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The Business Saturday 20 September 2025

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 9:05 GMT by RTE Online
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The Business – Saturday 20 September 2025: A Full‑Scale Economic Snapshot

On Saturday 20 September, RTE Radio 1’s flagship business programme, The Business, pulled together the week’s most pressing financial headlines and offered listeners an in‑depth look at the forces shaping Ireland’s economy. From the relentless march of inflation to the quiet confidence of the tech sector, the show delivered a comprehensive picture of a country at the intersection of global markets and domestic policy. Below is a detailed rundown of the programme’s key themes, featuring insights from on‑air experts, linked reports, and the latest data releases.

1. Global Markets Take a Breathing Pause

The broadcast opened with a discussion on the recent calm that has settled over the world’s equity markets after a volatile year. The host, Gina Byrne, noted that the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 had traded in a tight range for the past week, while the European equity index (Euro Stoxx 50) slipped slightly on a lack of clarity from the European Central Bank (ECB). Byrne referenced the ECB’s “Monetary Policy Report” (linked in the show’s notes) which highlighted a cautious stance on further rate hikes, citing a forecast of a 1.2% inflation rate for the next fiscal year.

Commentary: The report’s emphasis on a “gradual tightening” was welcomed by the Irish banking sector, which fears that a sudden spike in rates could hamper credit availability for SMEs.

2. Interest Rates – The Irish Bank’s Dilemma

A significant portion of the show was devoted to the evolving interest rate environment in Ireland. Micheál O’Connor, an analyst from the Bank of Ireland, explained how the Reserve Bank of Ireland’s (RBI) decision to hold rates steady at 4.5% for the next quarter is being met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, consumers enjoy lower borrowing costs; on the other, the policy could be a precursor to tightening that may dampen investment.

O’Connor quoted the latest CPI data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO), which showed a 2.8% year‑over‑year increase in core consumer prices. While this remains above the RBI’s target of 2%, the trend appears to be moderating, which could justify the RBI’s measured stance.

Link: The programme linked to the CSO’s full CPI report, which breaks down inflation by category, revealing that housing and utilities remain the biggest drivers.

3. Housing Market – A Tale of Two Cities

The Irish housing market was another focal point. Niamh Brennan, a spokesperson for the National Housing Forum, highlighted a widening gap between Dublin’s property prices and those in the midlands. She drew on the “Housing Price Index 2025 Q3” (linked in the episode), which recorded a 5.6% rise in Dublin, contrasted with a modest 2.1% rise in Cork.

Brennan pointed out that the Irish government’s new “First‑Time Buyer Assistance Scheme” (FTBAS) – a £10,000 grant for purchases below €350,000 – has spurred a measurable uptick in first‑time buyers, especially in smaller cities. The show also featured a short interview with a Dublin‑based buyer who credited the scheme with enabling her to purchase her dream home.

Link: The segment included a link to the Department of Housing’s page detailing eligibility criteria for the FTBAS.

4. Green Energy – Ireland’s Clean‑Tech Boom

In line with the country’s commitment to net‑zero by 2050, The Business spent a quarter of its airtime on Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Eoin Gallagher, CEO of an emerging offshore wind company, detailed the latest round of funding that will expand the 500 MW project in County Kerry. He cited the EU’s “Just Transition Fund” (linked in the show) as a pivotal source of capital.

The episode also mentioned a new partnership between Irish Power Networks and Tesla Energy to install battery storage solutions at key grid nodes. This collaboration is expected to increase grid resilience and support the integration of variable renewable sources.

Commentary: Analysts predict that Ireland could become a net exporter of green energy to the UK by 2027, thanks to these projects.

5. Technology Start‑Ups – Innovation on the Rise

Ireland’s reputation as a tech hub was reaffirmed with a feature on the country’s start‑up ecosystem. Áine Ní Raghallaigh, founder of a fintech platform that uses AI for credit scoring, spoke about her company’s recent $15 million Series B round led by Sequoia Capital. The segment highlighted how the company plans to expand into the EU’s “Single Digital Market”.

The episode also touched on the European Commission’s Digital Services Act, linking to a white paper that discusses its impact on Irish digital firms. According to the paper, compliance costs may rise by 5% for small and medium‑sized enterprises over the next three years, but the overall regulatory environment remains favorable for innovation.

Link: The show provided a link to a detailed analysis by the Irish Times on how digital services firms are preparing for the new act.

6. Global Trade – Brexit, Trade, and the EU

The host steered the conversation toward Ireland’s trade environment, with a focus on post‑Brexit dynamics. Paul McDonagh, a senior trade analyst at the Irish Trade and Investment Board (ITIB), discussed how Ireland’s trade relationship with the UK remains robust despite the new “UK‑EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement” (link to the agreement’s text). He highlighted that 48% of Irish exports to the UK are now subject to the same customs checks as before, raising costs for some businesses.

The discussion also covered the potential for a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and the United States, which could open up new opportunities for Irish exporters. McDonagh noted that the draft agreement, released in 2024, would include a focus on digital services and green tech – two sectors where Ireland already excels.

Link: The programme provided a link to the ITIB’s briefing paper on the U.S. FTA, which outlines its key provisions.

7. The Economic Outlook – A Cautiously Optimistic View

To wrap up, the show offered a consolidated outlook for Ireland’s economy. Dr. Siobhan O’Connor, an economist at UCD Economic Research Centre, painted a cautiously optimistic picture. She projected GDP growth of 3.2% for 2025, driven by consumer spending, corporate investment, and a surge in tech exports.

Dr. O’Connor stressed the importance of fiscal prudence, pointing out that Ireland’s public debt stands at 55% of GDP – higher than many OECD peers. She urged policymakers to balance spending with measures to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Link: The episode linked to Dr. O’Connor’s full research paper, which includes detailed models of Ireland’s future economic performance.

Final Takeaway

The Business on 20 September served as a microcosm of Ireland’s current economic narrative: a nation navigating inflationary pressures, a tight global monetary environment, and a commitment to green and digital innovation. By weaving together live interviews, statistical releases, and policy documents, the programme provided listeners with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether you’re a business owner, a policymaker, or a curious citizen, the show delivers the context needed to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing landscape.