BREAKING: Funding has been officially secured for a thrilling new Halloween festival in Kilkenny, with €100,000 allocated to kick off festivities starting on October 10, 2023. Fáilte Ireland confirms that Kilkenny County Council has been selected under its ‘Home of Halloween’ Pilot Destination Development Scheme, aimed at establishing Ireland as the authentic global hub for Halloween celebrations.

This initiative, part of the broader ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy,’ is designed to deliver vibrant, culturally immersive experiences that celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage. The festival aims to not only extend the tourism season into October and November but also stimulate sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

Kilkenny’s Halloween program will unfold over four exciting weeks, featuring a dynamic lineup of events that spotlight the region’s local food culture and eerie folklore. Attendees can look forward to captivating tales of witches, ghostly legends, and historic trials that will animate the city and showcase Kilkenny’s unique charm.

The funding, part of a highly competitive pilot scheme, reflects a surge of interest from local authorities. Each successful project will receive up to €100,000 annually, allowing communities to develop their Halloween festivals rooted in local culture and community engagement. The initiative is expected to draw in an additional 337,000 visitors over three years, generating an estimated €28 million in economic impact for local communities.

The successful local authorities benefiting from this funding include:
– Galway City Council
– Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project)
– Meath County Council and Louth County Council (joint project)
– Kerry County Council
– Fingal County Council
– Limerick City and County Council
– Kilkenny County Council

This new festival builds on the success of the Púca Festival, co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019, which has become a flagship Halloween event. In 2024, the Púca Festival attracted 49,050 attendees, creating a remarkable €7.11 million economic impact and supporting 174 jobs.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland has recently introduced fire and shadow processions in Limerick, Longford, and Waterford to further solidify Ireland’s position as the ‘Home of Halloween’.

As Kilkenny gears up for this exciting new festival, the community is buzzing with anticipation. Local businesses and residents are encouraged to participate, ensuring the city fully embraces its Halloween heritage.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Kilkenny prepares to enchant visitors with a celebration that promises to be both thrilling and culturally enriching. **This is an event you won’t want to miss!**

URGENT UPDATE: A crucial public meeting is set to take place this evening in Monivea regarding the controversial development of the Belville Solar Farm. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM at the Fr. Sammon Centre.

Local residents are rallying against the proposed solar farm, which would span multiple sites to the north and west of Monivea. Campaigners express serious concerns about the potential negative impacts on both the environment and the community. An online petition has already gathered over 250 signatures calling for reconsideration of the project.

This meeting is part of the early consultation phase, as the developers will not seek planning permission until later this year. Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and learn more about the implications of the solar farm.

With renewable energy projects gaining traction globally, the outcome of tonight’s discussions could set a precedent for similar developments in the region. Community members are urged to attend and participate in this vital conversation affecting their future.

As public interest grows, the situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected following the meeting. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this important issue.

UPDATE: Apple has just announced a groundbreaking deal to source rare earth magnets from American mining company MP Materials, valued at $500 million. This agreement, revealed on July 18, 2025, marks a significant shift in tech supply chain dynamics amid escalating geopolitical tensions and supply shortages.

This urgent move comes as China imposes export restrictions on rare earth materials, critical for manufacturing technologies, in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats. The deal aims to address both domestic political pressures and international supply chain vulnerabilities.

In a statement, the Pentagon confirmed its position as the largest shareholder in MP Materials, further highlighting the strategic importance of these resources. The European Commission has warned that China currently retains a “quasi-monopoly” over critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, essential for industries ranging from automotive to defense.

The implications of this deal extend beyond just business. Rare earth materials are vital in manufacturing wind turbines, headphones, and medical devices such as MRI machines. As global industries grapple with the fallout from these restrictions, the urgency to secure stable supply chains has never been more critical.

This new era of tech supply chain politics also reflects an increasing focus on energy resources. The demand for energy, particularly in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) sector, is surging. Companies like Google are already locking in deals for traditional energy sources, while reports suggest tech giants are exploring the deployment of their own nuclear reactors.

With AI models requiring vast amounts of electricity, the connection between resource acquisition and energy security is becoming increasingly clear. This unprecedented energy demand not only poses challenges for carbon emissions but also strains existing power grids worldwide.

The urgency is palpable: governments must prioritize investments in energy infrastructure to ensure national security and economic stability as the tech landscape shifts. The days of purely digital solutions are fading, giving way to a reality where physical resources and supply chain resilience dictate competitive advantage.

As Apple navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the stakes are high. The success of this deal could reshape how technology companies approach resource management and supply chains, making the public increasingly invested in their operations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. The intersection of technology, geopolitics, and resource security is evolving rapidly, and the implications will resonate across industries and nations alike.

UPDATE: Emirates has just announced a significant expansion of its services, introducing a third daily flight to and from Dublin Airport starting on October 26, 2025. This new route is set to enhance travel options for Irish holidaymakers and business travelers alike.

The new flight, designated as EK165, will depart Dubai at 2:10 AM local time, arriving in Dublin at 6:25 AM. The return journey will see flights leaving Dublin at 8:25 AM, landing in Dubai by 8:00 PM local time. This early morning service complements existing afternoon and evening flights, making it easier than ever for travelers to plan their trips.

Emirates will operate these flights using the luxurious Boeing 777-300ER, featuring a three-class configuration: eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class, and 304 spacious economy class seats. This addition promises an exceptional flying experience, known for its comfort and high-end amenities.

The new schedule also provides enhanced connectivity to popular destinations within the Emirates network, including Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok. Travelers can now enjoy seamless connections to these vibrant cities, making it an attractive option for those looking to explore beyond Dubai.

In a recent statement, Emirates Ireland country manager Anita Thomas expressed enthusiasm for the new flight, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to providing better travel options for its customers. The airline recently introduced a newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dublin-Dubai route, becoming the only airline offering a four-class configuration from Dublin, further enhancing the travel experience.

With this expansion, Emirates will now operate a total of 21 flights weekly between Dublin and Dubai, solidifying its position as a key player in the aviation market. The new flight schedule is expected to boost tourism and business travel significantly, providing a vital link between Ireland and the UAE.

As the October launch approaches, travelers are encouraged to book their tickets early to secure their preferred travel times and classes. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Irish travelers, making international travel more accessible than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Emirates continues to enhance its services and connectivity from Dublin.