#ireland

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will today (16 June) represent Ireland at the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg. This will be the last EU General Affairs Council meeting under Cyprus’ EU Presidency, before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, on 1 July. On the agenda, Ministers will have a key discussion on the EU’s next long-term budget 2028-34, known as the Multiannual Fin…

From:Department of Culture, Communications and Sport The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., presented the report of the Advisory Committee on the Restitution and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage to the Government this week. The Advisory Committee was established in 2023, to advise the Government on matters relating to the restitution and repatriation of culturally sensitive objects in Ireland. It was independently chaired by the Rt. Hon. Sir Donnell Deeny,…

Government approval to publish the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 secured today Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today secured Government approval to publish the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, and progress it to enactment as soon as possible. This Bill will provide the Minister with the power to address the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. “This Government recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway,…

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours have partnered again this year to offer visitors a unique heritage experience when visiting Parke’s Castle. Every Wednesday from 1 July, the Rose of Innisfree Boat Tour departs from Doorly Park Jetty, Sligo at 10:30am, travelling across Lough Gill to the majestic Parke’s Castle on the Leitrim shore. Once docked, visitors are welcomed with a guided tour of the castle at 11:30am, before the boat returns to Sligo at 12:20pm, arr…

From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD and Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD today announced the 82 infrastructure projects which will be supported in the first phase of the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) programme. The approved projects will directly enable the delivery of 86,000 new homes and provide the potential for a further 113,000 homes. These pro…

From:Department of Education and Youth Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will visit the European Parliament to meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During the visit, the Minister will discuss Ireland’s priorities in education and youth policy, including enhanced cooperation under the European Education Area Strategy and the future development of key EU initiatives. Speaking in advance of the …

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA, have today announced funding for four greenways in the border region under the Shared Island Greenways Development Fund which was established by the Government of Ireland in November 2025 to support the progression of greenway projects in the border region. The Shared Island Greenways Development Fund will support implementation of the National Development Plan o…

From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage A draft National Planning Statement on Short-Term Lets was agreed today by the Cabinet and will now be notified to the EU Commission and undergo environmental screening and assessment. The Planning Statement sets out national planning policy on applications: The Planning Statement provides important underpinning for the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill and the Short-term Let Register to come into effect from December 1 2026, …

From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Minister of State, Catherine Ardagh, with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, represented Ireland at an Informal Conference of Ministers of Justice at the Council of Europe today in Strasbourg. The focus of the conference was on the fight against financial crime, money laundering and terrorist financing. This form of criminality increasingly impacts people across society and Ministers discussed challenges an…

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has welcomed a milestone in public health for Ireland today, as Carlow, Cork and Waterford receive formal designations as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) European Healthy Cities, and the National Healthy Cities Network of Ireland receives national network designation at the 2026 WHO European Healthy Cities Annual Business Meeting and Technical Conference in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will today (15 June) travel to Luxembourg for the final meeting of EU Foreign Ministers before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting comes at a significant moment for Ireland, with the Government preparing to lead the EU agenda over the next six months. Discussions will focus on the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, EU-China relations a…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade I welcome the announcement that an agreement has been reached between the US and Iran to solidify the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. I hope there can now be a full engagement by all involved to implement this agreement, address all issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, and achieve a just and lasting peace across the region. Re-opening the Strait to international shipping would bring much-needed relief to the global economy. The si…

From:Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Good morning everyone. Is mór an onóir agus an phribhléid dom a bheith anseo libh go léir inniu. I would like to echo the Taoiseach and Tánaiste’s warm welcome to you all today. The National Economic Dialogue is very much a staple event in the Budgetary calendar and a meaningful opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges, the priorities and the opportunities we face as a country. I do think i…

From:Department of the Taoiseach It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s National Economic Dialogue. My thanks to the Tánaiste, Minister Chambers, and their officials for organising this event. Thanks also to our chair for today, Professor Orla Doyle and her rapporteurs, and of course to all of you for attending. Your role is at the centre of the National Economic Dialogue. As in previous years, the primary aim of this process is to not just help inform the upcoming Budget but to…

I am delighted to see so many of you here today for this year’s National Economic Dialogue. I would like to begin by thanking An Taoiseach for his opening address and Professor Orla Doyle for chairing what I am sure will be a very constructive and valuable day of discussion and debate. It is particularly fitting that we gather here in Dublin Castle as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1st. Over the months ahead, this venue will host many im…

