Fuel Price Increase

Starting January 1, the price of petrol and diesel in Ireland is set to rise once again. This increase is driven by a mandate that requires a higher proportion of biofuels in petrol and diesel, adding 2 cents per litre to both fuels. This marks the fourth hike in motor fuel costs in just over a year, following previous increases in excise duty and carbon tax.

The December AA Ireland fuel price survey revealed that petrol prices have risen by 1 cent to an average of €1.74 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by 3 cents to €1.71 per litre. Factors contributing to these rising costs include increased shipping expenses due to unrest in the Middle East, higher refinery costs, and the weakening of the euro against the dollar.

In April, motorists experienced a 4-cent rise in petrol prices and a 3-cent rise in diesel prices as the government gradually restored the full rate of excise duty on motor fuels. This duty had been reduced in 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine, which had driven fuel prices to around €2 per litre. The full rate of excise duty was reinstated in August, adding further costs to fuel prices.

The latest increase in carbon tax, implemented in October, added 2.1 cents to a litre of petrol and 2.5 cents to diesel. Despite steady crude oil prices, the combination of these factors has led to a continuous rise in fuel costs for Irish motorists.

Fuel retailers and distributors have denied any profiteering, attributing the price hikes to external factors such as the cost of importing crude oil, which is priced in dollars. The euro’s depreciation against the dollar has made these imports more expensive. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted supply chains, further driving up costs.

Taxpayer Relief

On a more positive note, taxpayers in Ireland are set to benefit from several budget changes that take effect from January 1. These changes are designed to provide financial relief and boost disposable income for many individuals and families.

One of the key changes is the increase in the standard rate income tax band, which will rise by €1,500. This adjustment means that taxpayers will be able to earn more before being subjected to the higher tax rate, resulting in potential savings for many workers.

Additionally, the personal tax credit and the employee tax credit will both increase by €100. These credits directly reduce the amount of tax payable, providing further financial relief to taxpayers. The home carer tax credit will also see an increase of €100, benefiting families who care for dependents at home.

For social welfare recipients, there is good news as well. The weekly social welfare payments will increase by €12, providing additional support to those who rely on these payments. The fuel allowance, which helps low-income households with heating costs, will also see an increase.

The state pension will increase to €289.30 a week, a €12 hike. Finance Minister Jack Chambers stated that the changes to personal income taxes would support low- and middle-income earners. From today, the Government is increasing the main tax credits – the personal, employee, and earned income credits – by €125 each. This means the maximum employee tax credit for this year will be €2,000 for a single person.

There are also increases in the home carer tax credit and the single person child carer tax credit by €150 each, and increases in the incapacitated child tax credit and blind person’s tax credit by €300 each. The dependent relative tax credit will see an increase of €60.

If you are married or in a civil partnership and both of you have PAYE income, you are both entitled to claim the employee tax credit. There is also a €2,000 increase in what is called the standard rate cut-off point, meaning workers will be able to earn more before paying the top tax rate of 40%. The Universal Social Charge (USC) middle rate has been reduced from 4% to 3%, applying to income between €25,000 and €70,000. The entry threshold to the new 3% USC rate is being increased by €1,622 to €27,382, in line with the increase to the national minimum wage. This means that a full-time worker on the minimum wage will get an increase in their net take-home pay of €1,424 a year. A single person earning €20,000 or less this year will now be outside the income tax net.

The HSE’s report, which draws on data from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system, reveals that 1,345 cyclists were discharged from hospitals in 2023, with a similar number, 1,373, recorded in 2022. These figures only account for publicly-funded acute hospitals and do not capture all injuries related to bicycle use.

The most common injuries among cyclists were to the head, elbows, and forearms. In 2023, 263 cyclists suffered head injuries, while 274 had damage to their elbows or forearms, often from landing after a fall. Other frequent injuries included damage to the shoulder and upper arm, with 183 cases reported, and injuries to the thorax, abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, or pelvis.

The HSE’s data also sheds light on the causes of these accidents. In 2023, 154 injuries were the result of collisions with cars, pick-up trucks, or vans. A significant number of cases, 891, were classified as “non-collision transport accidents,” which include incidents where cyclists fell off their bikes without colliding with another vehicle. Additionally, 300 cases were listed as “other,” encompassing collisions with pedestrians, animals, stationary objects, or accidents involving motorbikes, trains, or light rail trams.

The HSE noted that their system does not record all cases where an injured cyclist visited a hospital. The data only includes patients who attended the Emergency Department and were subsequently admitted to the hospital. This means that the actual number of cycling-related injuries could be higher, as the figures do not account for emergency department or outpatient attendances.

