ESRI Newsletter | March 2025

Dear Reader,

As we await the full details of President Trump’s trade measures, ESRI research published earlier this month highlights the potential economic consequences for Ireland. This research warned of significant potential effects over the next 5-7 years on economic growth, employment, consumption and the public finances.

This issue was also covered in our Quarterly Economic Commentary, Spring 2025, which notes that the impact of tariffs would be even more significant if the U.S. targets pharmaceutical products.

Housing was also a key area of focus in the Commentary, with sections dedicated to assessing three policy options for reforming the current system of Rent Pressure Zones, as well as options for addressing the domestic funding gap.

Similarly, housing featured in our Monitoring Report on Integration 2024, which noted that migrants are more likely to be working than Irish-born, but are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis and income poverty.

Another ESRI report, published in collaboration with IHREC, examined the cost of disability. It found that households affected by disability are more likely than other household types to be at risk of poverty.

Lastly, looking to the summer, our highly anticipated Budget Perspectives Conference is scheduled for 11 June, so please save the date.

Professor Alan Barrett
Director