Mark Hilliard

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

European shares closed slightly lower on Thursday after the ECB eased borrowing rates as expected, while investors parsed corporate earnings to gauge the fallout of US President Donald Trump’s erratic trade plans. DublinThe ISEQ all share index was down 1.75 per cent at the close to 9,967.91. The pillar banks both saw declines by the close in an extension of Wednesday trade, with AIB falling 4.19 per cent to €5.485, and Bank of Ireland down 1.83 per cent to €10.17.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

A long-mooted tax on hotel guests in Dublin is to be developed by a county-wide local authority team expected to be in place by September. The regional group will lay the groundwork for legislation while also lobbying for broad political support and promoting public awareness. The prospect of a visitor levy has proved contentious in the past. The argument has been dismissed by hotels as “groundless” even though supporters have pointed to its success abroad.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

The Government is pushing Shannon Airport capacity as a viable alternative for American visitors amid growing airline concern over Dublin’s passenger cap. In a recent meeting with executives from Delta Air Lines, Department of Transport officials sought to promote Shannon as planning efforts continued to extend the capital’s annual limit past 32 million passengers. They told Delta that Shannon had available capacity and was of strategic importance to Ireland.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

High-profile corporate entities with significant sites across Ireland may have to halt production in the event of large-scale disruption to gas supply, a Government briefing document has said. “The implications of having key sectors (that are gas-intensive) essentially cease production for six months would be devastating for the economy/society,” the report noted.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

US shares joined a rally in Europe and Asia on Monday after the White House exempted smartphones and computers from its tariffs, though gains were capped and the dollar was muted. In Europe, shares closed higher in broad-based gains on Monday as risk sentiment swelled, bringing some respite after weeks of turmoil. DublinThe Iseq All Share Index closed up 3.04 per cent at 9,943.04.