The news of these statistics has sparked discussions on social media platforms like Reddit. Users on the r/ireland subreddit expressed their concerns and shared personal experiences related to cycling safety. Some users highlighted the need for better infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect cyclists. Others pointed out the importance of wearing helmets and other protective gear to reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.

One user commented, “It’s shocking to see such high numbers. We need more dedicated cycling lanes and better awareness among drivers to ensure the safety of cyclists.” Another user added, “I’ve had a few close calls myself. It’s crucial to always wear a helmet and be vigilant on the roads.”

The rising number of cycling-related injuries has prompted calls for action from various quarters. Advocacy groups are urging the government to invest in safer cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and improved road signage. There is also a push for public awareness campaigns to educate both cyclists and motorists about road safety.

In response to the report, a spokesperson for the HSE emphasised the importance of safety measures for cyclists. “We encourage all cyclists to wear helmets and reflective clothing, especially during the darker months. It’s also vital for drivers to be mindful of cyclists and share the road responsibly.”

Cyclists in Ireland are significantly more likely to be injured in serious crashes compared to drivers. Statistics indicate that cyclists are 11 times more likely to be injured in such incidents. These crashes often involve another vehicle, typically a car. The average claim for injuries sustained by cyclists in these accidents is approximately €27,837, highlighting the financial impact of these incidents.

The new laws will significantly enhance the capabilities of An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) in monitoring drivers on the road. One of the key changes is the requirement for motorists to provide their driver’s licence number when seeking motor insurance policies. This applies not only to the primary driver but also to any additional named drivers on the policy.

This measure aims to crack down on uninsured driving, a persistent issue on Irish roads. By having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database via their Garda Mobility Devices, officers will be better equipped to detect and penalise those driving without insurance.

Drivers who fail to comply with these new regulations risk having their licences taken away. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that all drivers on the road are properly insured and adhering to the law. The inclusion of driver numbers in the insurance process is seen as a critical step in this direction.

Transport Minister Jack Chambers has confirmed that the government is committed to stopping the practice of drivers continuously renewing their learner licences without passing the driving test. This new road safety initiative aims to ensure that only qualified drivers are on the road, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.

The new laws will also affect learner and novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties if they accumulate seven or more penalty points on their licence. This threshold is lower than the 12 points required for fully licensed drivers, reflecting the government’s focus on ensuring that new drivers develop safe driving habits from the outset.

Learner drivers who repeatedly fail their driving tests will be banned from the roads, preventing them from continuously renewing their learner permits without demonstrating the necessary driving competence.

Another significant change is the introduction of roadside licence checks by Gardaí. Under the new laws, officers will be able to check a driver’s licence number at the roadside, ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured. This measure is expected to improve compliance and reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road.

The new laws are part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in Ireland. By ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured, the government hopes to reduce the number of accidents and improve overall road safety. These changes are expected to come into effect within the next three years, giving drivers time to adjust to the new requirements.

The bank is reducing its five-year green mortgage rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it down to 3.2% for properties with a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B3 or higher. Additionally, AIB is cutting its four-year fixed rate for mortgages of €250,000 and above by 0.25 points, making it available from 3.7%. These new rates will be available to both new and existing customers starting tomorrow.

AIB’s Managing Director of Retail Banking, Geraldine Casey, emphasised the importance of offering a variety of choices, value, and convenience for customers seeking to buy their new home. She noted that this latest cut aligns with AIB’s strategy to support customers in making more sustainable choices.

The rate reductions come in the wake of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) recent decision to lower its key lending rates for the second time this year. This has prompted other lenders, including Bank of Ireland, PTSB, and Avant Money, to also reduce their rates.

Broker Michael Dowling of Dowling Financial welcomed the rate cuts, highlighting that the reduction on AIB’s green rate will save borrowers approximately €13 a month for every €100,000 borrowed. AIB has also extended its approval in principle period from six to 12 months, giving customers more time to find and buy their new home.

The latest cuts are part of AIB’s broader strategy to remain competitive in the market. Martina Hennessy, Managing Director of broker Doddl.ie, pointed out that AIB’s non-green rate offerings had become higher than those of competitors, prompting the bank to make these reductions. She added that the cuts could save customers around €500 a year.

AIB’s latest rate cuts are seen as a positive development for the mortgage market, potentially leading to further reductions from other lenders and providing significant savings for borrowers.

