Universities urged by minister to plan ahead for more student housing at affordable prices
Technological universities have been told to prepare future accommodation plans by next month as part of a state scheme to improve access to student housing. Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) have written to the presidents of each technological university (TU). He said a first phase of the feasibility study involved “extensive data-gathering across all TUs, universities and colleges”. Huge demand for places has put greater pressure on housing markets near higher education institutes, with students facing significant competition and rising rents. “This policy aims to enable options to mitigate demand for accommodation given the increased accessibility of higher education institutions and the role enhanced transport links can play.
Source:Irish Independent
February 04, 2024 07:43 UTC
GAA: Mayo defeat Dublin with late point to continue unbeaten start
GAA: Mayo defeat Dublin with late point to continue unbeaten startMichael BoltonA late point from Fergal Boland secured Mayo a dramatic 1-12 to 0-14 win in Saturday's Division One fixture in Castlebar. Dublin started the second half the same as the first with the first three scores of the game. However, Mayo took the lead through a goal from Stephen Coen, after he got on to the end of Jordan Flynn's high ball. Jason Flynn scored their first in the 44th minute, with the second coming 10 minutes later through Ciaran Fahy. Flynn scored his second in the 58th minute, with substitute Conor Whelan scoring their fourth in the 68th minute, as Galway ran out 31 point winners.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 22:42 UTC
Northern Ireland gets its first nationalist first minister in historic shift
But there is no doubt that the political landscape of Northern Ireland is changing. But many people suspected they also didn’t want to accept Sinn Fein playing a more dominant role. And so, for 730 days, there wasn’t a functioning government at the Stormont Estate, the seat of power in Northern Ireland. He was also the first member of Sinn Fein to serve as lord mayor of Belfast, from 2002 to 2003. Maskey said he still hopes to someday live in a united Ireland.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 19:45 UTC
For the first time, an Irish nationalist will lead Northern Ireland’s government
World For the first time, an Irish nationalist will lead Northern Ireland’s governmentAn Irish nationalist made history Saturday by becoming Northern Ireland’s first minister as the government returned to work after a two-year boycott by unionists. The two will be equals, but O’Neill, whose party captured more seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly in the 2022 elections, will hold the more prestigious title. "This is an assembly for all — Catholic, Protestant and dissenter.”U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the restoration of the Northern Ireland executive and assembly. Northern Ireland’s 1.9 million people were left without a functioning administration as the cost of living soared and public services were strained. The new changes included legislation “affirming Northern Ireland’s constitutional status” as part of the U.K. and gives local politicians “democratic oversight” of any future EU laws that might apply to Northern Ireland.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 19:10 UTC
Live: Powersharing returns in Northern Ireland
The nomination of ministers has resumed at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has described a “great day for Northern Ireland”. “I also want to congratulate Edwin Poots on his election as Speaker of the Assembly.”Mr Martin said Northern Ireland “faces a number of real challenges”. “Let’s do it side by side and let’s keep Northern Ireland moving forward.”Ms Little-Pengelly said she grew up with conflict. It is an opportunity to shape Northern Ireland for the better and to make a meaningful difference.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 18:55 UTC
Six arrested as murder probe launched following death of teenager
Rebecca Black, PASix men have been arrested after police launched a murder investigation following the death of a teenager in Co Derry. He died in hospital following a stabbing in Limavady on Friday night. A man, aged in his 50s, was also taken to hospital following the incident in the Woodland Walk area at around 9.35pm. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said six males have now been arrested and are helping police with their inquiries. “Six males have now been arrested and are currently in police custody assisting with inquiries.”He added: “We are at an early stage of this murder investigation and officers remain in the area conducting inquiries.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 17:14 UTC
Public holidays: How Ireland compares with other countries in the EU and beyond
The St Brigid's public holiday will join a small number of other public holidays in which the Tricolour will be flown to mark the occasionIrish workers get 10 public holidays a year. The rest in the first half of this year are St Brigid’s Day, on Monday, and St Patrick’s Day next month. That is followed by Easter Monday (April 1), the May bank holiday on May 6 and the June bank holiday on June 3. Our 10-day public holiday entitlements do not compare all that favourably to other EU countries, according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Ireland had nine public holidays until St Brigid’s Day was introduced last year.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 14:33 UTC
Ireland have ‘massive belief’ after demolishing France
