WEATHER ALERT
Ireland embraced data centers that the AI boom needs. Now they're consuming too much of its energy
Read full article: Ireland embraced data centers that the AI boom needs. Now they're consuming too much of its energyDozens of massive data centers are consuming more electricity than all of the urban homes in Ireland and starting to wear out the warm welcome that brought them here.
Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000
Read full article: Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children.
Storm Darragh batters UK and Ireland, leaving 1 dead and hundreds of thousands without power
Read full article: Storm Darragh batters UK and Ireland, leaving 1 dead and hundreds of thousands without powerA man died and hundreds of thousands of people in Britain and Ireland have been left without power as high winds and heavy rain battered the region.
Two companies drop McGregor after civil jury ruled he must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her
Read full article: Two companies drop McGregor after civil jury ruled he must pay $250K to woman who says he raped herTwo companies have cut ties with Conor McGregor after a civil court jury in Ireland ruled last week that he must pay nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) to a woman who accused the mixed martial arts fighter of raping her.
EU's top court dismisses Apple's final appeal against order to pay Ireland 13B euros in back taxes
Read full article: EU's top court dismisses Apple's final appeal against order to pay Ireland 13B euros in back taxesThe European Union’s top court has rejected Apple’s final legal challenge against an order from the bloc’s executive commission to repay 13 billion euros ($14.34 billion) in back taxes to Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute.
EU urged to rethink ties with Israel over Gaza and impose sanctions against some ministers
Read full article: EU urged to rethink ties with Israel over Gaza and impose sanctions against some ministersIreland and the European Union's top diplomat have urged the bloc to review its relations with Israel as the death toll mounts in Gaza and the West Bank.
Van driver arrested after crashing into gates outside Irish prime minister's office in Dublin
Read full article: Van driver arrested after crashing into gates outside Irish prime minister's office in DublinIrish police say a driver has been arrested in Dublin after crashing his van into gates outside the offices of the prime minister and several other government buildings.
Irish sisters christen US warship bearing name of their brother, who was lauded for heroism
Read full article: Irish sisters christen US warship bearing name of their brother, who was lauded for heroismThree sisters of an Irish-born recipient of the Navy Cross have christened a U.S. Navy warship bearing his name — and have secured a promise that the ship will visit Ireland.
Museum pulls wax figure of Sinead O'Connor after complaints it does not compare to the real thing
Read full article: Museum pulls wax figure of Sinead O'Connor after complaints it does not compare to the real thingA Dublin museum has pulled a wax figure of Sinéad O’Connor from its collection after fans and family members complained that it did not compare to how the late singer looked.
Aer Lingus pilots launch work-to-rule actions, tossing travel plans of passengers into disarray
Read full article: Aer Lingus pilots launch work-to-rule actions, tossing travel plans of passengers into disarrayAer Lingus pilots say they will resume talks with the Irish airline after they launched an industrial action that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and tossed the travel plans of tens of thousands into disarray.
US cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut at Pakistan's expense
Read full article: US cricket team advances to second round in Twenty20 World Cup debut at Pakistan's expenseThe United States cricket team has made more history by qualifying for the second round in its Twenty20 World Cup debut after its last group game against Ireland was washed out in Florida.
Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer lead Class of '24 inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame
Read full article: Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer lead Class of '24 inducted into World Golf Hall of FamePadraig Harrington never thought much about the World Golf Hall of Fame when he was growing up in Ireland.
Irish and Czech voters go to the polls on Day 2 of EU elections as the far right seeks more power
Read full article: Irish and Czech voters go to the polls on Day 2 of EU elections as the far right seeks more powerVoters in Ireland and the Czech Republic are going to the polls on the second day of the elections for the European Paraliament.
Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognize Palestinian state
Read full article: Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognize Palestinian stateSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and leading officials from several Middle Eastern countries in Madrid a day after Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized a Palestinian state.
Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens
Read full article: Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widensSpain, Norway and Ireland have formally recognized a Palestinian state in a coordinated effort that adds more pressure on Israel to soften its devastating response to last year’s Hamas attack.
