#116:The Bottom Line - Easing of Covid Restrictions; Inflation, Interest Rates & The Economy; Carlow & Kilkenny Local Enterprise Offices.

This week on the Bottom Line on KCLR, John Purcell was joined by Morwenna Coniam, Dublin Bureau Chief at Bloomberg News to chat through some of the big business stories. The big story of the week came from the announcement by Government on Friday evening that almost all Covid restrictions would be lifted from 6am on Saturday morning. The Central Bank of Ireland is the State Institution charged with maintaining price and financial stability in the Irish economy. As a part of the European Central Bank, it also inputs into decisions about interest rates and other important economic policy matters. Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank who also sits on the Board of the European Central Bank spoke with John about meeting with the local business community & students in Kilkenny, the impact of the pandemic on the economy; inflation and interest rates. Over the last two years businesses have faced huge challenges due to the pandemic, however, the business community have remained resilient with many businesses pivoting and others starting up new business ventures. During the week, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar announced figures for Local Enterprises Offices across the country, highlighting their role in supporting small businesses and job creation. Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise at Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office and Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Carlow Local Enterprise Office joined John to discuss the figures from a local perspective. With thanks to O’Neill Foley, Produced by Deirdre Dromey.To contact the show, email: [email protected]