Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has expressed particular concern that the majority of recent attacks on Ireland’s Indian community appear to have been carried out by young people, as he met with community leaders to address escalating racial violence. The Ireland India Council has reported an intensification of violent attacks since January, alongside what they describe … Read more
Irish consumers borrowed more money for car purchases in the first quarter of 2025 than at any point since detailed record-keeping began five years ago, with the average loan reaching €13,267 according to new industry data. The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland reported that 19,552 car loans were taken out between January and March, collectively … Read more
More than 600 teaching posts remain unfilled just one week before schools reopen across Ireland, as unions warn that government inaction continues to fuel an unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis in education. At second-level, 284 unfilled teaching posts in subjects like English, biology, and maths are still being advertised, while at primary level, 140 mainstream … Read more
More than 40% of Dublin food pubs warn they will reduce staff if the lower VAT rate is delayed until 2026, according to a new Licensed Vintners Association survey that highlights the severe impact of higher taxation on the hospitality sector. The research reveals widespread concern among pub operators, with 10% considering abandoning food service … Read more
The Road Safety Authority has achieved “significant” progress in reducing driving test waiting times, with the national average dropping to 13.5 weeks as of August 14th – well ahead of its mid-August target of 16 weeks. The improvement represents a dramatic turnaround from the peak waiting time of 27 weeks recorded at the end of … Read more
New electric car registrations in Ireland have surged by 34% in the first seven months of 2025, with 17,075 electric vehicles licensed compared to 12,765 in the same period last year, according to new Central Statistics Office figures. The monthly comparison shows even stronger growth, with July 2025 recording a 64% increase in electric vehicle … Read more
Irish Rail has announced additional train services for this weekend’s highly anticipated Oasis concerts at Croke Park, with extra early morning arrivals and late-night departures to help fans travel from across the country. The rail operator has scheduled additional services to both Heuston and Connolly stations on concert mornings, with trains departing from Cork, Galway, … Read more
Ireland has climbed to seventh place among eurozone countries for mortgage costs, despite experiencing falling interest rates, according to new Central Bank statistics that highlight the persistent challenge of expensive home lending in the Irish market. The average interest rate on new Irish mortgage agreements reached 3.6% at the end of June, compared to the … Read more
Revenue officers have seized 200 fake Labubu dolls as part of extensive operations across Dublin, the Midlands and Rosslare Europort that netted contraband worth over €289,000 last week. The counterfeit plushies, valued at €4,000, were among a significant haul of illegal goods that included drugs, untaxed alcohol and tobacco, and other fake merchandise. The furry … Read more
Ireland has confirmed its first sighting of an Asian hornet, prompting the establishment of a government taskforce to address the potential biodiversity threat posed by the invasive species. The yellow-legged hornet was spotted and captured by a member of the public in Cork, marking a significant development for Irish wildlife protection efforts. The Department of … Read more
Almost one in four employees in Ireland took time off work for mental health reasons last year, significantly exceeding the European average and highlighting growing workplace wellbeing concerns across the country. The research by SD Worx Ireland found that 24% of Irish workers took mental health leave in 2024, compared to the European average of … Read more
More than 40 hares have been killed by aircraft at Dublin Airport over the past three years, prompting authorities to launch catch-and-release operations to relocate the animals to counties Wicklow and Kildare as part of broader wildlife management efforts. The Dublin Airport Authority has also recorded 278 bird strikes during the same period, despite spending … Read more
Irish stargazers are in for a spectacular treat tonight as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak, potentially delivering up to 100 visible shooting stars per hour across the country’s darkest locations. The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus from which they appear to radiate, rank among the year’s most impressive celestial displays due … Read more
Wind generation in Ireland reached the third highest level ever recorded for a July month, producing 786 gigawatt-hours of electricity and highlighting the growing contribution of renewable energy to the national grid. Cork wind farms claimed the top spot for monthly generation for the first time this year, producing 85 gigawatt-hours and narrowly edging out … Read more
The significant increase in opioid painkiller use in Ireland likely stems from a failing health system rather than irresponsible prescribing practices, according to a leading addiction counselor responding to new data showing alarming prescription trends. Michael Guerin, an addiction specialist, emphasized that opioid painkillers are “not being given out like smarties” by medical professionals, but … Read more