Relations between EU and Israel plummet as Spain, Ireland prepare to recognize a Palestinian state
Read full article: Relations between EU and Israel plummet as Spain, Ireland prepare to recognize a Palestinian stateRelations between the European Union and Israel are in a nosedive on the eve of the diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by EU members Ireland and Spain.
Leverkusen coach Alonso opts for Palacios over Andrich in Europa League final against Atalanta
Read full article: Leverkusen coach Alonso opts for Palacios over Andrich in Europa League final against AtalantaBayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has opted to start Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios over Robert Andrich in the Europa League final against Atalanta in Dublin.
Sidewalk video ‘Portal’ linking New York, Dublin by livestream temporarily paused after lewd antics
Read full article: Sidewalk video ‘Portal’ linking New York, Dublin by livestream temporarily paused after lewd anticsThe video screen “Portal” that lets people in New York and Dublin peer into life on opposite sides of the Atlantic in real time has been a source of whimsical delight, but also a magnet for boorish behavior that’s prompted officials to hit pause for now.
AP PHOTOS: Boston celebrates St. Patrick's Day; Biden holds White House brunch with Irish leader
Read full article: AP PHOTOS: Boston celebrates St. Patrick's Day; Biden holds White House brunch with Irish leaderWhile some American cities celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a day early, others, including Boston, one of the most Irish cities in the country, kicked off parades and festivities on Sunday.
Hosting Ireland's prime minister, Biden celebrates his Irish roots (as he likes to do)
Read full article: Hosting Ireland's prime minister, Biden celebrates his Irish roots (as he likes to do)With St. Patrick’s Day coming up this weekend, President Joe Biden is dwelling on one of his favorite subjects: Ireland.
Who was St. Brigid and why is she inspiring many 1,500 years after her death?
Read full article: Who was St. Brigid and why is she inspiring many 1,500 years after her death?Devotees of St. Brigid are commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of her death on Thursday, the feast day of the so-called matron saint of Ireland.
Israel summons Irish ambassador over tweet it alleges doesn't adequately condemn Hamas
Read full article: Israel summons Irish ambassador over tweet it alleges doesn't adequately condemn HamasIsrael’s Foreign Ministry says it will summon the Irish ambassador over a tweet celebrating the release of a 9-year-old girl from Hamas captivity.
Ireland’s prime minister condemns anti-immigrant protesters who rampaged through central Dublin
Read full article: Ireland’s prime minister condemns anti-immigrant protesters who rampaged through central DublinIreland’s prime minister has condemned anti-immigrant protesters who rampaged through central Dublin after three young children were stabbed, saying the rioters simply wanted to cause chaos, not protect the country’s way of life.
Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania qualify for Euro 2024. France crushes Gibraltar in record 14-0 win
Read full article: Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania qualify for Euro 2024. France crushes Gibraltar in record 14-0 winThe Netherlands, Switzerland and Romania have all secured places at next year’s European Championship.
Olympic champion Canada comes back to beat Ireland 2-1 at the Women's World Cup
Read full article: Olympic champion Canada comes back to beat Ireland 2-1 at the Women's World CupCanada recovered from conceding directly from a corner kick to seal a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Ireland at the Women’s World Cup.
Kerr's Women's World Cup in doubt, but she still helps inspire Australia to win against Ireland
Read full article: Kerr's Women's World Cup in doubt, but she still helps inspire Australia to win against IrelandAustralia got off to a winning start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Ireland 1-0 despite the absence of star striker Sam Kerr.
Women's World Cup spotlight shining on Australia as co-host New Zealand seeks its own attention
Read full article: Women's World Cup spotlight shining on Australia as co-host New Zealand seeks its own attentionNew Zealand’s Football Ferns are aiming to win fans as well as matches at the Women's World Cup.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Greta Thunberg and others to address the war's effect on ecology
Read full article: Ukraine's Zelenskyy meets Greta Thunberg and others to address the war's effect on ecologyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Thursday with Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and prominent European figures who are forming a working group to address ecological damage from the 16-month-old Russian invasion.
