Ireland's Minister of State for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, is seeking legal advice after the country's Hague Preferences were blocked during the recent EU Fisheries Council. This unprecedented move, alongside significant quota reductions for 2026, is anticipated to have a 'catastrophic' impact on the Irish fishing sector, threatening jobs and economic stability.
A man in his 40s has died following a workplace accident at a construction site in Ringsend, Dublin, on Friday, December 12, 2025. The incident, which involved a fall from height, is under investigation by Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority.
A new rapid attribution study by Maynooth University and Met Éireann reveals human-caused climate change doubled the likelihood and increased the magnitude of heavy rainfall, like that during Storm Claudia in November 2025, contributing to recent flooding in southeast Ireland. Rainfall magnitude increased by up to 12%.
Effective December 8, 2025, individuals granted International Protection in Ireland will generally need five years of reckonable residence before applying for citizenship, an increase from the previous three-year rule. This change aligns their requirements with other naturalisation applicants and is part of broader migration reforms. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the old rule.
Ireland's national railway company, Iarnród Éireann, has selected Mott MacDonald to spearhead the 'CONNECT rail project.' This initiative, funded by the EU and Ireland's National Development Plan, aims to transform the intercity rail network, enhance sustainability, and improve services on key corridors like Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick.
Ireland's Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, has approved a six-month pilot project to equip 128 frontline Gardaí with Tasers (Conductive Energy Devices) in select areas. The move aims to provide Gardaí with more tactical options in high-risk situations, a decision welcomed by some within the force. However, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has voiced significant concerns, warning of potential changes to community policing and risks to vulnerable individuals.
Northern Ireland has reported its first suspected case of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in two cows near Bangor, Co Down. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has implemented a 20km Temporary Control Zone, restricting livestock movement to prevent spread. The virus, transmitted by midges, poses no risk to human health or food safety but could severely impact the agri-food sector.
The Football Association of Ireland, alongside the FAs of England, Scotland, and Wales, has officially submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2035. The 'All Together' bid proposes 22 stadiums across 16 cities, aiming to be the largest single-sport event ever in the UK and foster a lasting legacy for women's football. FIFA's decision is expected in April 2026.
Ireland and Scotland have officially launched the new Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030 at Iveagh House in Dublin. The framework, unveiled by Minister Neale Richmond and First Minister John Swinney, aims to strengthen political, economic, cultural, and educational links between the two nations until the end of the decade.
Minister Norma Foley has announced that almost 40,000 young children in Ireland have benefited from the 2025 My Little Library initiative. The program provides free book bags to children transitioning from pre-school to primary school, fostering early literacy and encouraging library membership.
dnata Catering & Retail has launched Aer Lingus' new inflight retail program under a five-year contract, deepening their long-standing partnership. The expanded agreement covers over 180 daily flights from Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Manchester, focusing on a data-driven retail experience with Irish and international brands.
The Irish Fish Producers Organisation warns that Norway's alleged overfishing of pelagic stocks like mackerel and blue whiting could lead to devastating quota cuts for Ireland, risking up to 2,600 job losses and millions in economic impact. Irish officials urge the EU to take decisive action against non-EU states ignoring scientific advice.
Simon Harris has been appointed as Ireland's Minister for Finance, effective November 18, 2025, following Paschal Donohoe's resignation to join the World Bank. The move triggered a government reshuffle, seeing Helen McEntee take on Foreign Affairs and Defence, and Hildegarde Naughton promoted to Education Minister.
Ireland recorded a 9.0% fall in tourist arrivals and a 13.4% drop in tourist receipts in 2025, positioning it as one of five European nations to face a tourism decline. Economic uncertainty, rising operational costs, and air access limitations at Dublin Airport are cited as key factors contributing to this downturn.
Ireland has launched a new era for its electricity market, allowing battery storage units to directly participate in wholesale trading from November 11, 2025. This move, led by EirGrid, SONI, and SEMO, enables batteries to actively buy and sell energy, enhancing grid stability, supporting renewable energy targets, and potentially reducing consumer costs.
Ireland's Minister Peter Burke is leading a four-day trade mission to Toronto and Ottawa, involving Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, to strengthen economic partnerships with Canada. The mission, running from November 17-20, 2025, focuses on technology, financial services, and life sciences, building on record €585 million Irish exports to Canada in 2024.
Ireland marked the 2025 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a national ceremony in Dublin. The event, hosted by the Road Safety Authority, honored those killed or seriously injured on Irish roads, with speakers sharing poignant testimonies. The day served as a stark reminder of the 157 lives lost on Irish roads this year.
Heimir Hallgrímsson announced the Republic of Ireland's squad for their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Hungary in Budapest, featuring one change with Jayson Molumby replacing Jack Taylor. Ireland secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick, to earn a play-off spot.
Northern Ireland's Under-19 football team has advanced to the elite round of the UEFA U19 Euro 2026 qualifiers after a crucial 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan. The win, secured by a goal from Braiden Graham, ensures their progression from Group 13, with one game remaining in the qualifying round held in Malta.
Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy has announced €3.6 million in funding for 117 not-for-profit organizations across Ireland. The funding, allocated under the 2025 Integration Fund, will support projects aimed at promoting the integration of migrants and fostering a more inclusive society.
