In Meath, the Murrays built a 588 sq m house — five times the size of an average new house — “in wilful breach of the planning laws”, having been refused planning permission for a house half that size. Read More End of the line for unauthorised Meath house as demolition finally gets under wayThey’re not alone. Disrespect for planning systemA lack of understanding and respect for the planning system has a long history. Dr Lorcan Sirr: 'A lack of understanding and respect for the planning system has a long history.' The planning system is not perfect but never will be given its complexity and under-resourcing.

Former US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has submitted plans for horse stables to stay 'long term' at her flood-hit £22million Cotswolds home. The planning application described the pair as 'horse owners' who require stabling for their horses. 'Hence, the "in-between" option is proposed, a traditional stone building, single range, built in the local vernacular, so as to blend in to the existing building group.' 'Overall, when comparing the existing shed against the proposed stable building, it is likely the traditionally designed stone building would sit better in the landscape, and appear to belong more coherently to the adjacent building group.' 'Indeed when comparing the existing agricultural shed - which is to be demolished - against the proposed stable building, it is likely the traditionally designed stone building would sit better and belong more coherently to the adjacent building group.

Midlands visual artist to exhibit at Esker Arts Centre'Pause', a body of work from Midlands visual artist Hilary Kinahan, will be officially opened by Carmel Duffy, Athlone Arts & Tourism Manager, at Esker Arts Centre, on Saturday, April 4, at 3pm. 'Pause' is an exhibition responding to recent bog fires and their impact on the local landscape, documenting the scorched land through painting and printmaking. Created as a meditative series, the works invite viewers to slow down and reflect. The series includes sonographs of birdsong, signalling renewal and the gradual return of life to the damaged boglands. The exhibition will remain open to the public until June 27.

Huddersfield dad's alarm bells with 'off' text message as daughter dies after 'perfect day'Avid Huddersfield Town fan Sophie Evans died after fleeing hospitalView 2 Images Sophie EvansA dad has paid tribute to his "very loving" daughter as he recalled the final text message that she sent him. ‌Mark told the inquest that his daughter had struggled with autism for many years but hadn't been listened to nor given proper support. She had loved attending Huddersfield Town games and enjoyed supporting from the 'Cowshed' with the noisiest fans. Mark told the court that he would like the inquest to learn "what could have been done better". While living at the Priestley Unit, Sophie had managed to obtain razor blades by placing an order via an online auction site.

Buses diverted as Stoke-on-Trent road shut for five weeksIt's near the Royal StokeView 2 Images Works have got underway on The AvenueHighways crews have shut a Potteries road for five weeks to 'replace the surface'. Buses are being diverted away from The Avenue in Hartshill as motorists are told to look for alternatives. ‌But access will be maintained for residents as Stoke-on-Trent City Council carry out the project. ‌The half-a-mile-long road is a busy one running from Hartshill Road down to the A34. ‌Today and the section between its junction with Albany Road up to Hartshill Road has been closed.

The contrast between a cosy, deep blue living room and light-filled open plan rear rooms at this Ballinacurra four-bed home shows that it’s more possible to achieve a blend of high-end and homely. No 21 Maple Woods, near Midleton, kicks off the kerb-appeal with its bright blue door, and continues this colour palette through several rooms. The living room has an inset stove and the warm-toned laminate floor continues throughout the ground floor. The wider location is a great bonus as this estate is right next to the newly opened Ballinacurra-Midleton pedestrian and cycle scheme. Maple Woods is just off the main Whitegate Rd, so you’re on the right track for trips to beaches at nearby Whitebay, Inch, and Guileen.

The beating heart of Coronation Street came from everyday dramas of everyday people, imprinting the likes of Annie Walker, Bet Lynch and Hilda Ogden into public consciousness forever. But in recent years, Coronation Street has done away with the slow-burning stories on which it was built. Nostalgia is the very nucleus of soap - and Coronation Street bosses would likely do well to remember that. But they don't need to attain the global Netflix figures they seem to be after - Coronation Street has a history that modern shows can't buy. Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.

He is now a shift leader, maintaining stats, preparing reports, and “making sure everyone is doing their work correctly”. The company makes sure we get plenty of breaks throughout the night and morning, so that really helps. Night work is working between midnight and 7am, and according to a 2023 Labour Force Survey, 22.5% of employees in Ireland worked night shifts. Keith Power, who works for Cork City Council’s Road Department, a role that can involve night work in winter. “It’s great to meet so many people who tell you that you’re part of their morning,” he says.

