AGP Executive Report

AI shake-up in Ireland: Meta’s 4am termination emails have put about 350 Irish roles “potentially impacted” as the company pushes AI workflows, raising fresh fears of job losses in tech and a wider “AI reckoning” across Big Tech. OpenAI IPO drama: Sam Altman’s legal win over Elon Musk clears a path for OpenAI’s reported September IPO, but reputational damage from internal chaos allegations still hangs over the company. Transport investment spotlight: Newry is pitching itself as a Belfast–Dublin “economic powerhouse,” backed by major rail, road and wastewater funding, including a £548m Enterprise fleet upgrade. Local business pressure: Limerick farmers are warning of cashflow strain and urging early talks with banks. Housing reality check: Ireland’s housing story is split—record building targets versus reports of rent-rule changes driving evictions and higher market rents. Health workforce worry: A new state-backed loan idea is being floated to keep Irish medical graduates from leaving for Australia and beyond. Community and culture: Athy road clean-up proposals, Belfast boxing funding as an anti-antisocial “antidote,” and Killaloe’s big-name music festival all add momentum beyond the headlines.

By-election momentum: Social Democrats’ Daniel Ennis has taken the early lead in Dublin Central, topping first preferences on 19.6% as counting continues, while Independent Ireland’s Noel Thomas leads in Galway West. Political pressure talk: Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says she feels “no pressure” despite disappointment in Galway West. Donegal spotlight: A free “Field of her Own” event celebrating women in farming is set for Carrigans next Thursday, with panels on opportunity and social media storytelling. Racing headlines: Gstaad powered to Irish 2,000 Guineas glory at the Curragh and is set for a St James’s Palace rematch with Bow Echo at Royal Ascot. Business disruption: Firefighters tackled a major blaze at Cherrymore Kitchens in Donegal; the main building was saved but smoke damage is forcing a closure for checks. Science & farming: Rothamsted Research confirms a gene-edited barley has cleared a UK precision-breeding marketing step, aiming to boost forage energy.

Housing Pressure: Rents keep climbing fast in Ireland, with Q1 up 4.4% and 7.8% year-on-year, while rental supply is tight—only 2,374 homes listed nationwide on May 1. Energy Shock Watch: A global energy crisis may be moving from “imaginary” shortages to real ones as tankers can’t pass the Strait of Hormuz since late February, raising the odds of physical shortages and demand suppression. Public Finance Squeeze: The Department of Health faces a €175m savings hunt next year to offset education overspending, with departments already bracing for the hit. Politics & Campaigns: A Dublin Central byelection exchange shows how smartphone “ambush” videos are reshaping campaigning, while counting starts today in Dublin Central and Galway West. Business & Jobs: Kerry Dairy Ireland rebrands as Kinisla and unveils a €300m, five-year investment plan aimed at growth and 100 new roles.

Gaza Flotilla Fallout: Irish activists released from Israeli custody allege abuse including rape, with at least 15 reporting sexual assaults; Israel denies the claims as Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee pushes for Europe to respond. EU Diplomacy: Micheál Martin says a two-state solution is still possible after talks with the Pope, while Ireland calls for an EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Public Health Warning: Experts warn the Deposit Return Scheme needs infection-control protocols, citing risks from leftover drink residue at reverse-vending points. Environment & Waste: WEEE Ireland urges people not to bin vapes—only 6% of 25m sold were returned for recycling. Local Business & Community: Cavan and Monaghan raised €163,331.91 for Daffodil Day; DPD marks 40 years in Athlone; a Cork vegan stall, Saucy Cow, closes after rising costs. Energy & Industry: OCS completes its UK acquisition of City Group Security, adding 600 staff and boosting London/South East coverage.

Occupied Territories Bill: The Government is set to progress the Israel settlements trade restrictions on goods only, with services left out—despite Opposition pressure and fresh fallout after the Gaza flotilla detentions and deportations. Public Finance: A new €39m justice-and-transport savings push is being drafted under Jack Chambers’ levy plan to help offset a €640m education overrun, with pensions shielded. Racing & Retail: The Curragh is testing whether more free-entry days can lift crowds, as this weekend’s classics loom with attendance concerns. Tech Jobs: Meta’s 350 Irish job cuts add to fears of a broader tech slowdown after earlier Meta and wider Big Tech retrenchments. Tax & Competitiveness: KPMG urges Ireland to rethink its tax strategy in the budget, including lowering capital taxes to boost investment. Property & Housing: IPAV’s new president is a Mayo woman, while renters and buyers keep watching prices closely.

Gaza Flotilla Fallout: Irish activists detained on the Global Sumud Flotilla are being released and deported via Turkey, after international outrage over footage of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting kneeling detainees—while Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the EU must act to protect its credibility. Tech Jobs Shock: Meta is set to cut up to 350 roles in Ireland as it ramps up AI, adding to recent Oracle job losses and raising fresh fears for the local tech safety net. AI Regulation Push: Brussels has agreed to ban “nudifier” apps and AI systems used to generate non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material, ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s AI encyclical. Aviation Accountability: Airbus and Air France have been found guilty of manslaughter over the 2009 AF447 crash that killed 228 people, ending a long legal fight. Local Business & Community: DCCI pledged €485k+ to back craft markets in Mayo and beyond, while Mayo walking trails get a funding boost and Westmeath court hears a controlling-coercive behaviour case.

