In the same 1990-2010 period, the complementary public transport infrastructure – the Luas Red and Green lines and initial DART expansion – was delivered. Have the road and public transport networks kept pace with the roughly 20 per cent population increase in the Greater Dublin Area? In the absence of adequate public transport connectivity, the private car has become the default – and often the only – viable transport option. This model, which integrates dense residential and commercial areas around high-capacity public transport, has proven successful globally in creating sustainable communities. If Ireland is to stand any realistic chance of meeting its legally binding transport emissions targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan, large-scale public transport projects must be built.

Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan is to brief Cabinet this week on progress made on online safety. The Irish Times understands the Coalition has sought advice on strengthening laws that make senior executives liable for noncompliance with online safety measures. With increasing focus on online safety, Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan is to brief Cabinet this week on progress made on online safety. It is understood Mr O’Donovan’s department also sought legal advice on strengthening the liability of senior managers when noncompliance with online safety regulation occurs on a platform. The move in Australia involves a strict social media ban for children under the age of 16.

Photograph: Frank MillerThe backlog of appeals to decisions on social welfare payments has come down by almost half, the Government will be told this week. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary will update the Cabinet on efforts to address the backlog. There was a surge of appeals to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in recent years, with the Department of Social Protection blaming the increase on demographic changes which led to higher demand for pensions, disability and carers’ payments. [ State writes off more than €15m in incorrect social welfare payments across two yearsOpens in new window ]Meanwhile, the number of appeals awaiting decision stood at 21,000 at the beginning of the year. Mr Calleary has recently told the Dáil that processing times for appeals increase as his department clears the backlog.

Former car mechanic Michael Meere (47) has multiple disabilities since a motorbike crash and two subsequent bicycle accidents. “These rates added together and divided by 52 gives me, up to now €271.14 a week on average across the year. He buys a bag of coal or a bottle of gas with his fuel allowance each week. “Where would one be going in all fairness, with a bag of coal being nearly €30 and a pack of firelighters €5 euro? The fuel allowance didn’t even cover that."

The planned drone initiative will represent the first component of an overall military radar programme. Photograph: iStockThe Government is expected to allocate between €15 million and €17 million next year as part of an accelerated programme to acquire technology to track and intercept drones. The military radar system is the Government’s key capital priority for the defence sector between 2026 and 2030. A number of security sources said the unprecedented event underlined the need for clearer protocols when rogue drones are spotted. The Irish Times reported last month that Tánaiste and then minister for defence Simon Harris had authorised officials to seek urgent delivery of a system to track and intercept drones.

Results in the aggregate in 2026 will be just under those in 2020 – which were more than four percentage points above 2019 levels. As you reference in your question, in 2020, given that there was no Leaving Cert, teachers calculated grades for their own students. These additional highly sought after places will see more students secure offers in high-points disciplines in 2026 and in the following years. Tertiary degrees offered through nto.ie offer students another avenue to their dream courses which take factors other than CAO points into consideration. She should ignore the issue of reductions in enhanced grades and focus on her studies.

The new entrance at Deer Park in south Dublin was not a 'breathtaking feat of engineering', said Mary Lou McDonald. The Irish Times reported last month that the works, which involved the provision of 14 steps and a ramp at Deer Park, had cost a total of €753,528.43 inclusive of VAT. The park at Mount Merrion is run by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council but funding for the project was provided by the NTA. In 2024, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown requested additional funding due to challenges on site and design issues. The NTA requested detailed cost reports as the project progressed and conducted a site visit in August 2025.

Emer Carty is one of more than 1,000 parents who swap advice and stories with like-minded individuals in a group called Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland. Photograph Nick BradshawParents in Ireland are banding together in a growing movement to advocate for children to go smartphone free, amid discussions of online safety and wellbeing. Emer Carty, from south Dublin, is one of more than 1,000 parents who swap advice and stories with like-minded individuals in a group called Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland. Plans to verify the ages of children who use social media in Ireland will be considered in the coming weeks by Government. That’s why I wanted to join Smartphone Free Childhood Ireland,” he said.

