Dublin sees sunshine after record-equalling 11-day gloom

Sunshine returned to Dublin this morning, ending a record-equalling streak of 11 consecutive days without any sunshine. The gloomy stretch is one of the longest sunless periods in the capital since records began. Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather noted that the last similar event occurred in March 1969. He said that while some brief sunshine … Read more

Housing minister reviews vacant home grants to attract young families

Housing minister reviews vacant home grants to attract young families

Housing Minister James Browne has launched a review of vacant home refurbishment grants, aiming to make the scheme more appealing to young couples and families seeking housing solutions. The initiative forms part of a broader examination of housing policies currently underway by the Government. Among the additional measures being considered is an extension to planning … Read more

Government drops plans to extend pub hours as licensing reform falls off priority list

Government drops plans to extend pub hours as licensing reform falls off priority list

Plans to reform Ireland’s pub and nightclub opening hours have been quietly abandoned, with the Intoxicating Liquor Bill noticeably absent from the government’s latest legislative agenda. The proposal, which would have introduced late licensing laws and modernized Ireland’s nighttime economy, has been dropped from Chief Whip Mary Butler’s spring legislative program that outlines 21 priority … Read more

Female students offered accommodation in exchange for sex, survey reveals

Female students offered accommodation in exchange for sex, survey reveals

One in 20 female international students in Ireland report being propositioned for sexual favors in exchange for housing, according to a disturbing new survey by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). The comprehensive study of 512 international students exposes the severe accommodation crisis facing those who come to study in Ireland. Beyond the sexual … Read more

46 discounted rental apartments for essential workers in Dublin

46 discounted rental apartments for essential workers in Dublin

Forty-six apartments at Google’s Bolands Mills Quarter in Dublin have been made available at reduced rents for key workers, including gardaí, nurses, and teachers. The apartments will be offered at up to 36 per cent below market rates, with 35 two-bed units renting for €1,710 per month, ten three-bed units at €1,850, and one large … Read more

Aircoach to cease services to Bray and Greystones from March 2

Aircoach to cease services to Bray and Greystones from March 2

Aircoach has announced it will discontinue its service to Bray and Greystones following a “comprehensive review” of route performance and customer demand. From 12:01 am on March 2, Route 702 will terminate in Dalkey, no longer serving Bray or Greystones. Other route changes include Route 700 now operating between Dublin Airport and Leopardstown, cutting stops … Read more

Ireland has second-highest rate of cancer diagnoses in EU, report finds

Ireland has second-highest rate of cancer diagnoses in EU, report finds

A new report from the European Commission revealed that Ireland has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the EU. The Irish Cancer Society described the findings as a “mixed report card” and urged the Minister for Health to prioritise improvements in cancer care. The data comes from the European Commission Country Cancer profiles, … Read more

Government pledges €450m for 3,000 new homes amid funding debate

Government pledges €450m for 3,000 new homes amid funding debate

The Irish government is set to approve a €450 million funding package aimed at delivering 3,000 cost rental, affordable and social homes over the next three years, following a crucial Cabinet committee meeting on housing. However, the announcement has sparked immediate debate over overall housing budget allocations. The joint memo, to be presented by Public … Read more

Data centres face new power backup rules while emissions questions remain

Data centres face new power backup rules while emissions questions remain

New regulations unveiled by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will require future data centres in Ireland to maintain backup power systems matching their full demand levels, though without restrictions on fossil fuel use. This development comes as the sector continues to significantly impact national power consumption. The proposed rules, announced today, aim to … Read more

Digital revolution in Irish banking: ATM usage drops to 12% as spending rises

Digital revolution in Irish banking: ATM usage drops to 12% as spending rises

Bank of Ireland has revealed a significant shift in consumer payment habits, with ATM withdrawals now representing only 12% of total card transactions in January, a dramatic decrease from nearly one-third of transactions before the pandemic. The latest figures highlight the continuing trend toward digital payments and away from cash usage. Despite the decline in … Read more

Bird flu alert: Nationwide order forces poultry indoors as disease spreads

Bird flu alert: Nationwide order forces poultry indoors as disease spreads

A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds has taken effect across Ireland today, as authorities battle to contain the spread of bird flu. The measure comes in the wake of a major outbreak in Northern Ireland that led to the culling of 64,000 birds in County Tyrone. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon’s order … Read more

Former health minister's final move: Overseas surgery plan for children on wait lists

Former health minister’s final move: Overseas surgery plan for children on wait lists

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

Military housing gets major boost: €5m upgrade coming to historic Collins Barracks

Military housing gets major boost: €5m upgrade coming to historic Collins Barracks

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

Heavy rain alert: Three southern counties under weather warning

Heavy rain alert: Three southern counties under weather warning

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

Defence forces pay out millions in overtime compensation claims

Defence Forces pay out millions in overtime compensation claims

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