Oonagh Smyth

Prime Time

An internal register in An Bord Pleanála is designed to avoid the perception of bias and conflicts of interest

Concerns over 'system failure' at An Bord Pleanála

A key procedure designed to avoid the conflicts of interest at An Bord Pleanála does not appear to have been followed in a number of recent cases, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 27 May 22

Two separate reviews are underway into the past decisions of the Deputy Chair of An Bord Pleanála

Why has a member of An Bord Pleanála stepped aside?

The stepping aside of the Deputy Chair of An Bord Pleanála comes after he admitted he did not make a disclosure in relation to a planning decision, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 11 May 22

Can Ireland drive its way out of carbon emissions?

Electric vehicles are key to the Government's plans to cut transport emissions, explains Oonagh Smyth. But can we really tackle climate change by putting more cars on the roads?

Prime Time • 25 Apr 22

In 2021, Ireland's carbon emissions fell by between 1.8% and 3.7%, according to early estimates

Ireland missed emissions targets in 2021 - early data

Early estimates of carbon emissions for 2021 indicate that Ireland is already off target on its 2030 climate goals, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 14 Apr 22

The Department of Environment said the crisis in Ukraine was helping to galvanise action on climate change

Will the Ukraine war be a catalyst for climate targets?

By complicating global cooperation, the war in Ukraine could set our climate targets back. But the spike in energy prices could see a faster shift to renewables, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 13 Apr 22

Many have fled the besieged city of Mariupol

'Militia out!' - Life in Russian-occupied Ukraine

In Russian-occupied towns, evacuees from the besieged city of Mariupol find near-empty streets, where locals search for increasingly scarce food and supplies, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 16 Mar 22

The sun sets on the outskirts of Mykolaiv, a Ukrainian port city on the Black Sea

This trapped Ukrainian family wants to come to Ireland

Lesya and her family desperately want to leave the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv to come to Ireland. But as Russian troops encircle the city, she feels utterly trapped, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 09 Mar 22

The Department of Housing is hoping councils will acquire 2,500 vacant units by 2026 (stock image)

Dept seeks more forced purchases of derelict sites

The Department of Housing will encourage local authorities across the country to scale up their use of compulsory purchase orders to take over vacant and derelict housing.

Prime Time • 28 Jan 22

New figures show that the two main energy efficiency grants are not being widely accessed by firms

Amid climate crisis, firms struggle with energy grants

New figures show that the two main energy efficiency grants for businesses are not being widely accessed, Oonagh Smyth explains.

Prime Time • 10 Dec 21

5,374 Covid infections were detected in children aged 5 to 12 last week

This Co Meath primary school already recommends masks

The principal of Scoil Bhríde National School in Kilbride said that recommending that its pupils wear masks was a desperate measure for desperate times, explains Oonagh Smyth.

Prime Time • 26 Nov 21