State to consider energy price cap; Few shocks in historic cabinet changeover

Government will consider capping prices on energy bills in policy U-turn

The government will reconsider placing a price cap on energy bills in the new year, the Business Post has learned, despite having previously warned that doing so would represent a risk to the economy.

The move could cost billions of euro, but has become a more attractive prospect after Germany pushed ahead with its own year-long price cap, which will give a guaranteed price to households and businesses for a portion of their energy use.

Michael Brennan: Varadkar names cautious cabinet to face up to ‘age of emergencies’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has opted for an ultra-cautious cabinet reshuffle to deal with what he called the “age of emergencies.”

There had been very little expectation among Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbenchers of any promotions or demotions, and that was what materalised. Those backbenchers were left to applaud in the cabinet team as they made their way into the Dáil chamber and a few even offered handshakes of congratulations. But it felt like an unnecessary gesture because the line up was almost identical.

Former investor who lost $1m comes back to bid for Altada

A founding investor in the troubled tech firm Altada, who previously lost $1 million on the company, has teamed up with the biggest single shareholder to acquire it from receivership.

Jeffrey Leo, who last week successfully petitioned for the appointment of a provisional liquidator to the firm, said his bid with Rocktop Partners, a Texan asset manager, involves keeping existing shareholders onboard and ensuring employees stay on.

‘You f*****g fleeced me’: Ronan O’Gara’s legal dispute over pub venture

A case involving a ‘friendly’ financial arrangement that has gone sour between Ronan O’Gara and his old friend, farmer and ex-amateur rugby player John O’Driscoll, is now being heard in the High Court.

Catherine Sanz reports on a case which has generated significant public interest and intrigue.

Dublin ban sees 21 new data centres planned outside city

A total of 21 new data centres are planned outside the greater Dublin area following the moratorium on new developments near the capital due to constraints on the energy grid.

Major energy and technology companies have approached Eirgrid, the national grid operator, with plans to build 16 new, large-scale data centres, while a further five smaller-scale data centre projects are being discussed with ESB Networks, which handles connections for less significant developments.