Rough Sleepers Avoid Homeless Services to Stay Sober, Advocacy Groups Warn
Advocacy groups have warned that some people sleeping rough in Dublin are deliberately avoiding homeless services in an effort to remain sober, fearing exposure to drugs or alcohol in communal settings. The trend highlights deeper challenges within Ireland’s homelessness crisis, as outreach workers call for more tailored, low threshold supports to safely bring people off the streets.
Severe Turbulence Injures Passengers on Ryanair Flight from Tenerife to Birmingham
Several passengers were injured after a Ryanair flight travelling from Tenerife to Birmingham encountered severe mid-air turbulence, prompting an emergency response on arrival in the UK. Witnesses described sudden and violent shaking inside the cabin, with medical teams meeting the aircraft at Birmingham Airport to treat those affected.
Climate Watchdog Criticises Ireland’s Plans to Protect Against Extreme Weather
Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council has criticised the Government’s new plans to protect against extreme weather, calling them vague, underfunded, and lacking clear responsibility. The watchdog warned that without concrete actions and dedicated resources, vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure will remain exposed as climate risks continue to rise.
Aaron Joyce - Newswire - LTT Media
Paraglider Rescued from Hotel Roof in Co. Fermanagh
A paraglider was rescued after crashing onto the roof of the Lough Erne Hotel & Resort in County Fermanagh on December 28. Emergency crews, including fire and ambulance services, retrieved the man safely and transported him to hospital, while hotel operations remained largely unaffected during the dramatic rescue.
Michael O’Leary Says Micheál Martin “Useless” and Questions His Future as Taoiseach
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has delivered a scathing critique of Taoiseach Micheál Martin, questioning his leadership and predicting that he may not remain in office by July 2026. O’Leary singled out the government’s handling of infrastructure, housing, and airport expansion, describing it as “bureaucratic” and ineffective, while warning that political inaction could threaten Martin’s position ahead of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 28 December 2025
Image Credit - The Irish Independent
Gardaí to Roll Out 42 New Safety Camera Zones in Cork as National Speed Enforcement Expansion Begins
An Garda Síochána has confirmed a major expansion of road safety enforcement across Cork, with 42 new safety and speed camera zones set to be introduced from 1 January 2026 as part of a nationwide rollout aimed at reducing speed‑related collisions and fatalities. The increase forms part of a broader deployment of 390 new safety camera zones nationwide, with 30 specifically in Cork and 12 additional locations added after community safety requests. Gardaí stressed that the enhanced enforcement programme is designed to curb reckless driving and improve road safety for all road users amid a troubling rise in traffic deaths this year.
Image Credit - Cork Beo
STATE PAPERS REVEAL HOW IRELAND EXPLAINED THE DIVORCE REFERENDUM TO THE VATICAN AND WHY THE REFORM MARKED A CONSTITUTIONAL TURNING POINT
Ireland’s historic divorce reform saga has resurfaced amid revelations that the Vatican was formally informed about state papers detailing the constitutional debate. The disclosures highlight the complex intersection of church influence, political negotiation, and societal change that shaped the 1995 referendum. Analysts say the documents provide new insight into the behind-the-scenes deliberations, marking a pivotal moment in Ireland’s journey toward modernising family law and reinforcing the separation between state and religious authority.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; 28 December 2025
NEWLY RELEASED STATE PAPERS EXPOSE LOYALIST CLAIMS AND HISTORIC NORTHERN IRELAND DIALOGUES
Newly released State Papers have shed fresh light on previously unseen meetings between senior Irish government figures and loyalist representatives in the early 2000s, revealing stark claims of intimidation, exclusion and deep mistrust in post Agreement Northern Ireland. Records show loyalist delegates told then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that republicans were creating “no-go” areas for Protestants in rural parts of the North, allegations raised amid heightened sectarian tensions following the Good Friday Agreement. The files provide rare insight into behind the scenes dialogue during a fragile period of the peace process, exposing how competing narratives, unresolved grievances and political compromises continued to shape relations long after the guns had largely fallen silent.
Ireland’s Upcoming EU Presidency Set to Cost Over €400 Million Official Figures Released
Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is expected to cost the State in excess of €400 million, according to official figures. Budget 2026 has allocated €282 million to support the six month presidency, with a further €125 million earmarked for Garda security operations and €11.7 million set aside for Office of Public Works upgrades to key State venues. The significant expenditure reflects the scale of security, logistics and infrastructure required to host dozens of EU summits and high level diplomatic meetings, but has already prompted scrutiny over value for money and priorities amid ongoing pressures on public services.
Could a Sinn Féin‑Led Left-Wing Coalition Really Happen in Ireland?
