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Source: Government of Ireland
ata-block-key=”m4xvo”>A draft Short Term Letting (STL) National Planning Statement has been approved by Government as proposed planning policy.
It is important to note that this draft will now be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment process and the EU Services Directive notification process.
Subject to the outcome of both, a finalised version will require further Government approval, expected in the Autumn.
Source: Government of Ireland
Concept images relating to the successful applications from Clare County Council and Limerick City & County Council are attached for illustrative purposes.
Clare County Council: John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis Co. Clare (€100,000)
This project will deliver a high-quality, nature-based play and learning space within a public park, designed to support early childhood development, school-age play, and outdoor learning for the wider community.
The project centres on durable, low-maintenance natural play features that promote physical activity, risk-managed exploration, and social interaction.
Key elements include earthen mounds, timber bridges, slides integrated into the landscape, natural tunnels, balancing logs, stepping rounds, and climbing structures. These features allow children to build coordination, resilience, and confidence through self-directed play.
The site will incorporate defined biodiversity zones with wildflower planting, native tree clusters, and habitat features such as log piles and insect hotels. These areas will enhance local biodiversity while providing opportunities for nature observation and environmental learning. Pathways will be designed to protect sensitive areas while ensuring full accessibility for children with mobility or sensory needs.
A dedicated outdoor learning circle with robust log seating will support group activities such as storytelling, curriculum-linked learning, community workshops, and small-group reflection. Open areas will allow flexible use for structured programmes or free play.
Limerick City and County Council: Baggot Estate Nature Park, Ballinacurra, Co. Limerick (€100,000)
Limerick City & County Council plans a Natural Play Area and Outdoor Learning Hub within the grounds of the Baggot Estate, an existing inner-city park of natural character.
The plans include the creation of an inviting and exciting natural play area as well as an outdoor education hub including a Forest School to serve the local neighbourhood as well as the nearby communities.
Stations for natural play will include balancing beams and posts, playful ‘ringforts’, mazes made by tree stems, mounds, bridges, climbing frames and a large sand play area.
Education stations will include seating made by tree stems for the Forest School, information signage and access paths to ditches and a newly created pond area. The entire area will also be furnished with wood carved sculptures and seating.
Tree planting and management of seminatural grassland/wildflower areas will form part of the project.
Source: Government of Ireland
ata-block-key=”7m8c3″>Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, will today (9 June) meet with his Canadian counterpart, Secretary of State for International Development the Honourable Randeep Sarai, in Ottawa.
During the meeting, the Ministers will discuss a range of development cooperation issues, including current threats to crop yields globally, and the potential of a severe global food price and availability crisis as a result of the on-going conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Richmond said: “Canada remains one of our most likeminded partners in our approach to development cooperation. We continue to have a close working relationship, including providing funding jointly to partners in the areas of girls’ education, gender, climate and feminist movements, and nutrition.
“My meeting today with Secretary of State Sarai is an opportunity to discuss the imperative of addressing the persistent challenges of extreme poverty and food insecurity and malnutrition, and our common approaches to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
Partners to which Ireland and Canada provide funding include the Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action, the Urgent Action Fund, Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, Child Nutrition Fund and the Global Nutrition Report.
ENDS
Press Office
9 June 2026
Source: Government of Ireland
ata-block-key=”xf1fu”>Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, at Government Buildings.
The meeting between Minister Byrne and High Representative Kallas focused on key priorities under the Common Security and Defence Policy, in addition to policy priorities under the forthcoming Irish EU Presidency, including negotiation of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-34, and EU enlargement.
Commenting on the meeting, Minister Byrne said: “I was delighted to meet with High Representative, Kaja Kallas, at Government Buildings today as Ireland looks forward to assuming the EU Presidency, on 1 July. Through partnership, Ireland will deliver an EU Presidency agenda that delivers for Europe, and for our people. As I noted to High Representative Kallas in my meeting, I am determined to advance EU enlargement policy during our EU Presidency, in my role as chair of the EU General Affairs Council. In relation to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-34, I reiterated my commitment to work with EU counterparts at the General Affairs Council to negotiate an ambitious EU budget that delivers for households and businesses into the future. The delivery of an ambitious long-term EU budget will advance the interests of Ireland and the Union as a whole.”