Cork Docklands Housing Push: The Land Development Agency and BnM have agreed a land transfer for a Cork Docklands site that could unlock up to 300 homes at Monahan Road, with Cork City Council also set to use part of the land for road widening and better bus and cycle links. Creative Economy Spotlight: EDGE26’s EDGE26 Creative Economy Summit is set to launch a landmark EDGE26 report mapping 1,045 active digital creative companies across the west and north-west, arguing the next growth phase needs more coordinated, tailored support. Big Tech Job Shock in Ireland: Meta has begun laying off staff globally, with up to 350 roles in Ireland reportedly at risk as the company ramps AI investment and cuts costs. EU Nature Action Gets Public Input: Ireland is preparing the first Nature Restoration Plan under the EU law, with the public to be asked for input as the draft takes shape. Rail Costs Questioned: Irish Rail has written down €50m tied to a new train IT system, saying it’s unlikely the traffic management software in its current form will be deployed. AI Climate Backlash: A new wave of criticism argues AI is driving real climate harm through energy-hungry data centres.

AI vs education: A new pushback is growing in Irish universities as lecturers argue AI tools are “poison” for humanities and social sciences, urging schools to stop integrating AI into core teaching and instead protect critical thinking. Tech jobs under pressure: Meta is starting another round of layoffs tied to its AI spending, with Ireland again in the firing line as the company cuts hundreds of roles. Irish finance flows: Business Post subscribers get the detail on how Irish funds are funnelling an estimated €1.4tn back into EU economies—positioning Ireland as a key funds hub as Brussels looks to unlock more household savings. Local economy & infrastructure: Donegal is flagged for the highest vehicle-damage payouts for pothole claims, while Donegal Rose Emma Nelis celebrates her Rose of Tralee win. Payments innovation: Bank of Ireland and AIB back a euro-pegged stablecoin project, aiming for regulated digital payments across Europe.

RTÉ Fallout: RTÉ is back in crisis mode again, with the Communications Minister summoning senior bosses over fresh pay classification questions—prompting fresh calls for faster learning after the broadcaster’s repeated controversies. Public Accounts Pressure: The Government has approved new oversight powers for the Comptroller and Auditor General to audit RTÉ, setting up tougher scrutiny ahead of RTÉ’s accounts. Climate Spend Blunder: The State bought more than 700,000 carbon credits that were later ruled unusable under EU rules; they were cancelled in April 2025 after spending over €100m since 2007. Transport Enforcement: Drivers face major fines for unpaid M50 motorway tolls after cases proceeded when people didn’t turn up in court. Road Support Scheme: Ministers confirm the €120m Road Transporters Support Scheme opens for applications tomorrow to help hauliers and coach operators with fuel-cost pressures. Local Opportunity Push: A Donegal-led study highlights diaspora engagement as a practical growth lever for the Western Region. AI for SMEs: An “AI Works for Ireland” event in Monaghan on 28 May aims to help SMEs apply AI in day-to-day business.

Retail Earnings Watch: Currys says full-year profit is set to beat guidance, with UK & Ireland like-for-like sales up 3% and Nordics up 6%, lifting expected adjusted pre-tax profit to ~£191m. RTÉ Accountability: RTÉ’s pay classification fallout deepens after a TD said Seán Rocks’s treatment had “significant financial implications” for his family, while Government has approved a Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill to give the Comptroller & Auditor General a formal RTÉ audit role. Poverty & Care Capacity: St Vincent de Paul warns poverty among older people living alone nearly doubled to 9.6%, and ESRI says Ireland needs an extra 3,000 community nurses and therapists by 2040. EU Presidency Logistics: Ministers’ EU Council meetings will be hosted across Cork, Kerry, Wicklow, Mayo and Dublin Castle. Energy & Markets: Greencoat Renewables moves to a dual primary listing on the JSE, and DCC flags progress despite a revenue dip. Tech & Safety: An Oireachtas committee hears AI chatbots are pushing children towards “terrible harm,” as Polymarket “suspicious bets” on elections draw scrutiny.

Byelection Countdown: Dublin Central and Galway West campaigns are in their final stretch, with polling transfers expected to decide Friday’s vote and counting due Saturday; Housing & Infrastructure: Jack Chambers says the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme will finish a year early under an acceleration plan, with other wastewater work also pulled forward—aimed at unlocking north Dublin, Meath and Kildare homebuilding; EU Sanctions Pressure: EU officials are pushing to restrict alumina exports from Ireland to Russia as scrutiny grows over links to Russian arms supply chains; Tobacco Lobby Warning: internal emails show Irish diplomats were told to rebuff “approaches” from Big Tobacco lobbyists; Local Living Costs: a new modular homes scheme is being debated as homeowners weigh tax-free rent-a-room relief against fears of low-quality “shed” rentals; Business & Policy Watch: RTÉ faces another political grilling over public funding and executive pay, while SEAI warns fossil-fuel heat reliance will persist well past 2050 under current policy.

