Arts Minister Patrick O’Donovan has expressed being “desperately angry” following revelations that the Arts Council spent €6.6 million on an IT system that was never implemented. The Government has now ordered a review into the organization’s culture and governance in response to this significant financial waste. The Minister is seeking Cabinet approval to launch an … Read more
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork as Ireland braces for wet and windy weather conditions. The warning will be in effect from 1pm today until 8am tomorrow, with particular concerns about spot flooding along the south coast. Today’s forecast details: Morning: Mostly cloudy with light rain or drizzle in Munster … Read more
The Minister for Education has announced plans to streamline the application process for special education placements through a new common application system. This significant change aims to simplify what has traditionally been a complex and stressful process for families seeking special education places for their children. Under the current system, families often find themselves making … Read more
A major new report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has recommended allowing rents to be freely adjusted between tenancies, marking a significant shift from current restrictions. The report comes as the Government reviews existing rent limits amid concerns that they are deterring institutional investors from funding new housing projects. Currently, Rent … Read more
The average interest rate on new Irish mortgages fell to 3.8 per cent in December, down from 3.97 per cent in November, according to new figures from the Central Bank. This marks the lowest rate since April 2023. The Central Bank also reported that the average mortgage rate across the euro area decreased by eight … Read more
A 30-year-old woman has been sentenced to five months in prison for stealing €200 worth of goods from a Lidl store in Youghal, Co. Cork. Bridget O’Driscoll, from Waterford, was convicted at Youghal District Court for the theft which occurred in July 2022. The court heard that O’Driscoll was part of a group of four … Read more
A concerning new survey by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has revealed that 84% of nurses have been forced to treat patients in inappropriate settings such as hospital corridors and waiting rooms over the past year. The ‘Behind the Trolley Numbers’ survey, conducted in January and completed by 1,587 healthcare workers, paints a … Read more
ESB Networks has announced that the final homes and businesses affected by Storm Éowyn power outages should have their electricity restored by tonight, marking the end of a challenging two-week period that saw 768,000 customers lose power across Ireland. The restoration effort, which has been one of the largest in ESB’s history, is nearing completion … Read more
Ireland is exploring the possibility of establishing its own timezone as an alternative to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is leading this discussion at today’s inaugural Time and Sync Forum in Dublin. Key points: Proposal aims to give Ireland more control over its timing infrastructure Forum brings together experts … Read more
BT Ireland has announced its withdrawal as organizer, title sponsor, and custodian of the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition after a 25-year partnership. This marks the end of one of Ireland’s longest-running corporate sponsorships of a major educational initiative. The Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is Ireland’s premier STEM competition for secondary school students, attracting … Read more
Ireland’s civil legal aid system has experienced an unprecedented increase in asylum seeker applications, with 24,472 requests recorded in 2023. This dramatic surge, representing nearly a 600% rise over a two-year period, highlights significant changes in Ireland’s immigration landscape and the growing demand for legal services among refugees. The sharp increase in applications places considerable … Read more
A man in his 20s has been charged in connection with an incident in Dublin over the weekend that left three people injured. The attack took place around 3pm on Sunday in the Stoneybatter area, where three men—ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-40s—sustained slashing-type injuries at multiple locations, including Oxmantown Road and Niall … Read more
IKEA is set to launch seven new “Click and Collect” sites in collaboration with Tesco Ireland, expanding its accessible collection service across counties Louth, Westmeath, Kerry, Wicklow, Mayo, and Dublin. Following a successful pilot in Cork, Louth, and Kildare in May 2023, IKEA reported “phenomenal engagement,” leading to an expansion to 21 locations nationwide. Customers … Read more
The Department of Finance has declined a proposal from the Department of Rural and Community Development that would have allowed wealthy individuals to donate €1 million in their will without tax penalties. The proposal aimed to encourage philanthropy among Ireland’s wealthiest citizens by creating a tax-exempt pathway for large charitable donations through estate planning. However, … Read more
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), dubbed the ‘King Kong’ of weight-loss medications, will be available in Irish pharmacies from February 17th via private prescription. The drug, which costs over €215 monthly, offers significant benefits for obesity and type-2 diabetes treatment. Key details: Used for obesity and type-2 diabetes management Weekly injection required Clinical trials show 20.2% weight loss … Read more