Ireland witnessed a significant 30 per cent drop in the number of foreign visitors to the Emerald Isle in February this year, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. Approximately 304,300 visitors traveled to Ireland last month, compared to 433,300 visitors in February 2024, as per CSO data on inbound tourism. “This … Read more
The annual ritual of changing clocks is set to coincide with a welcome burst of milder spring weather this weekend, offering Irish residents a promising glimpse of the season ahead. Meteorological forecasts predict temperatures will climb to a pleasant 16 degrees Celsius, marking a significant improvement from the cooler winter months. The time change, which … Read more
Migrant residents are more likely to be employed, active in the labour market, and well-educated compared to the Irish-born population, according to the latest findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The foreign-born residents, however, have lower incomes and are more likely to be affected by high housing costs. The report, which sheds … Read more
The Irish government has announced a significant regulatory overhaul for retailers selling tobacco and vaping products, introducing a comprehensive licensing system that will require businesses to pay substantial annual fees and meet stringent compliance standards. Starting February 2026, retailers will be legally mandated to obtain licenses from the Health Service Executive (HSE), marking a dramatic … Read more
Irish consumer confidence has sharply declined amid escalating tensions surrounding US President Donald Trump’s potential tariffs targeting the country’s pharmaceutical export sector, a critical pillar of the Irish economy valued at €44 billion. The pharmaceutical industry has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s economic strategy for decades, directly employing 80,000 people and representing a significant portion … Read more
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has revealed that Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) have successfully limited rental increases across Ireland, while simultaneously calling for significant systemic reforms to improve housing affordability and investment incentives. In its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary, the think-tank provided a nuanced analysis of the RPZ system, which currently covers 83% … Read more
US President Donald Trump has launched a bold new trade offensive, specifically targeting pharmaceutical imports and singling out Ireland as a key manufacturing location for medicines. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump declared his intention to impose substantial tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing. “We don’t make anything here in … Read more
EirGrid has projected that electricity demand will increase by 45 per cent from 2023 to 2034, with peak power requirements rising by 24 per cent over the same period. The body managing the electricity grid warns of a “challenging outlook” between 2023 and 2027 as new power sources are introduced. Much of the demand growth … Read more
PTSB said it is reducing interest rates for savers on new personal and business fixed-term variable deposit accounts by 0.5 per cent, effective from April 2. The adjustment will apply to 6-month, 1-year, 18-month, 3-year, and 5-year fixed-rate deposits, as well as Interest First and Online fixed-term deposit accounts. Current rates, ranging from 2 per … Read more
A recent audit by the Local Government Audit Service has exposed significant financial management challenges within Cork County Council, revealing the council’s complete failure to collect derelict site levies in 2023 and highlighting systemic issues in administrative processes. The comprehensive audit found that not only did the council collect no money from the derelict site … Read more
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially embraced Ireland’s linguistic creativity, adding eight distinctly Irish words and phrases to its prestigious pages in its latest monthly update. The additions celebrate the rich and colorful language of Ireland, highlighting both culinary delights and colloquial expressions that capture the nation’s unique linguistic spirit. Heading the list is … Read more
Approximately 6,500 psychiatric nurses across Ireland will commence industrial action today, citing concerns over proposed nursing staff cuts and recruitment restrictions in mental health services. The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) will implement a “work to rule” strategy, with nurses limiting their duties to core clinical responsibilities. This means some facilities may not open, and nurses … Read more
Ryanair has introduced a new subscription service called ‘Prime’ offering customers benefits including reserved seating, travel insurance, and exclusive access to seat sales for an annual fee of €79. The airline is making the membership available to the first 250,000 customers, which could potentially generate up to €19.7 million annually if the service proves popular. … Read more
The Irish government is set to approve a reduction in the accommodation payment for Ukrainian refugees from €800 to €600 per month, while extending the scheme until March 31, 2026, to align with the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Since the scheme’s introduction following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, €272 million has been paid to 22,900 … Read more
A 42-year-old man, charged with the murder of his wife at their home in Cork in 2023, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Cork. Regin Parithapara Rajan is accused of killing his wife, Deepa Paruthiyezhuth Dinamani, at Cardinal Court in Wilton, Cork, on July 14th, 2023. Arraigned on Monday morning, Rajan … Read more