AGP Executive Report

Local Nature Action: Skerries in north Co Dublin is boosting threatened large carder bees by managing flower-rich meadows with Fingal County Council, showing how small, targeted habitat work can help species survival. Planning & Competition: Lidl says rivals are exploiting Ireland’s planning system with “spurious objections,” warning reforms are needed to unblock store and distribution investment. Health & Safety: RTÉ Prime Time reports children being groomed into drug dealing and mules in Dublin, with minors filmed selling drugs in inner-city areas. Agriculture & CAP: Fine Gael is pushing a tougher “active farmer” definition for CAP, while Meat Industry Ireland says some cattle finishers are paid above market rate under contracts. Beef Trade: UK imports of Irish beef fell in Q1 2026, though Ireland remains the biggest supplier. Sports (Dublin focus): Amber Barrett discusses her long “super-sub” wait for a start as Ireland prepare for World Cup qualifying; and Leinster’s James Ryan looks ahead after Champions Cup heartbreak. Housing/Legal: A will made overseas can delay Irish probate indefinitely, according to a High Court-style probate Q&A.

Leaving Cert shake-up (Cork): ASTI president Padraig Curley urged students to pace themselves as the Leaving Cert begins for the last time in its current format, with major 2027 changes bringing continuous assessment components worth up to 40% in some subjects. GAA disciplinary row (Dublin): Dublin boss Ger Brennan’s solicitor hit back at GAA president Jarlath Burns, calling a 12-week ban “draconian” and disputing the GAA’s handling of disciplinary comparisons; Brennan returns for Dublin’s Cavan trip on June 14. All-Ireland SFC (Louth vs Armagh): Louth’s clash with Armagh is confirmed for Inniskeen on Sunday, June 14, with RTÉ live coverage and limited ticket access due to capacity. Cork commemoration: A hunger-strike volunteer from Cork in 1920, Joseph (Joe) Murphy, was honoured with a commemorative tree planted in Cork, linking his birthplace Lynn, Massachusetts, to his Irish legacy. Business/industry (Ireland): COWI has acquired PUNCH Consulting Engineers, boosting its Irish footprint and adding buildings and construction expertise. Crime (Louth): A mother and 20-day-old baby were among those rescued from an IPAS centre blaze in Drogheda after a man admitted setting the fire. Sports (Ireland): Mason Melia says his Republic of Ireland debut was “surreal” and he’s ready for more minutes against Canada in Montreal. Tourism & culture (Galway): Galway hosts the EPP Summer University with EU-US and transatlantic trade talks drawing 100+ politicians and business leaders.

World Cup build-up: FIFA has locked in the 26-man squads for the 2026 tournament, with teams now fully confirmed ahead of the kick-off. Environment & community: The Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count starts Monday, June 8, with people urged to report sightings online to help track hedgehog numbers. Local recycling push: Specsavers is rolling out a scheme to accept unwanted glasses and packaging for recycling as part of a wider sustainability drive. Housing & downsizing: RTÉ broadcaster Jacqui Hurley is launching “Good Neighbour”, a house-swapping-style service aimed at helping people stay local while moving between downsizing and upsizing needs. Education support: A Special Needs Assistant workforce development plan is set to go to Cabinet, aiming to professionalise the SNA role after earlier cuts were reversed. Health costs: Private health insurance premiums rose 10.6% on average last year even as cover was reduced, with fewer than half of people insured. Energy debate: With oil prices high, renewed calls are resurfacing over whether Ireland should lift the nuclear ban and consider nuclear as a complement to renewables.

Drug Safety Warning: A new Growing Up in Ireland study flags that many 20-year-olds are using multiple substances, with particular concern over mixing cocaine and alcohol, after researchers found widespread polydrug use and risky drinking patterns. Local Crime & Justice: The family of Dublin assault victim Qayyum Balogun is calling for answers after he died following an attack in the Grafton Street area, with gardaí seeking witnesses. GAA Round-Up: Dublin’s All-Ireland Football Championship series draw sets a Round 2B trip to Cavan, while Westmeath forward Brandon Kelly is nominated for GAA.ie Footballer of the Week. Health & Research: Academics and researchers have signed a letter criticising Research Ireland’s priorities as too industry-centred, arguing arts and humanities are being neglected. Business & Jobs: SIPTU RTÉ members back a preventive ballot for industrial action if outsourcing continues, as RTÉ’s strategy faces fresh pressure. Sport (International): West Indies Women’s coach Shane Deitz says his side learned lessons from Ireland’s rain-affected one-run win ahead of the T20 World Cup. Design & Education: UL’s Design@UL exhibition showcases student projects tackling health and societal challenges, running until June 4.

