Stories from Ireland

The 'Ireland in Focus 2025 Mind the Gap' report highlights a widening gap between public attitudes and political discourse. A small number of far-right actors disproportionately influenced public debate via online amplification, protests, and repeated narratives.

The move follows recent international shifts regarding energy governance and treaty obligations. The Irish state has withdrawn a 29 million euro loan previously granted to a firm building a children's hospital. The company failed to meet conditions requiring an increase in staff numbers at the site. The news was reported by the Irish Daily Mail.

Ireland is implementing a building program to deliver over 1,500 prison spaces by 2031. The initiative follows a shift in timelines from 2026 to 2030. Gabriel Keithley, Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association, stated that Ireland faces amounts of prisoners in big prisons. He criticized the construction of modular homes costing 500,000 euro each, suggesting funds should instead be used for urgent cell blocks. Keithley described the current modular housing as 'Coronation Street style houses' in Castlerie. A commentator noted that the Department of Justice has failed to plan effectively for population projections. The program is described as arriving too late to address current needs. The source suggested that prison infrastructure should have been addressed a decade ago. A trial of the cameras was recently completed at Portlaoise prison.

The Hoopendt report, titled Ireland in Focus 2025: Mind the Gap, identifies a widening gap between public attitudes and political discourse in Ireland. The publication notes that a relatively small number of far-right actors disproportionately influence public debate.

AerCap posted a Q1 2026 net profit of $818 million, representing $4.96 per diluted share. The company reported a 2% revenue growth to $1.68 billion for the period.

Civil ceremonies have become the most popular wedding choice in Ireland due to flexibility regarding venues and content. Catholic Church weddings have seen a 51% decline over the past 10 years and are now the second most popular option.

The Prison Officers Association described conditions in Ireland's prisons as a national scandal during its annual conference. The association is currently holding the conference in Kinnegad. No specific details regarding the nature of the conditions were provided in the report.

A representative raised concerns regarding electric buses worth tens of millions of euros that have remained idle for approximately 18 months. The buses are reportedly unused due to a lack of available charging points.

Gerry Hutch is one of six candidates officially registering for the Dublin Central byelection. Polling day for the election is scheduled for Friday, May 22.

Planning approval has been granted for a new eight-storey extension at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. The project will add 116 additional rooms to the existing hotel structure.