The Government is examining "serious measures" to address councils which do not zone sufficient land for housing. Housing minister James Browne said that just Mayo and Waterford councils had completed the process of rezoning lands for housing, calling it "an existential test" for local democracy. Mr Browne said he was concerned that councils were "not stepping up to the mark" and zoning land for housing. Mr Browne said that "the fundamental purpose of local authorities is that they are housing authorities". Sufficient land for housing needed to be made available "because it is the most fundamental thing that any local authority" is able to provide housing for citizens.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 currently in full swing, the line-up for the Super 8 stage — scheduled to begin later this week — has taken full shape. From the 20 participating nations, only the top two teams from each group progressed to the next round. T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 qualified teamsWest IndiesIndiaSouth AfricaEnglandSri LankaNew ZealandZimbabwePakistanThe Super 8 phase begins on February 21 and runs until March 1. With Zimbabwe qualifying in place of Australia, they will assume the latter’s allocated position in Group 1. Meanwhile, 12 teams bowed out in the league stage, including Nepal, Oman, Namibia, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, Italy, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada, Netherlands and USA.

Amanda Holden is celebrating her 55th birthday week in style with a trip to Dubai. The Britain's Got Talent judge took to Instagram on Wednesday to give an insight into her luxury trip. Amanda showcased her age-defying figure in an array of Melissa Odabash bikinis. Amanda Holden is celebrating her 55th birthday week in style with a trip to Dubai. 'I will get back on the Peloton, drink at the weekends, but I don't stop myself from living.

Princess Anne Six Nations gaffe emerges as England star just plays alongPrincess Anne mistook England prop Joe Heyes for his former international team-mate Joe Marler when she greeted the players before the Six Nations defeat to ScotlandView 3 Images The Princess Royal greets England captain Maro Itoje at Murrayfield (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)Joe Heyes has shared an amusing mix-up where he was mistaken for Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler by the Princess Royal, during her pre-match greeting of England's squad ahead of Saturday's clash with Scotland at Murrayfield. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settingsHeyes recounted: "She thought I was Joe Marler, which was... quite upsetting. "I've had all sorts about me looking like Joe Marler – but not from a royal!". View 3 Images Joe Heyes will start for England against Ireland (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)"Henry's a very confident, very skilful and very ambitious player," the Leicester front row said. "You know Maro is on your team – he's talking to you at mauls, scrums, nominating and talking around the pitch," Heyes said.

However, despite the savage tattoo snub, Brooklyn made sure all eyes were on his wrist on Sunday as he stepped out with wife Nicola Peltz for a lavish date night. Social media star Ash Cantley shared a video claiming that 'Victoria and David are trying to rescue their son'. Victoria and David are trying to rescue their son, I think Nicola forced him to make that statement. Also I think David and Victoria should put up with Nicola even if they don't like her for their son's sake.' Over the weekend, Brooklyn declared he 'will forever protect' his wife Nicola in his latest dig at his family amid their ongoing feud.

'Beach break' for drained Arsenal players demanded as Piers Morgan launches on-air rantAfter Arsenal allowed a two-goal lead to slip through their fingers against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Piers Morgan made a firm demand to Mikel ArtetaView 3 Images Piers Morgan went on a huge rant about Arsenal's draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Image: YouTube/Piers Morgan uncensored)Piers Morgan has told Mikel Arteta to take his "frazzled" Arsenal players on holiday. The north Londoners suffered an agonising 2-2 away draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, having led the Premier League's bottom side 2-0. ‌Morgan blasted his beloved Arsenal side's display against the Midlanders, stating only Declan Rice played to their standards at the Molineux. "We have, unusually, in a massive season when we're in four competitions, next week, a week off. If that's not a motivation for Arsenal players, then what is?

Leandro Trossard replaced Saka after the latter limped off with what appeared to be an issue with his knee. It's said that there was positive news after the game regarding his availability for the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday, as he'll be fine moving forward. ‌The severity of a potential injury to Trossard is yet to be confirmed, though it's claimed he could be a doubt for Spurs. ‌View 2 Images Leandro Trossard was also forced to withdraw from the game (Image: Getty Images)Piero Hincapie's goal, which VAR deemed to be onside, doubled the lead for the visitors. Article continues belowThe result has given Manchester City an opportunity to close the gap to just two points ahead of the north London derby, while Pep Guardiola's side will host Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has today been arrested on his 66th birthday and is in police custody after a raid on his new Sandringham home. The Daily Mail was the first to reveal plain-clothes police, carried in six unmarked vehicles, had arrived at Wood Farm, where Andrew now lives, at 8am this morning. They parked close to Prince Philip's former home Wood Farm, where Andrew has been exiled. The disgraced former Prince has been exiled to a remote cottage, Wood Farm, on the edges of the Sandringham estate. The former Prince Andrew, who was stripped off his titles over his links to Epstein last year, has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