Your eyes could be smiling at this opportunity Ireland is offering
Read full article: Your eyes could be smiling at this opportunity Ireland is offeringThe Irish government has launched an initiative called “Our Living Islands,” a 10-year plan that aims to revitalize more than a dozen islands off the country’s coast.
Ireland's Leona Maguire keeps rolling with a 68, takes halfway lead at the KMPG Women's PGA
Read full article: Ireland's Leona Maguire keeps rolling with a 68, takes halfway lead at the KMPG Women's PGALeona Maguire of Ireland birdied four of her final six holes for a 3-under 68 and a one-shot lead over three players Friday at the halfway point of the KMPG Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol.
Dutch government outlines new package to reduce emissions
Read full article: Dutch government outlines new package to reduce emissionsThe Dutch government has unveiled a new package to slash carbon emissions by promoting clean energy, sustainable homes and industry and the use of electric cars among other a raft of measures to combat climate change.
US regroups for Women's World Cup with Swanson sidelined
Read full article: US regroups for Women's World Cup with Swanson sidelinedThe United States is facing some uncertainty as it prepares for the approaching Women’s World Cup with forward Mallory Swanson sidelined by a serious knee injury for the foreseeable future.
British PM urges NIreland politicians to go back to work
Read full article: British PM urges NIreland politicians to go back to workU.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has praised the bravery of political leaders who struck the Good Friday peace accord 25 years ago as he urged Northern Ireland’s current politicians to return to work.
Swanson has torn tendon in her left knee, may miss World Cup
Read full article: Swanson has torn tendon in her left knee, may miss World CupForward Mallory Swanson has a torn patella tendon in her left knee, leaving her chances of playing for the United States in this summer’s Women’s World Cup in doubt.
Swanson's injury a concern as US downs Ireland 2-0
Read full article: Swanson's injury a concern as US downs Ireland 2-0Emily Fox and Lindsey Horan both scored for the United States in a 2-0 victory Saturday over Ireland that was marred by what appeared to be a serious left knee injury to Mallory Swanson.
Swanson injures left knee in US match against Ireland
Read full article: Swanson injures left knee in US match against IrelandForward Mallory Swanson was carted off the field during the first half of the United States’ exhibition match Saturday against Ireland with an apparent left knee injury, a blow to the national team ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
Lebanon to construct new terminal at Beirut airport
Read full article: Lebanon to construct new terminal at Beirut airportLebanon will construct a $122 million terminal at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport to be operated by a leading Irish airport company when it’s completed in four years,.
Petition seeks to free Hawaiian man convicted of '91 murder
Read full article: Petition seeks to free Hawaiian man convicted of '91 murderA petition outlining new evidence in one of Hawaii’s biggest criminal cases asks a judge to release a Native Hawaiian man who has spent more than 20 years in prison for the sexual assault, kidnapping and murder of a white woman on the Big Island.
Ireland's WhatsApp penalty highlights EU privacy turmoil
Read full article: Ireland's WhatsApp penalty highlights EU privacy turmoilIreland has fined WhatsApp for breaching strict European Union privacy rules by forcing users to consent to allow their personal data to be used to provide “service improvements and security.”.
Ireland fines Meta 390M euros in latest privacy crackdown
Read full article: Ireland fines Meta 390M euros in latest privacy crackdownIrish regulators have hit Facebook parent Meta with hundreds of millions in fines for online privacy violations and banned the company from forcing European users to agree to personalized ads based on their online activity.
UK nurses join wave of strike action to demand better pay
Read full article: UK nurses join wave of strike action to demand better payThousands of nurses have walked off their jobs in England, joining ambulance and postal workers, bus drivers and airport baggage handlers who have staged strikes or planned them this month.
African nations urged to pile on pressure at climate summit
Read full article: African nations urged to pile on pressure at climate summitThe former Irish President has called on African nations to pile on the pressure on rich, heavily-polluting countries to fulfill their climate pledges to the continent during a visit to Uganda.