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers are today hosting theNational Economic Dialogue 2026which will take place in Dublin Castle. The Dialogue is a central part of the budgetary process and preparation forBudget 2027.  The theme this year is “Reforming now for a secure future: putting Future Forty into practice”. Participants will consider what a…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (15 June) welcomed the progress made for EU candidate countries, Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro on EU accession. Minister Byrne represented Ireland at the 2nd Intergovernmental Conferences, which saw the opening of Cluster 1 on Fundamentals, with Ukraine and Moldova. Welcoming the breakthrough, Minister Byrne said: “EU enlargement is an investment in our European future. T…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, today (15 June) attended a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, China and regional security. The Minister also attended the 11th EU-Egypt Association Council. Speaking after the meeting, Minister McEntee welcomed High Representative Kaja Kallas's announcement that she will ask the European Commission to bring forward proposals for re…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, delivered the opening remarks at the Annual Lecture of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation and Dublin City University’s Brexit Institute today (15 June) in Iveagh House. The theme of the event was on “10 years on from the Brexit referendum: The Future of Ireland in Europe”. EU Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief, and former European Com…

From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has announced that the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 is in operation as of today, 15 June, following his signing of the commencement order on 12 June last. The Act provides a bespoke legal mechanism to facilitate the taking of oral testimony before a judge of the High Court from State bodies and former ministerial office holders for the purpo…

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD is today representing Ireland at the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) meeting of European Union (EU) health ministers in Luxembourg. This will be the final EPSCO meeting under the Cyprus Presidency before the Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates to Ireland from 1 July - 31 December 2026, when Minister Carroll MacNeill will then chair future Council meetings and represent the Council in its in…

From:Department of the Taoiseach Príomh-Aire Carney, Diana, a dhaoine uaisle. Prime Minister, it is my great honour and pleasure, on behalf of the people of Ireland, to welcome you both to Ireland this evening. And, if I may say so, to welcome you home. Fáilte abhaile. Yours is a story that began around one hundred years ago, when your grandparents left Aghagower, in County Mayo, and crossed the Atlantic in search of opportunity and a better life. Like so many Irish families of their genera…

From:Department of the Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Madame Diana Fox Carney to Ireland, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit carries particular personal resonance, as Prime Minister Carney is the grandson of Irish emigrants, and tomorrow will travel to County Mayo — where his grandparents were born — more than 100 years after they left for Canada. Ireland and Canada…

From:Department of the Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheál Martin today welcomed the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, to Dublin. The leaders reaffirmed the deep and enduring relationship between Canada and Ireland, rooted in shared history, democratic values, close people-to-people and business ties, and a common commitment to international law, human rights, democracy, rule of law, transatlantic relations and multilateral cooperation. The leaders underscored the growing part…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will today (12 June) join other Ministers and civil society leaders at the Paris Call for the Two-State Solution. This year’s Paris Call, chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, has been convened ahead of the G7 leaders’ summit in Evian to deliver an updated call to action. The event marks the one-year anniversary of the Paris Call, hosted by the Paris Peace Forum, whi…

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today (12 June) announced a grant of €500,000 to support the development of the Lancashire GAA Centre of Excellence at Broughton Park in Manchester. The GAA, Manchester City Council and Broughton Park Rugby Club have partnered to redevelop a state of the art facility for Lancashire GAA that will provide a focal point for Gaelic Games in Northern Britain and support …

From:Department of Education and Youth A report by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Youth has found that published admission policies for special classes continue to contain conditional causes that are contrary to Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) guidance. The finding is contained in the Inspectorate’sAnnual Review of Admission Policies: Special Classes for Autistic Students 2026published today. The review follows a similar examination in 2025, wh…

From:Department of Children, Disability and Equality Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced €422,000 in development grants for Childminders. The 2026 Childminding Development Grant supports childminders to purchase toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, inclusion equipment and materials related to the arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). The 2026 Childminding Development Grant awards will be given to 424 childminders, which is th…

From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan welcomes the commencement of the International Protection Act 2026 today (12 June). The legislation represents the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State and gives effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. The objective of the Act is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure that is consistent with how asylum laws o…

From:Department of Education and Youth Minister of Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Micheal Moynihan have today announced the launch of a new Transitions Support Service in special schools nationwide. Backed by €1.35 million in Budget 2026, the new service will support young people with disabilities as they prepare to move from school into further education, training, employment and other post-school opportunities. The service w…

