Consumer sentiment recovered in January, with the Christmas period usually leading to a seasonal switch-off from economic news. The current survey reading is still at a relatively weak level historically, implying personal finances remain under strain for many households. The monthly uptick in consumer sentiment in January was broadly based and largely underpinned by consumers' assessment of their personal financial circumstances. There was also a sharper drop in Irish consumer sentiment among females in the past twelve months, which was particularly evident on the outlook for jobs. The survey also noted that consumer sentiment continues to be higher among those aged under 45 than among those aged over 45.

New pharmaceutical production facilities and the growth of weight loss drugs will deliver a "permanent upshift" in Irish GDP, despite GDP growth predicted to fall to 2.8% this year, according to Bank of Ireland. Bank of Ireland group chief economist Conall Mac Coille forecasts the economy expanding at a "slower, more sustainable" pace in 2026. The planned 8% rise in public spending to €118bn in the budget will account for one-third of the growth of MDD. “Our forecasts point to the Irish economy easing into a more sustainable but still solid pace of growth. NDP rollout should help this recovery continue.”Bank of Ireland expects house price inflation to slow to 4% in 2026, as stretched affordability cools price growth.

However, the Champions League outfit will need to reassess the security measures at their ground after one fan managed to break in to it. In a TikTok video uploaded on Sunday and that has gone viral, user Stanley_2110 shares footage of himself entering the 23,439-seater stadium unauthorised. By correctly guessing the code of a security gate surrounding the venue. Founded on October 17, 1907 - the TikTok user typed in 1907 on the keypad and was promptly able to access where the team bus entrance is. 'We've got the team bus entrance.

Dr Suzanne CroweMost readers will be familiar with Dr Suzanne Crowe. She is a Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine and President of the Medical Council. Dr Crowe acknowledges the toll that this work can take and the challenge of sustaining one’s own wellbeing while caring for others. Overall, Intensive Care is both a memoir and a meditation, one that avoids easy answers but insists on the importance of care in its truest sense. It is a moving, hopeful, and beautifully written contribution to the growing body of literature on the human side of healthcare.

Sean Mulryan, founder and CEO of the Ballymore Group, who is behind the drive to create Ireland's first green, sustainable city in Athlone by 2040"Someone needs to push the button" on Athlone city projectThe man behind the drive to transform Athlone into a new green sustainable city with a population of 100,000 people by 2040 has said the future of the project is in the hands of the Taoiseach and his team. “We need to get them to press the green button and get on with it,” he remarked. During a 40-minute presentation on the Athlone City Vision, which was led by David Killion, elected members were given an outline of the masterplan for creating a city in Athlone. “We have got no negatives on this, everybody says it's great, but somebody needs to push the button, we have brought it this far and it is now down to the Taoiseach and his team." Read full report from today's meeting in this week's print edition of the Westmeath Independent, out on Wednesday.

Brazilian beef sold in Ireland weeks before food safety alert, FSAI confirmsBeef had been treated with banned growth hormone and was imported into Northern Ireland via GermanyThe EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) flagged the issue on November 14, 2025, for the suspicion that frozen meat from animals treated with oestradiol had entered the EU from Brazil. Photo: GettyMargaret Donnelly Today at 18:48The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) of Ireland has declined to name the three companies who imported contaminated Brazilian beef last year after investigations found that, according to the FSAI, the product had already been sold by the time authorities were notified.

All five defendants cleared of all chargesFormer superintendent Eamon O’Neill lowered his head onto the bench before him, his hands on his temples. Not guilty: Garda Tom McGlinchey. Not guilty: Garda Colm Geary. Eamon O’Neill had a lifetime in the GAA and was a member of John Kiely’s backroom team when he was arrested. “I never felt pressure like it in my whole life,” Mr O’Neill told reporters afterwards.

Ireland has joined a number of European countries in a deal pledging to deliver 100 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power through large-scale joint projects. “As a small, windy island at the edge of Europe, the offshore energy potential of Ireland is huge. Increasing our cross-border electricity interconnection will enhance European energy security, increase our economic competitiveness and critically reduce consumer prices." However it signals Western and Northern European governments remain committed to wind power as a way to boost the region's energy security. North Sea countries agreed in 2023 to a broader goal of 300GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050.