Road Safety: Deer-related crashes are rising on Irish roads, with RSA figures showing 41 casualty collisions involving deer between 2019 and 2025, alongside a steady climb in material-damage incidents. Research Funding: Nearly 2,000 academics have signed a letter criticising Taighde Éireann/Research Ireland for being too industry-led, warning arts and humanities are being sidelined. Economy Watch: Ireland’s manufacturing sector grew fastest in four years in May, with the AIB PMI jumping to 55.9 as firms front-loaded orders amid Middle East conflict. Health & Society: A new pilot will train HR mentors to help people with criminal convictions succeed in the workplace, starting with those with minor convictions. Women’s Cricket: Ireland Women made history in a rain-hit T20I tri-series clash, beating West Indies Women by one run via DLS, with Orla Prendergast top-scoring. Teen Wellbeing: A survey says Irish teenagers miss about 10 school days a year due to stress, with exams and homework the biggest drivers. Transport & Tech: EV interest surged on DoneDeal Cars, with electric searches up 94% year-on-year as diesel searches fell 21%.

World Cup Focus: Ireland’s women’s team are building momentum for the Netherlands and France qualifiers, with manager Carla Ward saying automatic qualification is “daring to believe” but within reach as Ireland chase top seeding and direct World Cup tickets. Local Culture & Tourism: Galway City Museum is set for a €12m upgrade, adding a three-storey extension and Comerford House to boost exhibitions, visitors and jobs. Education Integrity: Ghana’s tertiary watchdog GTEC has listed 70 unrecognised institutions, including 14 in Ghana, warning the public to check certificates carefully. Energy Costs: Councillors are pushing for bigger and faster SEAI home-energy grants, arguing older homeowners can’t afford the upfront costs. Business & Jobs: Interactive Brokers Ireland is expanding hiring as its operations grow, while Irish tech firm Tines reports sharply higher revenue ahead of further funding. Community & Health: IBTS honoured thousands of long-time blood donors across the North-East and Midlands, including local 50- and 100-time donors. Public Safety: Gardaí are investigating after a man in his 60s was found unresponsive in north Dublin and rushed to Beaumont Hospital.

Irish-language Schools: Coalition tensions are flaring after Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton said no new Irish-language primary or secondary schools are planned until at least 2032, with Dara Calleary calling the lack of Gaelcholáiste openings “not happy” and vowing to raise it with Fine Gael. Energy Bills & Data Centres: A new study claims data-centre growth could add hundreds of euro to household electricity bills, warning costs may intensify as demand rises. Carers Support Grant: Over 147,000 full-time carers are set to receive a €2,000 Carer’s Support Grant this week, with payments due Thursday, June 4. Sport—Dublin vs Louth: Louth ended a 53-year wait by beating Dublin in the Leinster championship, leaving Dublin facing a do-or-die next round. Football—McCabe to Chelsea: Katie McCabe is reportedly closing in on a move from Arsenal to Chelsea after her contract ended. AI & Ethics: A Pope’s new AI encyclical focuses on who is shaping AI and in whose interests, linking concerns to job security and energy use.

HSE Staffing Crisis: A Fine Gael councillor says the HSE must start recruiting in schools, especially Transition Year, as thousands of funded posts sit vacant and non-frontline hiring pauses worsen the long-term squeeze. All-Ireland Football: Louth stunned Dublin at Croke Park, winning 4-18 to 1-24 with Craig Lennon’s late goal to secure a first championship win over the Dubs since 1973. All-Ireland Football (Qualifiers): Mayo held off a Monaghan comeback to win 1-24 to 2-20 in Clones, keeping their momentum going after a tough Connacht outing. Women’s Football: Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is set to join Chelsea after leaving Arsenal, ending an 11-year spell in north London. Local Politics & Housing Costs: Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue warns construction “gouging” and oil-linked material price swings are driving up the cost of building homes. Public Safety: Lithuania was praised after an IAEA review of its nuclear and radiation safety oversight and public communication. Sports Round-up: Clare won the All-Ireland U20 hurling final over Galway, while Team Ireland added two bronze medals at World Cup I in Seville.