The fines, which range from €40 to €150, are imposed for various parking violations. Parking in a disabled spot incurs a €150 fine, while parking on footpaths, cycle tracks, or bus lanes costs €80. Failing to display a correct tax disc results in a €60 fine, and not having a valid pay-and-display ticket costs €40.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many councils had relaxed parking enforcement and some traffic wardens were reassigned to assist the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, councils have increased the number of traffic wardens, leading to a surge in parking fines.

Among Ireland’s 31 local councils, 23 reported an increase in parking fines. Galway City Council, Cork City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Kerry County Council, and Westmeath County Council recorded the highest number of fines per 100,000 people.

Galway City Council, which now employs 11 traffic wardens with one more joining soon, issued 36,645 parking fines last year, up from 30,517 in 2022. Cork City Council issued 49,511 fines, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown issued 29,845, Kerry County Council issued 17,674, and Westmeath County Council issued 7,424 fines. With a population of just over 96,000, Westmeath had one of the highest rates of parking fines.

Donegal County Council and Dublin City Council also saw significant increases in fines. In Donegal, the number of fines more than doubled, with 10,018 fines issued last year compared to 4,892 in 2022.

The increase in traffic wardens and subsequent rise in parking fines have generated millions of euros in revenue for local councils, highlighting the impact of stricter parking enforcement across the country.

The parents are directing their anger towards Simon Harris. They believe that the current situation is a result of long-standing issues within the healthcare system that were not adequately addressed during his tenure. Many parents feel that Harris did not take sufficient action to improve the healthcare infrastructure, leading to the current crisis.

The emotional toll on families is profound. Parents have shared heart-wrenching stories of their children suffering while waiting for surgeries. Some children are in constant pain, while others are missing out on crucial developmental milestones due to their medical conditions. The uncertainty and prolonged waiting periods are causing significant stress and anxiety for both the children and their parents.

In response to the outcry, the government has acknowledged the issue and promised to take steps to address the delays. However, many parents remain skeptical, feeling that similar promises have been made in the past without any substantial improvements. They are demanding immediate action and concrete solutions to ensure that their children receive the medical care they need without further delays.

The delays in surgeries are symptomatic of broader issues within the Irish healthcare system. Hospitals are facing severe staff shortages, with many healthcare professionals overworked and under-resourced. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these problems, leading to a backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures. Despite efforts to increase funding and resources, the system continues to struggle to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.

Parents and advocacy groups are calling for greater accountability from the government and healthcare authorities. They are urging Simon Harris and other officials to take responsibility for the current situation and to implement effective measures to prevent such delays in the future. There is a strong demand for transparency in how healthcare resources are allocated and managed, with many calling for an independent review of the healthcare system.

As the situation unfolds, parents are continuing to voice their concerns and advocate for their children’s right to timely medical care. The government faces increasing pressure to deliver on its promises and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the healthcare system. For many families, the hope is that their voices will be heard and that meaningful changes will be made to ensure that no child has to suffer due to delays in receiving essential medical treatment.

On the morning of July 15, 2024, emergency services responded to reports of fires at the site. Footage shared on social media showed parts of the site, including construction machinery and pallets, engulfed in flames. The Dublin Fire Brigade dispatched three fire engines and a turntable ladder to tackle the blazes. Gardaí closed Malahide Road in both directions and implemented local diversions.

The situation escalated into a public order incident, with Gardaí deploying the Public Order Unit and using pepper spray to control the crowd. Protesters threw missiles and petrol bombs, resulting in injuries to several Gardaí and a security guard, who was hospitalised. A Garda car was set alight, and other vehicles were damaged during the clashes.

Fifteen people were arrested and charged in connection with the disturbances. They are due to appear before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice. The Department of Integration condemned the violence, emphasizing that the site was intended to house up to 500 international protection applicants.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her outrage at the criminal behavior, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Taoiseach Simon Harris also condemned the actions, stating that they were designed to sow fear and division. He stressed that such actions should not be legitimized by describing them as protests.

The unrest has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of asylum seekers and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland. Local residents and officials are calling for calm and urging the community to support integration efforts. The Department of Integration reiterated its commitment to providing safe and secure accommodation for those seeking asylum in Ireland.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers and the need for a balanced approach to integration and community safety. The government and local authorities are working to address these issues and ensure that such violent incidents do not recur.

The Labour Court has proposed a pay increase of 17.75% for the pilots, to be implemented over a four-year period. This recommendation includes incremental raises starting from January 2023 and continuing through to July 2026. The proposed pay deal also includes the elimination of 2022 pay scales and changes to rostering and summer leave agreements.

IALPA’s executive committee met and voted to recommend that its members accept the Labour Court’s proposal. As a result, the union has agreed to suspend the work-to-rule action that has been in place since June 26, pending the outcome of a ballot on the proposed pay deal. The union will hold a series of meetings with its members to discuss the terms of the Labour Court’s recommendation before the ballot takes place.

