Mark Hilliard

4 days ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

Europe’s benchmark stock index ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors ceded ground under the dual pressure of softening economic indicators and persistent global trade anxieties. The Iseq All Share Index gained 0.17 per cent to close at 11,449.31. The Dalata Hotel Group rallied, closing 5.56 per cent firmer on €6.08, after it emerged on Tuesday it had rejected a €1.3 billion bid from Sweden’s Pandox.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

Irish bookings to the US are strong into 2026, according to the industry, following a brief collapse in travel across Europe widely attributed to political tensions and concerns over border controls. “We did see a fall-off in bookings initially for the States [earlier in the year], but that has come back again,” said Ray Scully, managing director of American Holidays. Airlines reacted to softening demand with price discounts, while the exchange rate has also improved.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

Limerick Mayor John Moran has sought the Government’s blessing to introduce a hotel tax or levy in line with fundraising abilities of other European cities with directly elected mayors. Mr Moran, who assumed the unprecedented office last June, has argued for the move even when other local authorities may not pursue a similar financial mechanism. The concept of a hotel or tourism levy – typically explained as a modest tax paid by visitors to support local amenities – has often proven contentious.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

European markets closed higher as signals of deepening Russia sanctions from the US boosted the defence sector. Meanwhile, after a Memorial Day break, US markets were buoyant on foot of positive developments in US-European Union trade negotiations, as well as a rebound in consumer confidence. The Iseq All Shares Index closed up 0.48 per cent at 11,416.40. There were mixed results among banking with AIB up 1.05 per cent to €6.765 while Bank of Ireland was down 0.34 per cent to €11.775.

1 week ago | irishtimes.com | Mark Hilliard

US fast food chain KFC has said it plans to create 7,000 new jobs in the UK and Ireland with an investment of €1.77 billion over the next five years. Ireland-specific job numbers were not available. Much of the investment will go toward opening new restaurants as well as drive-throughs in “key locations” in Ireland and north west England where it has identified strong potential for growth. The new jobs will be created in its supply chain, accounting for €695 million of the total outlay.