OpenAI looks set to grow its Dublin-based workforce significantly, with a plan to move into a new European headquarters office capable of accommodating over 400 workers. The ChatGPT creator is understood to have narrowed its search for some 45,000 sq ft (4,181 sq m) of office space down to two potential locations in Dublin’s city centre and south docklands. Workday signed a deal last year for all 38,648 sq m (416,000 sq ft) of College Square’s “super-prime” office space. The scheme comprises 540,000 sq ft of grade A office accommodation in total along with 54 apartments and 17,000 sq ft of retail space. Should OpenAI choose instead to locate its offices at the Tropical Fruit Warehouse, it would take on space TikTok had intended to use for the expansion of its own Dublin operations.

‘High avalanche danger’If all 10 of the missing skiers should perish, the incident would rank among the deadliest single avalanches on record in the United States. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has tallied six U.S. avalanche fatalities so far this season. The Sierra Avalanche Centre had posted an alert before dawn on Tuesday, warning of a "high avalanche danger" in the ski region, the sheriff's statement said. Rescue ski teams were dispatched to the avalanche zone from the Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center. Weather conditions remained hazardous in the Sierra backcountry slopes, with additional avalanche activity expected through Tuesday night and into Wednesday, according to the sheriff's statement.

Gordon Ramsay took aim at the Peaty family as he celebrated his daughter Holly's upcoming marriage to Adam at their engagement party. Last year, Adam's mother Caroline was left devastated when she was disinvited to his wedding amid an explosive fallout between the families. Adam has since come under fire from his working class family members, who have accused him of being seduced by the wealth and fame of the Ramsay family. Meanwhile, Gordon began his speech by stating: 'I couldn't be happier to welcome Adam and George into the Ramsay family. In another jibe at the estranged Peaty family, Holly revealed that her parents paid for her and Adam's luxurious Honeymoon to Mauritius, saying it was their 'wedding present'.

The Government has announced a trial of an age verification mechanism for accessing social media. Photograph: Brent Lewin/BloombergThe Cabinet is to consider a new digital and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy on Wednesday that will confirm the Government’s intention to introduce legislation here restricting social media access for under-16s. The Government has announced a trial of a “digital wallet” age verification mechanism for accessing social media platforms, and it is understood the plan will state online safety will be a priority during Ireland’s European Union presidency. It will also outline Government plans to engage with the European Commission to ensure that the list of prohibited practices under the EU AI Act remains fit for purpose in the context of growing AI capabilities. He will also update Ministers on transposing the EU directive on European media freedom, which aims for greater transparency about media ownership.

Historically, an SNA was assigned to one or two students, but over time their duties may have drifted from their original assignment. Photograph: iStockThe abrupt pulling of the handbrake on reviews of allocations of special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools around the country has – for now at least – quelled unrest that was rapidly becoming politically intolerable. Part of the issue is the rapid growth in the need for SNAs within the education system. Increased diagnoses of autism, dyspraxia and ADHD among other conditions have driven the rise. It was brought to a head, seemingly, by the reviews of individual schools being undertaken by the National Council for Special Education this year.

Gerard the Monk Hutch and Rex Ryan at a behind the scenes tour of 'The Monk' set ahead of the theatre production. However, Ms Justice Tara Burns called Gerard Hutch the “head of the family”, a statement that has hung over him since. Where the line has been crossed is this attempt to make Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch a star. People were having the same reaction to Gerard Hutch that I would have if I came within three feet of a Jonas brother. In the opening few minutes of the play, Mr Ryan took on the part of a media interviewer probing Mr Hutch on this victory in the by-election in Dublin Central.

Electronic components from Irish companies are being shipped to Russia in vast quantities where they are often fitted to “kamikaze drones” for use against civilian targets in Ukraine, an Irish Times investigation has found. In a 15-month period, beginning in January 2024, just under 10 tonnes of components from Irish companies reached Russia. All but 4 per cent consisted of components subject to EU export bans, an analysis of trade data shows. Instead they came from a variety of wholesale and export companies, mostly based in China. “We do not, and will not, sell to any entity identified as facilitating the diversion of technology to Russia,” Taoglas said in a detailed statement.

M5 park-and-ride, 1,700 homes and school planned for Cheltenham outskirtsDevelopers say it will provide a sustainable new £1bn gateway for Northwest CheltenhamView 3 Images Bloor Homes say the development will provide a sustainable new £1bn gateway for Northwest Cheltenham on land north of Tewkesbury Road. (Image: Bloor Homes)Plans are afoot to build 1,700 new homes in a village on the outskirts of Cheltenham. ‌Bloor Homes is seeking view on their proposals for Willowbrook on land near junction 10 of the M5 in Uckington. ‌View 3 Images Bloor Homes has unveiled their proposals for Willowbrook on land near junction 10 of the M5 near Uckington. "Bloor Homes is committed to a transparent consultation process.

