News Update 14.03.2025

• As the Irish Independent reports, following Storm éowyn, spending in hardware stores increased by 8% in February compared to the previous month, with Mayo, Leitrim, and Kerry seeing the largest rises.? Spending on EV charging surged by 83% over the past year, reflecting a shift towards sustainable transport. Overall card spending rose by 5% from January and 10% from February 2024. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/spending-in-hardware-stores-up-8pc-last-month-after-storm-eowyn-with-counties-spending-the-most-revealed/a1365449971.html

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• According to the Irish Independent, An Bord Pleanála refused planning retention for a 248-space car park near Dublin Airport, operated by Carra Shore Hotel (Dublin) Ltd. The refusal was due to the car park being classified as "non-ancillary," which is not permitted under the site's zoning. The decision was upheld despite arguments about the need for additional airport parking and delays in public transport improvements. https://www.independent.ie/business/planning-retention-refused-for-248-space-car-park-beside-dublin-airport/a1228379732.html

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• As covered by The Irish Times, the Irish State’s scheme to help taxi drivers switch to electric vehicles has been paused due to record demand, just a month after applications opened. Grants of up to €25,000 have been available for taxi, hackney, and limousine operators under the eSPSV Grant Scheme. With a budget of €12.5 million, the scheme aims to accelerate the transition to EVs in the small public sector vehicle industry. https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/03/13/states-scheme-to-help-taxi-drivers-switch-to-evs-paused-amid-record-demand/

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• In a report by the Irish Independent, BNRG and Impax Asset Management are selling a 43MW portfolio of solar farms under construction in Co Kildare and Co Cork. These farms, due to be commissioned over the summer, secured 15-year subsidies under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. PwC is assisting in finding a buyer. BNRG, founded by David Maguire, has developed solar farms generating over 150,000 MWh of electricity and has more than 5.5 gigawatts of projects in development. https://www.independent.ie/business/bnrg-to-sell-three-irish-solar-farms-under-construction/a1994243309.html

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• The Irish Times reports that despite challenges such as US pushback and fluctuating fortunes in green energy, the long-term prospects for responsible investments in Europe remain very attractive. Investors in the EU are committed to advancing the responsible investment agenda, supported by regulations like the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, which enhances transparency and helps attract private funding for a net-zero economy. https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2025/03/14/long-term-prospects-for-responsible-investments-remain-very-attractive/