Louise Byrne

Prime Time

Prime Time Reporter

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

'A lack of hope' - your views on the housing crisis

People sent voice messages to Prime Time detailing their experiences of finding and keeping a home during a housing crisis.

Prime Time • 13 May 21

Round Hill, a multinational investment company, is in discussions to buy 115 homes at Mullen Park

'Locked out' - first-time buyers gazumped by investors

As multinational investment firms snap up whole swathes of housing estates, first-time buyers say they could find it harder to get on the property ladder, explains Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 13 May 21

Irish investors count cost of German 'pyramid scheme'

More than 1,800 Irish people put their faith in Dolphin Trust, a German property company that has gone bust.

Prime Time • 27 Apr 21

A return to spectator sports is among the potential vaccine 'bonuses' that vaccinated people may enjoy

Vaccine certs being considered by Govt for sports fans

The return of crowds to sports stadiums using vaccine certificates to ensure Covid safety is among proposals being considered by Government.

Prime Time • 09 Apr 21

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, data suggests only a small drop in rent levels in Dublin

Why rents haven't plummeted during Covid-19

Data suggests that rent levels haven't fallen dramatically during the pandemic. But that is not the full picture, reports Prime Time's Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 05 Mar 21

What we can learn from 'Groundhog Day' in a pandemic

2021 might be the closest we get to a real-life Groundhog Day – but repetitive days might not necessarily a bad thing, writes Prime Time's Louise Byrne.

Prime Time • 03 Feb 21

Since 27 December 846 patients have also caught Covid-19 in hospital (File pic)

846 patients caught Covid in hospitals since 27 Dec

New figures show a surge in the numbers of people contracting Covid-19 while in hospital.

Coronavirus • 27 Jan 21