SSE Airtricity has declared a substantial reduction in its gas and electricity prices, marking its commitment to passing on savings to customers. Effective from February 1st next year, the energy provider will slash electricity rates by nearly 13% and gas rates by 11.5%. Following a 12% reduction announced in September, these latest cuts are expected … Read more
In a festive boost for families across Ireland, the eagerly awaited Double Child Benefit payments, announced in Budget 2024, will be delivered today. Typically, the government provides a monthly child benefit of 140 euros, but this December, families will receive a one-time subsidy of 280 euros, doubling the usual support in the spirit of the … Read more
In a parliamentary session, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue reiterated his full support for Teagasc amid allegations of “climate denial” over the “Dublin Declaration.” The declaration, signed by over 1,000 scientists at a Teagasc-funded event, has faced scrutiny for its alleged links to the livestock industry. Minister McConalogue defended Teagasc’s scientific rigor and asserted that the … Read more
DUBAI – In a groundbreaking commitment, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has announced Ireland’s intention to significantly increase its annual contribution to international climate finance to €225 million. Varadkar, speaking at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, emphasized that as a small yet prosperous nation, Ireland’s primary focus is on supporting climate-related adaptation efforts in … Read more
Dublin, Ireland – Mayor Daithí de Róiste inaugurated the city’s enchanting pre-Christmas markets, heralding the joyous season. Among the highlighted venues are the Henry Street/Mary Street Christmas market, Moore Street market, and the revamped Temple Bar food market, all set to immerse locals and visitors in the spirit of the holidays. The historic Henry Street/Mary … Read more
In the aftermath of the recent unrest in Dublin, the opposition party Sinn Fein has initiated a no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The motion comes in response to criticisms of the Minister and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for their handling of the escalating violence in the city. The vote is scheduled to take … Read more
In a recent report by KPMG, it has been revealed that Ireland’s goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 is deemed “virtually unachievable” by 95% of industry experts. The study highlights the challenges posed by a fractured planning and policy framework, echoing concerns expressed by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan. Ryan emphasized the “incredibly elongated” … Read more
In a recent report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), a significant downturn in foreign tourist arrivals to Ireland has raised alarms. August witnessed 737,600 tourists exploring the vibrant landscapes, but shockingly, by September, the numbers plummeted to 582,100—a one-third decrease within a month. This alarming trend has prompted the Association of Restaurants to call … Read more
Ireland is grappling with a surge in HIV cases, as reported by the Health Protection Surveillance Center (HPSC). Shockingly, 884 new cases were diagnosed in 2022, a stark increase from 527 in 2019. Of great concern is the more than doubling of HIV incidence among women, soaring from 134 cases in 2019 to 298 in … Read more
In a concerning revelation, a recent survey conducted jointly by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), the Irish Primary Principals Network, and the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association has uncovered a staggering 800 teacher vacancies in schools across Ireland. This dire shortage of educators highlights a significant issue in the nation’s education system. According to … Read more
In a groundbreaking move, Ireland has granted pharmacists the authority to dispense medicines without the need for a new doctor’s prescription for an additional 12 months, starting from March 1 next year. This decision, made based on the recommendations of an expert panel appointed by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is set to alleviate the burden … Read more
In a setback for Ireland’s agricultural sector, beef exports to China have been suspended following the detection of an atypical case of BSE (mad cow disease). The 10.5-year-old cow tested positive during routine checks by the Department of Agriculture’s Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. Despite reassurances from Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue that there is no threat … Read more
Overseas healthcare assistants in Ireland are urging the government to grant them the same flat-rate expenses as their nursing counterparts. Currently, nurses enjoy a tax refund exceeding €700 for uniforms and essential costs, a benefit received by 100% of nurses in the country. Healthcare assistants argue that they, too, should be entitled to this tax … Read more
In a significant data breach, Electric Ireland, the nation’s leading electricity provider, has confirmed that sensitive information belonging to approximately 8,000 customers has been leaked. The breach, attributed to an employee of a third-party company working with Electric Ireland, compromised customers’ names, phone numbers, and dates of birth, as well as bank account details and … Read more
In an unusual turn of weather events, nine weather stations across Ireland have already surpassed the annual average amount of rainfall, leaving two months remaining in the year. Met Eireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, recently published its climate report focusing on weather conditions throughout October. These weather stations, located in Dublin, Cavan, Cork, Meath, Roscommon, … Read more