Louise Byrne

Prime Time

Prime Time Reporter

Retailers such as Smyths, Penneys and IKEA have all warned that Christmas supplies could be constrained

Should you be writing your Santa letter in September?

Several retailers have already warned that Christmas supplies could be constrained. Covid-19, Brexit and the small matter of the Ever Given are to blame, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 22 Sep 21

Sam Donnelly has tried everything to attract staff for his barber shops

'Help wanted' – The firms struggling to recruit staff

As Ireland's businesses emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, many are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff in a highly competitive jobs market, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 15 Sep 21

Stress and despair - trying to buy a home in Ireland

People told Prime Time about their experiences trying to buy a home in Ireland this year. The responses included despair and exasperation about the rising cost of properties in many areas.

Prime Time • 17 Jul 21

Asking prices in Munster have risen by 20% on average

'It's crazy' - why house prices are through the roof

Caught up in what has been described as a "red hot" property market during a pandemic, many buyers feel locked out of buying their own home, Louise Byrne explains.

Prime Time • 15 Jul 21

Pharmacists are prevented from giving spare J&J doses to younger age cohorts

Pharmacies could administer J&J vaccine tomorrow, says IPU

The Irish Pharmacy Union has said pharmacies could begin to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to people under 40 "tomorrow".

Prime Time • 28 Jun 21

Some landlords are charging extra rent for tenants who keep pets

On a tight leash - landlords charging 'pet rent'

Amid a pandemic and a rise in pet ownership, Irish landlords are asking tenants to pay additional charges and higher deposits to keep pets in their homes, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 26 Jun 21

Danish fans celebrating their victory over Russia in Euro 2020

Why is Denmark's reopening so far ahead of Ireland's?

Despite similar Covid-19 case rates, Denmark is much further along its road to reopening than Ireland is, explains Louise Byrne. What explains the difference in approach?

Prime Time • 23 Jun 21

Colmcille House on Blackhall Place in Dublin has been leased by Dublin City Council for 25 years

Social housing - investor goldmine or public good?

As housing lists balloon, local authorities are increasingly signing long-term leases for social housing. But whether they are getting value for money is an open question, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 04 Jun 21

The key to a return to overseas travel is the EU Digital Covid Certificate

Why EU Covid Certs are key to return of foreign travel

As society continues to reopen in Ireland, it will be the EU Digital Covid Certificate that will be key to allowing us to enjoy similar scenes on foreign shores.

Prime Time • 28 May 21

The Government is hoping to prevent funds from bulk buying houses

Government housing plan: When is a house not a house?

Apartments will be excluded from the Government's tax and planning changes. But the distinction between houses and apartments is not as simple as it might first seem, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 19 May 21