logo
Sleep suits, toy trucks and car parking at Dublin Airport: some of the actions taken by the consumer watchdog last year

Sleep suits, toy trucks and car parking at Dublin Airport: some of the actions taken by the consumer watchdog last year

Through consumer complaints, referrals from European networks, investigations and work with Revenue, the unsafe products were recalled, removed or prevented from reaching the Irish market.
Among the recalls were nearly 10,000 babies' sleep suits and more than 2,400 toy construction trucks.
Successful prosecutions were brought against five retailers last year, with Tesco Ireland pleading guilty to two sample counts of failing to comply with laws around the display of product prices on promotion for Clubcard holders.
CCPC chairperson Brian McHugh said the annual report 'highlights the vital role the CCPC plays across all sectors of the economy'.
"As we look ahead, it is clear that the CCPC's work is more important than ever and our vision for open and competitive markets where consumers are protected and businesses actively compete, remains at the heart of everything we do.
'Following a year of notable achievements and a decade of progress, our focus remains on delivering transparent outcomes, empowering consumers with knowledge of their rights, and being a leading voice for competition and consumer welfare across Ireland.'
'The CCPC continues to deliver for Irish consumers and businesses by ensuring our markets remain competitive, transparent, and safe,' Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said.
'Their work in 2024 – from blocking anti-competitive mergers to removing dangerous products and empowering consumers through education – demonstrates the importance of strong, independent enforcement.'
Among the items highlighted in the report was the work done by the CCPC to block the sale of the former QuickPark car park site at Dublin Airport, an effort to prevent a monopoly in that market.
In March of last year, the sale of the car park based on the Swords Road in Santry to the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) was blocked over concerns it would lead to higher prices and a lower quality of service for consumers.
ADVERTISEMENT
A CCPC investigation found the deal would have seen DAA own more than 90pc of public car parking spaces serving Dublin Airport, leading to 'harmful consequences for consumers'.
Following the decision, DAA said it saw 'merit' in appealing, but decided against an appeal to ensure the car park's spaces got back on the market ahead of the busy summer period.
The report also highlighted assistance provided to the Italian competition authority by the CCPC in an unannounced search of Ryanair's Dublin headquarters last year.
The search in March 2024 came as part of an Italian competition law investigation into whether Ryanair was abusing its dominant position in the market to hinder travel agents from selling Ryanair flights.
Claims that Ryanair abused its dominant market position were denied by the airline.
In January, the airline lost an appeal to overturn a decision it cannot sue the Italian competition authority in Ireland over the search.
The High Court had dismissed Ryanair's case against the Autorità Garante Della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) in June of last year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

We take pride in our DEI – and it's also good for business
We take pride in our DEI – and it's also good for business

Irish Examiner

time10 minutes ago

  • Irish Examiner

We take pride in our DEI – and it's also good for business

These are challenging times, when fragmentation and division are more the norm than the exception. For those of us lucky enough to have benefitted from growing up in an equitable society, and developing our careers in companies that valued and respected difference, it feels like a time when we should invest more, not less, effort in signalling the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). I'm proud, and determined, that at Bord Gáis Energy our commitment remains unwavering. We believe in building a diverse workforce and fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We're once again taking part in Cork Pride on August 3, led by our BRÓD Network – 'bród' being the Irish word for pride. Established by colleagues in 2017, BRÓD was our first employee network, created to champion inclusion. Today, it continues to inspire our approach to visibility, allyship and action. Last year, 55 colleagues, partners, spouses and family members from Bord Gáis Energy celebrated Cork Pride together. As a company with deep roots in Cork, it was a powerful and memorable day, and a reflection of how we live our values. Ireland's recent celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum reminds us what progress looks like when we choose inclusion. A decade on, we should be basking in the glow of a more mature and all-embracing society, recent events in other countries and indeed our own remind us that whilst we may have 'righted some wrongs of the past' we need to do more to fundamentally embed inclusion across our society. Our renewed commitment to Cork Pride comes at a time of exciting growth for Bord Gáis Energy in the city. Since acquiring Swyft Energy last year, our Cork office has expanded by 50%. As we welcomed new colleagues on-site, we also welcomed their positive feedback about our culture – feedback that reaffirms the value of embedding diversity and inclusion into our everyday working lives. Because DEI isn't just the right thing to do – it's also good for business. When people feel safe to be themselves at work, they bring more creativity, commitment and energy to what they do. I see it every day. Our LGBTQ+ colleagues – and allies like me – are already looking forward to this year's Cork Pride, themed 'A Fearless Future. Your Pride, Your Culture.' It's a theme that speaks directly to the kind of workplace we're building: one where LGBTQ+ identity is seen and supported, and where inclusion is a lived value, not just a statement. Pride is an important moment of visibility and celebration. But inclusion must also show up in the everyday – in how we hire, lead, and support each other. We've grown a strong, network-led culture – with seven employee-led DEI networks now in place. These include BRÓD, our Women's Network, REACH (our multicultural network), the Neurodiversity Network, the Working Parents Network, the Carers Network, and our Mental Health First Aiders. These networks don't just support colleagues – they shape policy, advise leadership, and help make our culture more inclusive and responsive. Each network has a senior leadership sponsor. I sponsor BRÓD, and support the important work they do. One of the network's recent achievements was supporting the introduction of transitioning guidelines to ensure our transgender colleagues feel safe, respected and supported at work. BRÓD has also shaped our presence outside the business. In 2022, it played a central role in research we commissioned, showing that more than three-quarters of people want to see sports stars support the LGBTQ+ community, and 84% believe sport can help promote positive discussions around inclusivity. Our efforts are making a difference. In our Our Voice colleague survey, Bord Gáis Energy's diversity and inclusion scores regulary rank in the top 5% of the energy and utilities industry. That tells me our people see the impact of the culture we've built – one that supports higher engagement, stronger retention and better business performance. Pride is not just a moment. It's a movement – and we're fully behind it.

