News
A quick look at business news that you may have missed:
1. New AML Strategy
Ireland has launched its first National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy, aimed at strengthening protections against money laundering, terrorist financing and related financial crime. Led by Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, it introduces a coordinated approach across Government, law enforcement, regulators and industry.
Reforms will tighten crypto and company-transparency rules, improve intelligence sharing, tackle cyber fraud and sanctions evasion, and strengthen oversight of vulnerable sectors such as gambling. Harris said the launch "sends a clear message: Ireland will not be a safe place to launder criminal proceeds."
Source
2. Irish Services Growth Reaches Eight-Month High
Ireland’s services sector grew at its fastest rate in eight months in July, with the AIB S&P Global Services PMI rising to 55.2 from 54.2 in June. Growth was supported by stronger new business, employment and export demand, with export activity recording its fastest expansion since December 2024. The performance was ahead of the flash PMI readings for the euro zone, UK and US.
Technology, Media & Telecoms remained the strongest-performing segment, while Business Services overtook Financial Services. Input-cost inflation eased for a third consecutive month, and business sentiment reached a seven-month high, supported by new business wins, investment and improving confidence in the wider economy. Source:
RTE
3.Ireland's Tourism Boom Continues in H1 2026
Ireland welcomed over 3.2 million overseas visitors in the first half of 2026, up 15% year-on-year, with spending hitting €2.6 billion; that’s a whopping 18% increase on H1 2025. Tourism Ireland is capitalising on this momentum with campaigns running across 15+ overseas markets through year-end, including co-op marketing with airlines and ferry operators (delivering a 15:1 return on visitor spend), new China air routes via the Shanghai–Dublin China Eastern service and the "Home of Halloween" campaign running from now until October.
4.All-Ireland Fleadh Concludes
Belfast’s first All-Ireland Fleadh concluded after an eight-day celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance that organisers described as a landmark event for the city. More than one million people are estimated to have visited the city centre during the festival, exceeding initial expectations, while thousands remained at Belfast City Hall for the closing speeches and final performances.
Organisers praised the Fleadh for bringing together people from across Belfast’s communities, with the final performance delivered by the Lissadell Céilí Band, winners of the senior céilí band competition. The event is expected to generate more than £53 million for the local economy, and will return to Belfast from 1 to 8 August 2027.
5. Coming to a bus stop in Hong Kong soon
Wrightbus has secured a £7 million order from Hong Kong’s Citybus for 20 6x2 StreetDeck Electroliner electric double-deck buses; the model’s first global sale. Built in Malaysia and due for delivery in 2027, the buses can carry up to 130 passengers and have a range of up to 300km on a single charge.
Founded in 1946, Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus has pioneered bus technologies, including the world’s first hydrogen double-decker. According to a press release on the Wrightbus website, the Citybus order strengthens its Asia-Pacific expansion following the success of its zero-emission buses in the UK, with potential opportunities across Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
