Children typically bring home four to five illnesses each school year, with many bugs appearing as early as October, according to new research from Holland & Barrett. The back-to-school health challenges create significant disruption for families, with parents missing an average of 3.4 workdays annually due to caring for sick children. This figure rises to … Read more
Mortgage approvals hit an all-time high of €1.77 billion in July, with first-time buyers accounting for the majority of activity in Ireland’s booming housing market. Banking & Payments Federation Ireland figures show 5,467 mortgages were approved during July, representing a 2.9% increase on the same period last year and a 12% jump from June. The … Read more
The United States has eliminated tariff exemptions on small international packages, requiring recipients to pay a 15% import tax on items valued over $100 (€85) as of today. The policy change significantly reduces the previous exemption threshold from $800 (€685) to $100, affecting millions of small shipments entering the US. The Trump administration justified the … Read more
More Asian Hornets have been discovered in Ireland following the confirmed sighting in Cork earlier this month, prompting intensified surveillance efforts to contain the biosecurity threat posed by the invasive species. The Department of Heritage confirmed that additional sightings have occurred since the initial Cork discovery, leading to expanded monitoring activities by specialized survey teams. … Read more
Irish hospitals have achieved substantial reductions in mortality rates for major conditions including heart attack and stroke, according to a new national audit examining outcomes across 44 acute hospitals. The National Office of Clinical Audit report reveals significant improvements in survival rates over the past decade, particularly for time-critical conditions where rapid treatment proves decisive. … Read more
Dublin Fire Brigade has urged residents in Balbriggan to remain indoors and keep windows closed this morning following a large fire at a local waste disposal plant. The emergency response began around 6:30am when fire services were alerted to the blaze. Nine units of Dublin Fire Brigade are currently battling the fire at the facility. … Read more
A major harbour infrastructure project on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, has become the first initiative to receive funding under the government’s newly revised €275 billion National Development Plan. Gaeltacht Minister Dara Calleary and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers traveled to the Gaeltacht island today to announce €35.75 million in funding for … Read more
Met Éireann has issued a yellow rain warning for six counties, effective from 6pm Wednesday until 6pm Thursday. The warning covers Clare, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, and Galway, with forecasters warning of localised flooding, poor visibility, and difficult traveling conditions. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible during the warning period. Wednesday afternoon will bring sunshine and … Read more
The controversial Slane bypass project in County Meath is set to face a judicial review challenge, just months after finally receiving planning permission following a 12-year battle. Meath County Council confirmed that a member of the public intends to lodge a judicial review against the N2 Slane bypass, which received approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála … Read more
The Department of Defence will invest €650,000 in wildlife control measures at Casement Airbase in Baldonnel to reduce dangerous bird and hare strikes that threaten aircraft safety. The military facility houses the Irish Air Corps, Garda Air Support Unit, and the government jet used by the President, Taoiseach, and ministers for official business, making flight … Read more
Irish households are confronting a cascade of price increases across multiple essential services, with new hikes to electricity bills and health insurance premiums adding to already soaring food costs. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has announced further increases to electricity network charges that will add an average of €29 to typical annual household bills, … Read more
Parents across Ireland have expressed frustration after being informed that the promised hot school meals programme has been delayed just days before schools reopen, despite government commitments made in last year’s budget. The Department of Social Protection announced earlier this month that up to 350 schools would not have access to the Hot School Meals … Read more
Immigration to Ireland fell by 16% in the year to April, with 125,300 people arriving in the country according to new Central Statistics Office figures, though this still marks the fourth consecutive year with over 100,000 immigrants. The breakdown shows 31,500 returning Irish citizens, 25,300 other EU citizens, 4,900 UK citizens, and 63,600 people from … Read more
Irish astronomers have played a key role in identifying a newly discovered planet designated WISPIT 2b, estimated to be approximately five million years old and likely a gas giant similar in size to Jupiter. The planet represents an unexpected detection that has captured the attention of the international astronomical community due to its relatively young … Read more
VHI will raise the cost of its health insurance plans by an average of 3% from October 1st, citing increased healthcare demand and rising treatment costs as driving factors behind the “necessary” price adjustment. Ireland’s largest health insurer said the increase reflects significant pressures on the healthcare system, with member healthcare usage in private hospitals, … Read more