A new report on Drug-Related Intimidation (DRI) in Northern Ireland, welcomed by Justice and Health Ministers, reveals nearly 40% of the population are aware of DRI, with one in eight directly affected. It calls for an urgent, coordinated, cross-sectoral response to tackle the issue's devastating impact.
Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has announced the removal of over 25,000 unsafe toys, costumes, and props from the Irish market since Halloween 2024. The items failed to meet safety standards, posing risks such as choking, strangulation, and fire hazards. The CCPC urges parents to use a '3-Step Safety Check' when purchasing children's products.
Water Safety Ireland's National Annual Awards Ceremony is taking place today, October 21, 2025, at O'Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin. The event honours 73 individuals for saving 53 lives from drowning and over 70 volunteers for their combined 1,755 years of service in water safety education.
Munster delivered a commanding 31-14 bonus-point win against rivals Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin on October 18, 2025. Tries from Brian Gleeson, Tom Farrell, Ethan Coughlan, and a penalty try, coupled with Jack Crowley's stellar performance, propelled Munster to the top of the United Rugby Championship table.
Ireland has officially made its Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) program permanent, following a successful three-year pilot. The scheme will provide 2,000 artists with approximately $1,500 per month, aiming to foster creative practice and reduce financial precarity in the sector.
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, was in Stockholm on October 16-17, 2025, for discussions with his Swedish counterpart, Jessica Rosencrantz, focusing on Ireland's 2026 EU Presidency, bilateral relations, and pressing security and defence matters.
The Irish Government has approved 18 ambassadorial nominations, marking a significant step towards gender equality with 53% of Ireland's diplomatic missions to be led by women. The appointments, announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris, are set to take effect in 2026 and include key postings globally.
New documents reveal a concerted lobbying effort by major alcohol companies successfully pressured the Irish government to postpone the implementation of mandatory cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages until September 2028, a decade after the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was passed.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a working visit to Dublin, Ireland, on October 8, 2025, engaging in official talks with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The discussions focused on elevating bilateral relations, boosting trade, and fostering cooperation in science, education, and investment.
Ireland's Budget 2026, announced on October 7, 2025, outlines a €9.4 billion package prioritizing housing supply, job protection, and economic growth. Key measures include tax relief for households, significant housing initiatives like reduced VAT on new apartments, and enhanced business tax incentives such as increased R&D tax credits.
Ireland has successfully facilitated the evacuation and enrollment of over 60 Gazan students into its higher education institutions. This significant humanitarian initiative involved complex diplomatic operations and extensive collaboration between Irish universities and government departments, positioning Ireland as a leader in European efforts to support students from Gaza.
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is in Cyprus from September 29 to October 1, 2025, for discussions on Ireland's upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2026. The visit includes bilateral meetings with Cypriot officials, engagement with the Irish community, and talks on strategic collaboration for the presidencies of both nations.
Irish households are strongly advised to submit their electricity and gas meter readings by October 1, 2025, to ensure accurate billing. Several major energy providers, including Bord Gáis Energy, SSE Airtricity, Pinergy, and Energia, are implementing significant electricity price increases this month, driven by rising network charges and wholesale energy costs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in a landmark NFL regular-season game held at Croke Park, Dublin, on September 28, 2025. This event marked Ireland's debut as a host for a regular-season NFL fixture, drawing over 74,000 fans.
Coastal States failed to reach an agreement on mackerel quotas in Clonakilty, prompting the Seafood Ireland Alliance to warn of an impending collapse of Europe's most valuable pelagic stock. Despite urgent scientific advice for significant catch reductions, key parties remained deadlocked, threatening the sustainability of the fishery and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Tánaiste Simon Harris officially launched Ireland's campaign for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term in New York. The campaign outlines five key thematic priorities, underscoring Ireland's dedication to global human rights and multilateralism.
A 17-year-old male is fighting for his life in Mater Misericordiae University Hospital after being stabbed multiple times on Eden Quay, Dublin, on Sunday night. Gardaí are investigating the attack, which involved a group of masked assailants who fled on e-scooters.
Plans for An Spás Dín, a state-of-the-art Irish language Interpretive Centre and archive in Belfast, are urging support from Irish America. Located atop Spórtlann na hÉireann on the Falls Road, the center aims to preserve and celebrate the history of the Irish language revival, creating 20 new jobs.
