Irish Rail experienced a sharp increase in crime and anti-social behaviour incidents during the first half of 2025, with 771 reportable cases logged between January and June – up nearly 20% from 645 incidents in the same period last year. The rise occurred alongside growing passenger numbers, with 23.7 million journeys recorded compared to 22.24 … Read more
Public transport users face the prospect of higher fares or reduced services in Budget 2026 as the Government grapples with a €250 million funding deficit in state-run transport operations. The shortfall exists in the public service obligation funding for transport services including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Luas operations. This funding mechanism supports routes that … Read more
Nearly 23,000 disqualified drivers have failed to surrender their licences as legally required over the past three years, yet only one person has been penalised for this offence, according to new Department of Justice data. The figures reveal a staggering 92% non-compliance rate, with just 1,935 drivers who were disqualified in court since 2022 actually … Read more
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has suggested the popular rent tax credit may continue beyond its scheduled end-of-year expiry, emphasizing its importance in supporting tenants with rising rental costs. Speaking to reporters, Donohoe remained deliberately vague about specific Budget 2026 measures but highlighted his “recognition of the importance of that credit” and its role in reducing … Read more
ESB Networks has issued a safety warning to the three presidential candidates, strictly prohibiting the placement of election posters on electricity poles due to serious public safety risks. The electricity provider released a statement this morning reminding candidates and their campaign teams that erecting posters on electrical infrastructure “is strictly prohibited and poses a serious … Read more
Proposed social welfare increases of up to €12 are at risk after the Department of Social Protection was instructed to revise its budget submissions following concerns over excessive spending demands. Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary has been told by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers to “go back to the drawing board” on his department’s Budget … Read more
The Government will examine proposals to raise the legal smoking age by one year annually, effectively preventing younger generations from ever legally purchasing cigarettes, according to Junior Health Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor. The junior minister for public health confirmed that the Government is reviewing its tobacco control policies and will consider implementing a system similar … Read more
A new survey has found that just 14% of children with disabilities are thriving in school, while more than a quarter have experienced physical restraint, according to research presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability. The findings, compiled by Inclusion Ireland, paint a concerning picture of the educational experience for children with disabilities in … Read more
Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien will meet with energy companies tomorrow to urge them not to raise prices this winter, particularly as the upcoming budget will not include an energy credit for households. Speaking to reporters in New York, where he has been attending UN meetings on climate change and energy, O’Brien said this winter “won’t … Read more
The Government will not expand the First Homes scheme to cover second-hand house purchases in next month’s budget, with the Taoiseach confirming the focus will remain on boosting new housing supply. Speaking in New York, Micheál Martin ruled out extending the scheme for first-time buyers to include existing properties, despite a Programme for Government commitment … Read more
A Dublin city centre business lobby group has called for curfews and exclusion orders targeting young people involved in persistent anti-social behaviour, following recent incidents of serious violence in the capital. Richard Guiney, chief executive of Dublin Town, suggested on RTÉ radio that measures similar to anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) should be considered for a … Read more
Ireland will donate €3 million to assist Pacific island nations threatened by climate change, Climate and Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien announced during UN Climate Week in New York. Speaking at the international climate summit, Minister O’Brien said Ireland was “delighted” to make the funding available, describing the pledge as reflecting “Ireland’s increasing partnership with the … Read more
Ireland’s long-awaited Mental Health Amendment Bill has progressively weakened patient safeguards and moved further from human rights principles with each legislative stage, according to a leading mental health policy expert. Louise Rooney, policy and research manager from Mental Health Reform, told The Journal that the bill, currently before the Seanad, has “stepped a little bit … Read more
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced on Wednesday that Children’s Health Ireland hospitals will be integrated into HSE control by 2027, in what families are calling a major u-turn on previous government commitments. The shock announcement affects the three hospitals currently under CHI’s banner – Temple Street, Crumlin, and Tallaght children’s hospital – which will … Read more
A former Medical Council member is facing professional misconduct allegations over numerous social media posts and public statements criticizing Covid-19 measures and government health policies during the pandemic. Dr Marcus de Brun, who previously worked as a GP in Rush, Co Dublin, appeared before a Medical Council fitness-to-practise hearing on Tuesday to answer ten charges … Read more