AGP Executive Report

Budget 2027 Watch: IFAC warns Ireland’s next budget is likely to be far bigger than announced, with spending overruns “routine” and a potential hit to inflation and household costs. Finance Jobs Push: Government plans to grow international financial services employment to 70,000 by 2030, with a quarter of roles outside Dublin, and a new focus on digital assets and tokenisation. Justice & Corrections: Electronic tagging is set to begin by year-end on a 12-month pilot after a €2.1m contract was signed, aiming to ease prison pressure while keeping public safety. Agriculture & Fodder: ICSA calls for a faster, shorter-distance fodder transport scheme (20–25km) and urgent catch-crop support to tackle the fodder crisis. Environment & Land: A guide highlights UK-style corporation tax relief for contaminated or derelict land clean-up costs, flagging the need to meet strict qualifying rules. Sports & Community: Tributes follow the death of Cork hurler Jimmy Lynam at 100, while Mayo FC prepares for League of Ireland action with a new jersey and big local buzz. Public Safety Online: New warnings and enforcement focus on dangerous driving content spreading on social media.

All-Island Life Sciences Boost: Browne Jacobson has appointed Kevin Moore as commercial partner to strengthen its life sciences platform across Ireland and the UK. UNESCO Heritage Network: A new UNESCO Together initiative will link Ireland’s UNESCO sites into one cross-border network, with Dublin playing a central role. Waterford Rescue: Waterford Marine Search and Rescue helped a person and a cat after they got into difficulty in the River Suir. LGBTQ+ Awards: The GALAS 2026 has unveiled its shortlists for the Oct 3 ceremony in Dublin, with tickets now on sale and two categories open to public vote. Sovereign Credit Upgrade: Moody’s lifted Ireland’s long-term rating to Aa2, citing stronger fiscal resilience and institutional strength. Journalism Under Pressure: The NUJ backs legal action against US plans to slash visas for foreign journalists. Road Safety Crackdown: A minister urged social media firms to remove dangerous-driving content after a fatal A66 wrong-way crash. Drought Measures: Uisce Éireann extended hosepipe bans for Cork, Limerick, Waterford and 10 other counties until end of September. Wrong-Way Driving Spike: TII reports a 32% rise in wrong-way motorway incidents this year. Local Community News: Westport Library launched a Ukrainian-language book collection with 100+ titles. Health & Work: Research says hormonal health affects most women’s working lives, with many not disclosing symptoms at work.

Trump in Ireland: President Donald Trump is set to visit next month for the Irish Open at his Doonbeg course in County Clare, with reports also pointing to a major security operation and plans for a Dublin stop. EU consumer rights: New EU-wide “right to repair” rules come into force today, pushing manufacturers to offer repair options, spare parts and repair info for items like phones, tablets and household appliances. Business watchdog: Rathwood tops the CCPC complaints list for the first half of the year, with hundreds of customer complaints tied to order delays and refunds. Transport safety: New NTA research says almost half of public transport passengers in Ireland have felt unsafe at least once, with Dublin users and women reporting higher concerns. Public finance pressure: Ireland’s fuel excise cut phase-out is being paused, with government saying next steps will be agreed after a Dáil recall. Health and care: A charity trek by an Irishman with a spinal injury aims to raise €1m for spinal injury care, highlighting ongoing support needs. Road tragedy: Funerals are due this week for victims of the M9 wrong-way crash that killed five teenagers.

Housing Crisis: Three women in Mullingar say they’re stuck without permanent homes, with two sleeping in tents and one living in her car, as they warn that community help can’t replace stable accommodation. Rent Pressure: A Daft.ie study finds market rents rose 1.4% between March and June, with the pace of increases easing, though cities outside Dublin still see sharp year-on-year jumps. Student Safety: Dublin City University vice-president warns students to avoid rental scams, urging in-person checks and secure payments as demand and scams rise. Health Access: Campaigners say the HSE has again declined reimbursement for Skyclarys for Friedreich’s ataxia, despite EU approval, with a protest planned in Dublin. Justice Update: Gardaí have sent a file to the DPP over the murder of Jamey Carney in Killarney, with a suspect arrested in Jordan. Road Tragedy: A boy was seriously injured in a Galway crash as the road was closed for forensic examination. EU Energy Politics: Six EU countries, including pressure on Ireland’s EU presidency, are pushing for an EU windfall tax on oil firms amid soaring profits. Culture & Community: Tuam and Straubing mark 35 years of twinning, highlighting long-running school and community links.