ENDS
Press Office
9 June 2026
Source: Government of Ireland
Travelling to Lismore, Minister Calleary officially opened a new glamping pod facility, delivered through funding provided under the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS). Funding of over €121,000 was provided to Waterford City and County Council under CRF to develop this new facility while €200,000 had been provided under TVRS to facilitate the acquisition of the former Bank of Ireland building where this is located.
Opening the glamping pods, Minister Calleary said:
Next, the Minister travelled to An Rinn where he cut the ribbon at Cóbh Heilbhic and made a visit to Coláiste na Rinne. ORIS funding of €30,000 was used to update the changing rooms on the beach to increase accessibility to, and use of, the beach for swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers, both from the local area and tourists visiting the area. Also at An Rinn, Minister Calleary turned the sod at Páirc Uí Shíotcháin, where TVRS funding of €283,386 will deliver a dedicated green space for the community with a resurfaced car park, lighting, bike stands, picnic areas and a coffee dock stand.
The Minister also visited Lemybrien, for the official opening of a public realm project in Lemybrien Village Centre, and Kilrossanty to open upgrades to Mahon Bridge Trailhead that will facilitate access to Crough Wood and the Comeragh Mountains.
Minister Calleary then travelled to Portlaw where he opened three new walking trails at Tower Hill Woods.
As part of his visit to Waterford, the Minister also officially opened the KOKORO Visitor and Cultural Centre in the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, which was approved for LEADER funding of almost €160,000 and also receives funding under the Community Services Programme. The event was also attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Miyagawa Manabu.
Minister Calleary said:
Travelling to the outskirts of Waterford City, the Minister opened the Brill Family Resource Centre (BFRC). Under the Community Centre Investment Fund, Brill Family Resource Centre received funding towards construction works and the establishment of new bakery and cookery school. The Cookery school will have 12 cooking stations and support local families, individuals, disability services and homeless services leading to healthier families and communities while supporting people to build practical cooking skills and independence.
Next, Minister Calleary visited Carrickphierish Recreation Park, where €450,000 from the Community Recognition Fund (CRF) is being used to design and construct a playground, exercise area, multi-use games area, the planting of trees and shrubs and works on paths and lighting.
Finally, Minister Calleary visited the Waterford Greenway where he opened a Biodiversity hotspot and pocket recreation area connecting SETU West Campus to the Greenway.
Speaking at the Greenway, Minister Calleary said:
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas, directly supporting the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
Since the RRDF was established in 2018, funding of over €613 million has been approved for 271 projects nationwide, including almost €18 million for 7 projects across Co. Waterford.
ORIS
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. Since 2020, funding in excess of €4.8 million has been awarded to Co Waterford for 53 Projects.
The Community Recognition Fund
The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. €100 million was allocated to support cities, towns, and villages across the country. Under the 2023 iteration of the scheme, Waterford City and County Council were allocated over €1.4 million towards 13 projects. Under the 2024 iteration of the scheme, Waterford City and County Council were again allocated over €1.4 million towards a further 15 projects.
Community Centre Investment Fund
The Community Centre Investment Fund is there to provide that unity and that resilience by supporting communities to enhance and refurbish their community facilities, to act as a go to place for meetings, for social events and for the wider community to engage in a range of social, sporting and community services. Since its establishment, Co. Waterford has been allocated over €2.5 million under the Community Centre Investment Fund.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of several measures designed to rejuvenate Ireland’s towns and villages. The programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025”. Since 2016, over €210 million has been allocated to support the delivery of over 1,900 projects nationwide. Of this, Waterford City and County Council has been allocated over €7.7 million in TVRS funding for 78 projects.
Source: Government of Ireland
This scheme, with a budget ceiling of €15 million, was introduced as a result of the exceptional pressure that exists on vessel owners due to the dramatic increase in the price of fuel in recent months.
