The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 12% last year to reach a record €19bn. Meat and livestock exports increased by 18% to just over €5bn, driven by significant price increases in beef and live exports. Tight supplies of cattle across Ireland and key markets led to a surge in beef prices but reduced export volumes. Dairy exports rose by 14% to €7.3bn, supported by improved dairy prices in the first half of the year, and a strong grass-growing season throughout which boosted milk production. "Yet, against this backdrop, the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry reached a record €19bn in exports, demonstrating its ability to continue building value even in turbulent conditions," he said.

SMART SAVINGS: First Direct's limited-time account offer could deliver cashback plus a year of top-rate interest (Image: E+/ Getty) Bank customers are being encouraged to check whether they could benefit from a current account switching deal that could be worth more than £300. Several banks regularly launch switching incentives to attract new customers, offering a one-time cash bonus to those willing to transfer their existing current account. These deals are usually available for a limited time and come with specific eligibility requirements. One such offer is currently being run by First Direct, which is paying £175 to customers who switch their current account to its 1st Account.

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More first-time buyer mortgages were approved in the first 11 months of 2025 than ever before, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) said. A total of 30,124 such mortgages was approved between January and November, the highest since the industry lobby group began to collect such data in 2011. BPFI chief executive Brian Hayes said there were 4,251 mortgage approvals last November with overall values at €1,354 million. First-time buyers accounted for €822 million, or 60.7 per cent of mortgages last November, and mover-purchasers made up 23.8 per cent of mortgages by value at €323 million. [ Irish homes now selling for 52% more than pre-Covid levels, says Daft.ieOpens in new window ]Separately, property firm DNG has predicted house prices will keep rising this year.

The experienced trio were rested for last weekend’s URC defeat to Ulster, but they trained at Munster’s Limerick base today, and as such, captain Beirne and half-backs Casey and Crowley are set to come straight back into the starting team for the difficult task that awaits at the formidable Stade Felix Mayol.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio has told lawmakers that US president Donald Trump plans to buy Greenland rather than invade it. Photograph: Ivor Prickett/The New York TimesSoon after Donald Trump’s removal of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, last weekend, he quickly moved on to the subject of Greenland, renewing calls for a US takeover of the Arctic territory. Why is Donald Trump so fixated with Greenland? Since Donald Trump jnr’s high profile visit to Nuuk last January, Mette Frederiksen’s government has made efforts to restore relations with Greenland. US president Donald Trump said on Sunday that he needed Greenland 'very badly'.

The Taoiseach has left the door open to the Government supporting the Mercosur trade deal. The Government has long opposed the deal, which would see the EU sign a trade deal with South American countries. Speaking in Shanghai, Micheál Martin said that work is ongoing on the deal, but did not definitively say Ireland would vote against the deal. What's in the best interest of Irish farmers, because we've other negotiations to be had. I mean, in a year's time, Irish farmers wouldn't be happy if that's where we ended up.

Under the NTA’s Direct Award Contract with Bus Éireann, the national bus operator is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and general upkeep of the station. “For any significant improvements and progress updates to the station, Bus Éireann should be contacted directly,” the NTA stated. That plan is expected to include proposals relating to Drogheda Bus Station, subject to further discussions with key stakeholders, including Bus Éireann. The lack of a clear timeline for a comprehensive bus station upgrade comes amid continued population growth in Drogheda and increasing pressure on public transport infrastructure. For now, responsibility for any major improvements to Drogheda Bus Station appears to rest with Bus Éireann, while the broader future of the site remains tied to plans still under review.

However, when TNT later aired highlights of Smith’s dismissal, the commentary team appeared to believe the footage was live, wrongly telling viewers that Stokes had also been run out. Another commentator quickly followed with: 'Well thankfully someone's looking out the window of the box, and it's Alastair Cook!' Just watched the commentary team believe that a replay of an earlier run out was live and someone else had been run out. Replay of the Smith run out but the commentator thought it was live and Stokes was run out.' The TNT commentary added: 'It was a case of how long he could last.

One making a huge splash is the ­Cupra Tavascan VZ – a coupe SUV with blistering performance to match its spectacular styling. From the sculpted bonnet featuring an illuminated logo to the pert rear end, it oozes style and sophistication. A chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel comes complete with drive mode and Cupra “performance” buttons to bolster its racing pedigree. So how does the Tavascan VZ drive? Prices for the Cupra Tavascan start at €44,365.

House prices in Louth are now among the highest in the country. It revealed that the average listed price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house in Louth is the highest in the country outside of Dublin. While the year on year average increase on prices in Louth was less than many other counties, purchasers are still facing eye-watering prices. The average price of a semi-detached four-bedroomed home in Louth was €624,000, up 7.1pc year on year, with a detached four-bedroomed house up 10.5 pc at €731,000. People looking to buy apartments faced similar large price increases with the average price of a one-bed apartment up 16pc at €317,000, while a three-bed apartment costing €455,000.

Reports claim 50pc of all AI-generated images on Elon Musk’s social media platform are of adults and children with their clothes digitally removed. Rape Crisis Ireland has called for a total ban on AI-based functions that can produce sexual images of children and adults. Internationally, however, women’s advocates and public watchdogs have long held that social media giants are still playing fast and loose with AI. Despite their insistence that “tech bros” are taking seriously their responsibilities to protect children and non-consenting adults, the evidence does not always follow. Platforms must be compelled to prevent themselves from being used (albeit as unwitting agents) for the harassment, exploitation or long-term harm of children.

Eoin McGee answers: ‘I have €9,000 in savings and earn €700 per week. Should I buy a house as an investment property?’I am 25 years old and I have little to no overheads as I use public transport and live at home with my parentsTo buy or not to buy. Photo: Michael Gleeson/GettyEoin McGee Today at 06:30Question

16 new flights to take in 2026 – from Dublin Airport, Cork, Shannon and moreTravel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile shares a round-up of new flights from Irish airports this yearNew year, new departures boards. Photo: GettyPól Ó Conghaile Today at 06:30A new year in travel has taken off, and with it some enticing additions to Ireland’s departures boards.

Ballymote LottoThere was no jackpot winner of the Ballymote Community lotto jackpot on Sunday, December 28. Defibrillators in CarraroePlease note Cadra has placed four Defibrillators in the community at following locations Carraroe Community Centre, Cuilbeg Sports Field, Tobernault Holywell Aughamore, Molly Fulton’s Bar and Restaurant. Carraroe Community CentreLimited availability for new groups who wish to use the centre on Friday evening and various afternoons throughout the week. Dancing in Carraroe Community CentreLearn to Dance Jive, waltz, Quick Step in Carraroe Community Centre each Wednesday at 8 p.m. Social dancing from 9.00 p.m. to 11 p.m. – For more information call Frank at 087 9809432. The start date for this event will be Thursday, January 8, 2026, at midday in the Skreen-Dromard Community Centre and will continue every Thursday for five weeks.