Instead of one all-purpose recycling bin, new rules will require homes to have at least four bins by March 2026. Officials have confirmed that residents across England will be required to change their recycling habits in the coming weeks. Plastic film packaging (such as crisp packets) and plastic bags will need to be included with plastic recycling from March 31, 2027. Commencement regulations named a total of 31 local authorities that were provided with a bespoke transitional arrangement, delaying food waste collection requirements." Food waste caddy liners used to hold food waste can be collected.

A series of floods hit a number of areas across the country in the first few weeks of this year. Photo: PADáil hears of the devastating impact of recent floods on communitiesBy Bairbre Holmes, Press AssociationThe government made 137 emergency response payments to flood victims in eight counties, the minister responsible for the Office of Public Works has said. Moran was addressing the Dáil about the series of floods that hit a number of areas across the country in the first few weeks of this year. Several TDs told the minister of the impact the flooding has had on their constituents. He added: “We do need to look at some sort of state guarantees until a permanent flood defence system is put in place in these communities”.

Prolific criminal went on shoplifting spree in Tesco and SuperdryKayleigh McConnon was jailedKayleigh McConnon shopliftingA prolific criminal has been jailed after going on a shoplifting spree in Tesco and Superdry. ‌Officers from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team had issued McConnon with a Criminal Behaviour Order in October 2025 after she admitted to stealing perfume sets worth £387 from a shop. McConnon also entered Superdry clothing and left with a bag full of items of clothing valued at several hundred pounds. ‌McConnon was subsequently charged with five counts of theft from a shop and five counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. PC Louis Gilbert from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing team said: “McConnon has been a real problem for local shops and so ensuring she was arrested and charged was a priority for the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing team.

Railway 'pipe dream' as £100m station revamp reviewedReaders are sceptical about the major proposalsView Image The future - Plymouth's railway station plansPlymouth Live readers have been voicing their opinions on proposals for a new railway station and broader rail developments, with many expressing scepticism. ‌The £100 million overhaul of Plymouth's central railway station is being sent back to the drawing board, whilst proposals for a new terminus at Plympton are taking shape. ‌Plymouth City Council has confirmed it will reassess the redevelopment of the North Road East site and publish a revised business plan later this year. There are no sites available in Plympton for a new railway station; the last available site went for shopping sheds about 3 years ago, the goods station site next to the old railway station went for housing 40 years ago, which would have offered adequate parking. Article continues belowAre these railway station plans achievable?

Kylie Jenner sizzled as she modeled a white SKIMS bra and underwear set in a photo shared to the company's Instagram page on Wednesday. She was first introduced as the undergarment giant's latest ambassador on February 11, starring in its latest Everyday Cotton campaign. Last week Jenner took to social media to subtly announce the partnership, sharing photos and captioning, 'me for @skims everyday cotton <3.' Kylie Jenner sizzled as she modeled a white SKIMS bra and underwear set in a photo shared to the company's Instagram page on WednesdayThe 28-year-old brunette beauty showed off her famous curves while putting her ample chest and abs front and centerSKIMS detailed, 'Kylie Jenner for SKIMS Everyday Cotton. 'The label is like, "More Brat, Brat, Brat, Brat, Brat, forever," and you know, maybe they are right.

LORRAINE Eagleton, Tuam and Eva Costelloe, Brownsgrove, at Avem headquarters in Galway. Local women to the fore of supporting MedTech boomFinalist for SFA Exporter of Year award"THE medical device industry in Ireland is on boom and we are trying to upskill the workforce to support that boom." That's according to Tuam's Lorraine Eagleton, who is the founder of Avem, one of the five finalists in the Small Firms Association (SFA)’s 2026 Exporter of the Year Award. Avem is a Galway-based MedTech services company that supports other companies wanting to enter new markets or grow their business in an existing market, typically in Ireland and Europe. An element of what we do is sales and business development while another element is the customer relationship,” explained Lorraine.

Hospital overcrowding: Nearly 120 people waiting for beds in UHL521 people are waiting for beds in hospitals across the country on Thursday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). The hospital with the highest number of patients without a bed is University Hospital Limerick, with 119 people on trolleys. At University Hospital Galway, 67 people are waiting for a bed, with 44 people in the emergency department. St Vincent's University Hospital has 43 patients on trolleys, with 35 in the emergency department. Cork University Hospital has 40 people waiting for a bed, with 31 patients in the emergency department.