Minister Dooley added:
Concluding, Minister Heydon said:
If you have any questions in relation to this, or any other aspect of the scheme, please contact the grants helpdesk at BIM via grantshelpdesk@bim.ie
Source: Government of Ireland
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, has today (Monday) announced funding of €1,218,000 for 12 national youth organisations to support initiatives aimed at increasing youth sector volunteering and expanding the number of volunteer-led clubs operating across the country.
The funding, awarded through the Volunteer Activation Fund, will support a wide range of projects designed to strengthen volunteer recruitment, training and retention, while enhancing the capacity of organisations to deliver high-quality youth work services for communities nationwide.
Projects funded this year include initiatives focused on environmental action, Scouting, youth arts, Irish language youth work and services for young people with additional needs.
The Volunteer Activation Fund will support a range of projects throughout the country, including:
The projects funded under the scheme are expected to increase capacity across the youth sector while enhancing organisations’ ability to attract, support and retain volunteers.
Since the establishment of the Volunteer Activation Fund in late 2024, more than €2m has been allocated to support volunteer development and the growth of volunteer-led clubs, underlining the Government’s commitment to strengthening youth work provision and participation among young people.
Confirming the funding, Minister Naughton said:
Notes to editors
The Volunteer Activation Fund 2026-2027 has been established to provide additional support to youth services organisations in recruiting, retaining and supporting volunteers.
The primary objective of the fund is to increase the number volunteers in the youth sector and the number of volunteer-led clubs operating across the country.
A total of €1,275,000 was made available by the Department of Education and Youth to support impactful projects to meet these objectives, of which €1,218,153 is being granted to the twelve successful organisations.
All projects funded under the Volunteer Activation Fund are being delivered by a national youth organisation funded under the Youth Services Grant Scheme of the Department of Education and Youth.
Grants have been awarded, following a review of applications by an assessment panel, to the following organisations:
Volunteer Activation Fund Allocations
Youth Organisation Award
Foróige €115,930
Scouting Ireland €119,500
ECO-Unesco €119,350
National Federation of Arch Clubs €65,000
Youth Work Ireland €110,378
Localise €70,715
Crosscare €118,107
Irish Girl Guides €105,002
Ogras €108,000
Young Irish Film Makers €111,000
Macra na Feirme €120,000
Belong To €55,171
Total €1,218,153
Source: Government of Ireland
The Minister for Children, Disability & Equality, Norma Foley and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins have today launched a public consultation to inform the review of the Disability Act 2005. Disabled people, their families, carers and representative groups are invited to take part to offer their insight, experience and expertise as part of the process.
It has been over 20 years since the Disability Act 2005 was updated. This is the first step in delivering on the commitment for reform of the Disability Act made in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and in the Programme for Government.
The Disability Act is a wide ranging piece of legislation that relates to the definition of disability, the assessment of needs process, accessible public buildings, universal design, the use of genetic data, employment and more.
The Act will be reviewed in light of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The review will also include examination of the Programme for Government commitment to place an autism strategy on a legislative footing.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said:
“In the 20 years since the Disability Act 2005 was enacted the landscape for disabled people and their families has completely changed. This long awaited review is an important opportunity to improve the quality of life for disabled people, their families and carers.
“The need for the Disability Act to be reviewed has been raised consistently by disabled people, Disabled People Organisations (DPOs), families, carers and representative bodies. Ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate in this process is vital so that the updated Act fully considers the needs and wants of disabled people into the future.
Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, said:
“The need to review the Disability Act has been long acknowledged and it is important that this first phase, the public consultation, includes as many voices and perspectives as possible. We must work together to deliver change and to consider how we can improve this legislation to benefit disabled people. This review may result in recommendations for legislative changes, policy development or calls for specific pieces of research.”
Closing date for submissions is 9 September 2026
Further details about the consultation and making a submission can be found here: Disability Act Review Call for submissions.
