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A morning news update from The Irish Times. Our top stories five days a week.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Irish Times can reveal that the Aughinish Alumina plant in Co Limerick is supplying Russian smelters whose aluminium ends up with a trading firm that then provides materials to dozens of Russian arms manufacturers. The cabinet is meeting this morning to finalise measures to help with the cost of living aimed at controlling inflation rising because of the war in Iran. Some children in the care system have been sexually groomed and abused according to a report by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. The family of Natalie McNally, 32, say she was the greatest joy of their lives following the conviction of Stephen McCullagh, 36, for her murder in 2022. Learner drivers in some parts of the country are waiting twice the national target to be called for their driving test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that Earth’s climate is swinging increasingly out of balance, and there are potentially severe consequences for Ireland. The government is expected to agree today measures to try to control rising costs. The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland has published a report saying people coming here on general work permits are routinely exploited by employers. Tributes have been paid to the broadcast Michael Lyster who has died at the age of 71. Fingal County Council is beginning a new scheme to replace bicycles for young people which it says can help keep them active and give them independence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oil and gas prices have surged following attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East. EU leaders have been considering steps to secure Europe’s supply and the Irish government is expected to announce measures next week. Monthly payments to those accommodating Ukrainian people in their spare rooms or second homes will be wound down over the next year. Survivors of abuse at schools run by the Irish Spiritans, formerly the Holy Ghost congregation, have told The Irish Times its really important that people come forward and tell their stories. AI is now a non-negotiable skill for employees. How can people ensure they’re using it effectively? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gardaí have been searching for a couple in County Meath who were ordered to demolish their house because it was built without planning permission. Chris and Rose Murray have been fighting orders to tear it down for nearly 20 years.Over two days Gerry Adams has been cross examined by a lawyer representing three victims of IRA bombings of the Old Bailey court house in 1973, and two separate attacks on Manchester and the London Docklands in 1996. He has denied culpability.An aircraft chartered by the Trump administration stopped to refuel at Shannon Airport on St Patricks Day while deporting up to 15 Ukrainians from the US.A new report published this morning has said Ireland’s dependence on a handful of multinational companies to drive technological progress and productivity has left the Irish economy exposed.Brian Ó Gallachóir, professor at the University College Cork estimates Ireland has significantly closed the gap on its carbon budget goal for the period ending in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin will visit the White House today will issues including Iran, Gaza and economic ties on the table. A letter from the US Ambassador to Ireland to Simon Harris warns that US businesses are reassessing their investment in Ireland. The number of Gardaí who declared domestic violence orders against them increased last year. Gerry Adams is expected to take the stand in the High Court in London later. The tricolour flag, should it remain in the event of a United Ireland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Iran says it will continue to block the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route, according to a statement attributed to the country’s new Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, the UN says the conflict has displaced more than 3.2million people.The Dublin Region Homeless Executive, Mary Hayes, has warned lack of emergency accommodation for families could lead to those with children having to sleep on the streets.HSE officials have warned against the use of drugs on St Patrick’s Day, having found extremely potent, and heavily laced powders and crystals on the market.The body which represents officers in the Defence Forces has said it won’t hit its interim recruitment target of 9,700 personnel until 2031, and the government’s target of 11,000 personnel is “a fantasy”.Researchers from Trinity College Dublin say green technologies like solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps are not accessible to low-income households.The historian Diarmaid Ferriter gives his thoughts on a new film depicting one of the 20th century’s greatest artists, Elvis Presley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Washington and begins the second day of his St. Patrick’s Day visit. He will attend the Irish Funds dinner later today meeting a network of people backing cultural and community projects in Ireland, and will visit the White House tomorrow.As the world’s attention is focused on the Middle East, the war in Ukraine rages on. On today’s In The News podcast the Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun shares a story of hardship, particularly in the depths of winter.The Women’s Coalition on Immigration claims there is a link between migrants and sexual violence. Irish Times political correspondent Ellen Coyne looks into their campaign after the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre raised concerns about efforts to “weaponise the issue of sexual violence”.How does Dublin stack up against other major cities across the world when it comes to the cost of living? Conor Pope decided to find out.Is virtue signalling on social media ultimately negative? Joe Humphrey’s writes today about the good and the bad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The psychological impact of flooding often lasts far longer than the physical damage caused, a new Irish study has found.The Naval Service is to be given the authority to board vessels in Irish waters, under expanded powers being drafted by government in advance of Ireland’s EU presidency.Dave Hannigan is writing about how the NBA in the United States got cold feet over proposed collaboration between the Atlanta Hawks and the city’s famous strip club.Patrick Freyne, having watched Louis Theroux’s new documentary “Inside the Manosphere”, ponders who were the male influencers of his era? Among them is Charlie Haughey. “He loved a good collab.”Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Artificial intelligence (AI) apps that “nudify” images of people without their consent are not currently banned under European Unionregulations.An Irish member of The New York Times’ visuals investigation team is challenging the Trump administration’s account of a missile strike on a primary school in Iran.UAE ambassador to Ireland says “there are channels” of communication between law enforcement agencies in Dubai and An Garda Siochána here in relation to Daniel and Christy Kinahan.Despite the hours Irish people spend scrolling online, a consumer study has found we’re not as adept at spotting influencer marketing as we think.The Luas tram - burnt out during Dublin riots of November 2023 - has arrived home after being repaired by specialist mechanics in France.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fuel has hit €2 a litre and it’s estimated the rise in energy costs brought on by the war in Iran could cost Irish households an extra thousand euro a year if it’s prolonged. What levers could the government pull to help keep costs down?Sources in An Garda Síochána have told The Irish Times they believe the heads of the Kinahan drug cartel haven’t left the UAE since 2022.New figures show the number of students applying to study health-related degrees has risen significantly this year.Gerry Adams is at the High Court in London defending a civil case in which he’s accused of leading the IRA, which he denies.Two former senior British military officers write in today’s Irish Times criticising legislation brought forward by the UK government which could open veterans to prosecution for alleged Troubles era crimes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Iran has said its assembly of experts has elected a new supreme leader. Israel has vowed to target the the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor.The heads of the National Library, the National Museum and IMMA say they’re struggling to cover their pension bills and have asked the Government to step in.Road safety campaigner and Irish Times columnist Sinead O’Sullivan has mapped fatalities on Ireland’s roads last year and writes today about five demands the campaign at stoproaddeaths.ie makes of politicians to tackle the issue.The cost of repairs to infrastructure damaged by Storm Chandra could exceed €60 million. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Missile strikes across the middle east intensified on Thursday. In retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on targets across Iran, the regime launched rockets at US air bases and cities in various countries, and in a new development, it attacked Azerbaijan. A long war in the Middle East will almost certainly impact inflation in Ireland. Our Consumer Affairs Correspondent Conor Pope writes today about the impact it could have. A patient of a dentist who defrauded the HSE out of thousands of Euro for treatments he never provided, has told the dental inspectorate she only went to him for dentures, despite him claiming payment for 19 extractions. A lady has told The Irish Times she quit her job at Crumlin Children’s Hospital because congestion on the M7 and N7 left her with a two-hour commute in the morning. In the Six Nations, Ireland take on Wales at the Aviva Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been called in to investigate complaints of ‘price gouging’ after the cost of home heating oil rose by up to 50 per cent since the outbreak of the Iran crisis.The Government has had the power since 2023 to impose an explicit ban on scramblers, but it did not move to enact regulations until shortly after Grace Lynch (16) was fatally injured by a scrambler in Finglas, Dublin in January.A disabled artist has said she is “back to worrying” about how she will be able to afford her rent after receiving her last payment under the pilot Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme.Jessie Buckley is a marked woman now, after a November clip of her dissing cats went viral this week. Ed Power is among those wondering if the controversial take could scupper her chances of Oscar glory.And speaking of cats, it’s all kicking off on the letters page today after a reader wrote in to express his dismay at proposals to allow pets on public transport.Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hundreds of Irish citizens trying to escape the unfolding conflict in the Middle East are to be offered an “assisted departure” on a government-chartered flight.Conor Pope explains the situation is very uncertain for passengers who are due to fly to, or via, the UAE and Qatar after March 10th. He also explains why fuel and home heating companies have increased their prices within days of the Iran crisis.Half of secondary schools had to restrict student access to at least one subject due to teacher shortages last year, according to research published by the Teachers Union of Ireland.A chartered building surveyor explains how to improve your home’s Building Energy Rating and lower your bills.Our London correspondent Mark Paul writes about efforts to give elderly Irish people living in Britain a “good Irish death.”Presented by Aideen Finnegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US and Israeli war planes have continued to strike targets in Iran, and Donald Trump has awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour to three servicemen killed in action.Prices of energy, petrol and food could rise as a result of the conflict’s impact on oil production and global trade routes.The number of people in Dublin cycling on a daily basis has risen by 50 per cent in the last two years.Its 10 years this month since microchipping became mandatory for dogs.A new survey suggests widespread support for increasing prominence of the Irish language in business and public life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Air raid sirens continue to sound in cities across the Middle East following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.The number of patients on waiting lists for 18 months or longer rose in more than half of Ireland’s hospitals in 2025.A victim who lost tens of thousands in an invoice redirection scam shares her story with The Irish Times.People convicted under Ireland’s historic anti-gay laws deserve for their convictions to be ‘disregarded’ writes Brian Sheehan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dublin City’s Council’s new premises at the former Dublin Institute of Technology will cost €670 million, The Irish Times can reveal.The government is to build a new secure room to prevent eavesdropping on calls with world leaders.An internal report from the University of Galway, seen by The Irish Times, includes proposals to axe its Bachelor of Arts due to falling student demand.A month into a sit-in protest at the offices of Bord Bia, several farmers have told The Irish Times they want Brazilian beef clearly labelled so consumers know it’s not home grown produce.Hilary Clinton has accused the Congressional House Oversight Committee of failing to properly investigate individuals mentioned in the Epstein Files.Dennis Staunton examines the AI race between China and the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54 year-old American man Michael Kelley remains in custody this morning after being charged in court with the murder of Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine.Members of a planned new public transport security service are to be given powers of arrest and pursuit.A “so-called” live YouTube gaming stream hosted by a man accused of murdering his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally, has been played to jurors at Belfast Crown Court.Proposed name changes for places such as Herzog Park in Rathgar, south Dublin, may be “legally unsafe” because of a gap in legislation, according to legal advice received by Dublin City Council.A new president of the GAA will be elected on Friday night, before taking office and succeeding Jarlath Burns in 2027. The Irish Times has quizzed the three candidates on some of the most pressing matters facing the GAA.Author Emer McLysaght is writing about the dread of her upcoming book tour, and how it has finally driven her to get Botox after years of holding out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A new deal has been struck to buy hundreds of new state of the art vehicles with new capabilities that could allow Ireland to take a greater role in peacekeeping missions abroad, and in defence of the island should the need arise.The Taoiseach, Michael Martin, has defended the government’s decision to pause a review into how special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated at schools saying it hadn’t been signed off by ministers.The Irish Museum of Modern Art has said its cultural significance is being “entirely overlooked” in plans to renovate its building in west Dublin.More than 150 people who presented as children seeking international protection in Ireland over the last two years were assessed to have been adults. Tusla said 86 people last year and 67 in 2024 were referred to the Department of Justice’s International Protection Office.Gardaí have discovered gang related merchandise, including branded clothing. The homes of 11 senior top tier gang members, also known as the Neo Black Movement in Ireland, were raided. It said the group had been linked to the theft and laundering of €94 million since 2020.Residents and businesses around Carlingford Lough have told The Irish Times a new bridge linking Warrenpoint in south Down, to Omeath in north Louth, will be a welcome boost to both towns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today marks 4 years since Russia mounted its invasion of Ukraine. On a visit to Kyiv today the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hoped to announce a €90 billion loan to help Ukraine continue fighting, but Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is blocking the money over a damaged oil pipeline delivering Russian oil via Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia.The EU parliament’s trade committee was due to vote on removing tariffs on US industrial goods, a key part of the deal struck with Donald Trump last summer. But its delayed the vote after the US Supreme Court ruled Trump’s global tariffs were illegal because he didn’t gain congressional approval.Gardaí believe the driver accused of killing 16-year-old Mia Lily Keogh O’Keeffe in Navan was an unaccompanied learner. She is one of seven people killed on the roads across the Island of Ireland at the weekend.Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He’s accused of handing sensitive UK government files to Jeffrey Epstein.Dublin’s Catholic Archdiocese says a record number of converts attended its latest “rite of election” ceremony in St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday.Nancy Guithrie is an elderly woman who’s been missing from her home in Arizona since 31st January. The Irish Times In The News podcast speaks to a reporter in Arizona about what police think happened to her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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