Ireland’s housing construction showed significant improvement in the first half of 2025, with completions rising 35% compared to the same period last year, though experts warn the numbers remain drastically insufficient to address the country’s acute housing shortage. The Central Statistics Office reported that just over 15,000 new homes were completed between January and June … Read more
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for a major housing development on the outskirts of Bray, rejecting Cosgrave Property Group’s proposal for 650 new homes due to concerns about urban sprawl and inadequate public transport links. The comprehensive development would have included 241 houses and 409 apartments on a 78.5-hectare agricultural site off Berryfield … Read more
The European Central Bank is widely anticipated to hold interest rates steady today, marking the first pause in a cutting cycle that began in September as policymakers await clarity on potential US trade tariffs. A decision to maintain rates would end eight consecutive cuts that brought the ECB’s benchmark deposit rate down from a peak … Read more
A new Road Safety Authority report has revealed that 105 motorcyclists died and 884 were seriously injured on Irish roads between 2020 and 2024, highlighting the disproportionate risks faced by two-wheeled road users. The comprehensive study found that motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all road fatalities and 12% of serious injuries during this period, despite … Read more
On the surface, Ireland feels safe. It has that calm, unhurried rhythm. People smile at you on the streets. The crime rates are low. It ranks consistently high on the Global Peace Index, often placing it in the top ten. It seems like the kind of place where racism should feel out of place. Racism, … Read more
The Irish Government has allocated almost €4 billion for defence and justice capital spending over the next five years, representing massive increases in investment for both critical sectors under the updated National Development Plan. Defence spending will receive €1.7 billion between 2026 and 2030, marking a dramatic 144% increase from the €697 million allocated in … Read more
Ireland will prohibit industrial sprat fishing in its inshore waters from October 2026, marking a significant shift in marine conservation policy aimed at protecting a crucial species in the country’s marine food chain. The Cabinet approved the ban on Tuesday following a proposal from Marine Minister Martin Heydon and Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy … Read more
The Irish Government has announced a massive €200 billion capital investment programme that will transform the country’s infrastructure over the next ten years, with electricity networks receiving unprecedented funding levels. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers is expected to present the updated National Development Plan to Cabinet on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of weeks of intense … Read more
People living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas hold more negative attitudes towards immigration, particularly in communities that have seen increases in migrant populations since 2011, new research has revealed. The Economic and Social Research Institute study examined how community context shapes attitudes to immigration across Ireland, finding that local disadvantage levels play a significant role in … Read more
Bank of Ireland has issued a public apology following a major oil spill at Kilbogget Park in south Dublin that forced the emergency rescue of six swans and threatens one of the area’s key biodiversity sites. Wildlife rescuers described the incident as one of the worst oil pollution cases they have encountered, with toxic fumes … Read more
Dublin City councillors voted Friday evening to increase the Local Property Tax by 15 percent, generating an additional €16.5 million in revenue for the capital while adding financial pressure on householders already facing rising living costs. The expected vote means three of Dublin’s four local authority areas will now impose higher property taxes from next … Read more
Irish swimmers and beach walkers are being urged to take precautions against weever fish, a venomous species that buries itself in sandy shallows around the entire coastline and delivers painful stings to unsuspecting victims. The small fish, most active between May and September when water temperatures rise, lurks beneath the sand with only its dorsal … Read more
Irish universities will significantly reduce the importance of the HPAT entrance exam for medicine programmes from 2027, placing greater emphasis on Leaving Certificate performance in a major overhaul of admission requirements. The Irish Universities Association announced that HPAT scores will be capped at 150 points, down from the current maximum of 300 points. Meanwhile, the … Read more
Beaumont Hospital in Dublin is investing up to €110,000 in artificial intelligence technology to tackle the growing problem of missed appointments, which currently affects more than 15% of its patient bookings. The hospital plans to launch a pilot programme using AI to predict which patients are likely to skip appointments or cancel at short notice. … Read more
More than nine in ten Irish children are in good or very good health, according to new research from the Central Statistics Office that paints a positive picture of child wellbeing across the country. The Irish Health Survey for 2024 found that 90% of children aged two to 17 years were considered to have good … Read more