Shopping scams have skyrocketed by 200% in the first three months of 2025, leading a dramatic surge in fraud-related crime across Ireland, according to new Garda statistics. The latest quarterly crime figures reveal that fraud offences overall jumped by 61% compared to the same period last year, with shopping and online auction fraud recording the … Read more
The European Union’s trade chief has emphasized the bloc’s commitment to securing a trade deal with the United States based on “mutual respect” rather than threats, following dramatic escalation by President Donald Trump in their ongoing trade standoff. Trump significantly raised the stakes yesterday by threatening to impose a 50% tariff on EU goods, complaining … Read more
Ireland’s new gambling regulator is now operational, but the multibillion-euro industry will continue operating without strict oversight until mid-2026, delaying crucial funding for addiction support services. The Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was formally established in March when Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan appointed its senior leadership, including civil servant Paul Quinn as chair. However, … Read more
A High Court dispute involving 17 Dublin properties allegedly overcrowded with migrants and foreign students has been settled out of court. The case concerned accusations that property agent Kevin O’Brien, also known as Kevin Linehan O’Brien, had sublet the properties without the owners’ knowledge and housed between 50-80 people in allegedly overcrowded conditions. Brian Conroy … Read more
US President Donald Trump has escalated his trade war rhetoric, threatening to impose a 50% tariff on European Union goods from June 1st while also targeting Apple with potential 25% penalties over iPhone manufacturing. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared that tariff negotiations with the EU are “going nowhere” and announced he is “recommending … Read more
A major European consumer watchdog has called for an EU-wide investigation into seven airlines, including Ryanair, over allegations they are illegally charging passengers for hand luggage. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) filed a formal complaint this week with the European Commission and EU Consumer Protection Network, accusing the airlines of “exploiting consumers” through unfair baggage … Read more
Tánaiste Simon Harris has taken full responsibility for the National Children’s Hospital project after facing fierce criticism in the Dáil over its latest delay and spiralling costs. The hospital’s completion has now been pushed back for the 15th time, with a new target date set for September. Opposition parties launched a scathing attack on the … Read more
The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint against An Post for making misleading claims about its digital stamps service in a recent direct mail campaign. The postal operator’s advertisement promoted digital stamps as alternatives to traditional physical stamps with the tagline “Send anytime, to anywhere using An Post Digital Stamps.” However, the ASA found … Read more
Wholesale electricity prices in Ireland have surged by 25.6% over the past year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office, despite a significant monthly decline in April. The CSO data shows that while electricity prices dropped by 15.7% in the month to April 2025, the annual increase reflects ongoing volatility in energy markets. … Read more
Bank of Ireland Group has increased its housing development financing target to 30,000 homes as the lender steps up efforts to address Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis. The bank is currently supporting the construction of more than 24,000 homes across all housing types on 220 sites in 22 counties, representing a significant increase from the 21,000 … Read more
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has unveiled a plan to dramatically reduce driving test wait times from the current average of 27 weeks to 10 weeks by the end of summer. The ambitious target comes as the authority faces “unprecedented” demand, with 100,000 people currently waiting for their driving tests. The government has been pressuring … Read more
The Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) has called for €15 million in annual investment over the next five years to secure the future of Ireland’s post office network. A new report by Grant Thornton, commissioned by the IPU, highlighted the risk of widespread closures without immediate government action. The research estimated the annual social and economic … Read more
Residential property prices in Ireland increased by 7.5 per cent in the year to March, slightly down from the 8 per cent rise recorded the previous month, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The median price of a home purchased in the 12 months to March stood at €362,500. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown … Read more
Northern Ireland’s first dedicated obesity management service has been approved by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, with the initial phase set to launch early next year. The groundbreaking service will primarily develop community-based care where patients can access lifestyle support and obesity medications when clinically appropriate. For the first time, health service patients in Northern Ireland … Read more
The European Union is preparing to implement a €2 flat fee on billions of low-value packages entering the bloc each year, primarily from China, EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic announced yesterday. The proposed levy would remove the customs-free status currently enjoyed by packages valued under €150 that are shipped directly to consumers, often through platforms … Read more