The best islands for a relaxing escape (near and far)Island life has a natural way of creating distance, not just physically, but mentally too. With Ireland not too far from some of the best island escapes in Europe, you have numerous options to consider that will help you do just that. Life here moves gently, so you can spend your time exploring coastal paths, enjoying spacious beaches, and enjoying fresh local seafood. It is an archipelago consisting of 115 islands that provide a slightly more varied experience compared to other island locations. Your Perfect Island Escape AwaitsHaving time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment without pressure or distraction is what a relaxing escape should be all about.

Esker Arts will host major event this coming Saturday. FilmOffaly to host major Animation Industry DayCreatives from the Midlands are preparing to gather for an exciting and innovative occasion to be held in Co. Offaly this weekend. FilmOffaly, in partnership with the National Talent Academy for Animation, and the Birr Animation Residency, will be hosting a dedicated Animation Industry Day at Esker Arts, Tullamore on Saturday, February 28. This industry day will feature a variety of panels, talks, screenings and interactive workshops. The Animation Industry Day will run from 10.15am to 5.30pm at Esker Arts, Tullamore.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said there is ‘no intention’ of taking up the watchdog’s recommendation. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienRide-sharing services such as Uber, through which private drivers offer taxi services using their own car, will not be introduced to the Irish market, despite calls for doing so this week. On Thursday, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien pushed back firmly on a recommendation from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to remove regulatory barriers to such services common in other countries. “The model where anyone with a private car (not licensed as a small public service vehicle) and an app can provide taxi services does not exist in Ireland,” O’Brien said. “We support the Taxis for Ireland Coalition call for a national taxi strategy that strengthens the market while supporting a well regulated industry,” the group added.

Dublin-headquartered Accenture told associate directors and senior managers that promotion to leadership positions would require “regular adoption” of AI. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/ Collins PhotosAccenture has begun monitoring staff use of its artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of how it decides top-level promotions, as consultancies push reluctant employees to adopt the technology. This month Accenture started to collect data on individual weekly log-ins to its AI tools for some senior employees. They and a second person both criticised the usefulness of the tools Accenture wants employees to use, claiming some of the tools were “broken slop generators”. Last month, Accenture bought London-based AI start-up Faculty to improve its ability to help clients “reinvent core and critical business processes” by adopting AI.

The group from St Ciarán’s National School, Baylin, at last Thursday’s FÍS Film Awards in Dublin. National glory for Baylin NS at prestigious FÍS Film AwardsPupils from St Ciaran's NS, Baylin were celebrating last Thursday afternoon after they were awarded a coveted prize at the 20th Annual FÍS Film Awards at The Helix, Dublin. The films in contention for the FÍS awards were divided into several different categories. Pictured at this year’s FÍS Film Awards are pupils from St. Ciaran's NS, Baylin, Athlone celebrating as winners of the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking - Creativity at The Helix, DCU, Dublin. The awards ceremony was captured and broadcast on the FÍS Film Awards website, and among the other categories were awards for acting, costume design, originality, storytelling and technical achievement.

‘Saturated to waterlogged’ land reduces opportunities for safe slurry spreading – TeagascThomas LyonsThe long term average (LTA) rainfall for Westmeath in the month of January showed that 117.8 millimetres fell, representing 128% of its LTA for the month. Farmers stocked over 100kg N/ha must use Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment. Slurry spreading closes on October 1, while Farmyard Manure spreading closes on November 1, with no spreading of either until January 15. “The slurry storage requirement is 18 weeks, which runs from October 1 to approximately February 3,” Catherine said. That is equivalent to the slurry storage requirement of around seven dairy cows or eight suckler cows,” Catherine said.

Scout Willis turned heads as she joined her sister Tallulah and Florence Given for Baz Luhrmann's EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert Los Angeles premiere afterparty on Wednesday. Meanwhile, her sister Tallulah, 32, put on a leggy display in a chic white broderie anglaise mini dress, featuring a scoop neckline and a flared puffy skirt. Meanwhile, Florence, 27, looked incredible in a champagne pleated ruffled mini dress as she joined the sisters at the bash. The chic mini dress featured shoulder pads, long buttoned-cuff sleeves, a neck tie fastening, and a ruffled hem. The upcoming documentary features never-before-seen footage and recordings of the late Elvis Presley in concert during his Las Vegas residency in the later stages of his career.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock broke down in tears as she reflected on her journey from The X Factor to releasing her debut solo album. The singer, 34, shot to fame when she won the ITV reality series as one-fourth of the band Little Mix in 2011. And then fast forward to you today, the day before your debut solo album is about to drop, and you're looking back at that. 'Like, you have so much fight and belief in yourself, and you're going to get there and you do. It comes after hopes of a Little Mix reunion were thrown into chaos after Jesy Nelson's heartbreaking confession in her new documentary.