The head of Ireland’s Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has defended the effectiveness of rent control measures that could potentially be discontinued by the Government at the end of this year, stating that the regulations are delivering tangible benefits to tenants nationwide. The RTB chief confirmed that the organization has formally communicated its position on rent … Read more
A newly released internal audit has found that no value for money assessment was conducted before proceeding with the controversial €336,000 bike shelter at Leinster House, revealing significant oversight failures in the project’s management. The long-awaited report, conducted by Deloitte and published by the Office of Public Works (OPW) following a Freedom of Information appeal, … Read more
The Seamus Rafter Bridge in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, may be demolished as part of an extensive flood relief scheme being developed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Wexford County Council. The landmark bridge, which spans the River Slaney and was opened in 1991, would be replaced with separate pedestrian and road bridges at … Read more
Dublin-based convenience food manufacturer Greencore has reached an agreement to acquire UK fresh food provider Bakkavor Group in a deal valued at £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion), creating a major player in the British food-to-go sector. The acquisition, announced Thursday following preliminary discussions in April, will combine two complementary businesses with extensive reach across UK supermarkets. … Read more
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has proposed that driving tests should be provided free of charge when the Road Safety Authority (RSA) fails to meet its 10-week waiting time target, similar to the financial penalties applied in the National Car Test system. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Whitmore criticized the lack of accountability within the … Read more
Independent senator Aubrey McCarthy has proposed that Ireland should approach Qatar about the possibility of receiving a complimentary government aircraft, following reports that the Gulf state plans to gift a $100 million plane to US president Donald Trump. Speaking in the Seanad, McCarthy suggested Ireland should “throw our diplomatic hat in the ring” for a … Read more
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has committed to addressing recruitment and retention challenges in Ireland’s Defence Forces, describing it as one of his “most important priorities” during his address at PDForra’s annual conference. Harris revealed he had conducted “a very detailed and frank discussion” with his senior leadership team on Monday about strengthening … Read more
Irish teenagers are among the least happy in developed nations despite leading in academic achievement, according to a new UNICEF report examining child wellbeing across 43 OECD and EU countries. The study, which ranks Ireland 24th overall for adolescent mental health, reveals that one in three Irish teenagers experience “low life satisfaction” – a condition … Read more
Microsoft has announced plans to lay off fewer than 3% of its global workforce—around 6,000 employees—as part of cost-cutting efforts while it invests heavily in artificial intelligence. The job cuts will span all levels and locations and are the company’s most significant since the 10,000 layoffs in 2023. It remains uncertain how the move will … Read more
Over half of septic tanks inspected by local authorities in Ireland last year failed to meet required standards, posing risks to both human health and the environment, according to a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. The EPA’s 2024 Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections report revealed that 56% of the 1,390 inspected septic tanks … Read more
The Irish government has announced an extra €30 million in funding and an extension of the First Home Scheme (FHS) until 2027. The FHS is a shared-equity initiative aimed at helping eligible first-time buyers and other homebuyers bridge the gap between their deposit and mortgage and the cost of a new home. Under the scheme, … Read more
Ireland is set to enjoy a stretch of sunny weather over the next ten days, with above-average May temperatures, according to Met Éireann. Deputy Head Forecaster Elizabeth Coleman reported that parts of the west could see highs of up to 24°C today and possibly tomorrow. “We’ll continue that way really through the week, so lovely … Read more
American fast food giant Taco Bell is set to make its Irish debut this summer following a new agreement with service station operator Applegreen. The partnership will bring the Mexican-inspired chain to Ireland for the first time, with the initial restaurant scheduled to open in the coming months. While the exact location of the first … Read more
Ford is set to release new safety software within 10-15 days that will provide early warnings to 2,850 Irish motorists affected by a potential battery defect in Kuga plug-in hybrid vehicles. The automotive manufacturer issued an urgent recall in early March instructing owners not to charge their vehicle batteries due to a risk of short-circuiting … Read more
Education Minister Helen McEntee is bringing forward major changes to the Leaving Certificate examination system today, presenting the reform package to Cabinet. The plan will significantly alter how students are assessed, with 40 percent of marks in all subjects to be allocated to practical examinations and year-long projects rather than final written exams. The government … Read more