Joe Mag Raollaigh

Political Coverage Editor

President Michael D Higgins was presented with the Agricola medal from FAO Director General Dr Qu Dongyu (photo: RollingNews.ie)

President Higgins awarded UN Agricola medal

President Micheal D Higgins has been presented with a prestigious UN medal in recognition of his work advancing global food security and poverty alleviation.

Ireland • 07 Jun 24

Christine Lagarde told a press conference there would be 'bumps on the road'

Timing of future ECB interest rate cuts 'uncertain'

The timing and speed of the path of future rate cuts is "very uncertain", according to European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, after the central bank started lowering borrowing costs from record highs.

Ireland • 07 Jun 24

Re-turn was established by drinks producers and retailers in order to fulfil Ireland's obligations under the EU Single Use Plastics Directive

Deposit Return scheme shows strong growth four months on

This weekend is a significant one for Ireland Deposit Return Scheme. Four months since the scheme's launch and the volume of returns has been increasing strongly.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Jun 24

The company operating the Deposit Return Scheme says that 75 million drinks containers were returned in May alone (file image)

150 million drinks containers returned under scheme

As the Deposit Return Scheme hits its four month milestone, new figures from the scheme operators indicate 150 million drinks containers have been returned through a network of 2,300 Reverse Vending Machines around the country.

Ireland • 31 May 24

Every year Bloom takes place on a 70-acre site in the Phoenix Park

Garden lovers gather as Bloom festival begins

It is that time of year again, when garden lovers and fans of Irish food, drink and horticulture make a beeline for Dublin's Phoenix Park as the annual Bord Bia Bloom festival begins.

Dublin • 30 May 24

Danny Doyle from Rathangan, Co Kildare, was presented with his award by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD

Tillage farmer crowned Teagasc/FBD student of the year

A young tillage farmer has been declared the overall winner of the Teagasc/FBD student of the year at a ceremony that took place in Co Laois yesterday.

Leinster • 22 May 24

Today's CSO figures show that wholesale electricity prices have decreased by 59.4% since April 2022 and have fallen by 77.2% when compared to the peak in August 2022

Annual wholesale electricity prices down 30% in April

Wholesale electricity prices - the prices that suppliers pay to generators - fell nearly 30% in the 12 months to April, the latest Central Statistics Office figures show today.

Business • 22 May 24

The study focused on small cattle or sheep farms (file image)

Smaller farms prove less carbon efficient - Teagasc study

The smallest of Irish farms produce very little income and have low carbon footprints but are less carbon efficient than larger farms, according to Teagasc.

Ireland • 21 May 24

Keith Symes, farmer and producer of Sussed Rapeseed Oil; Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank of Ireland; Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food

Most food and drink companies positive about future

Irish food and drinks companies are generally positive about the future, despite issues with inflation, input costs and labour availability.

Business • 21 May 24

The review aims to update legislation to combat biodiversity loss and protect nature

Legislation on biodiversity loss to be reviewed

A review of the State's legislation protecting wild animals, birds, habitats and landscapes is to open next month, with input of the public being sought.

Ireland • 20 May 24