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Water use restrictions loom as data centres and pharma firms face scrutiny

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Ireland is grappling with significant water usage, with data centres consuming nearly a billion litres last year, though the pharmaceutical industry uses even more. This scrutiny comes as a nationwide hosepipe ban takes effect due to dry conditions, highlighting concerns about resource management.

In other domestic news, a government review has cleared Aughinish Alumina of any links to the Russian military, following investigations into its exports. Meanwhile, Cork County Council has paid out over €3 million for public liability claims, predominantly due to pothole damage, reflecting ongoing infrastructure challenges.

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Water Usage Scrutiny and Restrictions

An investigation revealed that data centres used almost one billion litres of water last year, though the pharmaceutical industry uses more. This comes as a nationwide hosepipe ban has been extended, signaling growing concerns about water resources and usage across the country.

TheJournal.ie Data centres used almost one billion litres of water last year, but another… ↗
TheJournal.ie Hosepipe ban extended nationwide from today ↗

Aughinish Alumina cleared of Russian military links

A government review has found no adverse findings linking Aughinish Alumina, located in Limerick, to the Russian military. This investigation concluded there is no evidence that the plant's exports are being used in Russian arms manufacturing.

BreakingNews.ie Government Review Clears Aughinish Alumina of Russian Military Links ↗
TheJournal.ie 'No evidence' that alumina exports from Limerick plant are going to Russian… ↗

Childcare Fee Review to Target Overcharging

The Irish government is initiating its first-ever review of childcare fees. This review specifically aims to identify and address creches that are overcharging parents, indicating a move towards greater regulation and affordability in the sector.

The Irish Times Review of childcare fees to target creches overcharging parents ↗

Cork Council Pays Millions for Pothole Claims

Cork County Council has disbursed €3.1 million in public liability claims, with the vast majority stemming from issues related to potholes. This significant payout reflects the widespread problem of road infrastructure damage and its financial consequences.

Irish Examiner Cork Council Pays Out €3.1m for Pothole Claims ↗

High Court Finds Judge's Jailing of Woman Unfair

The High Court has ruled that a Kerry judge's decision to jail Michelle Keane for contempt of court was 'manifestly unfair', overturning the previous ruling and highlighting judicial review processes.

Irish Examiner High Court Finds Judge's Jailing of Michelle Keane Unfair ↗

Celtic Tiger Developer's Nama Debt Written Off

A developer linked to the Celtic Tiger era has had €14 million of their debt with Nama (the National Asset Management Agency) written off, indicating significant financial restructuring related to that period.

Irish Examiner Celtic Tiger Developer Has €14m Nama Debt Written Off ↗

Inheritance Tax Overhaul Could Cost State Millions

Proposed changes to inheritance tax, specifically for individuals without children, could lead to the State losing hundreds of millions of euros in revenue, according to an analysis.

TheJournal.ie Inheritance tax overhaul for people who don't have children would cost State… ↗

Rail Line Expansion Project Announced

A major billion-euro expansion project has been announced for Ireland's most congested rail line, aiming to alleviate traffic issues and improve transport capacity.

The Irish Times Billion-euro expansion announced for country's most congested rail line ↗

Covid-19 Management Patterns Emerge Ahead of Final Report

As a final report on Ireland's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic nears completion, patterns are beginning to emerge that assess the effectiveness of the country's management strategies.

The Irish Times How well did Ireland deal with Covid? Patterns emerge ahead of final report ↗

Wildfires Rage for Fifth Day in Slievenamon

Wildfires in the Slievenamon region have continued for five consecutive days, requiring the deployment of two aerial support units to assist ground crews in combating the blazes.

BreakingNews.ie Wildfires enter into fifth day as two aerial support units in use ↗

GAA Apologizes for Kids' Camp Supply Chain Issues

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has issued an apology concerning 'supply chain issues' that affected children participating in its Cúl Camp program.

Irish Examiner GAA Apologizes for 'Supply Chain Issues' at Kids' Camp ↗