New rent laws have come into force in Ireland from March 1, bringing significant changes aimed at strengthening tenant protections. The updated legislation introduces a six-year lease term for new tenants, offering greater long-term security in the rental market. The move is part of wider reforms designed to create more stability for renters amid ongoing … Read more
Irish citizens have been urged not to travel to the Gulf region until further notice after major airlines suspended flights following military strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that strikes on Iran had begun, with smoke reported over parts of Tehran and Doha. Iran has vowed to … Read more
Financial assistance is set to be rolled out for households struggling with unpaid electricity bills, Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris has said. Speaking in Cork, Harris confirmed that the Government is preparing targeted measures to support those most affected, as around 320,000 people are currently in arrears on their electricity accounts. Fuel allowance extension Harris … Read more
Ireland is set for a sharp drop in night-time temperatures in the coming days, with forecasters warning that readings could fall to -2°C in some areas. According to Met Éireann, conditions will turn noticeably colder overnight, bringing a risk of frost and icy patches. Rain before the chill Rain is expected in parts of the … Read more
Two major health insurers have confirmed fresh premium increases, adding to cost-of-living pressures for households. Irish Life Health will raise premiums by an average of 5.9% from April 1, while Level Health has announced that its advanced plans will increase by €48 from April 3. The move follows multiple price hikes across the health insurance … Read more
Electricity costs continue to put pressure on households, with new figures showing a sharp rise in the number of people behind on their energy bills. According to data from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, 319,459 electricity customers were in arrears in December 2025. This marks an increase of more than 20% compared to December … Read more
A Government scheme aimed at delivering eight new early learning and childcare facilities this year has received 68 applications since opening last month. Children’s Minister Norma Foley told the Oireachtas Children’s Committee that the selected centres are expected to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027, at which point they will begin accepting children. … Read more
Ireland’s electricity system is facing significant pressure over the next three years, according to a new 10-year development report published on February 26 by EirGrid. The report warns that between 2026 and 2028, electricity supply margins will remain tight, raising concerns about the ability to consistently meet peak demand. Why is the system under strain? … Read more
Ireland has experienced 56 consecutive days of rainfall, setting a new national record, according to Met Éireann. The rainfall streak covers the period from January 1 to February 24, 2026. Officials clarified that this does not mean every part of the country saw rain each day, but that measurable rainfall was recorded somewhere in Ireland … Read more
Rail travel between Waterford and Dublin reached a new high last year, with 1.92 million passenger journeys recorded on the Intercity route. According to Iarnród Éireann, the figure marks a sharp increase from 1.74 million journeys the previous year. Record year nationwide 2025 was also a record-breaking year across the wider rail network. A total … Read more
Ireland has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at transforming how the country produces, consumes and reuses materials, marking a significant shift towards a circular economy. The plan, titled Accelerating Action, was launched by Climate and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon. Minister O’Brien said every tonne … Read more
New figures released on 23 February 2026 by An Garda Síochána show a sharp change in the nature of crime across Ireland, with online and financial fraud rising dramatically while several traditional crimes decline. Fraud surges The most striking increase is in fraud offences, which have risen by 137% compared to last year. Online fraud … Read more
The Government has announced significant changes to its council-backed mortgage schemes, raising both property price caps and income limits in a move aimed at easing pressure in the housing market. Housing Minister James Browne confirmed that updates to the Local Authority Home Loan and the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan will take effect in … Read more
Laya Healthcare has announced a fresh increase in health insurance premiums, with prices set to rise by an average of 4.7% across 65 plans. The hike will mean an additional cost of around €80 per year for an adult policyholder, depending on the plan. When will the increase apply? The revised premiums will affect customers … Read more
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has told the Oireachtas Transport Committee that the national average waiting time for a driving test has fallen to 10.3 weeks, marking a significant improvement in recent months. RSA chief executive Sam Waide said the reduction was largely achieved through the recruitment of 45 new driving testers, helping to clear … Read more