Learner drivers in Cork are facing waiting times of at least six months to sit their driving tests, according to recently released figures. Test centers in Wilton and Mallow have estimated waiting periods of 28 weeks, while Skibbereen candidates face a 26-week wait. These extended delays are part of a nationwide problem, with Tallaght in … Read more
A growing number of young people are considering applying for social housing as they struggle with the challenges of affording a home in today’s market, according to the latest Reflecting Ireland research by PTSB. The survey, carried out by Core Research, revealed that 46 per cent of those currently looking to buy a home are … Read more
An Taisce has lodged an appeal against Kildare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for an electric vehicle charging hub and service station development outside Naas. The Petrogas Group, operator of the Applegreen brand, received approval to develop the former Cemex site on the Dublin Road, which would include charging facilities for 36 electric … Read more
Uisce Éireann has called on Dublin residents to reduce water consumption as demand increases during the current warm spell, with temperatures expected to reach up to 22 degrees today. The national water utility has highlighted that water demand typically rises each year but spikes significantly during prolonged periods of warm, dry weather. This creates particular … Read more
Education Minister Helen McEntee has announced that Department of Health officials will conduct a review of the nutritional quality of hot school meals provided through the government’s school meals programme. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, McEntee acknowledged the need for improvement in the programme while highlighting its positive impact. “Already, the benefits that we’re seeing … Read more
Ireland’s annual inflation rate climbed to 2 per cent in March, up from 1.8 per cent in February, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The latest figure marks the first time inflation has hit or exceeded 2 per cent since July 2024, when it reached 2.2 per cent. The increase was … Read more
A new report released today has calculated that noise from Dublin Airport has caused health impacts on local residents valued at over €772 million. The study, commissioned by St Margarets The Ward Residents Group (SMTW) and prepared by PMCA Economic Consulting, examined data on aircraft movements and noise pollution affecting communities in Fingal and County … Read more
Former Court of Appeal president George Birmingham has formally begun his role as Ireland’s first Independent Examiner of Security Legislation, marking a significant development in the oversight of the country’s security apparatus. Birmingham, who officially started on April 2 with a €1.55 million budget for 2025, is establishing protocols to ensure sensitive information remains secure. … Read more
Global stock markets staged a dramatic recovery Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly paused the majority of his newly-imposed tariffs, providing relief to investors following days of significant market turbulence. In a surprising reversal that came just hours after steep duties had taken effect on dozens of countries, Trump announced a reduction of tariffs … Read more
Gardaí have detected more than 125 vehicles traveling above speed limits during the second National Slow Down Day of the year, including one motorist clocked at a dangerous 153km/h on the M7 in Tipperary. The national speed enforcement operation, conducted by An Garda Síochána in partnership with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), aims to reduce … Read more
The annual number of new homes built in Ireland this year could fall as low as 25,000, significantly below government targets, according to warnings delivered at a major industry conference this week. The Construction Industry Federation’s Housebuilding Summit brought together senior civil servants, major developers, and Housing Minister James Browne to discuss strategies for meeting … Read more
US AI startup Anthropic, creator of the Claude AI model, has announced plans to create over 100 new roles across its Dublin and London offices to support its growing customer base in Europe, including Irish firm Intercom. The San Francisco-based company also revealed the appointment of former Stripe executive Guillaume Princen as Head of EMEA … Read more
A new initiative designed to help young people identify and respond to sexual harassment on nights out has been launched across Ireland. The ‘All Right All Night’ online course will provide 5,000 initial places for adults aged 18-24, teaching them effective bystander intervention techniques. Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O’Donovan announced the free one-hour … Read more
Shoplifting incidents in Cork City have increased by a staggering 86% over the past two decades, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive retail crime strategy from the government. According to recent figures, recorded shoplifting incidents in Cork City jumped from 1,440 in 2003 to 2,682 last year. The city experienced a particularly sharp rise between … Read more
A controversial €350 million (£300 million) electricity grid interconnector project between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is heading to the High Court next week amid strong opposition from local landowners and residents. The judicial review, scheduled to begin on April 9, was initiated by campaign group Safe Electricity Armagh and Tyrone (Seat), representing … Read more