Public Safety & Justice: A protest in Dublin city centre pressed for “answers, accountability and justice” after the death of Congolese man Yves Sakila, who allegedly shoplifted at Arnotts, was restrained by security, then CPR was started by gardaí after he was found unwell following handcuffing. Politics & Security: A Dublin MEP says UK officials fear Ireland is a “back door” for Russian spies, citing 14,000 Russian visa approvals since the Ukraine invasion and raising questions about due diligence. Foreign Policy & Sport: Opposition parties are pushing a Dáil motion backing a boycott of Ireland’s Israel fixtures, after a Qatar friendly was twice interrupted by Palestinian-flag tennis-ball protests and the FAI faces possible penalties if it forfeits. Economy & Industry: Data reported by the Irish Times claims Aughinish Alumina shipped most alumina to Russia in early 2026, challenging arguments against including the plant in EU sanctions. Climate & Energy: An Post says it hit a 50% carbon-emissions cut ahead of schedule and is expanding electrified delivery fleets. Local & Culture: Astronomy Ireland is inviting Limerick photographers to capture a rare “Blue Moon” this weekend. Sport (GAA): Roscommon opened their All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie campaign with a win over Tyrone; GAA also says minor finals before senior deciders isn’t currently feasible.

Ireland-Israel Football Row: Ireland’s friendly with Qatar at the Aviva was halted three times after pro-Palestine fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch, as players and coaches weigh how to respond to Nations League fixtures against Israel. Sporting Spotlight: In cricket, Ireland’s Test with New Zealand at Stormont swung into a crowd-and-craft moment as play went on, while Canada named Alphonso Davies in its World Cup squad despite a hamstring injury. EU Presidency Watch: Ireland’s EU Council presidency is set to kick off July 1, with debate still focused on security and what it means for everyday people. Housing Pressure: New data shows social housing stock inspections are far behind target, with Cork among the worst performers. Local Life & Community: Laois residents raised €170k for a new Ballyroan playground and sports amenity, topping government support. Food & Farming: Protein demand is boosting Irish dairy opportunities as whey protein isolate prices surge. Tech & Work: Ibec warns Ireland can’t take a passive approach to AI’s impact on jobs and the workforce.

Football & Protests: Ireland’s friendly with Qatar in Dublin was twice disrupted when fans threw tennis balls marked “Stop the Game” and Palestinian flags, pressing the FAI to cancel Nations League matches against Israel; the FAI says a board discussion is likely next week and a General Assembly group has gathered signatories for an emergency meeting. Crime & Courts: A suspect in the murder of Iranian mother-of-two Masuma Sorabi in Co Galway was previously fined for trying to contact her and breaching a court order to stay away from her IPAS accommodation. Agriculture: Beef farmers say they’re being squeezed by a big price gap between what retailers pay and what farmers receive, while processors warn demand is weakening and the supply chain isn’t working. Weather & Health: A heatwave keeps Ireland in the headlines, with record-breaking temperatures reported across Europe and warnings about the risks of extreme heat. Business & Tech: TikTok Shop expands further across Europe, including Ireland, as local brands gain more in-app selling options. Sports: New Zealand wrapped up a one-off Test win over Ireland in Belfast, while Irish rower Fintan McCarthy reached the semi-finals at World Rowing Cup I.

US-Ireland trade shock: An expert warns Donald Trump’s tariff approach could outlast his term, with Irish exports to the US still down sharply as firms brace for long-term volatility. Dublin regeneration shake-up: Dublin City Council’s chief executive backed Robert Watt to lead the new Dublin City Regeneration Authority, pitching him as a “generational civil servant” for the €114m project. R&D tax credit signal: Finance Minister Simon Harris hinted changes to the R&D tax credit for subcontractors, telling US business leaders he’ll examine the rules to help innovation. Housing and energy pressure: EU officials say Ireland didn’t use enough housing funds during the crisis, while new reporting links data centres to rising household energy costs. Health services gap: A Government diabetes strategy flags “significant staffing gaps” and uneven access to specialist diabetes care. Sports with local bite: Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley says St Pat’s is about “small margins” after derby momentum; and Ireland’s Aviva friendly with Qatar was twice halted by tennis-ball protests over Israel fixtures.