Aer Lingus has welcomed the union’s decision to suspend industrial action and has expressed hope that the balloting process will be completed swiftly. The airline has faced significant disruptions due to the strike, with hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of passengers affected. The suspension of the strike is expected to bring relief to holidaymakers and other travelers who have been impacted by the ongoing dispute.

The industrial action began with an eight-hour strike on June 29, during which pilots picketed at Dublin Airport. The strike led to the cancellation of 120 flights, affecting up to 17,000 passengers. The pilots were demanding a pay rise to account for increases in the cost of living since their last wage hike in 2019. Aer Lingus had initially resisted the pilots’ demands, citing the need for productivity and flexibility concessions.

The Labour Court’s involvement has been crucial in bringing both parties to the negotiating table. The court’s recommendation aims to balance the pilots’ demands for higher pay with the airline’s need for operational efficiency. The proposed pay deal is seen as a significant win for the pilots, who have been advocating for better pay and working conditions for several years.

As the balloting process begins, both Aer Lingus and IALPA are hopeful that the proposed pay deal will be accepted, allowing for a resolution to the dispute and a return to normal operations. The outcome of the ballot will be closely watched by all stakeholders, including passengers, airline management, and the broader aviation industry.

Two men in their twenties experienced cardiac arrests after consuming excessive amounts of energy drinks. One of the men reportedly drank ten cans of an energy drink over a few hours, followed by a litre of another caffeinated beverage. The other consumed seven cans in a similar timeframe. These alarming cases have led to renewed calls for stricter regulations on the sale of energy drinks, particularly to minors.

Energy drinks are known for their high caffeine content, often combined with other stimulants like taurine and guarana. These ingredients can significantly impact heart health, especially when consumed in large quantities. A study by the Mayo Clinic highlighted the potential risks associated with energy drinks, noting that they could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Dr. Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, explained that while a healthy heart might handle these stimulants in moderation, a fragile heart could be pushed into a life-threatening arrhythmia by the combination of sleep deprivation and high caffeine intake. This “perfect storm” scenario underscores the need for caution when consuming these beverages.

In light of these incidents, there have been growing calls for a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children and teenagers in Ireland. Some experts argue that children should be targeted from an early age to encourage healthier habits and reduce the consumption of high-sugar and high-caffeine beverages. The UK is already considering a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under-16s, and advocates in Ireland believe similar measures should be implemented.

However, not everyone agrees with the call for a ban. Nutritionist and dietician Dr. Mary McCreery pointed out that there is no concrete evidence from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to support a ban on energy drinks. She emphasized that many drinks labeled as energy drinks contain varying levels of caffeine and other ingredients, making it difficult to categorize them uniformly.

The debate over energy drinks in Ireland is far from settled. While some experts and health advocates push for stricter regulations to protect young people, others argue that more research is needed to establish a clear link between energy drinks and cardiac events. In the meantime, health professionals continue to advise moderation and caution when consuming these beverages, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions.

As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ireland will follow in the footsteps of other countries and implement stricter regulations on the sale of energy drinks. For now, the focus is on raising awareness about the potential risks and encouraging healthier choices among consumers.

The NTA’s latest review, conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, highlighted that the costs of running a taxi service have increased by approximately 9% since the last review in 2022. This increase is attributed to several factors, including rising fuel prices, inflation, and the economic impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also noted that the number of registered taxis in Ireland has increased by 2% since 2022, but remains 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The proposed fare increase aims to reflect these higher operating costs and ensure that taxi drivers can continue to provide their services sustainably. The NTA has launched a public consultation on the proposed fare increase, inviting feedback from the public until August 16, 2024. This consultation is part of the NTA’s efforts to balance the needs of both taxi drivers and passengers, ensuring that fares remain fair and reasonable.

The previous fare review in 2022 resulted in an average fare increase of 12%, with nighttime fares rising by 17% to incentivise drivers to operate during peak demand times. The NTA’s latest recommendation follows this trend, aiming to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by taxi drivers while also considering the potential impact on consumer demand.

Research conducted for the NTA shows that 52% of all taxi journeys are for social reasons, with demand being strongest on Fridays and Saturdays. The NTA’s household survey also revealed that the cost of living is affecting the demand for taxis, with 43% of respondents using taxis less frequently due to lower disposable incomes and reduced socialising. Despite these challenges, the NTA’s review found that public transport options, such as buses, trams, and trains, are becoming more affordable and accessible, particularly with the introduction of discounted Leap Card fares.