Transformational projects like MetroLink cannot substitute for incremental annual improvements

Extreme weather trends are further evidence that climate change is happening and happening quickly

Strong figures will increase pressure on the Government to spend more and more

With big deposit books, the major lenders should have no need to increase costs to borrowers

The power sharing institutions remain in place, but they need to achieve more

Keir Starmer now seems more willing to point to the economic costs of Brexit

The actions of the US president were blatantly illegal, but others are slow to criticise

The agreement looks likely to be concluded in the coming weeks

Concerted action by the responsible bodies is essential - so is a change in mindset by drivers

While the sap has indeed sunk in many trees, by no means all of nature is hibernating now

The core importance of natural infrastructure is still not being recognised

Irishness is at the core of the appeal of a new generation of stars

As the new year dawns, there is no shortage of reasons for concern

Despite talk of progress, major obstacles remain

Kate O’Connor and a string of other athletes, swimmers and boxers show the value of proper funding and investment

The files cast new light on Anglo-Irish tensions over the Troubles in Northern Ireland

A move by the US to impose ban on those involved in digital regulation and monitoring in the EU is ominous

There were fears of upheaval due to Trump’s tariffs, but so far Ireland has avoided major damage

The problems were well diagnosed. What was missing was urgency

Historical US commitments to democracy and global relationships are being reshaped

At Christmas we draw from our deep well of tradition and custom

The increase in journey volumes has been relentless, reflecting growth in the economy and in Dublin’s population

The prime minister can only muddle along without passing any significant legislation

The Coalition has promised to reduce spending growth, but risks remain

The people of the region deserve better than reactive policies driven by headlines and yet more reviews

A compromise had to be found, though it was not to the liking of some member states

A balance between patient care and the management of public funds is required

IDA Ireland attracted a record number of projects, despite US policy changes

The decision was accepted across the political spectrum, but further moves closer to the EU would cause fierce debate

The presidential episode is of limited significance but it will have consequences

Decarbonising the transport sector remains vital to cut emissions

More information is needed on why Ireland is such a high cost economy

First arrested in 2020, Lai has spent nearly five years in detention

Neither the political right nor the left has been immune from its pull

The risk of a fall-off in corporate tax is real, but sensible budgeting can contain it to some extent

Vital decision due on legality of a key aspect of the US president’s policy agenda

Renewed diplomatic activity is urgently needed

The Government’s decision to sign a letter seeking changes to the rules is an important signal

Surge exposes the fault lines in a health service operating at the limits of capacity

European leaders are now coming to terms with clear evidence of the US president’s hostility

Extending derogation is at odds with Ireland’s climate and biodiversity commitments

Questions raised about the British government’s commitment to providing the truth and offering justice

The confidence of international investors in Ireland must be maintained

The Government has much to do ahead of Ireland taking on the EU presidency next July

Legitimate concerns need to be addressed

Government supports are having an impact, but affordability remains a real problem

US president Donald Trump claimed he had brokered a peace deal but hostilities have resumed

Pete Hegseth has overseen a huge military build-up against Venezuela in the Caribbean

The ban on under-16s will be watched closely to see whether it works

Long commutes, inadequate housing and poor public transport are all part of the same story