Irish consumer confidence has sharply declined amid escalating tensions surrounding US President Donald Trump’s potential tariffs targeting the country’s pharmaceutical export sector, a critical pillar of the Irish economy valued at €44 billion. The pharmaceutical industry has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s economic strategy for decades, directly employing 80,000 people and representing a significant portion … Read more
Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a female eastern bongo calf, a momentous occasion for conservation efforts of one of the world’s most endangered antelope species. Born on February 20 to first-time mother Annabel, the newborn represents a critical addition to a species with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild. The two-and-a-half-year-old … Read more
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has revealed that Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) have successfully limited rental increases across Ireland, while simultaneously calling for significant systemic reforms to improve housing affordability and investment incentives. In its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary, the think-tank provided a nuanced analysis of the RPZ system, which currently covers 83% … Read more
World leaders, including Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, have converged in Paris today for a critical summit aimed at establishing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and exploring potential pathways to peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia. With representatives from 31 countries, including NATO allies, European Union member states, and non-EU nations like the United Kingdom, … Read more
US President Donald Trump has launched a bold new trade offensive, specifically targeting pharmaceutical imports and singling out Ireland as a key manufacturing location for medicines. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump declared his intention to impose substantial tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing. “We don’t make anything here in … Read more
EirGrid has projected that electricity demand will increase by 45 per cent from 2023 to 2034, with peak power requirements rising by 24 per cent over the same period. The body managing the electricity grid warns of a “challenging outlook” between 2023 and 2027 as new power sources are introduced. Much of the demand growth … Read more
PTSB said it is reducing interest rates for savers on new personal and business fixed-term variable deposit accounts by 0.5 per cent, effective from April 2. The adjustment will apply to 6-month, 1-year, 18-month, 3-year, and 5-year fixed-rate deposits, as well as Interest First and Online fixed-term deposit accounts. Current rates, ranging from 2 per … Read more
A recent audit by the Local Government Audit Service has exposed significant financial management challenges within Cork County Council, revealing the council’s complete failure to collect derelict site levies in 2023 and highlighting systemic issues in administrative processes. The comprehensive audit found that not only did the council collect no money from the derelict site … Read more
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially embraced Ireland’s linguistic creativity, adding eight distinctly Irish words and phrases to its prestigious pages in its latest monthly update. The additions celebrate the rich and colorful language of Ireland, highlighting both culinary delights and colloquial expressions that capture the nation’s unique linguistic spirit. Heading the list is … Read more
In a momentous achievement for Irish football, the Republic of Ireland’s Under-17 national team has qualified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking the first time the men’s youth squad has reached this prestigious tournament. Manager Colin O’Brien’s talented young squad sealed their historic qualification through a compelling performance in the UEFA European … Read more
Approximately 6,500 psychiatric nurses across Ireland will commence industrial action today, citing concerns over proposed nursing staff cuts and recruitment restrictions in mental health services. The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) will implement a “work to rule” strategy, with nurses limiting their duties to core clinical responsibilities. This means some facilities may not open, and nurses … Read more
Asking prices for homes across Ireland climbed by an average of 3.7 per cent in the first three months of 2025, according to the latest Daft.ie House Price Report. The study revealed that the typical listed price nationwide now stands at €346,048—an 11.6 per cent increase from the same period last year and 35 per … Read more
The iconic Dark Hedges in County Antrim, Northern Ireland – a scenic beech tree avenue made famous by HBO’s Game of Thrones – is “coming to the end of its natural lives,” according to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT). Recently taking over management from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, the organization will … Read more
Ryanair has introduced a new subscription service called ‘Prime’ offering customers benefits including reserved seating, travel insurance, and exclusive access to seat sales for an annual fee of €79. The airline is making the membership available to the first 250,000 customers, which could potentially generate up to €19.7 million annually if the service proves popular. … Read more
The Irish government is set to approve a reduction in the accommodation payment for Ukrainian refugees from €800 to €600 per month, while extending the scheme until March 31, 2026, to align with the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Since the scheme’s introduction following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, €272 million has been paid to 22,900 … Read more