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Unfinished ‘Ghost Estates’ a Huge Problem in Ireland

Michael Green

The property boom that gripped Ireland during the 1990’s and the early part of the new century had a dreadful far-reaching effect when property prices crashed. The leading banks in Ireland had to go cap-in-hand to the Government for a bail-out which in turn bankrupted the economy and resulted in extensive loans being required from the EU/IMF ECB troika. On a wider perspective the property crash decimated the economy but also caused a lot of problems on a micro level too. Many Irish couples bought starter apartments in the hope that they could move to a bigger house when their … Continue reading Unfinished ‘Ghost Estates’ a Huge Problem in Ireland

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Further Crackdown on Welfare on the Way

Michael Green

It is a sign of the economic times that social welfare is again being targeted by a broke Irish government. Years of austerity, cutbacks and tax hikes have not yet been enough to balance the books in Ireland so the next target is those people who have already lost their jobs. The ‘Jobseekers Allowance’ is usually paid for 12 months after unemployment begins but it is likely this will be cut to 9 months after which time the allowance will become subject to a ‘means test’. Such an individual examination of a persons income is likely to result in the … Continue reading Further Crackdown on Welfare on the Way

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The Changing Face of Irish Religion Revealed by CSO Statistics

Michael Green

The Central Statistics Office has released more figures from the 2011 census that has highlighted the changing makeup of religion in Ireland. * The number of agnostics or atheists has increased dramatically and now represents 5.9% of the population * Catholics represent 84.2% of the population, the lowest percentage ever recorded * Muslims account for 1.1% * Non-Christian religions in Ireland account for 1.9% Other highlight from the 2011 census include: * There were 42,854 more females than males in the State in April 2011 * Immigration by Irish nationals was 19,593 in the year to April 2011 * Immigration … Continue reading The Changing Face of Irish Religion Revealed by CSO Statistics

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Remarkable Reversal in Fortune is Possible for Fianna Fail

Michael Green

The Fianna Fail party that governed while the Irish economy collapsed is showing signs of life. The party was pummeled in the last general election, winning only 20 seats in the Irish parliament (Dail Eireann), having previously held 71 seats. The big winners were Fine Gael and the Labour Party who won an extra 25 and 17 seats respectively, sweeping the two parties into a coalition government on the back of an unprecedented popular mandate. It looked like the end of the road for the once all-powerful Fianna Fail. Since that February 2011 election Fianna Fail has struggled to establish the … Continue reading Remarkable Reversal in Fortune is Possible for Fianna Fail

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Internet usage in Ireland to boost Irish economy by up to 6 Billion Euro

Michael Green

A report commissioned by media group UPC has revealed that as much as 6 Billion Euro could be contributed to the Irish economy by 2016, thanks to an increase in ecommerce activity. 2012 is expected to see spending of 3.7 Billion Euro, rising to 5.7 Billion Euro by 2016. This figure would constitute 7% of all consumer spending in Ireland. The report found that Irish adults who shop online spend an average of 116 Euro monthly. 80% of Irish adults now use the internet regularly, up from 50% in 2007. 45% of Irish consumers have made on online purchase in … Continue reading Internet usage in Ireland to boost Irish economy by up to 6 Billion Euro

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Abortion debate ignited by tragic death in Galway Hospital

Michael Green

 The death of Savita Halappanavar in Galway University Hospital on October 28th has re-ignited the smoldering abortion debate in Ireland. The 31-year-old woman died after her medically induced miscarriage went wrong and, despite repeatedly asking that the miscarriage be induced further to hasten its completion, it seems that this request may have been denied. The death of Mrs. Halappanavar, who was a native of India, was reported in the ‘India Times’ newspaper under the headline: ‘Ireland Murders Pregnant Indian Dentist’. An investigation into the exact circumstance of her death is under way but regardless of its outcome the divisive issue of abortion … Continue reading Abortion debate ignited by tragic death in Galway Hospital

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Ireland to benefit from big Irish oil discovery near County Kerry

Michael Green

As much as one billion barrels of oil have been discovered off the Kerry coastline in Ireland. Petrel Resources has seen its value quadruple after the announcement. To put the find into context, current world consumption of oil is approximately 80 million barrels daily with Ireland consuming about .165 million barrels daily. Despite the oil being 200km away from the mainland and under 1km of rock newer drilling techniques have made previously unaccessible oil-fields more viable. The US is expected to become the worlds largest oil producer thanks to its implementation of these new methods. Exploration licences were sold in … Continue reading Ireland to benefit from big Irish oil discovery near County Kerry