Almost 17,000 children with disabilities are facing delayed assessments of need as the new school year approaches, representing an increase from the same period last year. HSE figures show 16,593 children were classified as “overdue” for an assessment of need (AON) at the end of June, highlighting ongoing systemic delays in providing crucial evaluations that … Read more
Parents are being advised to ensure their children’s eyesight is ready for the classroom as schools prepare to reopen this week, with optometrists warning that poor vision can significantly impact learning and classroom behavior. Optometry Ireland acting president Liz Grennan recommends immediate eye examinations if parents notice warning signs including eye rubbing, closing or covering … Read more
Irish beaches have achieved their cleanest condition in eight years, with environmental group Irish Business Against Litter crediting the Deposit Return Scheme for driving significant improvements in coastal cleanliness. The latest survey by An Taisce, conducted on behalf of IBAL across 33 beaches, harbours, rivers and surrounding areas in June and July, found 17 locations … Read more
Gardaí are urging new college students to remain vigilant against accommodation scams as they search for housing ahead of the new academic year, following a significant rise in fraudulent cases. With Leaving Certificate results released on Friday and CAO offers due this week, thousands of students will be seeking accommodation near third-level institutions. However, scammers … Read more
Environmental Protection Agency test results have shown no immediate cause for concern following a massive fish kill that claimed up to 46,000 fish along a 30-kilometer stretch of Cork’s River Blackwater. The extensive fish mortality occurred between Lombardstown and Killavullen in North Cork, prompting urgent investigations by multiple agencies. Minister of State for Fisheries and … Read more
Government backbenchers from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are pressing for significant reforms to Ireland’s inheritance tax system in the upcoming budget, with particular focus on improving provisions for people without children. The issue has gained momentum after the Tax Strategy Group noted that people unrelated by blood could have “equally close and meaningful … Read more
Scientists have identified a new dinosaur species featuring a prominent sail-like structure along its back that may have been used for attracting mates, with fossils discovered on England’s Isle of Wight. The iguanodontian dinosaur has been named Istiorachis macaruthurae, with “Istiorachis” meaning “sail spine” and the species name honoring Dame Ellen MacArthur, the famous sailor … Read more
Over 65,000 students across Ireland accessed their Leaving Certificate results this morning, with 437,710 individual results issued to 65,444 candidates marking a significant milestone in the gradual return to normal grading standards. This year’s cohort represents the first group to experience full formal state examinations throughout their secondary education, having also sat Junior Cycle exams … Read more
Kildare County Council has granted planning permission for a massive €3 billion data centre campus near Naas, despite strong opposition from environmental groups concerned about its climate impact. The six-building facility, proposed by Herbata Ltd – owned by multimillionaire Combilift co-owner Robert Moffett – will be located next to the M7 motorway and business park. … Read more
Irish Life Health has become the second major health insurer this week to announce unwelcome price increases, with plans rising by an average of 3% from October. The increase affects the company’s half million customers and marks the third price hike within a year for Irish Life. The insurer previously raised rates by 3.7% in … Read more
Bank of Ireland has issued an urgent warning about a surge in sophisticated investment scams spreading across Facebook and Instagram, with fraudsters using convincing advertisements to target thousands of potential victims across Europe. The bank has detected at least two dozen variations of these fraudulent advertisements in recent weeks, which have reached nearly 43,000 people … Read more
Current smokers in Ireland are costing the healthcare system approximately €20.2 billion, while facing the loss of nearly five million years of life and 2.5 million years of productivity, according to a major new study. Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences analyzed the long-term health and societal impacts of tobacco smoking using … Read more
A County Westmeath primary school has been ordered to pay €85,000 in discrimination compensation to a teacher following inappropriate comments made during a job interview about her maternity leave. The Workplace Relations Commission found that St Tola’s National School discriminated against teacher Emily Williams on the grounds of family status after principal Eileen Smyth told … Read more
The Irish government has unveiled new drone regulations that will impose fines of up to €500 on individuals who violate flying rules, as part of efforts to balance technological innovation with public concerns. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien announced the fixed-charge penalties alongside the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, though final fine amounts are … Read more
The Irish government is facing calls to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide after the European Union classified the substance as toxic to human reproduction and the nervous system. Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has drafted legislation to ban public sales of the substance, commonly known as “laughing gas,” which has become increasingly popular among … Read more