It is hoped that the route to Dublin, known for its cultural landmarks and vibrant hospitality scene, will strengthen links between the Highlands and Ireland’s capital. Flights during the busy summer season have been timed to offer connectivity via Dublin to New York (JFK) and Boston. In a statement, Inverness Airport manager Dan Mason said: “It is exciting to see the return of direct flights between Inverness and Dublin, restoring a route that has been missed by passengers across the Highlands and Islands. "This service not only reconnects the region with Ireland’s capital but it also provides onward access to North America via Aer Lingus transatlantic flights, including New York and Boston, with convenient connection times through Dublin. "We look forward to working with our partners at Inverness Airport to ensure the success of this route.”

Irish people overestimate level of immigration into the country, new research from the ESRI has foundPeople in Ireland overestimate the level of immigration into the country, new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found. A new ESRI report published today analysed misconceptions around immigration. The report found that on average, people believe immigration is happening on a larger scale than it actually is. The ESRI carried out an anonymous online survey measuring people’s attitudes towards immigration, with 1,200 adults talking part. Participants were also asked to estimate facts about immigration, including population, reasons for migration and characteristics like employment and education levels, social housing uptake and share of the prison population.

A severe storm in Australia’s Victoria state triggered flash flooding, forcing the famed Great Ocean Road to close and sweeping cars out to sea. Video: ReutersHundreds of people have evacuated a major camping ground in Australia after a severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding at Wye River in Victoria, closed a major scenic tourism road and washed cars out to sea. The general store had also been flooded in Wye River, she said, but other structures appeared to be safe. Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan, said the footage coming out of Wye River was “terrifying”. “I’m thinking of the community and campers along the Great Ocean Road tonight,” she said in a statement on Thursday.

Georgia Toffolo bragged about her £40,000 Hermès handbag as she performed a workout in sunglasses on Thursday. The TV personality, 31, has recently been savaged on social media and branded ‘insufferable’ by fans who begged her to ‘get a job’ after a series of chaotic updates. Undeterred by the comments from her last post, Toff continued to share yet more bizarre updates to her Instagram Story. Strolling into her office in their house, Toff says: 'Morning one and all, how are we doing this morning? Your husband is an insufferable waste of skin, and it's clearly flaking all over you,';'Is this a parody?

Troops were seen disembarking a military plane in Nuuk, Greenland as Denmark confirmed it was to increase its military presence on the island. Greenland is a largely self-governing territory inside the three-state Kingdom of Denmark, though security and defence remain competences of the government in Copenhagen. Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, who also attended the meeting, welcomed the new co-operation, calling the US a security ally. In advance of Wednesday’s meeting, the Danish defence ministry announced even deeper co-operation in the region with its European Nato allies. “From today, there will be an expanded military presence in and around Greenland,” the statement said, mentioning “aircraft, vessels and soldiers” from Denmark as well as France, Germany, Sweden and Norway.

Campaigners say ministers now face a stark choice - act on public backing for clean heat or explain why they have walked away from one of the biggest climate pledges affecting households. According to the survey of 2000 people, 58% of Scots support “ensuring that all new heating systems have zero-carbon emissions from 2035”, while just 16% are opposed. MCS Foundation is arguing that a 2035 cut-off for new fossil-fuel boilers would give households, installers and manufacturers the certainty they need. Heating homes and buildings is one of the country’s biggest sources of climate pollution, accounting for around a fifth of total greenhouse-gas emissions. That is why we continue to press the UK Government - which has the powers to make clean heat more affordable – to take action to cut electricity prices.

The average cost of a year in college ranges between €12,162 and €19,479 for students living away from home, according to the latest TUD Cost of Living survey. For students living at home, it costs close to €8,000 a year. If you are about to send a child to college, take time to research the cost at the beginning. You may also need to pay extra expenses on top of your registration fees, depending on the course you’re doing. One Cork mother with 3 third level students living away from home says that nowadays everywhere is eye wateringly expensive, including what she describes as dumps, which were always cheap in the past.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy was satisfied with his first competitive round of 2026 using new equipment after shooting a five-under 66 at the Dubai Invitational. "If there is help to be had I'll definitely take it. I've been thinking about it for a while," he told Sky Sports. McIlroy appeared to get to grips with the new set-up immediately as he reached the turn in 31. "Overall a nice way to start the year."

The moment a teenager launched a bottle attack on a man who was branded a paedophile and beaten to death with rocks has been shown in court. Mr Cashford takes off again down the path, and the 16-year-old boy appears to try to kick his heels. The video ends with all three youths still in chase, but without them having caught up with Mr Cashford. The 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl both deny murder and manslaughter. The 16-year-old boy admits manslaughter but denies murder.

Photograph: Tierney L Cross/New York TimesUS president Donald Trump is set to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House later on Thursday. “She’s a very nice woman,” Mr Trump said in an interview about Ms Machado. Mr Trump lashed out at the five Republican senators who joined with Democrats to advance the resolution last week. Democrats forced the vote after US troops captured the deposed Venezuelan president, Mr Maduro, in a surprise night-time raid earlier this month. Mr Hawley similarly told reporters that he had been persuaded after discussion with both Mr Rubio and Mr Trump that the resolution was no longer necessary.

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On these courses, students start their studies in Education and Training Boards (ETBs), before transitioning to the relevant higher education institution. There are a wide range of courses available in high-demand areas such as nursing, IT and applied sports science. PLC courses typically run full-time for one or two years and qualify students with a Level 5 or Level 6. In general, PLC courses tend to include a blend of practical and academic work as well as work experience. PLC courses allow you to get a feel for a particular area of study before deciding on a longer-term course.

The 25 per cent tariff applies to “a very narrow category of semiconductors that are an important element of my administration’s AI and technology policies,” the proclamation said. That surcharge is a condition Mr Trump required in exchange for allowing Nvidia to sell in China. Mr Trump has yet to follow on imposing tariffs, as negotiations with Taiwan and major technology companies continue. Mr Trump took a hard line against Beijing at the outset of his presidency, making good on a campaign promise to crack down on its economic practices. “This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen US Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers,” Mr Trump posted on December 8th.

Five new books to read this weekBy Ella Walker, PAJulian Barnes blurs the lines between fact and fiction in his latest novel…Departure(s) by Julian Barnes is published in hardback by Jonathan Cape. Available January 22ndMortality has been a theme in Julian Barnes’ work since he lost his wife, the literary agent Pat Kavanagh, in 2008. In Evil Bones, forensic anthropologist Brennan and her niece team up with a retired detective to track down a killer. There is no shortage of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.8/10Review by Kerri-Ann RoperArborescence by Rhett Davis is published in hardback by Fleet. An excellent choice for an entertaining, meaningful bedtime read that packs in themes of fear, difference and kindness in an accessible, age-appropriate way.8/10Review by Joanne BrennanBOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDINGHARDBACK (FICTION)1.

Sometimes MEPs vote along national lines, sometimes in step with their European political groupings. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will be in South America on Saturday to sign a trade deal with the Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The inking of the deal by the commission president turns up the pressure on that European Parliament vote. Law and Justice, the hard-right nationalists who lead the opposition in Poland, and Hungary’s far-right prime minister Viktor Orban, will try to kill the trade deal in the European Parliament. Europe’s claim to be a serious geopolitical player would be seriously harmed by the parliament scuppering the Mercosur deal at the last hurdle.