Renewable energy sources supplied almost half of Ireland’s electricity needs in December, according to provisional data from grid operator EirGrid. Renewables accounted for 46.7 per cent of total electricity demand during the month, marking a significant contribution to the country’s energy mix. Wind energy was the dominant renewable source, providing over 40 per cent of … Read more
Flu cases are expected to hit their highest levels this week, but hospitals will continue to face significant strain, according to the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer. The rise in flu cases has led to a surge in hospital activity, with healthcare facilities nationwide struggling to manage the increased demand. Dr. Colm Henry reported that 758 … Read more
Bank of Ireland has announced reductions in two of its savings rates, a move that could trigger further cuts from competitors. The decision follows the European Central Bank’s (ECB) recent series of rate cuts, with more reductions anticipated this year. Last month marked the fourth time the ECB decreased its key rates, impacting banks across … Read more
Ireland is bracing for another night of extreme cold with temperatures forecast to plunge to -8C, while thousands of households continue to cope without basic utilities following recent severe weather. Met Éireann warns that the Arctic conditions will persist until Friday, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing. The national forecaster has indicated that … Read more
Ireland’s tax revenues hit new heights in 2024, with corporation tax collections reaching €28 billion – an 18% increase from 2023 – alongside an additional €11 billion in Apple back taxes following an EU court ruling. The country’s total tax take, excluding the Apple payment, reached €97.1 billion, marking a 10% increase and delivering a … Read more
Despite the success of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme in reducing plastic bottle and can litter, overall littering levels remained unchanged throughout 2024, according to the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey. The survey, conducted by An Taisce across more than 500 sites, showed plastic bottle and can litter has halved since the scheme’s introduction. … Read more
Ireland’s hospital system is facing a severe capacity crisis with 761 patients waiting for beds today, prompting the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to demand an emergency national response plan. The crisis is particularly acute at University Hospital Limerick, where 122 patients are awaiting beds, while Sligo and Cork University Hospitals are also severely … Read more
Consumers are facing another round of health insurance price increases, adding to the financial strain of multiple hikes over the past year. Irish Life Health has hiked the cost of 130 of its plans, while Laya is increasing premiums on 13 schemes and VHI on 11 plans. This marks the fourth price hike announced by … Read more
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced that 65,000 homes, farms, and businesses will gain earlier access to high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). These premises are now scheduled for completion in 2025, up to nine months ahead of their original timeline. The accelerated schedule includes 32,000 premises originally slated for 2026 that have … Read more
A Status Yellow warning for low temperature and ice covering the entire country has been extended to midnight on Friday morning. Met Éireann has cautioned against hazardous traveling conditions as temperatures remain exceptionally low. Widespread frost and ice are anticipated, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing. The forecaster predicts “very cold” nights, adding … Read more
Ireland is bracing for severe winter conditions as Met Éireann issues Status Orange warnings for multiple counties, with heavy snow, ice, and rain expected to cause significant disruption across the country. Counties Cork, Kerry, and Waterford face a double warning – both Status Orange and Yellow – with heavy rain turning to sleet and snow … Read more
A new Central Statistics Office (CSO) report paints a complex picture of Irish life in 2024, showing increased earnings alongside persistent cost-of-living challenges and housing concerns. While average weekly earnings reached €955.49 – up €280 from a decade ago – and employment rates hit a 26-year high of 75.3%, Irish households continue to face rising … Read more
Government formation talks are set to restart on Monday after the Christmas break, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael racing to meet their self-imposed January deadline. The negotiations, led by Helen McEntee for Fine Gael and Jack Chambers for Fianna Fáil, will pick up where they left off before the holiday pause. While both parties … Read more
In a significant move towards sustainable education, more than two-thirds of Irish schools have either installed solar panels or are in the process of getting them, marking a major milestone in the country’s educational green initiative. The solar for schools programme, launched in 2023, has already seen remarkable success with over 1,100 schools approved for … Read more
Ireland is set to experience severe winter conditions with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as -10C next week, as Met Éireann issues a nationwide Status Yellow snow/ice warning. The cold snap begins Friday morning with temperatures dropping to -5C, before a complex weather system moves in over the weekend bringing rain, sleet, and … Read more