NEWS


Ibec: Stability and building economic capacity are key to growth


Ibec has published its new Economic Outlook, forecasting GDP growth of 1.7% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026. The report highlights that the


Irish economy is experiencing a  years of remarkable expansion. The outlook notes that this is not  the turbulence faced by some of Ireland’s largest trading partners and our recent economic success. Ahead of the 34th Dáil, the


report highlights that the main barrier to continued economic


success will be our own ability to create the capacity to grow. 


McCoy said: “Ireland has experienced a period of rapid growth. Employment by the end of 2025 will be almost 500,000 higher than it was in 2019. Growth is showing signs of moderating domestically. This is to be expected  challenging global outlook. “We expect domestic demand


to grow by 3.4% in 2025 and 3% in 2026 and employment growth to


  


   to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which is considering the ban jointly proposed by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. 


 


applicable, such as to the USA or Singapore,” it said. Intel Ireland, a major part of Intel’s global IT operations, said the ability to


continue operating in the EU “would simply not be possible”.  substances (PFAS), a collection of thousands of man-made chemicals added to  processes. 


 other common items.    


Skillnet Ireland CEO Paul Healy to step down


    


 the past nine years has been immense, leading the implementation of two ambitious Statements of Strategy. 


bodies, sectors and directly with companies, more than doubling the number of enterprises that engaged with Skillnet Ireland programmes, during his tenure, ensuring the agency is in an exceptionally strong position going forward.” Mr McGinty added: “Through Paul’s leadership, Skillnet Ireland is now     Skillnet Ireland has commenced the recruitment process to select and 


8 December/January 2025 Irish Manufacturing www.irish-manufacturing.com


slow from 3.1% last year towards 2% in the coming years.” Mr McCoy said that amongst


Ireland’s major trading partners, Europe is struggling to readjust its business model to new realities in trade and energy costs. “We expect European growth will again struggle to breach the 1% mark in 2025,” Mr McCoy said. “Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how the new US administration will prioritise between competing domestic and trade policy goals. “The strength of the dollar may


help mediate the impact of any trade policies on Ireland. Whilst it is critical that Ireland maintains its long-standing reputation for long-term stability on tax and the 


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