Lakeland Dairies: Energy Costs Hurt Farmers, House Price Growth Slows

Lakeland Dairies CEO Colin Kelly warned that soaring energy costs and falling milk prices are causing "significant pain" for the Irish dairy industry, despite a 10 per cent sales rise last year. He urged the Government to do more to protect farm incomes. Ornua, of which Lakeland is a shareholder, delivered an almost 5 per cent jump in operating profits last year despite "highly challenging" trading conditions in the US.

The annualised rate of growth in house prices dipped to 6.8 per cent in February, and to 5.6 per cent in Dublin. Cairn Homes plans a €372 million, 715-home scheme at Jamestown Business Park in Finglas, with 142 apartments for social housing. New rental rules in March led to a modest increase in property availability on Daft.ie, but availability remains below pre-COVID levels. Ikea's Irish business profits more than doubled to €16.2 million despite a "challenging economic backdrop," with sales up 0.36 per cent to €247.3 million.

Boston Scientific announced a €75 million investment in its Galway operation, which employs around 4,500 people, to expand research and development. HCS, a Waterford-based IT services company, hopes to more than treble employment to 175 people. The BBC is reportedly looking to cut up to 2,000 roles. PwC is reorganising its global consulting business.

Forbes 30 Under 30 list includes Irish entrepreneurs, academics and actors in fields from AI to beauty products, including Áine Kennedy, Laura Murphy and Donnacha Fitzgerald.