A forthcoming law, anticipated to be implemented prior to the summer, is aimed at preventing students from being compelled into signing prolonged lease agreements. The upcoming legislation facilitates the restriction of student housing leases for the ensuing year to the duration of the academic calendar. This legislative initiative was sanctioned by the Cabinet prior to Simon Harris assuming office as the Taoiseach this week. The imperative decision to proceed with amending planning laws originated from some private student accommodation providers altering their standard lease durations from the usual academic-year covering 41 weeks to 51 weeks leases.
In property news, the fastest rise in property prices for 18 months was recorded, fuelled by affluent first-time home buyers. MyHome.ie has reported an upward pressure on the real estate market as the demand, particularly from these high earners, causes a continual spike in asking prices. Property list availability has reached its lowest recorded level in recent times.
A pressing need to address rampant ‘casual racism’ against travellers in Ireland is being highlighted. The Council of Europe’s new human rights commissioner has pointed out that making discriminatory remarks about Travellers continues to be deemed “acceptable” but also goes unchallenged in the Irish society.
In the wake of Storm Kathleen, an RNLI member praised a jacket worn by a young girl. The garment kept her buoyant after being swept into sea in south Dublin during the tumultuous weekend weather, until a rescue boat was able to reach her.
A tragic third fatality on Irish roads occurred this weekend in Dublin. Following crashes that took place in counties Dublin, Wicklow, and Cork, the total death toll reached three.
In international news, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 required investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after its engine cover fell off and hit the wing flap during departure in Denver.
Consumers demonstrate considerable enthusiasm towards the new deposit return scheme, but technical glitches have bred frustration. The scheme, operative for over two months, has received mixed reviews, most notably from devoted recyclers.
Independent coffee shop owners voice concern as they struggle with increasing costs, clearly stating that unlike larger chains, they are unable to endure these financial pressures.
In an unusual turn of events, a woman returned home to provide care for her mother, only to endure imprisonment in a Russian cell.
Concern in Irish workplaces has been unearthed by a recent survey, revealing that a significant number of employees feel unsupported in their wellbeing by their employers, hinting at a potential discord between workers and their superiors.
On the sports frontline, the first Sunday of the championship saw the underdogs rise, in an unexpected series of events. Although these might not affect the business in July, it made for an interesting opening to the April championship.
Lastly, in terms of lifestyle and culture, a story from an Irish man highlights possible struggles with identity after moving to Bristol. Recalling his first acquaintance with an Englishman, he talks about being instructed to hide his accent, revealing issues of cultural assimilation.