Loved ones from Ireland travel to Jacksonville to help in search for missing father of 2
Read full article: Loved ones from Ireland travel to Jacksonville to help in search for missing father of 2The search for a missing father of two in Jacksonville has brought friends and family all the way from Ireland.
Taylor edges Serrano at MSG, stays women's lightweight champ
Read full article: Taylor edges Serrano at MSG, stays women's lightweight champKatie Taylor remained the undisputed lightweight champion in a thrilling first women’s boxing match to headline at Madison Square Garden, edging Amanda Serrano in a split decision.
UK defends Ukraine refugee policy amid anger at slow pace
Read full article: UK defends Ukraine refugee policy amid anger at slow paceThe British government is defending its Ukraine refugee policy despite figures indicating that only 12,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war have arrived in the U.K. The figure from the government includes 10,800 people who came to join family members in Britain, and just 1,200 under the Homes for Ukraine program set up to match refuges with volunteer hosts.
Russia moves naval exercise that rattled EU member Ireland
Read full article: Russia moves naval exercise that rattled EU member IrelandRussia says it will relocate naval exercises off the coast of Ireland after Dublin raised concerns about them amid the tense dispute with the West over expansion of the NATO alliance and fears that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine.
‘Beggars belief’: Irish police investigate claim dead man taken to post office to collect pension
Read full article: ‘Beggars belief’: Irish police investigate claim dead man taken to post office to collect pensionPolice in Ireland are investigating reports that the body of a dead man was brought to a post office in an attempt to collect his pension.
Irish mourn slain 23-year-old teacher who was out jogging
Read full article: Irish mourn slain 23-year-old teacher who was out joggingHundreds of mourners in Ireland have turned out for the funeral Mass of a 23-year-old elementary school teacher whose killing has reignited debate about how to tackle violence against women.
Correction: Global Minimum Tax-Explainer story
Read full article: Correction: Global Minimum Tax-Explainer storyIn a story published October 9, 2021, about a global minimum corporate tax, The Associated Press erroneously reported that the tax would apply to companies with more than 750 billion euros ($864 billion) in revenue.
Facebook loses court fight over halting EU-US data transfers
Read full article: Facebook loses court fight over halting EU-US data transfersFacebook has lost a legal battle with Ireland’s data privacy watchdog over a European Union privacy decision that could result in the social network being forced to stop transferring data to the U.S. The Irish High Court on Friday rejected Facebook’s bid to block a draft decision by the country’s Data Protection Commission to inquire into, and order the suspension of, the company’s data flows between the European Union and the U.S. The Irish watchdog had launched its inquiry last year...
Northern Ireland leaders seek calm after violence escalates
Read full article: Northern Ireland leaders seek calm after violence escalatesAuthorities in Northern Ireland are seeking to restore calm after Protestant and Catholic youths in Belfast hurled bricks, fireworks and gasoline bombs at police and each other.
Portugal, Belgium held in WCup qualifying, Ireland shocked
Read full article: Portugal, Belgium held in WCup qualifying, Ireland shockedPortugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Serbia and Portugal at the Rajko Mitic stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)Portugal and Belgium were left frustrated by draws in their World Cup qualifying matches. Stéphanie Frappart made more history as the first woman to referee a men's World Cup qualifier as the Netherlands beat Latvia 2-0. TV replays indicated the ball did cross the line, but goal-line technology and video review aren't used in the World Cup qualifiers. Artem Dzyuba scored both of Russia's goals to move within one goal of the Russian team record of 30 held by retired striker Alexander Kerzhakov.
Jacksonville Irish pub prepares for St. Patrick’s Day crowd
Read full article: Jacksonville Irish pub prepares for St. Patrick’s Day crowdJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Irish pub in Jacksonville is preparing for St. Patrick’s Day and expects a good crowd as people continue to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Tents were already setup Tuesday evening at Culhane’s Irish Pub on the Southside well ahead of the celebration. We grew up with the parades in Ireland, and we love the Irish spirit, the hospitality. It’s what we are all about, getting together with family and friends and having a pint and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day,” said Mary Jane Culhane, co-owner of the Irish pub. Culhane says getting to serve green beer this St. Patrick’s Day is a turning point for things starting to get back to normal.
