Top stories in the papers this week 1 – 8 July 2011
22 Dublin staff to lose jobs as Irish NOTW axed; Government threatens to pull VAT reduction; Minister invites contributions on grocery sector regulation
Print8 July 2011
1. 22 Dublin staff to lose jobs as Irish NOTW also axed
The Irish edition of the News of the World will cease to exist along with its parent operation following its last run off the presses this Sunday. The Irish Examiner reports that the paper, which was haemorrhaging advertising revenue after being implicated in a telephone hacking scandal, employed 22 full-time and staff in its Dublin office, and that the Irish edition had a circulation of 124,000 each week.
However, News International will not stay out of the Sunday “red-top” tabloid market for long, writes Mark Hennessy in The Irish Times. In fact, two days ago, the domain name for thesunonSunday.co.uk was registered by persons unknown. “If done by News International, it will be the final evidence needed for a charge of cold-bloodedness,” states Hennessy.
2. Government threatens to pull VAT reduction if prices are not reduced
The Government has warned retailers who have not passed on the recent VAT reduction that it will be increased again if they do not do so immediately. The Evening Echo reports that the Minister with responsibility for tourism, Michael Ring, said he is furious with the anecdotal evidence that the reduction from 13.5% to 9% is not being passed on to consumers – as it was designed to support small businesses by stimulating consumer spending.
3. Minister invites contributions to reach consensus on grocery sector regulation
Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton has launched a consultation period on his proposed new statutory code of practice for the grocery sector. The Irish Examiner reports interested parties have until 1 September to communicate their views to him. Minister Bruton said he was disappointed by the lack of agreement on a voluntary code, but added that the new code will aim to benefit both industry players and consumers.
4. Tesco to seek planning permission for 5,000sq m superstore in Cavan
Tesco Ireland is to seek planning permission within weeks from Cavan Town Council for a much larger store than its existing Main Street outlet. The Irish Times reports this would be on an elevated site to the rear – acquired from the council itself. The supermarket has purchased a nine-acre site on Cock Hill, much of which would be used to provide some 400 free surface car parking spaces, for €4.5 million.
5. Independent enterprise zones urged
Northern Ireland should have designated enterprise zones to develop independent retail in the 21st century, it has been proposed at a Stormont reception attended by over 100 MLAs and business owners. The Derry Journal reports the Independence Day Pledge will launch on 4 July, with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) calling for a pro-business Programme for Government to be introduced.
Also:
Food firms given warning about jump in input costs (Irish Independent)
Crossgar Food boosts its trade with hospitality and retail (Irish Examiner)
State to introduce statutory code of practice for retailers and suppliers (Irish Times)
Seven-level car park in Cavan town ‘millstone round the council’s neck’ (Irish Times)
IBEC welcome fuel laundering closure (Irish Trucker)
Fears of ‘doughnut effect’ in Ennis (Claire Champion)
SME jobs prospects better but overall confidence still low (Irish Independent)
Commercial rents down 48% since 2007 (Irish Times)
Shops battle to stay afloat as recession claims more victims (Belfast Telegraph)
The Irish World launches Keep it Irish campaign (Irish World)
Government must not shirk from hard decisions on JLC system (IBEC)
Some Sligo businesses ignoring new lower VAT rate (Sligo Today)
Report warns of legal risk to alcohol retailers (Sunday Business Post)
Upward-only rent ban ‘would wipe €14bn from property value’ (Sunday Business Post)
Burglary, kidnapping, smuggling, fuel fraud: Ireland’s rising crimes (Irish Times)
UK – Farmers blaming Tesco for losing them money (Meat Trade News Daily)
Drink prices 70% above EU average (Irish Examiner)
Limerick traders’ stern warning on city rates (Limerick Leader)
As VAT cut takes effect, new report reveals Irish alcohol taxes are among the highest in EU (Drinks Industry)
Three held over cigarettes haul (Irish Times)
Sainsbury’s shoppers asked to donate food from their trolleys to poor (Guardian)
Reckitt rises on Unilever bid talk, as FTSE shakes off Greek woes (Guardian)
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