In a significant final decision as Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly directed the HSE to provide overseas spinal surgery options for children facing extended waiting times in Ireland. The directive, issued on January 21, just days before the government transition, aims to address the backlog of pediatric spinal surgeries. The order instructs the HSE to extend … Read more
Tánaiste Simon Harris has unveiled plans for a €5 million renovation project at Collins Barracks in Cork, aimed at modernizing officer accommodation in the historic military facility. The project will provide modern living quarters for more than 20 officers, complementing recent improvements made to enlisted personnel housing at the base. The renovation targets a historic … Read more
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford, with heavy rainfall expected to affect the southern region of Ireland. The warning remains in effect from 9am today until 6am tomorrow morning, with authorities cautioning about potential spot flooding, reduced visibility, and challenging travel conditions. The national weather forecast indicates … Read more
More than 1,600 members of Ireland’s Defence Forces have successfully secured compensation for working excessive hours, following claims of Working Time Directive (WTD) violations. The compensation settlements address cases dating back to 2014, marking a significant victory for military personnel. PDForra, the association representing enlisted Defence Forces members, spearheaded the legal campaign and has successfully … Read more
The European Union has withdrawn a controversial rule change that would have blocked elderly homeowners from receiving grants to replace broken oil and gas boilers, following significant criticism from advocacy groups. The decision ensures continued support for older people facing heating system failures in their homes. The original rule change, which would have affected private … Read more
The Irish government is preparing to announce a significant increase in housing funding next week, coinciding with discussions on the updated National Planning Framework (NPF) at the first Cabinet subcommittee meeting on housing. The newly established housing subcommittee, comprising key government figures including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, housing minister, and finance minister, will convene on Monday … Read more
The family of Danielle McLaughlin, an Irish woman killed in India nearly eight years ago, said justice has “finally been achieved” after a 31-year-old local man was found guilty of her rape and murder. McLaughlin, hailing from Donegal’s Buncrana, had been in India for just two weeks when she was killed. Earlier in the day, … Read more
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced plans to deliver 607 cost rental apartments in Seven Mills in Dublin 22. Developed in partnership with Cairn, the apartments are already under construction in Seven Mills, a new town emerging along the Grand Canal between Clondalkin and Lucan. All units will be designated as cost rental homes, … Read more
Teachers at Synge Street CBS in Dublin 8 are pushing back against Department of Education plans to convert their school into a Gaelcholáiste, with 91% of staff opposing the transition scheduled for 2026. The controversy emerged after teachers were informed of the decision just one day before its public announcement in September 2024. The Association … Read more
Irish Rail has launched an investigation following a collision between two trains at Westport station that occurred late Monday night. The incident involved a freight train carrying timber wagons and a stationary out-of-service passenger train. The crash, which took place during a “low-speed shunting movement,” caused significant damage to the passenger train, particularly affecting the … Read more
Bank of Ireland has announced a 0.25 per cent reduction in interest rates for its 12 and 18-month fixed-term deposit accounts, effective from February 18. The bank, however, confirmed that there will be no changes to other savings products, including the SuperSaver regular savings account, Advantage 6-month Fixed Term deposit, Notice Deposit account, Instant Access … Read more
Ireland’s defense spending has been identified as the lowest among 38 European nations, according to a new study that highlights significant gaps between Ireland’s military investment and that of other European states, including neutral countries. The research reveals that Ireland’s defense expenditure falls below that of other militarily neutral nations such as Austria and Switzerland, … Read more
Migrant healthcare assistants (HCAs) gathered outside the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to demand urgent reforms to work permit earnings rules, which they say are keeping them separated from their families. Under the current system, many migrant HCAs earn below the income threshold required to apply for family reunification. Workers have also pointed to … Read more
Lidl Ireland has announced a €600 million investment strategy over the next five years, including 35 new stores and a €200 million regional distribution centre in Cork to enhance its logistical infrastructure in the south and southeast. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, confirmed plans to open … Read more
An Post has unveiled two new commemorative stamps marking the 150th anniversary of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). The stamps feature action shots combining both professional athletes and young club players, representing the breadth of Irish rugby from grassroots to international level. The stamps include images of: International players Josh van der Flier and … Read more