Éire in north-western Europe, 26 counties on the island; capital Dublin
NRW has declared drought in North Wales and the Upper Severn as heat, low rainfall and wildfires intensify strain on rivers, groundwater and farming. Wales is set for its driest July in almost 190 years, with hosepipe bans in parts of the country and continued fire risk.
A wave of energy storage and grid-neutral projects is reshaping the power landscape. European microgrids in Dublin demonstrate how on-site generation paired with storage can stabilize supply, while a South Dakota project pilots thermal storage adjacent to a biofuels facility to ease wind-backed fluctuations. Simultaneously, a large-scale telecom-to-energy consolidation is prompting questions about consumer costs as regulators weigh rate implications.
Ireland is moving to pass a law limiting goods from Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements to a goods-only ban by mid-July, in line with government aims. The measure has faced opposition from business lobbyists and some politicians who prefer expanding the ban to services. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has signalled that widening to services would be unworkable, keeping the focus on goods.
The Football Association of Ireland has moved an October 4 Nations League match against Israel away from Aviva Stadium due to operational challenges amid protests over Gaza war casualties. A September 27 home fixture for Israel is also expected to be staged at a neutral venue. The federation says the change aims to protect the delivery of the match, with both sides set to meet at neutral sites.
A British man from Bournemouth has been arrested in Quito, Ecuador, on suspicion of beating Natalia Villalba to death in Bogote1 on 18 June and concealing her body in a suitcase. An Interpol Red Notice had been issued and Dorset Police assisted in locating him.
The hospitality sector has seen worsening conditions with nearly a quarter of venues losing money, prompting calls for a 10% VAT rate to boost margins, hiring, and investment. Campaigns gain momentum as Ireland lowers its rate and prominent chefs back the move, while critics warn of hefty revenue losses.
Keir Starmer has delivered a formal parliament apology for historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales (1949–1976). The government has committed a £4 million package to help victims access records, reconnect families, and fund research on long-term impacts. Campaigners welcomed the move after decades of advocacy, noting ongoing needs for trauma support and record access.
The UK government has issued a formal apology for the state’s role in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976, acknowledging harm to mothers, children and families. A £4 million package will fund access to adoption records, reconnecting relatives, and research into long-term impacts. The apology is supported by devolved administrations and follows earlier apologies from religious institutions.
Slaven Bilic has returned to lead Croatia, taking over a team that exited the World Cup in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Portugal. Dalic has stepped down after nearly a decade in charge, and Bilic is set to guide Croatia toward Euro 2028.
Andy Burnham has become UK prime minister, pledging to reform devolution and address Stormont’s budget crisis. Northern Ireland faces up to £1.6bn in spending pressures as talks with Stormont parties continue and the government weighs next steps.