…
- Did the EU have its hands tied before striking a trade deal with the US?
Economist John FitzGerald discusses the EU-US trade deal and the potential for a 15% tariff on European imports. He also examines Ireland's economic strategy ahead of Budget 2026, advising on infrastructure investment and fiscal policy.
- How will the updated National Development Plan shape Ireland in years to come?
This episode discusses the government's €200 billion National Development Plan and the €9.5 billion budget package. Guests analyze the spending plans and potential impacts on foreign investment in the context of US-EU trade tensions.
- David McWilliams on how ‘big incentives’ to build could save Dublin city
Economist David McWilliams discusses proposals to revitalize Dublin city centre through tax incentives. Additionally, Irish Times journalist Cliff Taylor explains US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats against the EU and potenti…
- The Juggle: the issues facing women with young children when balancing childcare and their careers
This episode of Inside Business examines the challenges Irish women face balancing childcare and careers, and discusses the implications of tax and spending policy changes in the United States. Host Ciarán Hancock is joined by guests to ex…
- How the wealthy are buying up land to avoid inheritance tax
The show examines the trend of wealthy individuals buying farmland to manage inheritance tax liabilities. Fiona Reddan of The Irish Times and Marty Murphy of IFAC Ireland discuss the implications of this practice on land prices and potenti…
- IATA Director General Willie Walsh on airline profits, air fares and why the Dublin Airport passenger cap makes Ireland a laughing stock
IATA Director General Willie Walsh discusses global airline industry trends, including profitability, air fares, and aviation sustainability. He also shares his perspectives on air traffic control efficiency, aviation growth in emerging ma…
- Bobby Healy on why Manna drone delivery could be the ‘biggest technology company in the world for its space’
Bobby Healy, founder and CEO of the Irish drone delivery company Manna, discusses his company's growth, international expansion plans, and their goal to manufacture drones domestically. He also addresses community concerns regarding drone…
- Will rent reform make building apartments viable?
Conall Mac Coille joins Cliff Taylor and Ciaran Hancock to discuss potential rent reform, the impact on property investment, and an IFAC report concerning Ireland's corporate tax receipts.
- How to manage your pension in these volatile times
Munro O’Dwyer of PwC Ireland discusses managing pensions during market volatility following the US election, while Eoin Burke-Kennedy examines why companies are retreating from net zero pledges despite Ireland missing emissions targets.
- Ford Chief Lisa Brankin on accelerating the switch to EVs
Lisa Brankin of Ford UK & Ireland discusses the switch to electric vehicles amid market challenges. Additionally, AIB Chief Economist David McNamara reviews the bank's Economic Outlook Report regarding global growth risks and the resilienc…