The cost of living holds precedence in the public’s priorities ahead of the budget, according to recent polls. With half of those surveyed calling for the government’s budget to provide an immediate solution to cost of living concerns, it’s clear this issue represents a significant worry for voters.
In other Irish news, allegations of serious abuse at a South Dublin creche have emerged, involving incidents of toddlers being hit with a plastic bowl and rough handling, whilst staff members allegedly found humour in these actions. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has expressed concerns over the potential congestion of an extra 2.5 million trucks annually on the M50, due to Dublin Port’s ambitions for business expansion. Meanwhile, the development of a bike shelter at Leinster House, costing €335,000, was postponed owing to reservations over the displacement of politicians’ car parking spaces and minimising disruption to the Dáil.
An anti-immigration demonstration was dispersed by the Garda in Dublin’s city centre, with 19 arrests being made. Finally, a gate at Dublin’s Phoenix Park, which underwent an €800,000 restoration as part of a three-year conservation project, was badly damaged after a truck from Dublin City Council became stuck in the entrance.
Meteorological Update: The ongoing wave of warmth is set to persist into Friday, as regions of mist and fog delineate over the course of the morning. Sustained periods of sunlight can be expected, albeit intermittent clouds near the eastern coast. Peak temperatures will range from 17 to 22 degrees, with the east coast likely to be the coolest. The night will remain clear and dry, with the mercury falling between 8 to 13 degrees. Saturday will commence on a cloudy note with fog spots and possible drizzle, particularly in Leinster and Munster. Although conditions will brighten by the afternoon, there are prospects of heavy showers near the southern and eastern shores during the evening. Maximum temperatures will rise to 16 to 20 degrees.
The Great Chronicles
– An Undercover Exposure in Ireland: “11-hour hotel cleaning shift feels like 20”: Greeted by an unmanned reception at a hotel in a minor town approximately 50km from Dublin, I retreat to the bar and, as directed, request the duty manager.
Commentary
Commerce
– On-the-job Education: Apprenticeships offer alternatives for employees and employers: Working towards your passion changes everything, shares Molly McGauley, an apprentice electrician at Irish Rail.
Sporting Highlights
– Leona Maguire revives excitement with a promising beginning to LPGA return: In the recent LPGA Tour, Leona Maguire was noticeably gentler on herself, a move that showed in her impressive first round of 67, five-under-par. The European Solheim Cup player was just two strokes short of clubhouse leader Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa in the Kroger Queen City Championship in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Global Update
– The Titan sub’s last plunge to Titanic was interrupted by malfunctioning, declares the scientific director: The scientific director of the ownership company of the Titan submersible, which imploded last year while enroute to the wreckage of Titanic, testified on Thursday that the sub had issues functioning on its last journey.
Radiospective
– Oliver Callan – ‘a non-discriminating insulter’: Similar to the common knowledge among all Hollywood executives about their inevitable termination as highlighted by the late screenwriter William Goldman, all Irish radio hosts harbour the realisation that one day they will find themselves broadcasting from the National Ploughing Championships.
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