EU takes legal action vs UK over Brexit deal delays
Read full article: EU takes legal action vs UK over Brexit deal delays(AP Photo/Frank Augstein, file)The divorce between the U.K. and the EU is turning nastier by the day. AdOn March 3 the U.K. decided to unilaterally extend a grace period until October on checks for goods moving between Britain and Northern Ireland. “They are lawful and part of a progressive and good faith implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol," the spokesperson said in a statement. AdThe U.K. government said that it saw challenges that businesses like supermarkets faced in Northern Ireland in the first weeks of the year. Only last week, the leaders of the EU and the U.K. went head-to-head in an angry exchange over vaccine exports.
Diplomats: UN fails to approve call to end Tigray violence
Read full article: Diplomats: UN fails to approve call to end Tigray violenceA medical clinic that was looted and vandalized in Zana, is seen in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. The United Nations in its latest humanitarian report on the situation in Tigray says the "humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate" as fighting intensifies across the northern region. Three council diplomats said Ireland, which drafted the statement, decided not to push for approval after objections from the three countries. India only wanted a minor change, and Russia reportedly supported its ally China at the last minute, the diplomats said. It called on the U.N. to urgently establish an independent inquiry into war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Tigray.
EU vows to speed vaccine roll out, presses drug makers
Read full article: EU vows to speed vaccine roll out, presses drug makersEuropean Council President Charles Michel, top of screen, takes part in an EU Summit, via videoconference link, at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. The leaders also said that restrictions, including on travel, should remain in place in many parts of the 27-nation bloc. The EU has partly blamed supply delays for lagging far behind nations like Israel, the United States and Britain when it comes to vaccinations. By early this week, 6.5% of the adults living in the EU had been vaccinated, compared to more than 27% in the U.K. He also raised concern about other issues, like the exclusion of those who have not been vaccinated, or cannot be.
Biden orders COVID-19 travel restrictions, adds South Africa
Read full article: Biden orders COVID-19 travel restrictions, adds South AfricaWASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Monday reinstated COVID-19 travel restrictions on most non-U.S. travelers from Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom and 26 other European countries that allow travel across open borders. “This isn’t the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel,” Psaki said. “We have concern about the mutation that’s in South Africa," Fauci told "CBS This Morning." Biden's team had announced that he would reimpose the travel restrictions, but the addition of South Africa to the restricted travel list highlights the new administration’s concern about mutations in the virus. The South Africa variant has not been discovered in the United States, but another variant — originating in the United Kingdom — has been detected in several states.
Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' of unwed mothers homes
Read full article: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' of unwed mothers homesFILE - In this file photo dated Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin speaks as he arrives at the European Council building in Brussels. The inquiry was part of a process of reckoning in overwhelmingly Roman Catholic Ireland, where church-run institutions were often tied to a history of abuse. The report said 15% of all children in the homes died from disease and infections like stomach flu, almost double the nationwide infant mortality rate. The mothers were abandoned by their families and hidden away out of shame, and many of the children were separated from their mothers for adoption. The commission of inquiry said about 56,000 unmarried mothers and about 57,000 children had lived in the homes it investigated.
Irish PM says 'perverse' morality drove unwed mothers' homes
Read full article: Irish PM says 'perverse' morality drove unwed mothers' homesPrime Minister Micheal Martin said young women and their children had paid a heavy price for Ireland’s “perverse religious morality” in past decades. The final report of an inquiry into the mother-and-baby homes said that 9,000 children died in 18 different mother and baby homes during the 20th century. Fifteen percent of all children in the homes died, almost double the nationwide infant mortality rate, the report said. Church-run homes in Ireland housed orphans, unmarried pregnant women and their babies for most of the 20th century. “While mother and baby homes were not a peculiarly Irish phenomenon, the proportion of Irish unmarried mothers who were admitted to mother and baby homes or (state-run) county homes in the 20th century was probably the highest in the world,” the report said.
