Budget 2027 Debate: Ireland’s Budget 2027 is shaping up as a coalition stress test, with ministers fighting for spending increases while trying to keep the overall package within a 6% cap, raising fears the public will feel the squeeze if basics aren’t delivered. Alcohol & Rural Pubs: A new argument against the “excise is killing pubs” narrative says excise hasn’t changed since 2014, while rural pub closures are driven by shrinking local markets, population shifts and industry cannibalisation. Cancer Costs: New Irish Cancer Society research puts a price tag on diagnosis: average household income falls by €16,200 a year, with many families dipping into savings, taking on debt, or missing bills as treatment costs and travel add up. Heat Pump “Fabric First” Pushback: A growing body of research challenges the idea that households must do extensive fabric upgrades before switching to heat pumps, warning it can delay decarbonisation without delivering consistent savings. Fintech Growth: Revolut has surged to a $115bn valuation and is positioning itself as a major European bank rival, even as it faces scrutiny over revenue per customer and lending scale. Start-up Momentum: Irish start-up formations hit a record high, up 8% in the first nine months of 2026 to just under 22,000, with IT leading growth. Energy & Food Prices: Food price pressure is flagged as a risk from soaring energy costs heading into 2027. Tourism & Trade: Kinsale is set for at least six cruise ship calls next year, boosting local visitor spend, while Cork food producers picked up honours at Blas na hÉireann. Work & Pay: UCD is facing industrial action in October as public-sector pay talks stall, with knock-on impacts for students and services.