Focus Ireland, a leading homeless charity, has revealed a sharp rise in demand for its services in 2023. The organization supported 18,000 people last year, marking a 12.5% increase from 2022. This surge highlights the growing need for more social housing in Ireland. Key points: Record-breaking homelessness: A new high of 14,429 people are currently … Read more
Dublin’s city center is getting a clean sweep! Starting September 16, businesses will have to say goodbye to their plastic garbage bags. The city council is rolling out a new plan to tidy up the streets and tackle the mess left by commercial rubbish. The changes mean no more plastic bags for business waste in … Read more
Announcing its new housing policy plan, Sinn Féin has pledged to invest up to €39 billion in social and affordable housing over five years to address Ireland’s housing crisis. The plan, titled ‘A Home Of Your Own’, aims to deliver 300,000 homes from 2025 onwards, marking a significant shift in the country’s housing strategy. It … Read more
In a significant move to protect victims of stalking, the government has introduced new laws that allow individuals to apply for emergency court orders against their perpetrators. These orders, which come into effect today, aim to provide immediate safeguarding for victims while their cases are being determined. The interim court orders can be granted if … Read more
In Waterford, parents are up in arms over the lack of subsidized school transportation for their children attending schools in Dungarvan. Currently, parents are forced to pay €40 per week per child for a private transport service, a stark contrast to the €75 annual fee for the government’s “nearest school” transportation plan. According to Irish … Read more
The Irish government, through the Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, has welcomed the completion of a €500 million share buyback transaction between AIB Group Plc (AIB) and the State. This latest transaction is part of the ongoing efforts to reduce the State’s shareholding in AIB and return taxpayer funds that were used to support … Read more
In a remarkable breakthrough, Irish researchers have discovered that a simple change in how doctors prescribe antibiotics can lead to a dramatic 21% reduction in their use. This finding, revealed in a collaborative study by the University of Limerick and the Department of Health, could be a game-changer in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), … Read more
Ireland’s housing crisis has reached a new, alarming milestone as the number of people living in emergency accommodation surged to an unprecedented 14,429 in July, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. This sobering statistic, which includes 10,028 adults and 4,401 children, underscores the escalating struggle with homelessness across the country. The … Read more
Human rights organisation Amnesty International Ireland has announced the temporary layoff of 11 out of its 29 employees, citing a cash flow crisis as the reason behind this decision. The layoffs and reduced working hours will take effect starting September 6. In a statement, Amnesty International Ireland expressed deep regret over the decision, emphasizing that … Read more
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is pushing for additional tax cuts for individual landlords in the upcoming Budget 2025, set to be announced on October 1. The move aims to further reduce what O’Brien describes as an “undue” tax burden on property owners who rent out their homes. Last year’s budget introduced a tax relief measure … Read more
Good news for Irish parents: your wallet is about to get a break! Starting next week, families could save up to €1,700 per year on childcare costs, thanks to new government subsidies. According to Irish Examiner, children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman announced on Thursday that the National Childcare Scheme is rolling out increased support for parents. … Read more
In a remarkable turnaround for Ireland’s housing sector, the number of new homes breaking ground has skyrocketed in the first seven months of 2024. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s latest figures show a staggering 91% increase in housing commencements compared to the same period last year. Key Points: 35,358 homes commenced construction … Read more
More than 300 employees at Cardinal Health in Tullamore, Co Offaly, are set to lose their jobs following the company’s decision to close its plant by spring 2026, RTE reported. The announcement was made during a meeting with staff and union members earlier today. Operations at the Tullamore site were halted yesterday in preparation for … Read more
A recent survey revealed that around 64 per cent of people believe that Ireland should welcome individuals who move to the country in search of a better life for themselves or their families. However, 18 per cent of those surveyed disagree with this stance. The survey, conducted by Ireland Thinks for the Migrant Rights Centre … Read more
In a bid to allow “for a more modern, flexible employment permits system” in the country, Ireland’s revised employment permits act will come into force, starting September 2. The Employment Permits Act 2024, which applies to non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals, was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins in June. The law brings … Read more