Louise Byrne

Policy & Analysis Correspondent

Prime Time Reporter

Millennials trying to buy their first home are struggling to an extent that was not the case for their parents

The staggering generation gap in the housing market

New research analysing property prices, incomes, taxes and mortgage rates proves that young people are struggling to an extent that was not the case for their parents, writes Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 03 Feb 22

Supply of antigen tests across the country is tight and intermittent

As cases surge, antigen tests are a rare commodity

Retailers say they're doing their best to provide antigen tests, but supply is tight and intermittent. As a result, many people are finding it difficult to source the tests, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 19 Jan 22

People are usually asked to wait for 15 minutes to ensure they do not experience an immediate reaction to a vaccine dose

CMO to consider axing vaccine observation period

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is to examine whether the 15-minute observation period after vaccination is still required.

Prime Time • 15 Dec 21

Mandatory jabs only when 'no other choice' - WHO's Ryan

Dr Mike Ryan of the WHO warned that countries needed to be cautious when considering introducing mandatory vaccination but conceded some "may feel they have no other option".

Prime Time • 24 Nov 21

Several homeowners who paid a Wicklow-based building contractor are unhappy with the work completed

Incompetent builder leaves homeowners paying the bill

Several homeowners who paid a Wicklow-based building contractor to complete extensions and attic conversions are unhappy with the job, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 22 Oct 21

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