Wrong-Side Driving Deaths: Twelve people have died in less than a week after cars were driven the wrong way on major roads, including a fatal A66 crash near Middlesbrough that killed two police officers and six others, following Ireland’s M9 motorway tragedy where five teenagers died. Garda Court Case: Four men appeared in Dublin court after a garda car chase linked to a burglary probe, with a Volvo S40 allegedly connected to offences across Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny. Murder Investigation in Limerick: Gardaí launched a murder inquiry after a woman in her 30s was found dead at an apartment complex on Lower Cecil Street; a post-mortem was carried out and the scene remains sealed. EU Finance Push: Six EU countries have proposed a special windfall-style tax on oil companies, to be discussed at an EU finance ministers meeting in Dublin next month. Global Irish Culture: Belfast Mela Festival opened its 20th anniversary celebrations with a major carnival parade, while Pittsburgh’s Irish Festival returns Sept 11-13 at Carrie Blast Furnaces. Sport Spotlight: Ireland’s athletics boom drew fresh attention after medal success, with coverage highlighting the simple strategy and clear plan behind recent glory.

Rare Disease Funding Fight: Campaigners for the Skyclarys drug for a rare generative condition say Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators have pushed the Taoiseach to reimburse patients after the HSE Drugs Group flagged the €56m-a-year scheme as not cost-effective; a major Dublin protest is set for Sunday ahead of an Aug 25 HSE leadership decision. Murder Investigation in Australia: A 45-year-old Irish man has been charged with murder after an Irish woman was found dead in Melbourne; police say the pair knew each other and consular assistance is being provided. Armagh Tragedy: Tributes are pouring in after traditional musician Eithne Vallely, 81, was killed when struck by a truck on the Portadown Road; police appeal for witnesses. Public Safety & Social Media: Ireland is again debating reckless driving trends after a deadly TikTok-fuelled wrong-way crash on the M9, with questions raised about policing and platform responsibility. Health Research: Trinity College Dublin and UCD report a yeast-based supplement (beta-glucan) may strengthen cancer-fighting immune responses in mice. Business & Jobs: Ikea Ireland profits more than doubled to €15.75m, while Property Industry Ireland has appointed architect Tony Reddy as chair. Weather Watch: Met Éireann forecasts a “last blast” of summer sunshine this weekend before more unsettled conditions next week.

M9 Crash Aftermath: A Limerick family whose stolen car appeared in TikTok posts linked to one of the boys who died in the M9 wrong-way crash says gardaí told them the clips “rarely stand up” in court, calling for tougher rules on joyriding and reckless-driving videos. Community Safety & AI Hoax: Gardaí have moved to calm Dublin and wider public fears after “Cat in the Hat” images and videos were confirmed as AI-generated pranks, with multiple counties reporting viral sightings. Agriculture & Drought: Irish farmers’ groups say the fodder crisis is already “screamingly obvious,” urging faster transport of silage and straw across the country rather than waiting for conditions to worsen. Foreign Affairs: Helen McEntee says Ireland will press for a stronger international response to Israel after an E1 settlement-related housing tender, warning it threatens a contiguous Palestinian state. Business & Tech: Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has bought Strancally Castle in Waterford, with a Reuters report quoting a spokesman saying he and his family are “excited” to spend time in Ireland. Sports: Ireland beat Malaysia 7-4 in a World Cup classification hockey match. Arts & Culture: The Script’s new album tops the Irish Albums Chart, with Dublin dates on the way.

Leaving Cert Results: Over 70,000 students across Ireland received Leaving Cert 2026 results today, with 70,411 candidates accessing marks and Higher Level grades reaching a record high. Cost of Living & Fuel Taxes: Independent TD Michael Collins called for the Dáil to reconvene to stop planned fuel tax hikes, while the Government said fuel duty increases are being delayed due to “change in the global situation.” Alcohol Excise Pressure on Pubs: The Vintners Federation urged a 10% cut to alcohol excise after a DCU-commissioned study found Ireland has the second-highest alcohol excise in Europe, with pubs under “extreme cost pressure.” Road Safety After M9 Tragedy: Gardaí maintained a visible presence at the funeral of Joe Carthy, one of five teenagers killed in a wrong-way M9 crash, as renewed attention turns to dangerous driving and social media content. AI in Regulation: Suade and PwC Ireland published a whitepaper on using agentic AI for regulatory reporting, stressing governed data and human oversight. Culture & Arts: Baltic Sea Docs is set for its 30th edition in Riga with 26 selected documentary projects, including themes of borders, war and memory. Business & Tech: DealFinder launched a verified marketplace for independent Irish motor dealers, aiming to improve trust and transparency for buyers. Health: Tavneos (Avacopan) has been recalled in the Republic of Ireland following EMA action.

