Ireland's birth rate falls sharply as major crisis looms, NESC report warns

Ireland’s birth rate falls sharply as major crisis looms, NESC report warns

Ireland faces a demographic crisis as birth rates decline sharply while the population ages, according to a stark warning from the National Economic and Social Council. The NESC report reveals that the number of children born in Ireland has been decreasing since 2010, with the population gradually aging in a trend that threatens serious economic … Read more

Extreme cold and freezing temperatures: Yellow warnings issued across Ireland as travel conditions deteriorate

Extreme cold and freezing temperatures: Yellow warnings issued across Ireland as travel conditions deteriorate

Met Éireann has issued weather warnings across multiple counties in Ireland due to severe cold and the risk of freezing temperatures. Forecasters predict temperatures will plummet to between minus 2 and minus 4 degrees Celsius, creating hazardous conditions for travelers and residents. A Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning is in effect for Munster, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, … Read more

First Kerala-origin priest ordained in Ireland receives warm welcome in hometown

First Kerala-origin priest ordained in Ireland receives warm welcome in hometown

Fr. Anthony Valiplakkal, the first Kerala-origin Capuchin priest to study and be ordained in Ireland, has been warmly welcomed across various parishes in Kerala during his first visit home since ordination. His journey from electronics engineer to Catholic priest represents a remarkable vocational transformation. Fr. Anthony was ordained by Bishop Donal Roach, auxiliary bishop of … Read more

More than 114,000 patients treated without beds in Irish hospitals during 2025

More than 114,000 patients treated without beds in Irish hospitals during 2025

More than 114,000 people were admitted to Irish hospitals without beds in 2025, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The INMO reported that over 1,248 of these patients were children, highlighting the severity of the healthcare system’s capacity crisis. “Another year has passed with an unacceptable increase in the number of patients being … Read more

Kottayam native passes away in Ireland

Body of late Irish Indian-origin resident Joseph James to lie in state today; Funeral tomorrow

The body of Joseph James (Abby Vattaparambil), a member of the Irish Indian-origin community, will lie in state today, January 2, for public viewing. Family, friends, and community members are invited to pay their respects at Larry Massey Funeral Home, Ballyfermot Road, Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 (D10 DT80), from 2pm to 5pm. The funeral service … Read more

Police appeal for information following Arson attack on North Belfast home

Police appeal for information following Arson attack on North Belfast home

Police are appealing for public assistance in investigating an arson attack on a house in north Belfast that occurred on Sunday night. Authorities are urging witnesses and anyone with information about the incident to come forward as soon as possible. The attack involved fuel being thrown through a window before the property was set ablaze. … Read more

Anointing fire service in Dublin this Sunday: Preparations complete

Anointing fire service in Dublin this Sunday: Preparations complete

Preparations are complete for the Anointing Fire Service scheduled for Sunday, January 4, at St. Luke’s Church in Dublin 5. The service will run from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm, offering spiritual renewal and prayer opportunities for the faithful. The Dublin service is organized by the Anointing Fire Catholic Ministry, founded by renowned minister of … Read more

Noise pollution on public transport becomes growing concern in Ireland

Noise pollution on public transport becomes growing concern in Ireland

Loud phone conversations, music, and videos on buses and trains have emerged as a significant problem across European countries, including Ireland, prompting laws and awareness campaigns to address what some term “sodcasting” and disruptive behavior on public transport. Irish Rail has introduced regulations imposing €100 fines on passengers who play music or videos loudly on … Read more

Average second-hand house prices rise 6.8% as market shows regional variations

Average second-hand house prices rise 6.8% as market shows regional variations

Average second-hand house prices nationwide increased by 6.8% last year, according to a new report from estate agent Sherry FitzGerald. While this represents a slight decrease from 2024’s 7.2% increase, the report indicates that price inflation is beginning to stabilize across the housing market. Regional variations remained significant, with prices outside Dublin rising by an … Read more

Micro-retirement becomes fashionable in Ireland's evolving work culture

Micro-retirement becomes fashionable in Ireland’s evolving work culture

Micro-retirement is gaining traction in Ireland’s workplace as Generation Z and millennials increasingly prioritize work-life balance over traditional career paths. While the trend benefits workers seeking time for personal rejuvenation, experts warn it presents significant organizational challenges that companies must prepare to address. Micro-retirement refers to employees taking extended leave from work, ranging from several … Read more

Ireland imposes strict traffic restrictions for New Year's Eve celebrations

Ireland imposes strict traffic restrictions for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Traffic restrictions have been implemented across major Irish cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with An Garda Síochána and transport authorities introducing extensive measures to manage large gatherings, particularly in Dublin city centre. Dame Street and Castle Street in Dublin have been completely closed to vehicles, with restrictions remaining in place until the early hours … Read more

Ireland must boost birth rates and welcome migrants to sustain economy, government advisory body warns

Ireland must boost birth rates and welcome migrants to sustain economy, government advisory body warns

Ireland should welcome migrants to support the economy and avoid a “vicious circle” where insufficient workers cannot sustain the State, according to a new government report. The National Economic and Social Council, an advisory body to the Taoiseach and Government, warns that Ireland faces significant demographic shifts requiring urgent adaptation in what will be a … Read more

Respiratory illness cases surge in Ireland as 677 patients hospitalized, HSE warns

The Health Service Executive has warned of a sharp rise in hospital admissions due to fever, respiratory diseases, and Covid-19 as winter intensifies across Ireland. As of Tuesday, December 30, the country recorded 2,321 respiratory patients and 1,777 people with fever over the past week, with 677 patients currently receiving hospital treatment. The figures represent … Read more

Ireland to increase minimum wage and launch auto-enrolment pension scheme from New year

Ireland to increase minimum wage and launch auto-enrolment pension scheme from New year

Ireland will implement significant wage increases and pension reforms beginning tomorrow, January 1, as part of the government’s budget decisions aimed at improving workers’ living standards amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The national minimum wage will rise for workers over the age of 20, providing direct relief to thousands employed on low incomes. The increase … Read more