Top stories in the papers this week 9 – 15 December 2011

Dunnes Stores loses plastic bag levy battle; Aldi store on Parnell Street sells for €4.5 million; Employers put brake on hiring new staff

News

14 December 2011

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1. Dunnes Stores loses plastic bag levy battle

Dunnes Stores has lost a legal challenge against the plastic bag levy, and has been ordered by the High Court to pay a €36.5 million tax bill. The Irish Independent reports Mr Justice John Hedigan ruled against the supermarket chain on all points, including that it was “unlawful” to apply the levy to flimsy plastic bags supplied for the purpose of wrapping goods. He ruled that the levy was not limited to carrier bags.

2. Shop sale: Aldi store on Parnell Street sells for €4.5 million

An Israeli businessman has paid €4.5 million for the Aldi retail investment at Parnell Street in Dublin. The Irish Times reports the 1,215sq m (13,078sq ft) supermarket is let to Aldi on a 25-year lease with about 13 years to run. The next upwards-only rent review is due in 2013. Earlier this year the same Israeli investor paid around €13 million for a newly opened Tesco store in Roscrea. That deal is showing a return of 7%.

3. Most sectors hit as employers put brake on hiring new staff

Only 1% of employers say they plan to hire new staff during the first three months of 2012, reports the Irish Independent. A Manpower survey shows 6% anticipate letting employees go between the months of January and March next year, yet over 90% of employers say they intend to keep their workforce intact. Muted hiring activity is anticipated by retail employers, who expect to be down by 4% on this time last year.

4. One in seven cigarettes is illegally smuggled

One in seven cigarettes smoked in the Republic of Ireland has been illegally smuggled into the country, according to the latest government figures. The Journal reports Finance Minister Michael Noonan said figures for 2010 show around 14% of cigarettes are smuggled, forcing the Exchequer to lose out on around €250 million every year. Lobby group RAS has called for no excise increase on legal tobacco products.

5. Aldi recalls bread loaves

Aldi has confirmed that it has recalled packets of Ballymore Crust Fresh White Sliced Bread from its Irish outlets. The Irish Times reports that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said the recall was due to “the possible presence of small rubber pieces in a limited number of loaves”. Aldi said the 800g loaves with a best-before date of December 14th were being recalled as a precautionary measure.