The warning from Interpol that the incidence of recorded fraud in Europe surged by 70% in 2025 is alarming. Closer to home, research published last month said that social media platforms made €32m in revenue from scam ads targeting Irish consumers in one year alone. With the prevalence and sophistication of fraud about to get a whole lot worse, a layer of protection for the individual is urgently required. However, there is a language problem that we should be paying more attention to and that is the increasing harshness, aggression, and even violence that now characterise public discourse. Given the current pressures on housing, public services, and other infrastructure, the impulse might be to aim for lower population growth.

Plans for mega-solar farm near Lincolnshire border of 'national significance'The 2700-acre project would be capable of powering 215,000 homesView 2 Images The Meridian Solar Farm would be built north of Crowland, including both sides of Cloot Drove (pictured) (Image: Google Street View)Plans for a ‘nationally significant’ solar farm capable of powering 215,000 homes have been submitted to the government for consideration. ‌The Meridian Solar Farm would occupy around 2,700 acres of land north of Crowland and east of Spalding. ‌The solar farm would include a battery farm and connect to the National Grid through a substation being proposed as part of the 140km Grimsby to Walpole pylon line. View 2 Images Plans for the Meridian Solar Farm near Spalding (Image: Downing Renewable Developments)Campaign group Lincolnshire Against Needless Destruction said that solar farms like Meridian mustn’t lead to “poor planning” to reach Net Zero goals. There are currently 12 NSIPs going through the planning process in Lincolnshire, with campaigners claiming the county’s being unfairly targeted by renewable energy companies.

John ClendennenRecruitment campaign underway for Offaly education therapy servicesFine Gael TD for Offaly Deputy John Clendennen has today (Monday) highlighted the importance of the ongoing recruitment campaign for the Education Therapy Services, encouraging all suitably qualified professionals to apply before the upcoming deadline. A further recruitment campaign, including for Offaly, is now underway having been launched by the NCSE on 10 March with a closing date of March 31. Speaking on the topic, Deputy Clendennen said: “This recruitment campaign represents a critical opportunity to strengthen the delivery of vital supports for children and families. “The Education Therapy Services, including provision in Offaly, is a very positive development. Filling these posts will be key to delivering on Education Therapy Services in Offaly.”Clendennen concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting the rollout of these services and ensuring that Offaly receives its full allocation of resources.

The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet were killed after it collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia airport late on Sunday, in an incident that closed the airport. It had earlier said a sergeant and an officer had broken limbs and were in stable condition at a hospital. The Air Canada Express CRJ-900 plane, operated by its partner Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal, based on a preliminary passenger list that remained subject to confirmation. The Air Canada Jet collided with a Port Authority vehicle on a runway (AP)Air Canada referred Reuters to Jazz’s statement and said it was aware of the incident. New York City’s emergency notification system said people could expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays and emergency personnel near the airport.

My grandmother called to say that when they hit the IRCG [Islamic revolutionary guard] housing complex near her home, the shockwave blew their doors open. I thought about this apocalyptic, inhumane image and whispered to myself: “At that point, we won’t even realize. ​Whenever I message my Iranian friends abroad — I remember the days when the last war broke out in Iran while I was abroad. ​When I was not in Iran, my internal reality didn’t match the outside world; I was falling apart, yet everything out there followed its normal routine. All I know is that both we, the people, and our country are utterly alone in this damned world.

Some 33 years ago, a similar convention examined the pressing needs of primary and special education. Unlike most other countries, Irish schools have no dedicated special education co-ordinator posts. Despite increased investment in special education and measures to address disadvantage, teachers striving to support inclusion remain concerned about the lack of adequate training, resources and specialist supports. The link between this aspiration and high-quality initial teacher education, meaningful continuing professional development and a clear career pathway must be recognised. Around 250,000 children with special educational needs are educated in mainstream settings.

US president Donald Trump meets with Crown Prince and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in Washington in 2025. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar founded the GCC in 1981 to co-ordinate policies and promote Islamic values. Saudi Arabia has adopted a contradictory position. The crown prince and other Gulf leaders are in no position to commit forces to the campaign because Israel is involved. By joining Israel in this war, Saudi Arabia would also jeopardise its guardianship of the Muslim holy shrines in Mecca and Medina.