Tubber native Megan set to compete on TG4's Glór TíreTubber native Megan O’Hara is set to appear on the new series of TG4's 'Glór Tíre'. Mentored by Michael English, Megan represents Tubber and the wider Midlands on one of Ireland’s most popular country music shows. Megan last year formed a group with her mother Teresa, called The Band Sí, and released their debut single, a cover of 'Does He Love You?' Viewers can support her by downloading the Glór Tíre app, which includes five free votes during the live broadcasts. Megan’s journey on Glór Tíre can also be followed on Instagram: @meganoh29

Photo by Vincent O'DonoghueGALLERY: Northern Lights shine through lens of Tullamore Camera ClubMembers of Tullamore Camera club captured the magnificent display of Northern Lights as they made a rare apperance over Ireland last Monday, January 19. The arrival of the Aurora Borealis caused great excitement amongst Tullamore Camera Club members. The sub zero temperatures didn't deter them from venturing outdoors to capture the amazing phenomenon. PHOTOS:Photo by Seán McKennaPhoto by Seán HayesPhoto by Rhosyn CeylnPhoto by Pauline HighPhoto by Emil CohrtPhoto by Celine Nic OireachtaighPhoto by Aidan LiPhoto by Kinga KacakPhoto by P StrongePhoto by Mary O'GradyPhoto by Phil Brady

Read more:“We are standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance," he said. “After our record renewables auction, we today go further by signing a clean energy security pact with European allies to ensure we maximise the clean energy potential for the North Sea," he added. The UK auction secured 8.4GW of offshore wind power across six new projects, and is said to be the biggest energy auction in European history. Read more:The Hamburg Declaration covers joint projects in shared waters, and includes efforts to step up security of such infrastructure amid growing threats of sabotage. According to a 2025 report by the Global Wind Energy Council, there are currently 83GW of offshore capacity around the world.

Arsenal actions see PGMOL urged to make rule change following Man Utd defeatFormer referee Mark Clattenburg is calling for officials to introduce stricter enforcement against Arsenal despite their 3-2 defeat to Manchester UnitedView 2 Images Senne Lammens was put under pressure from Arsenal corners (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)The Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have been urged to crack down on goalkeepers being swarmed at corners, following a goal scored by Arsenal against Manchester United. Ex-referee Mark Clattenburg insists that officials need to take a tougher stance to prevent attacking teams from exploiting such situations. United's goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, was overwhelmed and unable to effectively intercept the ball, allowing the Spaniard to seize the opportunity. "It's something the PGMOL and Premier League need to address, and any blocking on the goalkeeper must be punished by a free-kick. Former Manchester United and Everton defender John O'Kane reckons teams simply need to be smarter in how they defend these situations.

After being questioned by NCA investigators he was later released on bail. Following the arrest, NCA officers conducted searches of two properties, one in Glasgow and one in the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham. Electronic devices and documents were seized from both addresses, which NCA said it will now be examined. Abad Ulla Alimi, a 26-year-old Afghan male living in Dublin, was arrested at the station and charged with people smuggling offences. “Targeting, disrupting and dismantling the people smuggling networks who are targeting the UK remains a top priority for the NCA.”

Cole Palmer 'open to stunning Man Utd transfer' as Chelsea issue comes to lightChelsea talisman Cole Palmer continues to be linked with a surprise transfer to Manchester United amid claims that he is homesick after two-and-a-half years at Stamford BridgeView 2 Images Chelsea's Cole Palmer would be open to a move to Manchester United (Image: Harry Murphy)Cole Palmer would supposedly be open to a sensational summer move to his boyhood club, Manchester United, amid fresh claims that he is currently unsettled at Chelsea. ‌Palmer, 23, moved to London from Manchester City in a £42.5million transfer two-and-a-half years ago. ‌According to The Sun, Palmer would 'welcome' interest from Manchester United, the club he grew up supporting, should they show any desire to bring him to Old Trafford. The report adds that Palmer, who signed an improved contract which runs until 2033 just last season, misses his hometown of Wythenshawe. Rosenior has already addressed transfer speculation amid claims that Palmer is homesick in the capital.

A delegation of Government Ministers met retailers based in Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre amid an ongoing row over the introduction of car-parking fees in November. Some of the retailers are withholding rent from its US owners in light of a drop in business they say has been caused by the parking fees, with Minister of State Neale Richmond claiming the fees make ‘zero commercial sense’. The car parks, which are owned along with the shopping centre by US investment giant Kennedy Wilson, are operated by private parking company Euro Car Parks Ireland. “Everybody is just looking for one or two hours of free parking, which we think is very reasonable,” Deputy O’Connell told The Irish Times while speaking at the shopping centre. What we need to be doing is attracting more shops in order to increase the vibrancy of the shopping centre, not reducing it,” she said.