Consumer Watch: A CCPC report warns Irish holidaymakers are still getting stung by overseas car hire—up to 43% report problems, with the biggest headaches being long waits at pick-up, hidden fees, and cars not matching the description. Travel Disruption Anxiety: With Middle East tensions rattling aviation, a UK travel update says some passengers are arriving at airports four hours early to avoid missing flights. Health & Care Oversight: A Mental Health Commission inspection found medication was crushed into a patient’s food at Haywood Lodge in Co Tipperary without proper pharmacy oversight, though steps are now underway. Legal Pressure on Property: Businessman Harry Crosbie has launched Commercial Court proceedings over a Vicar Street hotel site dispute with HITC Properties. Dairy Shake-up: Kerry Dairy Ireland rebrands as Kinisla, unveiling a €300m investment plan and 100 new jobs. Online Safety: Roblox says new age-based accounts will roll out in Ireland in June to limit adult-to-child contact.

Ryanair & travel costs: Ryanair says peak-summer fares look set to stay flat as Iran-related uncertainty and higher oil prices squeeze demand, even while it reports profit for the year to March slightly ahead of expectations. Consumer watchdog: The CCPC warns Irish holidaymakers that car-hire abroad is still riddled with long waits, hidden fees and “not as described” cars, with many paying more than expected. Financial abuse crackdown: Safeguarding Ireland has launched an online “Staying in Control” guide to help people protect money and benefits, stressing that families and carers don’t automatically have the right to take charge. Housing pressure: Data shows “Affordable Homes” applications can be prioritised on fastest-finger timing—sometimes within three minutes—adding fuel to the race for limited spots. Energy debate: The Irish Academy of Engineering’s push to burn coal has been publicly rejected by members, reigniting the energy-security vs emissions fight. Sports & culture: Conor McGregor is set for a UFC return against Max Holloway in July, while Eurovision’s 2026 win went to Bulgaria’s Dara.

Tech Jobs Watch: Meta workers in Ireland are bracing for another round of cuts, putting fresh pressure on a sector already reshaped by AI and post-Covid hiring swings. Local Crime & Courts: Gardaí say an Englishman was “caught red-handed” trying to defraud a Kerry pensioner, with court told he allegedly induced a €9,500 cash withdrawal. Dublin Fire Safety: A Dublin city-centre playground was badly damaged by fire for the second time after a €400,000 repair—Gardaí are investigating. Health Alert: The HSE warns ticks are “everywhere” in Ireland, with Lyme risk rising in summer; protection tips focus on clothing, repellents and checking skin and pets. Energy & Travel: European airlines are downplaying summer jet-fuel shortage fears despite Middle East disruption. Sport: Armagh end a long Ulster wait, beating Monaghan after extra-time. Business & Farming: Wool prices are forecast to at least double from a low base, while Mayo butchers report shoppers shifting from lamb and beef to chicken. Politics: Dublin Central byelection candidate Daniel Ennis threatens legal action over “malicious” X posts ahead of the vote. Culture: Bulgaria’s Dara wins Eurovision amid protests over Israel’s participation.

Pay Transparency Deadline Looms: Ireland risks missing the 7 June EU Pay Transparency Directive deadline, with no draft legislation or employer guidance yet—Indeed data shows only 39% of Irish job ads list salary info (well behind the UK at 56%). UFC Spotlight: Conor McGregor’s UFC return is confirmed: he’ll face Max Holloway in a non-title rematch on 11 July in Las Vegas, ending a five-year absence. Life Sciences Pressure: Pharma projects in Ireland are reportedly pausing as companies weigh US tariff uncertainty. Housing & Social Delivery: Circle is seeking to step back from unfinished social housing projects, while Micheál Martin reiterates housing costs remain too high. Business Finance: Coole Swan’s owner has converted €3m of debt into shares to clear the path to profit. Energy & Investment: Simon Harris’s state savings scheme is taking shape, with industry estimating up to €7bn could flow in year one.

Public Service Delivery: Jack Chambers says Ireland’s public service must shift from risk-aversion to faster delivery, backing “risk appetite statements” to speed up big projects like MetroLink and housing. Housing Pressure: Taoiseach Micheál Martin again warned housing costs are still too high, pointing to 177,000 new units since 2020 and a push to reach 10,000 newly built social homes a year. Local Mobility: Dundalk’s pilot mobility hubs got trimmed after 120 submissions; five locations were removed, with councillors worried about green space, safety and anti-social behaviour. Travel Friction: The EU’s Entry/Exit System is blamed for chaotic queues for non-Irish travellers, with Irish passport holders exempt—raising fresh questions for holiday planning and airport capacity. Consumer Safety: Bank of Ireland warns of card overcharging scams—check the terminal total before you tap. Food Trends: Nitrite-free ham is gaining traction in the UK, as shoppers chase “healthier” processed meat options. Tech & Privacy: LinkedIn is facing a class action over claims it scans Chrome browser extensions and links them to identities. Agrifood Innovation: Sheep Ireland’s OviFlock Project is recruiting more hill flocks for genotyping, aiming to scale female genotyping to about 8,000 this year.