UK abolishes 'sexist' tax on women's sanitary products
Read full article: UK abolishes 'sexist' tax on women's sanitary productsTreasury chief Sunak has committed to ending the widely unpopular tax on womens sanitary products, but the change could only take effect Friday Jan 1, 2021, after Britain had finally left the economic orbit of the EU. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, FILE)LONDON – Britain on Friday became the latest country to abolish the so-called "tampon tax,” eliminating sales taxes on women's sanitary products. “Sanitary products are essential, so it’s right that we do not charge VAT,” said Sunak. They pointed to the abolition of the tampon tax as an early positive change from Brexit. Many other countries have also eliminated the tampon tax, including Australia, Canada and India.
The Latest: Louisiana congressman-elect dies from COVID-19
Read full article: The Latest: Louisiana congressman-elect dies from COVID-19State health officials said Tuesday that the variant was found in a man in his 20s who is in isolation southeast of Denver and has no travel history. Health officials have said the vaccines being given now are thought to be effective against the variant. — A former Louisiana state lawmaker and his wife died from COVID-19 on the same day. ___OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City fire department says a firefighter, whose nephew became the first department employee to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, died of the virus after being infected while responding to a call. In the Upstate area of the state, COVID-19 infection rates continue to outpace every other part of South Carolina.
Asian stocks gain after Trump criticizes economic aid bill
Read full article: Asian stocks gain after Trump criticizes economic aid billAsian stock markets rose Wednesday after President Donald Trump suggested he may veto a $900 billion economic aid package. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)Asian stock markets rose Wednesday after President Donald Trump suggested he may veto a $900 billion economic aid package. Overnight, Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index lost 0.2% after Trump criticized the aid plan approved by Congress. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.8% to 3,382.08 and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo added 0.1% to 26,470.94. Tech companies rose.
Biden's ancestral home in Ireland celebrates his victory
Read full article: Biden's ancestral home in Ireland celebrates his victoryA man puts a US flag up in the town of Ballina, the ancestral home of President elect Joe Biden, in North West of Ireland, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. Joe Blewitt, a heating and plumbing engineer and a cousin of Biden’s, said the town of about 10,000 is ecstatic at the prospect of a President Joe Biden. Biden’s great-great-great-grandfather Edward Blewitt emigrated from the town, having worked as a brick-maker and as a civil engineer helping to map Ireland. Biden’s victory was especially sweet for Beryl McCrainey Slevin, a California native who has lived in Ballina for more than 15 years. Irish prime minister Micheal Martin was one of the first leaders to congratulate Biden on his victory, a clear sign of how much Biden’s victory means to the country.
Ireland focuses on Christmas as it enters new lockdown
Read full article: Ireland focuses on Christmas as it enters new lockdownA man walks past a closed bar in Dublin, Ireland, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)DUBLIN – Ireland is already focused on Christmas. Unless the country can get the COVID-19 pandemic under control, there won’t be much Christmas cheer this year in Galway, Cork or Dublin. Cadden, a past president of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said that between corporate events and family gatherings, Christmas can account for 40% of the annual revenue for some establishments. “That makes me feel able to keep going.”Business owners seem to be almost willing the lockdown to work because they, like everyone in Ireland, need a break from the loneliness, suffering and death.
The Latest: Imported workers test positive in New Zealand
Read full article: The Latest: Imported workers test positive in New ZealandAll remain in quarantine at a Christchurch hotel, and health officials say they expect more to test positive. — British PM Johnson imposing strict coronavirus restrictions on Greater Manchester, England’s second-largest urban area, after talks fail on financial support. Local health officials said Tuesday that the surge is overwhelming their ability to confront the pandemic. Officials say coronavirus cases related to the university represent 61% of the total in Washtenaw County, compared to just 2% in August. ___PHOENIX — Arizona reported more than 1,000 daily coronavirus cases for the second time in a week.