Visa Row: Palestinian students say Irish visa refusals are forcing them to wait in limbo even after UCD acceptance and scholarships, with calls for Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to urgently review decisions. Energy & Industry: A new report warns AI data centres are driving a surge in electricity demand, reshaping energy planning and costs. Drought Support: Minister Peter Burke says any Government help for farmers facing drought must be based on hard evidence, with a fodder and feed security committee meeting scheduled. Alcohol Tax Pressure: Research from DCU economist Anthony Foley finds Ireland has the second-highest alcohol excise duties in Europe, renewing calls for a Budget cut to protect pubs. Water Update: Dublin has lifted a boil-water advisory after testing confirmed safety, though residents may notice higher chlorine while flushing continues. Public Health & Care: Dublin’s main mortuary is operating over capacity, raising fears of longer waits for grieving families. Business Growth: Limerick’s Redfaire secures €13m investment to accelerate international expansion. Culture & Arts: Shona McCarthy is named new director of the Arts Council, while the Button Factory announces its 30th anniversary show for December 21. Sports: Troy Parrott’s €20m move to Real Betis is confirmed. Safety: Gardaí investigate two armed robberies in Bray after a man threatened staff at two stores.

Fuel Costs & Politics: Enterprise minister Peter Burke says the Government could recall the Dáil to delay September fuel excise hikes, with petrol and diesel rises due on 1 September amid Middle East tensions. Health & Staffing: IHCA warns Cork University Hospital staffing shortages are hitting patient safety, saying the hospital is short 650 posts. Energy & Industry: Capital Dynamics has agreed to buy a 170MW, long-duration battery storage project in Knockanure, Co Kerry, with grid capacity secured and work starting on delivery planning. Law & Justice: The Law Society of Ireland tells a judge it cannot appoint a solicitor for an unrepresented prisoner during solicitors’ withdrawal, as a dispute continues over the “one accused, one fee” model. Family Law Transparency: Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan publishes the first volume of anonymised case reports from the Family Law Reporting Project. Culture & Identity: Joe Caslin’s trans mural drawing “SEEN” is shortlisted for the AIB National Portrait Prize. Business & Property: Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg buys Strancally Castle in Co Waterford, while Dublin planners approve a new 130-bed hotel for the north inner city. Farming Supports: Agriculture minister Martin Heydon says the Government “won’t be found wanting” on fodder transport support and is open to further measures.

Irish Language & Identity: A viral TikToker challenge to order food in Irish Gaelic in Ireland has racked up millions of views, with most businesses unable to take orders in Irish and one person mocking the speaker and demanding English. Health & Safety: The HSE has issued an urgent warning after high-risk synthetic cannabinoids were found in some vapes and edibles sold in Ireland, with links to serious physical and mental harms including psychosis. Housing in the Gaeltacht: Gaeltacht na nDéise is facing a housing crisis that’s pushing Irish speakers out, with locals saying council initiatives are moving “very, very slowly.” State Savings & Rates: The State Savings scheme is increasing returns from 30 August, including higher rates for savings bonds and certificates, plus prize bond prize changes. Crime & Courts: A Kinahan lieutenant, Sean McGovern, has launched a High Court judicial review against the State over detention in Portlaoise Prison. Local Community: University Hospital Waterford is hosting a free diabetes technology event in September for people with Type 1 diabetes and carers.

Alzheimer’s Care in Focus: Re:Cognition Health has opened its first dedicated Alzheimer’s disease-modifying treatment clinic in Dublin (Tallaght Cross East), giving eligible early patients access to Leqembi and Kisunla without having to travel to the UK. Health & Safety: The HSE is warning about high-risk cannabinoids found in some vapes and edibles sold in Irish shops, linking them to serious physical and mental harms. Road Safety After Tragedy: Gardaí and a UK force have been liaising on specialist pursuit training after the M9 wrong-way crash killed five teenagers, with families still in hospital. Local Community & Culture: Cork Public Museum has opened Ireland’s first permanent LGBTQ exhibition, “We Were Always Here,” marking 50 years since Cork’s first gay centre. Cork & Food: Blas na hÉireann finalists include 51 Cork producers ahead of the Dingle awards run from 1–4 October. Business & Jobs: Perigus Energy’s first Irish solar farm in Carlow (Garreenleen) is now fully operational, exporting renewable power to the grid. Sports & National Pride: Katie Taylor’s Croke Park retirement fight on 5 September will be shown live on RTÉ.

