Louise Byrne

Prime Time

Prime Time Reporter

Housing association Tuath has converted empty office blocks to apartments

Could empty offices help solve the housing crisis?

Living at the office used to mean working long hours but what if you could literally live in an office? Louise Byrne finds out.

Prime Time • 03 Mar 23

Jimmy Crosbie's mortgage was sold to an investment fund in 2019

'It's a cage' - Mortgage prisoners fear more rate hikes

After the crash, thousands of people with split mortgages had their loans sold to investment funds. As interest rates rise, many of them feel like mortgage prisoners, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 03 Feb 23

All 69 houses and apartments in Sarsfield Heights in Cork City will be social housing

'It's almost impossible to build homes at scale'

Every unit in a new housing scheme in Cork will be social housing – dashing the hopes of first-time buyers in the area, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 09 Dec 22

The Derrybrien wind farm was completed and opened in 2006

Energy crisis – Why are these wind turbines not turning?

With Ireland facing a potential energy crisis this winter, why are these wind turbines not turning?

Prime Time • 10 Mar 23

The Construction Industry Federation is 'concerned' about housing output

Construction body concerned fewer homes may be built

Citing rising interest rates and increasing material costs, the Construction Industry Federation said there is some concern that there could be a fall-off in the number of homes built next year.

Prime Time • 07 Oct 22

Paschal Donohoe and Pearse Doherty had a tense exchange on Prime Time last night

Donohoe and Doherty clash in tense Budget debate

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty went head to head – in what was arguably their most tense exchange to date, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 28 Sep 22

Encounters between Paschal Donohoe and Pearse Doherty have proved a mainstay of Budget coverage

5 things to watch for in Doherty v Donohoe debate

Last year's debate between Paschal Donohoe and Pearse Doherty was a sparky affair, writes Louise Byrne. Here are the issues you can expect to see during tonight's Prime Time debate.

Prime Time • 27 Sep 22

Adverse incidents could leave Ireland's energy system exposed

Can Ireland keep the lights on this winter?

Ireland hasn't built enough generators to keep up with electricity demand, so, this winter, our risk of running short is greater than anyone would like, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 07 Sep 22

Moving to a university campus was a relief for Anastasiya Baguzova and her daughter

Uncertainty for refugees living in college accommodation

As students prepare to return to college, many refugees who have been housed in campus accommodation now face uncertainty about where they will live, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 05 Aug 22

Micheál Martin said he was 'concerned about the winter'

Cost-of-living crisis could last into spring - Martin

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that the cost-of-living crisis could last into the spring of 2023.

Ireland • 13 Jul 22