Louise Byrne

Policy & Analysis Correspondent

Prime Time Reporter

A major national rollout of smart meters is estimated to cost €1.2 billion.

Smart tariff uptake at just 11% despite major smart meter rollout

Despite a major national rollout of smart meters, only 11% of electricity customers are on smart tariffs. Prime Time explores the reasons why people have been reluctant to change their payment arrangements.

Prime Time • 16 May 24

Recent research shows vaping is increasing in Ireland

Should disposable vapes be banned in Ireland?

As the UK moves to ban all disposable vapes, Prime Time speaks to medics and others about whether the Irish Government should follow their example.

Prime Time • 31 Jan 24

More than 400 million will have their say on a new European Parliament in 2024. Graphic: Scott Bryan

Can democracy survive a year of global elections?

Around four billion people will have the chance to vote in 2024, far more in one year than ever before. But in which direction is democracy headed?

Prime Time • 05 Jan 24

Cash or card: Are we tapping our way to a cashless society?

As the National Driver Licence Service insists that it will continue to refuse cash payments, Prime Time asks if the future of cash hangs in the balance.

Prime Time • 19 Dec 23

RSA should reverse no cash policy for driving licences - McGrath

The NDLS has confirmed to Prime Time that cash is still not accepted at 34 driving licence centres around the country as the move predated the Minister's guidance

Prime Time • 19 Dec 23

Belfast's Casement Park has been chosen to host Euro 2028 games

Casement Park: Can fans and politicians unite over Euros venue?

Belfast's Casement Park has been confirmed as Northern Ireland's host venue for Euro 2028. But given the many setbacks it has faced, can it be redeveloped on time?

Prime Time • 30 Nov 23

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49 according to recent analysis by the Washington Post

Fentanyl: Could the killer drug reach our streets?

Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times that of heroin but is its arrival in Ireland inevitable and are we prepared?

Prime Time • 17 Oct 23

The Coda Hospice near Antwerp in Belgium where people's lives can be legally and voluntarily ended.

Should Ireland allow euthanasia? We went to see how it can work

As the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying prepares to resume, Louise Byrne reports from Belgium and the Netherlands, where euthanasia has been legal for two decades.

Prime Time • 13 Sep 23

Hedwig Vrancken with her husband Gilbert Rooms who availed of assisted dying in Belgium last year

Cava and music: how one euthanasia patient spent their final day

76-year-old Gilbert Rooms was one of almost 3,000 people who availed of assisted dying in Belgium last year. Louise Byrne met his wife Hedwig Vrancken in Antwerp to get one perspective on euthanasia.

Prime Time • 12 Sep 23

Two forum panelists give their views on three key questions

As the Consultative Forum on Ireland's Security Policy begins in Cork, Prime Time's Louise Byrne has been speaking to two panelists about some of the key topics likely to be debated over the coming months.

Prime Time • 23 Jun 23