Diplomatic tensions have escalated between Ireland and Israel following the Israeli foreign ministry’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin, with Irish political leaders pushing back against accusations of hostility. The Israeli government claimed the closure was due to what it termed “extreme anti-Israel policies” by the Irish government. In response, Micheál Martin emphasized that … Read more
Government formation negotiations are intensifying this week as political parties prepare for the first sitting of the 34th Dáil on Wednesday, with complex discussions ongoing between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Independents, and smaller parties. The upcoming week will see critical meetings aimed at establishing a new government, with party leaders engaging in detailed negotiations. Fianna … Read more
Ireland is falling behind in its efforts to manage waste and meet crucial environmental targets, according to a stark new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released this week. The report paints a troubling picture of Ireland’s waste management, showing a 20% increase in total waste generation compared to a decade ago. In 2022 … Read more
Northern Ireland’s Police Service (PSNI) reported a shocking series of attacks that left 20 officers injured across various locations in just 24 hours, highlighting the growing dangers faced by law enforcement personnel. The incidents spanned multiple areas, including Crossmaglen, Newry, Craigavon, Fermanagh, Derry, and Belfast. Each location presented its own violent scenario, from deliberate vehicle … Read more
The Irish Prison Service’s 2023 Annual Report has highlighted a significant increase in prison committals and daily prisoner populations, with close to a 13% rise in the number of people sent to prison compared to the previous year. In 2023, 6,495 individuals were committed to prison, accounting for 7,938 total committals – an increase of … Read more
Fuel costs have risen again this month, according to the latest AA Ireland Fuel Survey. Petrol prices saw a modest increase of one cent, reaching an average of €1.74 per litre. Diesel prices climbed more sharply, with a three-cent rise, bringing the average to €1.71 per litre. Despite the price hikes, crude oil prices remained … Read more
Around 130,000 tracker mortgage customers in Ireland are set to benefit as the European Central Bank (ECB) announced its fourth rate cut since summer, reducing the lending rate it charges banks by 0.25 percentage points. This decision comes after a series of 10 consecutive rate hikes, which ended in September last year. The move will … Read more
Scoil Oilibhéir, a primary school in Cork City’s Ballyvolane, has been forced to permanently close its special educational needs centre, Cill Barra, due to severe structural issues that make the building unsafe for students and teachers. The 35-year-old prefabricated building, which housed 13 teachers, was deemed structurally unsound by a consultant engineer. In a letter … Read more
Ireland can expect a relatively calm weekend with mostly dry conditions before a turbulent weather system moves in next week, Met Éireann has forecast. Friday will start cloudy with occasional bright spells and temperatures ranging between 4C and 8C. Saturday promises more sunshine, with temperatures climbing to 10C and some scattered morning showers primarily along … Read more
Flu cases have surged this winter, with more than 400 people hospitalised so far, RTE reported. Interim Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan, warned of high flu levels expected between Christmas and the New Year and urged the public to get vaccinated. She highlighted that flu rates are highest among children aged one to four … Read more
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael face a key test in their negotiations with independent TDs, who are making clear their support for Wexford TD Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle. The nine-member Regional Group is preparing for formal talks with the two main parties next week, with Murphy’s nomination for the influential parliamentary role serving as … Read more
Ireland must dramatically slash its greenhouse gas emissions and phase out fossil fuels by 2039 to avoid catastrophic climate impacts, according to a landmark report from the Climate Change Advisory Council released today. The country faces a critical challenge: reducing emissions by an average of at least 6.3% annually to achieve a 67% reduction by … Read more
Ireland has been extended its first-ever invitation to participate in G20 meetings, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country. Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin is set to seek Cabinet approval to accept the invitation from South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025. The G20, a prominent forum comprising … Read more
Ireland has recorded its lowest energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in 30 years, with an 8.3% reduction in 2023, but the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) warns that more decisive action is crucial to meet climate targets. The SEAI report reveals that while emissions from transport, electricity, and heat have declined, the country remains heavily … Read more
Northern Ireland has permanently banned puberty blockers for individuals under 18, closing potential loopholes that could have allowed transgender youth to access the medication through the region, officials confirmed yesterday. According to The Jornal, the decision was unanimously agreed upon by the Stormont executive, which includes representatives from Sinn Fein, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), … Read more