Irish road hauliers have highlighted what they describe as an “epidemic” of drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel, observable from their elevated position in truck cabs. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has voiced serious concerns about deteriorating driving standards, with President Ger Hyland stating that driver behavior is at an “all-time low.” … Read more
Tánaiste Simon Harris has warned that Ireland’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States could be reduced by approximately 50% if a reciprocal tariff situation develops between the US and EU. Speaking ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, Harris acknowledged that a deal to avoid tariffs now appears unlikely as President Donald Trump prepares to announce new … Read more
Met Éireann forecasts continued sunny spells throughout the week as high pressure remains “in charge” of Ireland’s weather, bringing settled conditions and temperatures up to 18 degrees. Today will see bright spells developing into widespread sunshine, with the highest temperatures expected in western parts of the country where the mercury could reach 18 degrees. Eastern … Read more
The Government has approved a six-month extension to the reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas, continuing its cost of living support measures for households across the country. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will seek formal Cabinet approval for the extension on Tuesday before bringing forward a financial resolution to the Dáil on Wednesday. The … Read more
Commuters traveling from Newbridge and Kildare to Dublin will finally see substantial fare reductions implemented at the end of April, following a delay in the planned expansion of the Dublin commuter zone. According to Social Democrats councillor Chris Prender, the Dublin commuter zone and Leap Card expansion will take effect on April 28, 2025, despite … Read more
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has endorsed new nursing home regulations coming into effect Monday, describing them as a “significant change” that will strengthen protections for residents. These updated regulations aim to establish improved standards for resident visitor access and governance responsibility, particularly during crisis situations like pandemics. The changes represent a substantial … Read more
A new legal requirement has come into effect today requiring all motorists in Ireland to provide their driver number when taking out or renewing motor insurance. Insurance providers and brokers are now legally prohibited from issuing motor policies unless the driver numbers of all named drivers are provided. The unique driver number, found under section … Read more
The Irish Government is intensifying efforts to protect the national economy as Donald Trump prepares to announce sweeping tariffs within the next 48 hours. Officials fear these measures could deliver the most significant economic blow to Ireland since the 2008 financial crisis. The expected tariffs are anticipated to apply universally to all European exports entering … Read more
Seismic monitoring equipment in Ireland has recorded the powerful earthquake that devastated parts of Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, demonstrating the global reach of major seismic events. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck approximately 17km northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, at around 12:50am local time (6:21am Irish time). This initial shock was followed by a … Read more
The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has announced plans to implement mandatory age verification systems for social media platforms operating in Ireland, promising severe penalties for companies that fail to comply. “The idea that the online space can be like the wild west is just not acceptable any more,” Harris declared, signaling a significant shift in the … Read more
The average price of a resale property in Dublin has risen to €593,936, marking an increase of over €50,000 since March 2024, a new property survey for Q1 2025 has revealed. According to the latest residential market review from estate agents DNG, prices climbed by 1.9 per cent in the first three months of the … Read more
Ireland witnessed a significant 30 per cent drop in the number of foreign visitors to the Emerald Isle in February this year, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. Approximately 304,300 visitors traveled to Ireland last month, compared to 433,300 visitors in February 2024, as per CSO data on inbound tourism. “This … Read more
The annual ritual of changing clocks is set to coincide with a welcome burst of milder spring weather this weekend, offering Irish residents a promising glimpse of the season ahead. Meteorological forecasts predict temperatures will climb to a pleasant 16 degrees Celsius, marking a significant improvement from the cooler winter months. The time change, which … Read more
Migrant residents are more likely to be employed, active in the labour market, and well-educated compared to the Irish-born population, according to the latest findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The foreign-born residents, however, have lower incomes and are more likely to be affected by high housing costs. The report, which sheds … Read more
The Irish government has announced a significant regulatory overhaul for retailers selling tobacco and vaping products, introducing a comprehensive licensing system that will require businesses to pay substantial annual fees and meet stringent compliance standards. Starting February 2026, retailers will be legally mandated to obtain licenses from the Health Service Executive (HSE), marking a dramatic … Read more