URGENT UPDATE: Police in Derry have just announced critical traffic advice ahead of the highly anticipated O’Neill’s Foyle Cup opening parade, set to kick off this morning. Participants will gather at Northland Road at 10:00 AM, making their way through the city to Guildhall Square, where festivities are expected to start around 11:15 AM.

Motorists are advised to brace for delays as the parade will impact major routes including Great James Street, Strand Road, and Waterloo Place. The PSNI will be present throughout the event to manage traffic flow and assist any drivers facing disruptions.

This annual event attracts participants and spectators from across the region, making it a significant occasion for the local community. The parade not only celebrates sporting spirit but also showcases the vibrancy of Derry. With thousands expected to attend, the impact on local traffic is substantial.

Authorities urge all drivers to plan their journeys accordingly and to consider alternative routes if possible. The parade is an important highlight for many families and friends, eager to take part in the celebrations.

As the parade unfolds, keep an eye on local updates for the latest traffic advisories. Derry is ready to celebrate, and this is your chance to join in on the festivities.

URGENT UPDATE: Irish immigration officials have confirmed the refusal of 265 visa applications from Palestinians since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023. This refusal follows Israel’s military response to attacks on its civilians by Hamas, significantly impacting Palestinian travel to Ireland.

As reported by the Department of Justice, a total of 1,249 visa applications were submitted by Palestinians between October 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Among these, 851 were requests for C visas, which allow temporary stays of up to three months, while 398 sought D visas for work or permanent residency.

These developments have garnered attention as many Palestinians, including 47 individuals from the West Bank, were scheduled to travel to Ireland for a GAA tour this month. The group included 33 children aged between 9 and 16, with 152 families in Ireland ready to host them. However, the recent visa refusals have dashed these plans, raising concerns about the treatment of Palestinian applicants.

In response to criticism from GAA Palestine regarding the handling of their applications, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the department’s actions, asserting that all applications must adhere to existing immigration rules. “No matter who you are, you have to comply with the immigration rules,” he stated. “I’m not going to change those rules simply because there is media pressure put on me.”

The Irish government requires citizens of Palestine to hold a valid entry visa prior to entering the country. In recent years, many Palestinians have also sought asylum in Ireland, with reports indicating 957 international protection applications were filed in 2024 alone. However, that number dropped to just 65 applications in the first half of 2025.

This ongoing situation highlights the complex intersection of international relations and humanitarian issues, as many Palestinian families face barriers to travel and opportunities in Ireland. With the conflict continuing and visa policies under scrutiny, the implications of these refusals are far-reaching and urgent.

As developments unfold, the public and humanitarian organizations will be watching closely to see how these visa policies evolve and what impact they will have on vulnerable populations seeking refuge or opportunities abroad.

UPDATE: The counting of votes is underway in the 2022 Australian General Election, with the Australian Labour Party (ALP) taking a significant lead against Scott Morrison’s Coalition. Polls closed on the east coast at 6 PM AEST, and early results indicate a potential shift in power after nine years of Coalition rule.

Current counts show the ALP leading with 73 seats compared to the Coalition’s 51 seats, making it increasingly likely that Anthony Albanese will form the next government. The magic number to secure a majority is 76 seats, and with several seats still to be determined, a majority is within reach.

The emergence of “teal” Independents, who advocate for green policies, has further complicated the electoral landscape. Reports indicate that at least seven teal candidates have won seats, primarily from Coalition representatives. This trend mirrors a broader global movement toward left-wing parties with environmental agendas, reminiscent of recent elections in Germany and New Zealand.

As results continue to come in, Morrison has hinted at his concession, acknowledging the ALP’s strong performance. If current trends hold, the Coalition may struggle to retain power, raising questions about the future of Australia’s climate policy and governance.

The election has highlighted pivotal issues such as climate change, COVID-19 responses, and economic management, which have resonated with the electorate. The ALP’s focus on these topics appears to be swaying voters away from Morrison’s administration.

With polls now closed, the vote count will continue throughout the night, and updates are expected to flow in. The outcome of this election could have lasting implications for Australia’s political landscape, especially regarding climate policy and international relations.

Stay tuned for live updates as the count progresses, with the potential for a new direction in Australian governance on the horizon.

URGENT UPDATE: Concerns are escalating over the impact of the Government’s housing scheme for Ukrainian refugees on Ireland’s private rental market. New figures confirm that the number of properties utilized for this purpose has surged by 17 percent since January, with a staggering 21,803 dwellings currently housing nearly 39,600 Ukrainian refugees.

According to the latest data released by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, over 3,100 additional properties have joined the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme since the beginning of the year. This scheme allows property owners to claim a monthly payment for hosting refugees, but the amount has been cut from €800 to €600 as of June 1.

The figures reveal that over €339 million has been disbursed to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the ARP launched in July 2022. The implications are significant, as 16,900 hosts are now receiving payments, predominantly in urban areas like Dublin, which houses nearly 3,300 refugees.

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on justice and home affairs, Matt Carthy, has voiced concerns that the ARP scheme is “deeply unfair,” claiming it has led to rising rents in various regions, particularly in counties with traditionally lower rents. “The numbers in areas like Donegal are staggering, with over 2,000 properties dedicated to this scheme,” Carthy stated, emphasizing that many landlords benefit financially while sidestepping typical tenant responsibilities.

The scheme’s reach varies across Ireland. For instance, Donegal shows a high proportion, with 2.4 percent of its housing stock involved, while Roscommon has the lowest at just 0.4 percent. Other counties such as Leitrim (2.2 percent) and Mayo (2.1 percent) also demonstrate significant involvement in the ARP.

As calls for accountability grow, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, confirms that his department is currently awaiting an analysis from the Department of Housing and the Residential Tenancies Board to better understand the impact of the ARP on the private rental sector.

The ARP scheme, originally set at €400 per month, was increased to €800 in December 2022, only to be reduced recently. Accommodation must be provided for a minimum of six months, adhering to specific safety and quality standards. The scheme has now been extended until March 31, 2026, aligning with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive.

With 670 commercial properties under contract to provide additional temporary accommodation, the situation remains fluid. As the Government seeks to balance the needs of refugees and the demands of the housing market, ongoing scrutiny is expected.

Stay informed as we bring you the latest developments on this critical issue affecting both Ukrainian refugees and the Irish housing landscape.