Closing arguments in the case of a 75-year-old Limerick man accused of the rape and indecent assault of a teenager 50 years ago, have heard the charges against him have been reduced to 11. Initially, the father of three was charged with 40 counts of sexual assault and one count of rape. However, following legal argument, the court was told on Wednesday morning the indictments have been decreased to 10 indecent assault charges and one rape charge. The complainant told the court the accused started coming to her home from the age of 12. He told the jury: “Just because you don’t have that evidence doesn’t mean you can’t reach a verdict.

Do we all need to learn the art of the hustle to ensure we have a sustainable career? Career assetsWe need to start thinking differently about our careers, says innovator and educator Conor Lynch. “For generations, the dominant career model for many has been simple: work more hours and earn more money. To protect your income and lengthen your career, Lynch says you need to start owning more by generating career assets: your brand, skills, relationship, networks, social media. By creating career assets you can have a career that compounds rather than dies out.”Margaret E Ward is chief executive of Clear Eye, a leadership consultancy.

Paul McCartney was supported by a sea of famous pals at a special screening for his new Prime Video documentary Man on the Run held at the Ham Yard Hotel in London on Wednesday night. Sharon - whose husband Ozzy sadly died last year - was there to support the star alongside the likes of Paul Mescal, Gracie Abrams, Noel Gallagher and Cruz Beckham as well as Paul's daughter Stella. Mescal will play McCartney in the upcoming The Beatles film. Cruz, 20, was joined at the special screening by his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, - just days after his huge early 21st birthday celebrations. Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher also arrived to support their friend Paul as they all posed for a snap together.

Last November Uber introduced “fixed fares” in Ireland, but this sparked protests from hundreds of taxi drivers in Dublin. The taxi industry staged a series of protests in December after Uber announced it was launching a fixed-price service. For example, new taxi drivers must buy wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which are more expensive, and this is acting as a deterrent to ride-hailing services. He asked the CCPC, taxi drivers and passengers to make submissions to the review. We believe the key to improving the taxi industry is through targeted measures, such as reform to the Local Area Hackney Scheme,” he added.

Keely Hodgkinson has revealed that meeting Kim Kardashian at Paris Fashion Week has helped her ahead of her new world record attempt tonight. The Olympic champion and BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner, 23, is aiming to smash the indoor 800m world record in Lievin, France on Thursday, just days after setting a new British record in Birmingham last weekend. Explaining how important it is to have fun away from the track, she said: 'I'm really big on balance. 'So when my coach said I could take a trip to Paris to meet Kim Kardashian, I wasn't going to turn that down, and we had a great time. Despite enduring an injury-hit 2025 after her triumphant gold at the Paris Olympics, Hodgkinson is enjoying the form of her life.

Restaurant review: ‘Things have changed for the better at this Dublin wine bar’Exciting new chef’s European-influenced revamped menu wins over our food criticNote restaurant. Photo: Myles ShellyKaty McGuinness Today at 06:30Ever since it opened in 2021, Note has been interesting. Located in a mini flatiron building on Fenian Street, it’s as stylish a space as you’d expect from owners Andy Collins, of Indigo & Cloth in Temple Bar, designer Ahmad Fakhry and his brother, Essa Fakhry, the opening chef.

Speakers at TEDxAthlone pictured on stage at the Dean Crowe Theatre - Dr Aoife Lane, Ciaran Mullooly, Dr Niamh Hynes, Andrea Woods, Ashley McDonnell, Gareth Sheridan, Barbara Quinn, Ray Bell and Dave Duke. Photo: Paulina KusaA ripple begins: inaugural TEDx Athlone event a major successBy Rebekah O'ReillyAthlone's first ever TEDx event was a resounding success, as the event achieved a packed house for its inaugural event. A total of 10 speakers graced the stage of the Dean Crowe Theatre on Thursday, February 12, sharing ideas, powerful talks, and inspiring conversations tied together by the theme of the night, “The Ripple Effect”. Photos: Paulina Kusa PAULINA KUSA Image 4 of 6 Athlone Town AFC women pictured on stage at the Dean Crowe Theatre. Whilst the speakers fed the minds, local businesses An Olivia Chocolates, Magico Bakery and a local cheese producer provided a selection of delicious bites for attendees to taste in the Dean Crowe Theatre bar.