Five candidates are in the race to represent Fine Gael in the upcoming election for Cork South Central, following Simon Coveney’s decision to step down. The contenders include former MEP candidate John Mullins, Senator Jerry Buttimer, and councillors Shane O’Callaghan, Des Cahill, and Úna McCarthy. They will vie for the seat Mr. Coveney held for … Read more
Over 100,000 rooftop solar microgenerators have now been connected to Ireland’s electricity network in what is being hailed as “rooftop revolution”. ESB Networks stated that these microgenerators added over 400MW of clean energy onto Ireland’s power system, significantly helping the country on its trajectory towards Net Zero. Commenting on the milestone, Minister for Climate Eamon … Read more
Tens of thousands of loyal order members and 600 marching bands took to the streets of Northern Ireland for the annual Twelfth of July celebrations. This event, significant in the Protestant and unionist communities, commemorates the victory of King William of Orange over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The … Read more
In view of rising incidents of anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre, the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party has passed a motion calling for a 24 hour, 7 day a week criminal District Court in the capital, The Journal has reported. The move follows an online-conducted survey that found that almost 90 per cent of respondents … Read more
Dublin Castle is now Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), welcoming 203,051 visitors from January to May, a notable increase of 43,000 from the same period last year. Kilkenny Castle, located on the River Nore, follows closely with 191,222 visitors, while the Rock of Cashel ranks third with … Read more
Ireland is set to announce a ban on XL bully dogs after a growing number of incidents involving the controversial breed came to light. The ban will be implemented in two phases between October and February next year. Starting October, it will be illegal to breed, import, sell, or rehome the breed. It effectively means … Read more
A total of 4,856 persons have been approved to buy their homes under the First Home Scheme (FHS) since its launch in July two years ago. A quarterly report on FHS, however, pointed out that a little over 1,900 of these have been able to buy home using the scheme. According to the report, there … Read more
Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level in nine months following a drop in May, as per the latest figures from the Central Bank of Ireland. The average interest rate on a new mortgage in Ireland stood at 4.17 per cent in May — a decrease of 0.07 percentage points compared with April. However, Ireland … Read more
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) has voted to recommend accepting the Labour Court’s pay recommendation in their long-standing dispute with Aer Lingus. Following this decision, the pilots will suspend their work-to-rule action, which has been in effect since June 26, pending the outcome of a ballot. This move was announced by Ialpa, a … Read more
Taoiseach Simon Harris has appointed Nikki Bradley to Seanad Éireann, replacing Regina Doherty, who was elected to the European Parliament. Harris praised Bradley’s extensive advocacy work and commitment, highlighting her inspirational journey and her importance as a voice for people with disabilities. He expressed confidence in her ability to contribute significantly to the legislative process … Read more
A 17-year-old Asian elephant has tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly virus that has killed two young members of the small herd, Dublin Zoo has confirmed. The zoo said Asha’s age might give her a greater chance of survival as her body has had more time to develop antibodies to fight the … Read more
Rising climate temperatures are significantly increasing hospitalisations across Ireland for temperature-related health conditions, a new research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found. The report noted that climate change has direct and indirect impacts on population health. Data shows that between 2015 and 2019 emergency hospital admissions for temperature-affected diseases were 8.5 … Read more
Ireland has earmarked a bumper €8.3 billion package for the forthcoming Budget 2025, before the country goes to the general elections later this year or in 2025. Releasing the Summer Economic Statement, which outlines the parameters for the October 1 Budget, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said the package comprises additional public spending amounting to €6.9 … Read more
Simon Coveney has announced that he will not run in the next general election. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to Fine Gael members in his Cork South-Central constituency, saying, “Being elected for 26 years has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South-Central have … Read more
Bringing in a major reform, the Irish parliament has passed a bill that will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, passed by both Houses of the Oirechtas, will now be presented before the President for signing. The Bill … Read more