Ireland takes baby steps on climate goals, But road ahead remains long

Ireland takes baby steps on climate goals, But road ahead remains long

According to The Irish Examiner, Ireland has seen a modest 2.2% drop in greenhouse gas emissions during the first three months of this year, marking a step in the right direction for the country’s climate efforts. While this reduction offers a glimmer of hope, experts warn that Ireland still has a long way to go … Read more

Taskforce recommends stronger Garda presence, more housing to revitalise Dublin

Taskforce recommends stronger Garda presence, more housing to revitalise Dublin

A taskforce set up to revitalise the city of Dublin has recommended amping up Gardai presence, upgrading CCTV network, and converting derelict sites into high-density residential units, among other key measures. The taskforce was set up by the Taoiseach in May 2024 with an objective to develop a set of recommendations to rejuvenate the capital … Read more

Taoiseach Simon Harris signals general election in Ireland could be held in 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris signals general election in Ireland could be held in 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the general election in Ireland will take place this year. Speaking to media ahead of a meeting with coalition leaders, Harris said that the government would “amicably agree a time period” for the upcoming election. Harris acknowledged that the election is “not far away at this stage,” suggesting that … Read more

Survey reveals ‘enormous’ teacher shortage crisis in Irish primary and special schools

Survey reveals ‘enormous’ teacher shortage crisis in Irish primary and special schools

Underlining the teacher shortage crisis in Ireland, a recent survey has revealed that at least 951 teaching positions remain vacant in primary and special schools across the country. Schools expect this number to triple in the coming months due to the teacher shortage, RTE reported. The survey was conducted by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … Read more

Rental watchdog barks for more bite: RTB seeks power to sniff out hidden landlords

Rental watchdog barks for more bite: RTB seeks power to sniff out hidden landlords

Ireland’s rental market could soon face stricter oversight as the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) eyes new powers to tackle unregistered landlords. The watchdog is considering asking for the authority to inspect properties even when they suspect a tenancy hasn’t been officially registered. Currently, the RTB’s hands are tied. They can only inspect a property after … Read more

Nursing homes urged to claim Safety Improvement Funds before deadline

Nursing homes urged to claim Safety Improvement Funds before deadline

Minister Mary Butler is calling on nursing home providers to act fast and submit their claims for the Nursing Home Resident Safety Improvement (RSI) Scheme. With a deadline of November 15, 2024, time is running out for facilities to tap into this €10 million fund aimed at boosting infection prevention and fire safety. “We want … Read more

Storm Ashley leaves thousands in the dark across Ireland

Storm Ashley leaves thousands in the dark across Ireland

A powerful storm named Ashley is causing chaos across Ireland, leaving over 53,000 homes, farms, and businesses without power. The storm’s fierce winds have hit western and northern areas particularly hard. Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, and Kerry are among the worst-affected counties, along with parts of North Cork and North Dublin. The ESB, Ireland’s electricity … Read more

Storm Ashley set to batter Ireland: Orange alert for west coast

Storm Ashley set to batter Ireland: Orange alert for west coast

Ireland is bracing for Storm Ashley as Met Éireann extends Status Orange warnings to four western counties. The entire country is now under weather alerts, with officials urging the public to take extra precautions. Galway, Mayo, Donegal, and Clare are facing the brunt of the storm with Orange warnings, while the rest of Ireland remains … Read more

Big sea survey finds surprising animals in Irish waters

Big sea survey finds surprising animals in Irish waters

A groundbreaking two-year survey of Irish waters has revealed a treasure trove of marine life, including rare sightings of killer whales and giant turtles. The €4.5 million project, dubbed Observe II, covered nearly 500,000 square kilometres of Irish marine territory. Scientists from University College Cork took to the skies for this extensive aerial survey, documenting … Read more

Smart home security booms in Ireland, CSO reports

Smart home security booms in Ireland, CSO reports

More and more Irish people are using smart technology to keep their homes safe, according to new research from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). According to The Irish Examiner, the use of internet-connected security devices has nearly doubled since 2022. These smart security gadgets include home alarm systems, security cameras, and video doorbells that can … Read more

Storm Ashley sweeps Ireland: Wind and rain warnings nationwide

Storm Ashley sweeps Ireland: Wind and rain warnings nationwide

Ireland is bracing for a wild Sunday as Storm Ashley approaches, bringing heavy rain and strong winds across the country. According to The Journal, Met Éireann, Ireland’s weather service, has issued warnings for the entire island, with Galway and Mayo facing the most severe conditions. From midday to 9pm on Sunday, Galway and Mayo are … Read more

Not enough teachers: Irish schools struggle to fill classrooms

Not enough teachers: Irish schools struggle to fill classrooms

Irish primary schools are facing a big problem – they don’t have enough teachers. A new report shows schools are using people who aren’t fully qualified teachers to keep classes going. This year, 745 people who aren’t registered as teachers have been hired to teach in schools. Nearly 300 of these are in Dublin. Schools … Read more

ICS Mortgages cuts variable rates following ECB rate reduction

ICS Mortgages cuts variable rates following ECB rate reduction

ICS Mortgages has announced a reduction in its variable rate mortgage products following the European Central Bank’s third interest rate cut of the year. The changes will take effect on December 1, 2024, providing more affordable mortgage options to a wide range of borrowers. The lender confirmed that its owner-occupier variable rates and buy-to-let variable … Read more

Payments within seconds: AIB customers to receive instant payments from January 2025

Payments within seconds: AIB customers to receive instant payments from January 2025

AIB has announced that its customers will be able to receive instant payments starting January 9, 2025. The bank is on track to meet new EU regulations that require faster payment processing across member states. This change will enable customers to receive money in their accounts within 10 seconds of a payment being initiated, even … Read more

Ireland's cyber skills shortage: A call to double the workforce

Ireland’s cyber skills shortage: A call to double the workforce

Ireland must dramatically increase its cybersecurity workforce to safeguard its digital future, industry experts warn. Cyber Ireland, a national security cluster organization, is set to tell the Oireachtas communications committee that the country needs to double its number of cybersecurity professionals by 2030. Currently, about 8,000 people work in Ireland’s cybersecurity sector. Cyber Ireland believes … Read more