A full range of accessible formats is available including an Irish Sign Language video; Easy-to-Read version; a screen reader friendly version and braille on request. Submissions will be accepted in writing (by email or by post). Audio and video submissions will also be accepted.
The consultation process involves a public call out for submissions, following by consultation events later in 2026.
Research into good practices internationally in incorporating relevant UNCRPD obligations into domestic legislation will also be carried out in parallel.
Background to review
This review is a commitment in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which states that the review will examine the Disability Act in light of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and practical experience of its operation.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
Ireland ratified the UNCRPD in March 2018. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. The Convention covers economic, social and cultural rights, and each State Party is obliged to take steps, using the maximum of its available resources, to progressively realise these rights over time.
Disability Act description
The link to the Act is here: Disability Act 2005 (Irish statute book)
Source: Government of Ireland
ata-block-key=”zhyey”>The Minister of State for Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, has arrived in Nicosia for a meeting of EU Defence Ministers taking place today (8 June 2026), under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting of EU Defence Ministers takes place as Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency on 1 July.
Minister Byrne has joined EU Defence Ministers for discussions focused on sustaining EU support to Ukraine, including military assistance and defence industrial cooperation, as well as recent developments in maritime security and the role of EU naval operations.
The Defence Ministers will also hold an initial exchange on the forthcoming European Security Strategy, including its potential defence dimensions. The publication of the European Security Strategy is expected during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
The meeting takes place at an important juncture, as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in under three weeks.
Commenting on his attendance at the meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“As Minister of State for Defence, I welcome the opportunity to represent Ireland at this informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Nicosia, as we gather to discuss key priorities under the Common Security and Defence Policy. In attending this meeting of EU Defence Ministers, I am especially conscious that we are just three weeks away from Ireland taking on the EU Presidency. During our EU Presidency, Ireland will prioritise sustaining strong EU support for Ukraine, strengthening maritime security, and advancing cooperation with partners to address shared security challenges. I am committed to working closely with our EU partners to ensure continued progress on these priorities during our EU Presidency.”
Commenting on the agenda of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“Against the backdrop of global instability, maritime security is an area of key focus for Ireland, and for fellow EU member states. I look forward to discussing maritime security with fellow EU Defence Ministers at our meeting in Nicosia. As matters stands, it is expected that the European Security Strategy will be published during the Irish EU Presidency, and this will be an item of key focus.”
Minister Byrne continued: “I also look forward to discussing how we can best sustain EU support for Ukraine, including by mobilising European Peace Facility funds, and strengthening defence industrial cooperation.”
Source: Government of Ireland
ata-block-key=”xgpv7″>”I, and Government colleagues, recognise the enormous impact that fish-kills can have on the local community and users of the catchments, particularly where the fish-kill is as significant as I have seen first-hand here today – on the River Glyde. The scale of what has happened here is very concerning. I want to assure local communities that this incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Inland Fisheries Ireland is leading a thorough investigation, and I want to thank them and other agencies involved for their swift action. I also want to thank the local community and those who reported concerns or assisted in the response effort.
“We last saw an incident of this scale last August – on the River Blackwater in County Cork. At that time, I established an inter-agency group to collaborate on that investigation. The inter-agency group was coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland and drew in expertise from many State bodies and agencies.
“We subsequently asked the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) to carry out an independent, science-based review – to consider the actions taken during the Blackwater incident. The JRC’s report – published in February of this year – confirmed that the agencies had responded quickly, and that an extensive investigation had been carried out. The report also identified areas where systems could be strengthened.
“Many of those recommendations are now being progressed in the short term, including those aimed at strengthening how State agencies work together. An Inter-Agency Protocol Group was established by IFI to coordinate this work – also involving the EPA, Marine Institute and local authorities – and has been finalised. The protocol is currently going through a final approval process within each of the respective organisations, prior to an anticipated launch later this month.
“Today, however, my immediate focus is on the incident that has happened here – on the River Glyde. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our rivers and waterways – every landowner, business and individual has a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not negatively impact water quality. I would encourage anyone who observes pollution or fish distress to report it immediately to Inland Fisheries Ireland.”