Una Kelly

Parents of children in primary school and special schools do not have to pay for schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks (Stock image)

Free schoolbooks 'death knell' for independent bookshops

A Co Louth bookshop owner has said the Government's introduction of free schoolbooks has been a "death knell" for independent bookshops across Ireland.

Ireland • 16 Jan

Visitors from the south consistently account for 25% of footfall in Newry, according to the manager of Newry Business Improvement District

Is life in Northern Ireland less expensive?

Saturday afternoons in Newry still bring shoppers from the south in pursuit of a good bargain - but after a tumultuous few years featuring Brexit, the pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis, how has that hit the pockets of people in the North?

Ulster • 09 Oct 24

Mayor Seenoi-Barr arrived in the North 14 years ago as a refuge

Ethnic minorities play their role in the North's politics

Those from ethnic minority backgrounds share their experiences of life in Northern Ireland being politically and socially active.

Ireland • 02 Oct 24

Northern Ireland is experiencing a housing shortage, resulting in rapidly growing social housing waiting lists and rising rents

Call to establish NI commission to examine housing policy

A leading housing expert has called for the establishment of a commission in Northern Ireland to examine housing policy and how the region can avoid the mistakes of the crisis in the south.

Ulster • 25 Sep 24

Paramilitary is a contested term, with some believing it risks lending a legitimacy to groups whose activities now resemble organised crime (file image)

Paramilitaries a 'major issue' in some NI communities

Youth workers have said that paramilitary groups are "a major issue" in some communities in Northern Ireland, with young people suffering severe mental health issues, being forced into criminality or being "sexually exploited" if they do not hand over money to criminal gangs.

Ulster • 18 Sep 24

Seaview Integrated in Glenarm, Co Antrim is the main primary school for children in the area

Less than 8% of children in NI are in integrated schools

Less than 8% of children in Northern Ireland are in integrated schools, which intentionally aim to mix pupils from Catholic, Protestant and other backgrounds, writes Una Kelly.

Ulster • 11 Sep 24

A man pictured walking past a mural reading showing support to NHS workers in the West Belfast area

Growing number of doctors in NI leaving NHS for HSE

A growing number of consultant doctors in Northern Ireland are leaving the UK's NHS to work in the HSE.

Health • 04 Sep 24

Sea survival is a key part of basic training that prepares fishers in the event of an accident at sea

New sea survival training pool to open in Co Donegal

A new sea survival training pool has been launched in the National Fisheries College of Ireland in Greencastle, Co Donegal.

Ulster • 22 May 24

Concerns investment not matching growth in Drogheda

Drogheda has a population of 44,135 and is expanding rapidly, but some local groups are concerned that investment in the area is not keeping pace with the rate of growth.

Regional • 14 Mar 24

Elitsa Borisova says a person with a disability just can't compete in the rental market

Renting while disabled: a 'crisis within a crisis'

People with disabilities are facing a "crisis within a crisis" in the rental market, according to some who have spoken to RTÉ's Drivetime.

Regional • 18 Jan 24