Mayoral honours for O'Farrells Butchers with recognition award
Mayoral honours for O'Farrells Butchers with recognition award

Irish Post

time12 minutes ago

  • Irish Post

Mayoral honours for O'Farrells Butchers with recognition award

THE Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack, has presented a Recognition Award from Brent's Town Hall to the much-loved O'Farrells Butchers on Willesden High Road. The Irish butcher's shop sits at the heart of Brent's Irish community, in an area rich with Irish pubs, local traders, and cultural traditions. O'Farrells is a traditional family-run butcher shop specialising in free-range meats, with deep family roots in Dublin. The owner, affectionately known in the community as Dennis, is a familiar and respected figure, renowned for his tireless work ethic - operating the shop six days a week. Mayor of Brent, Councillor Ryan Hack presents a Recognition Award from Brent's Town Hall to the much-loved O'Farrells Butchers on Willesden High Road Dennis has dedicated himself to the butchery trade since the late 1990s, earning a reputation for his craft, care, and commitment. With a passion for producing exquisite meats and sourcing cherished Irish products, he has created more than just a butcher's shop — it's a taste of home for many. Loyal customers, some travelling from miles away, return time and again for the flavours and memories that only O'Farrells can offer. The traditional family-run butchers, which specialises in free-range meats, has deep family roots in Dublin Dennis, visibly moved after receiving the award from the Irish Mayor of Brent, said, 'I never expected such recognition, but I feel truly honoured.' Reflecting on his connection to the area, he added, 'I love Willesden and having my butcher shop right in the heart of the community. I genuinely enjoy what I do — it means so much to be able to serve the high street and the people who've supported me over the years.' The Recognition Award is presented to exceptional individuals and organisations who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the community in the London Borough of Brent. Speaking after presenting the award to Dennis, the Mayor of Brent said, 'Brent is the home of the Irish and is proudly known as the 33rd County of Ireland.' He continued, 'It's deeply important to me to honour and celebrate the Irish businesses, citizens, and organisations that have helped shape and support our community over the years. Their contributions are woven into the very fabric of Brent.' The news of the award has been met with huge approval by local residents, many expressing their pride and affection for Dennis and his beloved shop. O'Farrell's Traditional Family Butchers are at 35 High Road, Willesden, London, NW10 2TE See More: Irish, London, O'Farrell's Traditional Family Butchers, Willesden

Aer Lingus profits jump 48% but airline chief says Dublin restriction could hinder growth
Aer Lingus profits jump 48% but airline chief says Dublin restriction could hinder growth

Irish Examiner

time38 minutes ago

  • Irish Examiner

Aer Lingus profits jump 48% but airline chief says Dublin restriction could hinder growth

Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton has reiterated a call to remove nighttime restrictions at Dublin Airport after the company on Friday revealed an operating profit of €135m for the second quarter of 2025. The Q2 profit figure represents a 48% jump from the equivalent period in 2024, when operating profit stood at €91m. Overall first half profits stand at €80m. Aer Lingus' owner, AIG, which also owns British Airways reported operating profit of €1.68bn for the quarter, up 35% from 2024. Aer Lingus said its improved financial performance was driven by capacity growth and a robust revenue performance while the airline also benefitted from favourable fuel pricing. The period saw a 10.9% growth in overall capacity and a 4.3% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2024. This summer Aer Lingus is operating its biggest ever North American network including new services from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis. It has also expanded its European leisure network. Aer Lingus will begin its first direct flight to Cancún Mexico, in January 2026. Aer Lingus took delivery of its third Airbus A321 XLR aircraft in May with the remaining three XLRs expected to join the fleet later this year. 'Our Q2 2025 financial performance builds upon the momentum seen in the business in both Q4 2024 and Q1 2025," said Ms Embleton. But she warned future growth in Dublin is threatened by the restrictions in place there. "The recent An Coimisiún Pleanála decision on night-time noise introduced an unnecessary annual movement restriction at Dublin Airport which is likely to impede both future growth of north Atlantic traffic and the basing of additional short-haul aircraft in Dublin," she said. "This restriction on night-time movements will have to be removed. Together with the continued uncertainty around the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, it will have negative economic and employment impacts. It is also now imperative that Government intervenes and urgently legislates for the removal of the passenger cap.' IAG ICAG.L reported better than expected second-quarter earnings on Friday, helped by strong demand for its transatlantic routes despite fears of knock-on effects from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war. Europe's airlines have broadly managed to dodge turmoil over tariffs, with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa reporting strong second quarters and confirming their annual forecasts this week. IAG's operating profit of €1.68bn beat analysts' average forecast of €1.4bn in an LSEG poll. "We continue to benefit from the trend of a structural shift in consumer spending towards travel. We remain focused on our market-leading brands and core geographies, where we continue to see robust performance," IAG chief executive Luis Gallego. The group confirmed its full-year financial forecasts and said it was seeing strong demand in its core North Atlantic markets, as well as Latin America and Europe. Mr Gallego acknowledged volatility in the US economic situation, he said any weakness was mitigated by strengths in other parts of the business. "The US point-of-sale economy cabin is still weak but it's offset by the strong premium cabin we have ... but it has been improving in the past few weeks," Mr Gallego said on Friday. US airlines have not fared as well, with Delta pulling its full-year guidance this spring over worries about declining demand. Additional reporting by Reuters

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store