Author: Sam Allcock

The Northern Ireland Executive has unveiled its draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year, setting the stage for public consultation. With a total budget allocation of £19 billion, this plan earmarks substantial resources for the health and education sectors, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing pressing community needs. Of the total budget, approximately £16 billion is designated for day-to-day spending, while £2 billion is allocated for capital investments. Notably, the proposed budget indicates a 9% increase in day-to-day spending compared to the previous financial year, showcasing a concerted effort to enhance funding in key areas. As part of the budgetary…

Ireland’s political landscape is shifting as the two principal centre-right parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, edge closer to finalising a coalition agreement with a group of mostly conservative independent lawmakers. This development follows the recent election held on November 29, where the two parties collectively fell just two seats short of the 88 required for a governing majority. The coalition talks gained momentum when members of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail supported the election of Verona Murphy, an independent member of the Regional Independent Group, as the speaker of the lower house of parliament. This role is one of…

As Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael engage in discussions to form Ireland’s next government, the contentious issue of facial recognition technology (FRT) in policing is once again taking centre stage. Plans to integrate FRT into the operations of An Garda Síochána are already on the agenda, positioning this topic as a potential flashpoint in political and public discourse in the upcoming months. Recently, a public Think-In event titled “Facing the Future: Let’s Talk Facial Recognition Technology” was held at The Digital Hub as part of the Beta Festival. Co-organised by Dr. Ciara Bracken-Roche and Dr. Emma Clarke from the ADAPT…

In a bid to address the challenges posed by climate change, scientists are working on developing potatoes that can withstand extreme heatwaves. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Illinois (UIUC) and the University of Essex has shown promising results, with heat-resistant varieties yielding up to 30% more potatoes when exposed to heat stress. The research focused on modifying the plants by introducing two genes that enhance a process known as photorespiration. This adjustment improves the plants’ energy efficiency, allowing them to allocate more resources toward growth, thus increasing potato yields even in challenging…

Polytag, a leader in technology solutions for sustainable packaging, has announced the installation of its innovative Plastic Detection Unit at the Re-Gen Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Newry, Northern Ireland. This significant move expands Polytag’s network to encompass one of the UK’s largest MRFs, aimed at enhancing recycling processes across the country. Re-Gen’s facility, the second largest of its kind in the UK, is capable of processing 250,000 tonnes of commingled household waste each year. In addition to managing a substantial portion of Northern Ireland’s waste, it also accepts materials from England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. The…

Sustainable construction in Ireland has emerged as a critical focus as the nation works to meet ambitious climate targets while addressing the ongoing housing crisis and fostering economic growth. With the construction industry being a significant contributor to carbon emissions globally, Ireland’s path towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy hinges on its ability to implement sustainable practices effectively. The Irish Government has set a clear ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of reducing emissions by 51% by 2030. Notably, the construction and built environment sector is responsible for about 40% of Ireland’s total carbon emissions,…

Recent research indicates that Northern Ireland has experienced a significant reduction in wintry weather, losing an average of eight days each winter where temperatures drop below zero due to man-made climate change. This alarming finding comes from a study conducted by Climate Central, a US-based non-profit organisation that analysed long-term weather patterns across the region. The study focused on the months of December, January, and February, examining the frequency of days when minimum temperatures remain above freezing. Kristina Dahl, the vice president for science at Climate Central, highlighted the broader trend in the UK, stating, “The UK is seeing fewer…

Ireland has made history by unveiling the world’s first 3D printed social housing development in Dundalk, County Louth. This groundbreaking project consists of a terrace of three 3-bedroom homes located at Grange Close, and it represents a significant leap forward in sustainable construction techniques. The initiative was a collaborative effort involving Louth County Council, 3D printing specialists Harcourt Technologies (HTL.tech), and building materials provider Roadstone. Utilising an advanced construction printer developed by Danish company Cobod, the team completed the project from initial site preparation to key handover in just 132 days. This remarkable timeframe reflects a 35% reduction in construction…

Ireland is grappling with a significant increase in waste generation, with levels rising by more than 20% over the past decade, according to the latest findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This alarming trend poses a serious threat to the country’s waste management capacity and its ability to meet European Union recycling targets. The EPA’s newly released Circular Economy and Waste Statistics Highlights Report 2022 indicates that Ireland is on course to miss crucial recycling goals for municipal and packaging waste by 2025. The report highlights that approximately half of the waste produced in Ireland originates from the construction…

The “Back for Business” programme, a complimentary initiative designed to offer support for returning emigrants of Ireland in launching and developing their businesses, is now inviting new applicants. Entering its eighth year, this programme aims to cultivate and support entrepreneurial activities among those who have recently returned to Ireland or are planning to return soon. Funded by the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the programme has made a significant impact on participants since its inception. Eligible applicants can submit their applications until Thursday, January 16th, via www.backforbusiness.com. The programme will run from February to June 2025,…