Road Safety: Gardaí have launched a June bank holiday road policing campaign, warning the risk of crashes is highest from midday to 9pm and intoxicated-driving arrests peak late night into the early hours. Electricity Costs: A Mayo TD says electricity price hikes for households are being driven by data centres getting cheaper power, calling it a scandal as more families face higher bills. Housing Watch: CSO figures show 8,408 homes started construction in Q1 2026 and 7,856 completed, with completions up sharply year-on-year. Health & Community: Poetry Day Ireland’s “Menu of Poems” is being shared across hospitals, including Mayo University Hospital, reaching thousands of patients and staff. Local Life: Westmeath volunteers have put up missing county flags and bunting in Athlone ahead of the Cavan clash, while the council is also progressing plans for an outdoor swimming pool on the Shannon at Friary Strand. Sport (Ireland): Jack Moylan starts for Ireland against Qatar at the Aviva as Heimir Hallgrímsson fields an experienced side. Dementia Fundraiser: The FTD Brothers have finished 33 marathons in 33 days in Dublin’s Merrion Square, raising major funds for frontotemporal dementia support and research. Culture: Cong Food Village Festival returns for July 11-12 at Cong Abbey, billed as the West’s biggest food festival.

Ireland-Israel football row: Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson says players want to focus on the game amid protests over Nations League fixtures, insisting “we are not the bad guys” and that the “best answer” is to win. Security alert: Gardaí are investigating the motive behind threatening emails sent to 20 primary schools in Co Carlow, with US routing suspected and the SDU expected to liaise with American agencies. Health system strain: Experts warn of a growing crisis in autopsy services, with staffing shortages causing long waits for families across multiple counties and concerns that importing pathologists from Britain would only be a stopgap. Climate & energy pressure: An EPA report says Ireland will significantly exceed its 2030 greenhouse gas targets, while a separate warning links rising energy bills to data centre growth. Local politics & abuse: A report on recent by-elections says candidates from minority backgrounds and women faced disproportionate racist and misogynistic abuse and intimidation. Sport—cricket & football: New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra impressed in Belfast as Ireland hosted their first-ever Test against NZ; meanwhile Seamus Coleman says his Everton exit was driven by a desire for more Republic of Ireland playing time.

EU Passenger Rights Talks: Ireland is among countries pushing for stronger compensation rules as the EU nears a deal to update air passenger rights, with key fights over liability thresholds and payouts. Israel/Ireland Football Row: Sports ministers Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue say they won’t attend the Ireland–Israel matches, with no legal advice taken on possible UEFA sanctions. Occupied Territories Bill: Ireland’s planned ban on goods from Israeli settlements faces warnings of US retaliation, with US-Irish business ties at stake. Dublin Airport Prep: Dublin Airport is readying its original terminal for visiting heads of state during the EU Council presidency. Road Safety Memorials: New rules restrict roadside memorials on faster roads, but existing collision memorials will be exempt “out of respect.” Health & Safety Recall: Thousands of TVs in Ireland are recalled over a plug fuse fire risk. Politics: “Dark clouds” hang over Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin after poor byelection results. Sports & Culture: Westmeath fans queued to meet Leinster champions; Portlaoise schools celebrated a low-carbon travel project.

Media shake-up: Campaign’s Media 360 opened in Brighton with marketers and media leaders debating the biggest changes hitting trust, community and big tech’s grip on attention. Public pay pressure: Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission is pushing a new focus on productivity, not just salary levels, with a national conference set for June. Workplace efficiency wins: An Irish hydraulic maker says switching to measured cleanliness testing cut washer servicing and costs by about €7,500 per unit a year without compromising safety. Cyber compliance goes practical: SolutionsPT is bringing back its Cyber SecureOT conference in Ireland and the UK, arguing that tighter rules can be turned into resilience for industrial systems. Health and education strain: A Galway mother says her dyslexic daughter can’t get into a specialised reading class because openings haven’t expanded in 10 years. Climate target gap: Ireland’s EPA warns emissions cuts will fall far short of 2030 obligations even if promised measures land. Sports injury blow: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett is ruled out for up to five months, missing the South Africa tour.