The design heads at Cork IT’s Architecture Factory can hardly contain their excitement — their converted factory, with studios fashioned from old shipping containers, has been short-listed for a world design award.

Facebook Ireland yesterday defended the amount of tax it paid last year stating that it is fully compliant with the Irish tax authorities.

The lights are on. The crowds are on the move. Wallets are being prised open. It is make or break time for large retailers.

NEARLY 800 jobs were announced yesterday, with supermarket giant Tesco leading the way in creating the bulk of them as part of a €113 million expansion drive in the Irish market.

ALMOST €1 million is being wasted annually on maintaining vacant Enterprise Ireland buildings in Glasnevin, it has emerged.

The Environment Minister is pledging to reduce his emissions by 10% next year.

The Progressive Democrats, who celebrate 19 years in politics today, plan a major recruitment drive in 2005 to sustain the party’s future.

BANK OF IRELAND'S proposed merger with British bank Abbey National plc is one of the most ambitious in Irish corporate history.