Gill Stedman

Ireland

Reporter and Multimedia Journalist at RTÉ

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Articles

Average monthly saving of €91 for solar panel owners

1 week ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Almost three-quarters of solar panel owners cited cost savings as the main benefit, with an average monthly saving of €91 on energy bills. That's according to the findings of Electric Ireland's new 2025 Sustainability Index. It shows that Irish homeowners who have adopted energy-efficient technologies are reporting financial savings and improved home comfort. 60% of heat pump users highlighted enhanced home comfort as the key advantage, alongside average savings of €77 per month.
Money dysmorphia: When your mind tricks your wallet

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

You've got a steady income, a roof over your head, and maybe even some savings - but why does it never feel like enough? Welcome to the age of money dysmorphia - a mindset where your financial reality never quite matches how secure, or insecure you feel. Much like body dysmorphia distorts how people see their physical appearance, money dysmorphia warps an individual’s perception of their financial health.
New machines to help clear storm damaged forests

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Forest Industries Ireland has said more than 30 new timber harvesting machines have been brought into Ireland to speed up the harvesting of storm damaged forests. This brings the total to more than 70 harvesting machines working on wind blow sites in Ireland. In January, Storm Eowyn brought down over 26,000 hectares of forestry - more than two years' supply of wood.
Solar panels to save Emerald Park €30,000 annually

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Emerald Park expects the installation of over 290 new solar panels across its theme park will save the company over €30,000 annually in energy costs. It said savings could amount to as much as €1 million over the panels' lifespan, based on current energy prices. The panels will generate 127,504 kWh of clean energy per year, enough to power the entire park and zoo solely on solar energy for a full month.
Record €2.5bn worth of personal loans drawn down in 2024

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

A record €2.5 billion worth of personal loans were drawn down last year. These included loans for cars, home improvement works, holidays and weddings. The figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland show that loan values increased by 20% on the previous year, while volumes jumped 13%. In total, almost 230,000 loans were drawn down in 2024. 66,000 of those loans were for cars, valued at €856 million. The volume of these loans increased by over 14%, while the value jumped over 20%.
BGF makes investment in Irish accountancy firm Ecovis DCA

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

BGF, a growth capital investor in Ireland and the UK, has made an investment in Irish owned accountancy and advisory firm Ecovis DCA. The company, which has 70 employees, provides services to over 800 SME clients in Ireland. BGF takes minority equity positions in growing businesses, and aims to provide them with the capital and expertise needed to accelerate their growth plans.
Many have low understanding of credit and borrowing

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Many Irish consumers have low understanding of credit and borrowing, new research shows. Bank of Ireland's Financial Wellbeing Index reveals that consumers answered almost half of questions incorrectly in a financial literacy test. This included topics such as personal loans, overdrafts and credit cards. While over 60% knew the effect of interest on their monthly loan payments, just 19% understood how to limit the interest paid on a credit card.
40% of compliance leaders struggling with new regulations

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Almost 40% of senior compliance professionals in Ireland's financial services sector are struggling with the volume of new regulatory requirements, new research reveals. The report from the Compliance Institute reveals growing strain on the industry, with many citing EU and Central bank rules as key areas of concern.
Most consumers haven't switched main bank for 7 years

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Over 60% of Irish customers have stayed with their main bank for over seven years, new research shows. However, over 80% now engage with multiple banks - one of the highest in Europe. The study carried out by Accenture surveyed over 49,000 individuals across 39 markets, including 1,000 respondents in Ireland. The biennial Banking Consumer Study shows that in-person banking support is still important for Irish consumers.
Applegreen to open Ireland's first Taco Bell this summer

1 month ago | rte.ie | Gill Stedman

Applegreen is set to open Ireland's first Taco Bell restaurant this summer, with more to open over the next five years. It comes as the fuel and forecourt retailer signed a new partnership agreement with the US-based company. "We are really excited to announce this partnership to launch the iconic Taco Bell brand in Ireland," said Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director of Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland business.