Local public meetings to take place on fen restorationsCommunities across the Midlands are being invited to attend Public Meetings in the coming weeks focused on reviving degraded, nutrient-rich, groundwater-fed wetlands (fen restoration). Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration is one of the largest restoration projects currently underway. It is a three-year, €12 million wetlands restoration project co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Commenting ahead of the events, Tóchar Midlands Wetland Restoration Project Manager Shirley Clerkin said the evenings are about building understanding and connection at a local level. The Public Information Evenings allow us to bring insights into a local setting, to explain what fen restoration involves and to have open, practical conversations with the communities closest to these sites.

'Youth Spaces' a key priority for Offaly Comhairle na nÓgMembers of Offaly Comhairle na nÓg have confirmed Youth Spaces as their key thematic priority for the next two years, following their first meeting of the new term. The well-attended meeting marked the formal commencement of the group’s work programme, with strong engagement from members. The Offaly Coordinator will also sit on the CYPSC Youth Participation Subgroup, strengthening links between young people and local policy structures. Staff from Offaly County Council recently completed national induction training to support the programme’s delivery. Future meetings will focus on identifying needs and mapping existing youth spaces across the county, with findings to be shared with relevant local committees.

Offaly TD calls for immediate Government support for farmers facing Bluetongue risksIndependent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, has called on the Government to provide urgent and comprehensive support to farmers amid growing concerns over the potential impact of Bluetongue disease on Irish livestock. Bluetongue is an insect-borne viral disease to which all species of ruminants are susceptible, although sheep are most severely affected. Cattle and goats which often appear healthy can carry high levels of the virus and provide a source of further infection. "We need immediate action to ensure that testing, prevention, and compensation schemes are in place to safeguard livelihoods and maintain biosecurity. Nolan said that "serious concerns" are now emerging around the impact on trade between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Offaly Libraries taking part in Ireland Reads Day later this monthOffaly Libraries will be taking part in Ireland Reads Day 2026, the national celebration of reading later this month. Taking place on Saturday, February 28, this year's theme "Get Lost in a Good Book" invites everyone across the county to pause, unwind, and escape into a story they love. On Ireland Reads Day, Offaly libraries will be buzzing with special activities, reading challenges, themed displays, and family-friendly events designed to help readers of all ages discover something new. Whether you prefer gripping fiction, inspiring non-fiction, cosy classics, or colourful children's stories, our staff will be on hand with personalised recommendations to help you find the perfect book to get lost inMembers can also explore Offaly Libraries huge collection of free eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and online resources available anytime, anywhere with your library membership.

Vinicius Junior posts message after alleged racist abuse during Benfica gameBy Press Association Sport StaffVinicius Junior has said “racists are cowards” after the Brazil forward was allegedly abused during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica. Vinicius Junior was allegedly targeted by a Benfica player (Pedro Rocha/AP) Photo by Pedro RochaIt came after the Brazilian had given his team the lead with a wonderful individual strike five minutes into the second half. After celebrating in front of the home fans, he became visibly upset about something said to him and immediately informed the referee. After the game, Vinicius posted in Portuguese on his Instagram story: “Racists are, above all, cowards. I want to be an independent.”Mourinho then appeared to comment on previous incidents in which Vinicius has been subject to racist abuse in stadiums.

“I’m learning how to balance those things. “I do try to have privacy, not just for characters, but for me in real life. Zendaya is notoriously private, particularly regarding her relationship with her fiance, and Spider-Man co-star, actor Tom Holland. “I really enjoyed making the movies, but then there was such a huge marketing push behind it as well. It was also interesting getting famous off of playing a part – people thought I was that character in the beginning.

Liverpool enjoyed a substantial summer recruitment drive that saw them smash their transfer record on two occasions. Elsewhere, Real Madrid boss, and ex-Liverpool defender, Alvaro Arbeloa has commented on the situation surrounding former Red Trent Alexander-Arnold. Manchester United target Mac AllisterUnited are considering a surprise move for Alexis Mac Allister. The club are on the lookout for a new midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window, and 27-year-old Mac Allister has been identified as a potential recruit. Trent Alexander Arnold's futureFormer Liverpool player Alexander-Arnold seems to have received reassurances about his future at Real Madrid.