Industrial production rose by 7.4 per cent year-on-year in the three months to the end of February, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) yesterday.
The figures also show that production levels in April 2002 were 3.3 per cent higher than those for the same month last year. This compares to a 15.7 per cent year-on-year rise in the previous month and a 7 per cent fall in February.
IBEC senior economist Mr Aebhric McGibney said the numbers highlighted the "mixed performance" of the industrial sector at the beginning of the year and cautioned against any assumption of a broad industrial recovery.
Dr Dan McLaughlin, chief economist with Bank of Ireland Treasury, said the statistics suggested that "the worst is over" in the industrial sector.
O2 to close 11833 service in September and begin migrating its customers to use the 11850 service provided by Conduit next month.
The mobile firm, which has more than one million Irish customers, said yesterday it had signed a joint marketing agreement with Conduit, the Irish directories firm that already operates O2's existing 11833 service.
No jobs will be lost because of the decision to close down O2's existing number and customers will be able to access extra services, such as business finder and traffic and travel, according to O2.
Customers will be informed of the move in the mail with their next bill, said an O2 spokeswoman. O2 said there would be no change in the tariff for the service.
SRH tight-lipped over 'Leader' bid reports
MEDIA group Scottish Radio Holdings (SRH) has declined to comment on reports that it is trying to buy the Limerick Leader newspaper.
A spokeswoman for SRH said that, while the company has never hid its intention of expanding in the Irish market, it would not comment on individual cases.
SRH has extensive media interests in the Republic, where it has invested more than €100 million.
The Limerick Leader, which is owned by the Buckley family in Limerick, is one of the most successful provincial newspapers in the Republic.
It produces broadsheet and tabloid newspapers in five weekly editions.
ESB board to discuss new strategic plan
THE ESB board meets today to discuss a new strategic plan developed by its chief executive designate, Mr Padraig McManus.
The plan is believed likely to re-affirm the company's commitment to expanding its international business, despite Government's rejection of a €1.8 billion bid for a cluster of eight electricity supply companies in Poland.
Talks to end strike at UDV plant
TALKS to end the strike at UDV in Clondalkin in Dublin will take place this week.
Around 180 workers at the plant, which bottles Baileys Irish Cream, have been on strike over a compensation scheme for loss of overtime earnings.
Jeans appointed as MyTravel chief
FORMER Ryanair marketing director Mr Tim Jeans has been appointed managing director of British charter airlines company MyTravel Group plc (formerly Airtours plc). MyTravel is to move a small number of aircraft from the charter side of its business to a new low-fares undertaking.
"The UK's charter airlines have the lowest costs in the industry," said Mr Jeans. "MyTravel will soon be delivering more accessible and flexible air travel from its chosen UK base."
Mr Jeans is expected to take up his new position before the winter season commences and the new airline starts operation.
Anti-globalisation protest in Oslo
ABOUT 10,000 anti-globalisation demonstrators protested in Oslo yesterday on the sidelines of a World Bank conference aimed at developing better ways of eradicating poverty.
Carrying banners reading "The World is Not For Sale" and "No to Globalisation", the protesters marched through the centre of Oslo in a festive atmosphere, responding to a call from about 50 organisations for a "peaceful demonstration". - (AFP)