“I want you to make me an obscene parody of the World Cup trophy. It’s not easy to say, but maybe a look at the kind of companies that sponsor the World Cup suggests an answer. US president Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino at last Friday's World Cup draw in Washington. In Brazil 2014, the most recent World Cup held in the western hemisphere, the latest kick-offs were at 11pm Irish time. As he takes the World Cup away from Europe, Infantino is helping in his small way to set the terms of the new order.

Nine of Saturday’s starting XV and 14 of the match-day 23 figured that day, with Caelan Doris, Joe McCarthy and Jack Conan all playing their first game for Leinster since that defeat. The Leinster captain admitted as much, although he stressed did not think of it in a negative way. “I think it’s there, not in a burden sort of way that weighs you back, but you want it to give you a little bit of edge. “That’s my first game for Leinster since Northampton, so of course it was on my mind a little bit this week. And I was just delighted to be back in blue today.”Doris admitted that Leinster’s performance had been “a little bit sloppy” and pointed to their ill-discipline after a bright start.

It doesn’t have to be this way, I was going to say, just do the bits you actually enjoy, nothing bad will happen. Gudrun, the strong and beautiful central character of the 13th-century Laxdæla Saga, marries four times and raises two sons. Violence, breakdown and suicide peak at Christmas when the cracks were already there and the intensifying of pressure over the holidays breaks them wide open. I don’t for a moment think that love means never having to say you’re sorry. Love means having the grace and space to say sorry as frankly and often as necessary, and more importantly working seriously to stop doing the things about which we are sorry.

A computer-generated image of the planned new development at Dublin’s O’Connell Street, looking west towards Moore Street. Illustration: HammersonThe company behind the contentious redevelopment of 5.5 acres between Dublin’s O’Connell Street and Moore Street has submitted new plans in relation to a number of historic and protected buildings on the site, pending the outcome of judicial review proceedings against the scheme. However judicial proceedings were initiated against the decision by the Moore Street Preservation Trust, a group involving a number relatives of those involved in the 1916 Rising, and Sinn Féin. Dublin Central GP has also sought planning exemptions for more minor repairs to 57-58 O’Connell Street Upper, 18 Moore Street and 11 Moore Street. This work is largely to stop leaks and protect against water damage to neighbouring 1916 national monument buildings at 14-17 Moore Street.

Michael Flatley: 'It’s easy to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself but I want to be an example,' says the dancer and choreographer, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty ImagesIt’s hardly a surprise that Michael Flatley is a big fan of Christmas. I followed my dream, and I’ve made friends with that pain.”Despite his ailments, Flatley refuses to retire. We attend Christmas Eve Mass and have a big Christmas party, with local people invited. “I’m big on energy.”It’s a far cry from his modest upbringing as one of five children, on the south side of Chicago in a neighbourhood he describes as “tough”.

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has maintained an imposing presence on St Stephen’s Green for 200 years, with a palatial neoclassical facade befitting such an august institution. Much more challenging was the conundrum of doing something similar on St Stephen’s Green itself. “Making a building on St Stephen’s Green is a rare privilege,” McGovern says. Indeed, An Taisce complained that it “breaches 60 years of planning policy in maintaining a uniform parapet height around St Stephen’s Green”. The new RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences building, designed by Henry J Lyons architects, seen from St Stephen's Green park.

Festive season is upon us, and, on cue, the shops are heaving with sparkle, sequins, and all things shimmery. But this year’s party season mood is shifting. Instead of leaning into one-night-only sparkle, it’s about choosing pieces with staying power that you’ll reach for post-festivities. Items that feel festive now, but will easily slot into your everyday wardrobe later, too. Try a metallic knit with jeans and heels, or champagne-hued silk trousers with a blouse for party season.