From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has officially opened the newly refurbished Ballaghaderreen Library and launched Roscommon’s very first'My Open Library'service on a visit to the county. Housed in the historic 18th-century Dillon House on Market Square, the library has undergone an extensive and sensitive refurbishment. The works were supported by the Small-Scale Capital Works …

From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, visited Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) to officially launch a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation as well as a new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science.The Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship has been developed in response to growing industry demand for skilled technicians in industr…

From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, met the European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, as part of her visit to Ireland this week. The meeting covered a broad range of topics including priorities for the upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU. Speaking after the meeting, Minister Heydon stated: "I was delighted to welcome Commissioner Roswall back…

From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD and Minister of State with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD have announced an extension to the closing date for the Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme to 5pm Wednesday, 17 June. "We have seen a strong response to the Fishing and Aquaculture Registered Vessel Fuel Support Scheme among vessel owners with a large number of applications…

Thelatest hospital waiting list figuresfor May 2026 were published today by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The multi-annual Action Plan approach initiated in September 2021 is focused on improving waiting times for patients, and theWaiting Time Action Plan (WTAP) 2026, published by Minister Carroll MacNeill on 30 January 2026 embodies the Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for patients, thereby improving access to hospital care. The 2026 Plan acts as a key enabler …

From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today published the Independent External Board Effectiveness Review of the Board of Bord Bia. The review was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and carried out by Governance Ireland. The review found that Bord Bia has an effective, capable and committed Board, with strong governance structures and processes, and led by a Chair who is widely …

From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, was today (Friday, 12 June 2026) in Castlebar to officially open the Lough Lannagh Dog Park. The purpose-built facility, which was awarded €100,000 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) 2024, will provide a safe, enclosed space for dogs to exercise and socialise, while offering a welcoming environment for pet owners and families.…

From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Minister for Migration Colm Brophy has announced, with effect from Monday 15 June 2026, nationals of Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. This also applies to the holders of diplomatic and service passports. A transit visa will also be required, if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination. Commenting on this change, Minister Brophy said:…

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD today (11 June) held a call with Canada's Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty. The Ministers discussed the evolving security environment, including maritime security, cyber threats, critical infrastructure protection and the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Minister McEntee highlighted Ireland’s ongoing investment in defence and the Government’s commitment to strengthening national security capabilities. …

From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (Wednesday June 10th) urged all water users, including anglers, boaters, canoeists and other river users to follow theClean, Check, Drybiosecurity protocol to protect native wildlife and habitats. This follows recent reports from the Marine Institute confirming the presence of a plague caused by a water mould (fungal like organism), affecting the native …

From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD today (11 June) outlined Ireland's priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union at an event hosted by European Movement Ireland in Dublin. Speaking to members of European Movement Ireland, representatives of civil society organisations and embassy officials at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the Minister discussed Ireland's plans for the six-month Presidency, wh…

From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Cindy Carroll appointed Chief Appeals Officer to the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals Minister(s) O’Callaghan and Brophy, announce the appointment of Cindy Carroll as the first Chief Appeals Officer to the Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA). TARA will manage International Protection appeals under the International Protection Act 2026 from 12 June 2026 onwards. The appointment will take effect from that date and will be f…

From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has today advised farmers of two important opportunities regarding corrections to their 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based scheme applications. The first of these are preliminary checks which will identify any over-claims, overlaps or dual claims. Notifications are issued where the department finds such an error on the farmer’s 2026 BISS application. For …

Energy costs are impacting everyone. That’s why Government has introduced a range of supports to ease the pressure. We’re helping households, farms and businesses to lower costs with grants for energy upgrades and free upgrades for those who need it most. In the meantime, small changes at home, and on the move, can help your energy go further. From:Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Government has introduced a new housing plan called“Delivering Homes, Building Communities”, which aims to speed up the delivery of new homes and tackle homelessness. The plan targets the construction of300,000 homes, including72,000 social homesand90,000 affordable housing supports. Building on the progress ofHousing for All, which has already delivered137,000 homes since 2021, and informed by the Housing Commission’s work, this plan will see the State take a bigger role while also encourag…

From:Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation The government today published Accelerating Infrastructure - Report and Action Plan to help drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland. The Action Plan addresses the 12 barriers to infrastructure development that were highlighted in the Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, published in July. Thirty specific, time-bound measures…