Ireland were a class above at Stade Velodrome, albeit their cause was aided by a first-half red card for France second-row Paul Willemse. Beirne believes there is plenty more to come from his second-row partner, affectionately dubbed ‘Big Joe’. “Well, he certainly was Big Joe out there,” said Beirne. Fly-half Jack Crowley filled the void left by Sexton’s retirement, overcoming some errors to nail each of his five conversions and add a penalty. Ireland’s Jack Crowley kicked 13 points on his first Six Nations start (Andrew Matthews/PA)“We were aware of what we were coming into and it was just about playing our game.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 14:30 UTC
Commentary: Oregon Supreme Court decision not likely to be legislative boon for Democrats
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Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 10:28 UTC
‘She’s a good listener, not a reactionary’ – Michelle O’Neill takes reins as ‘first minister for all’
Since the collapse of Stormont, Ms O’Neill has been the face of her party’s long campaign to have the Assembly restored, repeatedly promoted as a “first minister for all”. Ms O’Neill and Ms McDonald have forged a formidable partnership. In a 2021 interview, Ms O’Neill spoke about the difficulties of being a teenage mother from a Catholic background. In January of that year, Ms O’Neill became Stormont’s deputy first minister, just months before the Covid pandemic struck. However, Ms O’Neill has also faced criticism in the past for her attendance at events commemorating IRA members.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 03:24 UTC
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Ruthless Ireland begins Six Nations title defence by crushing France 38-17
France played the second half with 14-men after lock Paul Willemse’s clumsy red card late in the first period. Ireland’s first win against France in France since 2018 put it in control of the title race with three home games still to come. France got a much-needed converted try from Penaud on the first-half buzzer to give Les Tricolores hope at 17-10 down. France, however, clearly struggled without star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who is trying to make the France sevens side for the Olympics. Gabrillagues gave France a lifeline when he dived over for a converted try in the 52nd following an attacking lineout.
Source:The Herald
February 03, 2024 03:19 UTC
Varadkar says deal with DUP does not cross red lines despite ‘negative language’
Taoiseach says deal with DUP does not cross red lines despite 'negative language'By Cate McCurry, PAThe Taoiseach said he has “some difficulties” with the new rules that will allow for smooth post-Brexit trade between Northern Ireland and Britain, but that they do not cross any red lines. Leo Varadkar also said the command paper, titled Safeguarding The Union, contains negative language. The measures remove checks on goods travelling from Great Britain that are to stay in Northern Ireland. “But none of those things crossed any red lines in my view. “Anything that results in seamless trade, whether it’s north-south or between Northern Ireland and Britain, I’m all for,” he added.
Source:Irish Independent
February 03, 2024 00:47 UTC
Pep Guardiola dismisses rumours Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola dismisses rumours Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester CityBy Andy Hampson, PAPep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions from Spanish media that Erling Haaland is unhappy at Manchester City. Perhaps inevitably, the reports suggest Real Madrid are monitoring the situation but Guardiola is not taking the rumours seriously. “You have to ask the media from Madrid if he is unhappy,” said the City manager. “We don’t have that feeling that he’s unhappy. Asked if Haaland was now ready to start, Guardiola said at a press conference: “Yes, he’s ready.
Source:Irish Independent
February 02, 2024 22:38 UTC
Ireland move into pole position for Six Nations title with victory in France
Both sides came into a mouth-watering tournament curtain-raiser in Marseille on the back of agonising World Cup quarter-finals exits. Scores from Damian Penaud and Paul Gabrillagues and seven points from the boot of Thomas Ramos gave the pre-tournament favourites hope. But Ireland, aided by 13 points from Jack Crowley on his first Six Nations start, deservedly romped to another statement victory of the Andy Farrell era. Willemse’s reprieve proved only to be fleeting as he was dismissed eight minutes before the break following another dangerous challenge, this time on Doris. The staggeringly-simple score secured a merited bonus point for the dominant visitors and proved to be the fatal blow to French resistance.
Source:The Herald
February 02, 2024 22:22 UTC
Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switch
Toto Wolff has no doubts over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of Ferrari switchBy Phil Casey, PAMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has no concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s integrity ahead of the seven-time world champion’s drawn out move to Ferrari. “I’ve always tried to be transparent and fair and nothing’s going to change in that respect in 2024,” Wolff said. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari from 2025 (Tim Goode/PA) Photo by Tim Goode“In terms of development going forward, it’s something we need to look at. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff did not try to persuade Lewis Hamilton to stay with the team instead of joining Ferrari (Tim Goode/PA) Photo by Tim Goode“We were very aligned when went into the Christmas period. “We totally respect that you can change your mind and switching to Ferrari, maybe rolling the dice a bit, I can follow that decision.
Source:Irish Independent
February 02, 2024 22:13 UTC