Surging tax receipts, Torca Homes deal and the tech trends of 2022

Government tax receipts surged to a record €68.4 billion last year as consumer spending and employment rebounded from the pandemic at a sharper-than-expected rate, writes Eoin Burke-Kennedy, who also reports that corporation tax is now on a par with VAT as the second largest source of revenue for the State following another record haul last year.

Torca Homes, a low-key developer run by Dublin brothers Oisín and Phelim O'Connor, has agreed a €14.3 million financing deal with a company connected to Warren Private, the investment firm led by Kevin Warren. Mark Paul reports.

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for plans for a 667 apartment scheme for Milltown Park southeast of Ranelagh village in Dublin, a 131-unit 'build to rent' apartment scheme for Redcourt, Seafield Road East Clontarf and 99 apartments on lands adjoining Clonkeen College on Clonkeen Road in Blackrock, Co Dublin. Gordon Deegan reports.

Gordon also tells us that Dunnes Stores has made a fresh bid to establish a new suburban outlet at Monkstown in south Dublin.

Time to check your tech habits: What is working and what is hindering you?

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Ryanair flies 9.5m passengers in December

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End of border test restrictions spells better times ahead for the travel industry

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Nightmare scenario: Covid strain with Omicron spread and Delta severity

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Virtual reality, now dubbed the 'metaverse', and smart homes will be this year's big things writes Brian Chen in our Thursday columnist slot.

Cantillon shudders at the Department of Finance's nightmare scenario, marvels at Ires' expansion and wonders are there good times ahead for the travel sector?

Economist Conall Mac Coille and business journalist Eoin Burke-Kennedy join Ciarán Hancock on our Inside Business podcast to discuss the latest housing market assessment from property website MyHome.ie and stockbrokers Davy. Later on, Ciarán speaks to Vincent Jennings, chief executive officer at the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association about the new alcohol price controls which came into effect this week.

Ciara O'Brien advises us to rein in our use of tech this year and reviews Oppo Enco X €earbuds .

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