Road Safety Shock: Five teenage boys died and three sisters were left with catastrophic injuries after a wrong-way joyrider crash on the M9 motorway, with Gardaí linking the stunt to social media “likes” and calling for tougher action. Health Care Breakthrough: Mater Hospital in Dublin says it has started a new, less invasive percutaneous mitral valve replacement for high-risk patients, with five procedures carried out since last May. Energy & Climate Planning: Dublin City Council says it will consider early pilot connections for community facilities in Ringsend and Irishtown to the Dublin District Heating Project’s first phase. AI & Investment Push: The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland is urging the Government to set up a National AI office, warning infrastructure gaps and skills shortages could cost US investment. Education Governance: Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp suspended an entire Dublin school board over financial mismanagement and accreditation issues, appointing a committee to find replacements. Community & Culture: Westmeath’s Rose of Tralee Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh was crowned after speaking openly about alopecia, while TG4 confirmed Irish-language coverage returning to Electric Picnic with Beo ón Electric Picnic on 30 August.

M9 crash fallout: Ireland’s media regulator is set to contact TikTok over reckless “joyriding” driving clips after five teenagers died in a wrong-way BMW crash in County Kildare, with a family heading to Dublin Airport left seriously injured. Road safety and enforcement: The incident has reignited calls for tougher penalties and faster action on under-resourced road policing and pursuit training. Energy transition worries in Mayo: Solid fuel merchants are pushing Budget 2027 support to stop rural households being left behind, while SSE secured planning consent to double the Mullafarry BESS capacity in Mayo to 320MWh. Community and culture: Pavee Point welcomed Ireland’s first National Traveller Heritage Strategy, and Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh shared her alopecia journey on the Rose of Tralee stage. Sports: Ireland kept World Cup hopes alive with a 3-2 win over New Zealand in hockey. Business/Jobs: Helus Pharma appointed Regina Donohue as Chief People Officer and Suresh Durgam to its Scientific Advisory Board.

Gaza Student Visas: Ireland’s justice minister Jim O’Callaghan faces a threatened High Court challenge after Gaza scholarship students were refused study visas over documentary requirements lawyers say are impossible to meet under conditions in the strip. Policing & Rights: The Garda has launched a public consultation on a draft code of practice for using third-party live CCTV feeds, with human rights and data protection impacts central to the review. Road Safety After M9 Crash: Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan says wrong-way motorway driving may need to become a specific criminal offence and urges social media firms to clamp down on viral car-theft and dangerous-driving trends after the M9 tragedy. Local Community Fallout: A west Belfast councillor condemned a “sinister” attempt to set a family car on fire, calling for increased police presence amid rising anti-social behaviour. Business Links: Kildare gas turbine specialist OFS has drawn private equity investment as it targets data-centre demand, while Elavon and Sage renewed a payments partnership for UK and Ireland SMEs. Culture & Live Music: Púca Festival has added The Whistlin’ Donkeys, High Stool Prophets, Mark McCabe and Janet Devlin for a Halloween night in Trim.

Wrong-Way Crash Tragedy: Gardaí and the Garda Representative Association are still reeling after a fatal M9 head-on collision in Co Kildare killed five teenage boys, with a family of four (including a 7-year-old) seriously injured; the GRA says officers were told not to pursue a stolen BMW driving the wrong way, and calls for “proper training” for non-compliant stops. Public Safety Warning: Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly warned that some reckless wrong-way driving is being done for “social media likes,” after recent incidents left nine hurt earlier this month. Leaving Cert Support: Moonpig Ireland has launched a nationwide competition offering one Leaving Cert student up to €2,500 towards their 2026/27 student contribution. Sports—World Cup Hopes: Ireland women’s hockey face New Zealand at 11am Tuesday after opening losses, with both sides fighting to stay in contention. Transport Disruption: Irish Rail suspended services between Thurles and Limerick Junction after a tragic incident, with bus transfers and delays up to +60 minutes. Health & Consumer: HPRA reports 13 veterinary medicine recalls in 2025, citing issues including contamination and sterility. Culture & Community: Féile Derry display images of Mary Nelis and Donncha MacNiallais vandalised, while Derry City Lions Club launches with an open meeting on August 25.