Political pundits remain sceptical about the prospect of a left wing coalition led by Sinn Féin in Ireland, citing ideological diversity, strategic tensions, and electoral challenges. While recent developments including Catherine Connolly’s presidential victory and outreach by People Before Profit Solidarity show potential for cooperation among left leaning parties, forming a cohesive government would require reconciling differing priorities on taxation, climate policy, public services, and EU relations. The path to a Sinn Féin led coalition remains uncertain, but recent momentum suggests the idea cannot be entirely dismissed.
16-Year-Old Boy Killed in Tractor Collision in Co Clare
A 16-year-old boy has died following a tragic single-vehicle tractor collision in County Clare. The incident occurred on the R458 near Crusheen, where the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardaí have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses or dash-cam footage as the local community comes to terms with the devastating loss.
Mountjoy Prison Officers Advised to Review Security Ahead of Christmas After Threat Alert
Mountjoy Prison staff were warned of a credible threat targeting personnel just days before Christmas. According to the Irish Mirror, officers were briefed on Tuesday, December 23rd, and advised to review security measures to ensure both staff and inmate safety. The warning comes amid ongoing concerns about overcrowding, contraband smuggling, and threats to prison officers in Ireland’s largest correctional facility (Irish Mirror, 26 Dec).
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, LTT Media; Newsdesk; 26 December 2025
Man Dies Following House Fire on St Stephen’s Day in Co. Antrim
A 48-year-old man has died following a house fire in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, on St Stephen’s Day. Emergency services were called to a residential property on Waring Street shortly before 9:45am, where two fire crews attended the scene. The man was pronounced dead at the property, with the PSNI confirming the death is not being treated as suspicious as inquiries continue.
Young Man Dies Following St Stephen’s Day Road Collision in Co. Tyrone
A 20-year-old man has died following a serious multi-vehicle road traffic collision in County Tyrone during the early hours of St Stephen’s Day. Pádraig McDonald, from the Loughmacrory area, was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a series of collisions on the Drum Road near Cookstown. Police have confirmed that several others were injured, including two teenagers who sustained serious and life-changing injuries, as investigations into the fatal crash continue.
Ian Bailey, Christmas, and the Burden of a Verdict That Never Was
For nearly three decades, Ian Bailey has existed in a space few others endure — publicly judged, repeatedly resurrected in headlines, yet never convicted of any crime under Irish law. As Christmas arrives once again, his name returns to the news cycle, framed as though guilt were settled fact. It is not. There has never been forensic evidence linking him to the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, and the Director of Public Prosecutions repeatedly declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence. Having met Ian Bailey personally, and having examined the legal realities of this case, I do not believe he committed this murder. At a time of year associated with humanity and reflection, it is worth asking how many times a man can be symbolically buried in print despite being found guilty of absolutely nothing.
MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin Faces Backlash Over Facebook Video Featuring ‘Enoch Burkeing’ Outside Leinster House
Comments made by Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin in a recently circulated Facebook video have sparked widespread online reaction, after he remarked that he was “doing a bit of Enoch Burke-ing” outside Leinster House as offices closed for Christmas. The remark, made in a light-hearted context before delivering a festive message to followers, has nonetheless drawn criticism and reignited debate around the ongoing controversy surrounding teacher Enoch Burke, whose legal disputes and protests have become a symbol of wider tensions around free expression, authority, and the Irish education system. The video has since attracted significant engagement, with over 1,300 comments reflecting sharply divided public opinion.
Man in His 40s Dies in Waterford City Road Traffic Collision on Christmas Day
A man in his 40s has died following a road traffic collision involving an e-scooter and a car in Waterford City on Christmas Day. The incident occurred at the junction of Manor Hill and Hennessy’s Road, with the man later pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford. Gardaí have launched a full forensic investigation and are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage from the area at the time of the collision.
Irish Language Boom Worldwide: Culture, Media and Global Demand is This a New Renaissance
Interest in the Irish language (Gaeilge) is surging worldwide, with growing demand for classes, online learning, and cultural engagement far beyond Ireland’s borders. Driven by the global success of Irish-language film and music, alongside increased digital accessibility, Gaeilge is being embraced by learners of all backgrounds — not just those with Irish heritage. Educators and cultural organisations report sustained growth across Europe, North America and beyond, signalling a modern revival of one of Europe’s oldest living languages.
Cork Prison Overcrowding Hits Record Levels as 107 Inmates Left Without Beds
Cork Prison is operating at record overcrowding levels, with 403 inmates and 107 people without an official bed, highlighting ongoing challenges for staff and prisoners as assaults rise and resources remain stretched.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk;
23 December 2025
Woman’s Body Found in Rural Area Near Clonmel
Gardaí in County Tipperary are investigating after a woman’s body was discovered in a rural area near Clonmel. Officers are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, or dash-cam footage to come forward as forensic inquiries continue.
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk;
23 December 2025