ICTU calls for private sector pay increases in 2026

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has recommended that unions representing private sector workers seek pay increases of up to 6% in 2026. In their report ICTU noted that consumer prices have risen by almost 20% over the past four years, which has been a major drain on people's purchasing power. While wages fell during 2022 and 2023, ICTU said much of that loss was … [Read more...] about ICTU calls for private sector pay increases in 2026

THE Charity Commission of Northern Ireland has opened a statutory inquiry into alleged offences at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI). Church moderator Dr Trevor Gribben resigned in November after an internal report found "serious and significant failings" in safeguarding at the organisation between 2009 and 2022. In a statement made yesterday the charity commission said … [Read more...] about Charity commission opens statutory inquiry into Presbyterian Church in Ireland

PLANS to build a Dracula-themed amusement park have been revealed this week. The site, based on the mythical vampire created by the Irish author Bram Stoker, is set to be built in Romania. Based in Bucharest, Dracula Land is being proposed by developers as “the largest entertainment, retail, and technology destination” in Europe, which they believe will “transform the country … [Read more...] about Plans revealed to build €1bn Dracula-themed amusement park

A MAN has been sentenced for running an illegal bingo operation from his home. Connor McAreavey, from Leeson Street in Belfast, previously pleaded guilty to organising or managing prohibited gaming and to possessing criminal property. The 36-year-old was sentenced at Laganside Court yesterday (December 15) where he was handed a 10 month custodial sentence suspended for 12 … [Read more...] about Man sentenced for running illegal bingo operation from his home

AN ELDERLY woman has died in a house fire in Co. Antrim. Police were called to reports of a fire at a home in the Tansy Road area of Lisburn at around 6.30pm on December 15. The PSNI has since confirmed that a woman, aged in her 90s, has died as a result of the fire. “Officers are continuing to conduct enquiries into the circumstances of the fire,” the police force said. “At … [Read more...] about Elderly woman dies in Co. Antrim house fire