Tourism industry calls for government intervention as numbers drop and prices rise

THE Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), which represents over 20,000 businesses nationwide, has raised concerns over falling visitor numbers, rising costs and an overdependence on American tourists. In its most recent submission to the government ahead of the 2025 Budget, the ITIC laid out numerous areas where policy change is urgently needed to stabilise and grow the … [Read more...] about Tourism industry calls for government intervention as numbers drop and prices rise

A CONFIRMED sighting of an Asian Hornet in Cork has sparked a biosecurity alert from the Irish Government. The hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has spread through continental Europe and poses a major ecological risk, with a single nest able to devastate local honeybee populations. Ireland has remained largely free from the invasive species, however, the sighting has led the … [Read more...] about Asian Hornet sighting in Cork sparks biosecurity alert

THE FAMILY of a man murdered in Co. Down on Sunday have paid tribute to him. Stephen Brannigan, 56, was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick on Sunday, hours after Parish Priest Father John Murray was assaulted at St Patrick's Church. A 30-year-old man is due to appear in court today charged with murder and attempted murder in relation to the … [Read more...] about Family pay tribute to Co. Down murder victim Stephen Brannigan

TWO men are due in court over the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Co. Tyrone. Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell (pictured) was shot multiple times in front of his young son as he packed up after coaching a youth football team in Omagh in February 2023. He sustained life-changing injuries in the attack and retired from the PSNI in December 2024 on medical … [Read more...] about Two men due in court over attempted murder of off-duty police officer DCI John Caldwell in Co. Tyrone

THE IRISH GOVERNMENT has announced it has allocated €16m to cross-border research collaborations between higher education institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Among the projects is one to help those suffering with Parkinson's Disease and another to develop cybersecurity to support cross-border infrastructures. The investment is delivered through the North-South … [Read more...] about €16m allocated to cross-border research partnerships including Parkinson’s Disease project