Ryanair blames European 'mismanagement' for winter cuts
Read full article: Ryanair blames European 'mismanagement' for winter cutsLONDON – Ryanair became the latest European airline to announce big reductions in its winter schedule after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were reimposed across the continent. Casting the blame on European governments for “mishandling” air travel during the pandemic, the Ireland-based budget airline said Thursday that it will cut around a third of its flight routes this winter. O'Leary said the cutbacks have been “forced upon us by government mismanagement" of European air travel. “We continue to actively manage our cost base to be prepared for the inevitable rebound and recovery of short-haul air travel in Europe once an effective COVID-19 vaccine is developed,” O'Leary said. Others airlines saw their stocks fall too, including British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group, which was down 2.8%.
Germany, France call for UK concessions in EU-UK trade talks
Read full article: Germany, France call for UK concessions in EU-UK trade talksThis would be very bad news for everyone, for the EU and even more so for the United Kingdom." Speaking after a meeting of EU ministers that he chaired, Roth added that “it's now up to the U.K. to make the decisive steps." He said U.K. negotiator David Frost would brief the prime minister before EU leaders meet about whether recent intensive talks have made a deal possible. Johnson says the EU must shift its position if it wants a deal, and insists the U.K. is quite prepared to walk away without one. France warned, that could cost the U.K. the unfettered access it wants to the huge and wealthy continental market.
Subway bread isn't bread, Irish court says
Read full article: Subway bread isn't bread, Irish court saysLONDON – Ireland’s Supreme Court has ruled that bread sold by the fast food chain Subway contains so much sugar that it cannot be legally defined as bread. A panel of judges rejected the appeal Tuesday, ruling that the bread sold by Subway contains too much sugar to be categorized as a “staple food,” which is not taxed. The law makes a distinction between “bread as a staple food” and other baked goods “which are, or approach, confectionery or fancy baked goods,” the judgement said. Subway said it was reviewing the latest tax ruling. It added that the decision was based on an outdated bread exemption set by the Irish government that was updated in 2012.
EU Commission appeals after losing Apple $15B tax case
Read full article: EU Commission appeals after losing Apple $15B tax caseThe EU Commission “respectfully considers that in its judgment the General Court has made a number of errors of law. For this reason, the Commission is bringing this matter before the European Court of Justice," the bloc's highest court, Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said. The EU Commission had ordered Apple to pay for gross underpayment of tax on profits across the European bloc from 2003 to 2014. The commission said Apple used two shell companies in Ireland to report its Europe-wide profits at effective rates well under 1%. Apple said the case was never about how much tax it pays but where it's required to pay.
As Europe faces 2nd wave of virus, tracing apps lack impact
Read full article: As Europe faces 2nd wave of virus, tracing apps lack impactA man shows the contact tracing app Stayaway Covid on his cellphone, in Lisbon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Mobile apps tracing new COVID cases were touted as a key part of Europes plan to beat the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)LONDON – Mobile apps tracing new COVID-19 cases were touted as a key part of Europe’s plan to beat the coronavirus outbreak. Public trust in the government helps allay concerns about privacy and government surveillance first raised when some countries launched tracing apps months earlier. We might never know for sure, said Stephen Farrell, a computer scientist at Trinity College Dublin who has studied tracing apps.
EU names Dombrovskis as its new trade chief
Read full article: EU names Dombrovskis as its new trade chiefBRUSSELS The European Unions executive commission is proposing its experienced Latvian vice president, Valdis Dombrovskis, to take over the post as trade chief of the bloc following the resignation of Ireland's Phil Hogan. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement as she named European Parliament heavyweight Mairead McGuinness as the new financial services commissioner to fill Ireland's seat at the table. Dombrovskis had already been holding the post temporarily since Hogan's resignation on Aug. 26. Dombrovskis now fills a vital post in dealing with the United States, China and post-Brexit Britain, with all three demanding near daily attention. It also means von der Leyen limited her reshuffle in the Commission and with McGuinness she further narrowed the gender gap in the Commission, which now stands at 14 men and 13 women.