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'No plans to reinstate' transport schemes for disabled people that activists say are 'vital'
The Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance schemes remain closed after a review was recommended over eight years ago.
Stranded, refused and left waiting: Disabled people 'on tenterhooks' trying to access taxis
Most accessibility-related complaints involved taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs or wheelchair users.
Advocates are concerned low availability of accessible taxis is leading to reduced independence, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
Most accessibility-related complaints involved taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs or wheelchair users.
Two-thirds of the current wheelchair accessible vehicles in the taxi fleet are based in the Greater Dublin area.
'White elephant': The €2.7m transport training centre causing conflict in disability community
Disabled people feel that once again they were not consulted about a major project that most affects them.
Disabled people feel that once again they were not consulted about a major decision that most affects them, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
The NTA and Department of Transport (DOT) were aware of lack of consultation before funding decision.
Concerns were raised numerous times at the DOT Accessibility Consultative Committee.
Concern for parents as international surrogacy still missing from new legislation
Advocates warn of ongoing impact to families if international and retrospective surrogacy not addressed soon.
Noteworthy investigations reveal biggest climate emitters and violent bike theft increase
The investigative platform completed four new projects in the past three months, thanks to your contributions.
Opinion: Only a full ban can save Northern Ireland from the threat posed by fracking
Eddie Mitchell of Love Leitrim outlines concerns of border communities that fracking may be set to get back on the agenda in the North.
Licence granted for large salmon farm in Bantry Bay despite strong opposition
Decision follows six-year appeals process, with opponents ‘gutted’ and ‘extremely disappointed’ with the decision.
Licensed to Fail: ‘Outdated’ salmon farm licensing system comes under fire from all sides
Noteworthy reveals internal concerns the Department of the Marine did not take sufficiently tough action over potential licence breaches by Ireland’s largest salmon operator.
Over 20 salmon farms operating with expired licences for over a decade, writes Niall Sargent in final part of Noteworthy investigation into salmon farming
State has investigated several cases of possible licence breaches by Ireland's largest salmon company
No enforcement over various farms’ failure to carry out assessments for impacts on marine biodiversity
Lice, infectious disease and taking reef fish: The impact of salmon farms on marine biodiversity
Noteworthy investigation reveals concerns over State monitoring of potential environmental impacts of salmon farms from sea lice, disease and farm escapes.
State holds limited details on disease outbreaks and mortality rates at salmon farms, reports Niall Sargent of Noteworthy, our investigative platform
Little regulation of wild wrasse fishing for use as cleaner fish on farms despite potential marine impacts
Experts warn Ireland lacks baseline data to effectively monitor for salmon farm escapes
State issues licences to salmon farms to cull protected seals, documents reveal
Noteworthy investigation shows that at least two grey seals and three common seals were killed after licences were issued.
Since 2015, the NPWS granted 11 licences to farms to shoot small numbers of the protected species, reports Niall Sargent in the first part of Noteworthy's investigation into the salmon industry
Conservation groups have expressed shock at the decision and a lack of scientific evidence behind culling
The NPWS does not generally carry out site visits to monitor cull events due to 'resourcing issues'
Opinion: Bogus clothes collecting denying legitimate charities access to much needed funds
Double check if in doubt when approached for clothing donations to ensure those in need benefit.
Religion in schools: 'My son was upset - a friend told him he wasn't going to heaven'
Noteworthy gathers the experiences of parents and educators in Ireland’s majority Catholic primary education system.
In part two of a deep dive into the stalemate in providing choice in primary education, Peter McGuire hears from parents and teachers.
Families speak of being forced into Catholic schools because of hours-long daily commutes to 'nearest' multi-denominational.
While 'opting out' of religious instruction is facilitated by many schools, many parents say their children feel isolated and upset.
State on a go-slow in moving primary education from majority Catholic grip
Noteworthy spotlights a lack of coherence, communication and progress in the State promise to provide 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030.
In this first of a two-part deep dive into the promised creation of better educational choice, Peter McGuire finds a process in paralysis.
Just 13 multi-denominational schools have been established under divestment Catholic schools in the past 8 years.
Completed reports and surveys on school patronage lie unpublished while the Department continues to meet with the Irish Episcopal Conference every month.
Over 1,400 people waiting for drinkable tap water for more than three months
Figures show that almost 900 people on a public water supply have been on boil notices for a year or more.
Almost 900 people across eight locations have boil water notices in place for a year or more, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform
Over the past two years, 50 boil water and 10 do not consume notices were in place for more than a month
Water supply is impacting housing, with 42 houses refused permission in Paulstown, Co Kilkenny recently
Opinion: Without a public childcare model there can be no equality for women
The National Women’s Council says inadequate State investment in childcare has led to an unsustainable system in crisis.
Fracking not compatible with human rights law, says Irish study
A new report from NUIG’s Centre for Human Rights calls on the State to use its weight at the UN to push for a global ban on fracking.
Opinion: Radon kills thousands in Ireland but the gas is completely preventable
EcoEye producer Marcus Stewart explains how some straightforward policy moves can bring deaths from the radioactive gas under control.
Opinion: Low ambition and poor policy keeping people with disabilities out of workplace
Joan O’Donnell writes that it’s time to ditch failing strategies and embrace an inclusive future of work.
1 in 100 bikes stolen nationwide in 2020 as Dublin and Limerick cyclists worst hit
Noteworthy investigation reveals bike theft trends over past five years and hears calls for better cycling parking facilities.
Almost 30,000 bikes were stolen over the past five years, with an average of 70% of thefts occurring in Dublin, writes Noteworthy reporter Maria Delaney
While violent bike thefts increased by 65% in 2020, overall bike thefts were almost unchanged nationally
Provisional figures "suggest a marked decrease" in bike thefts up to March this year
‘Eight teens were kicking him’: Violent bike and scooter thefts up 65% last year
Traumatic attacks on cyclists and scooter users linked to Covid-related anti-social crime.
There was a 65% increase in aggravated bike and scooter thefts in 2020, reports Maria Delaney in the first part of Noteworthy's bike theft investigation.
Cyclists at Luas stops were targeted by gangs over the past month
A rise in anti-social behaviour linked to the pandemic is being blamed for an increase in attacks
State spent 2.5 times more on fossil fuel subsidies than climate supports over past decade
Noteworthy shows that State revenue from an EU carbon trading scheme went into controversial forestry programme and a rural transport scheme.
Transparency gap: State bodies holding back company emissions data from the public
Noteworthy project reveals emissions profiles of some of Ireland’s largest companies and highlights where lack of public transparency still exist.
Companies are starting to volunteer their emissions data but State bodies slow to reveal all details to public, writes Niall Sargent.
While emissions levels are falling in many sectors, Noteworthy analysis shows that sectors such as agriculture and aviation are stagnating or growing.
Ireland is doing well on finding energy efficiencies but there is still a mountain to climb.
Opinion: Our farm subsidy model is broken and causing destruction to habitats
As the biodiversity crisis gathers pace, researcher Ray O’Foghlu explains how both farmers and environmentalists struggle with contradictory land eligibility rules.
Over 3,500 on wait list for a detox bed, with over 140 residential beds still closed
Over 60% are on the waiting list for at least nine months.
Poor interpreting having impact on patients, victims of crime and those seeking asylum
Mary Phelan writes that lack of accredited training and poor service are having huge consequences and must be addressed by the State.
Noteworthy investigations expose environmental issues and analyse far-right activity
The investigative platform completed five projects so far this year, thanks to your contributions.
Valproate scandal: Parents feel failed by State over drug that harmed their children
Noteworthy finds that pleas for help from women impacted by valproate (Epilim) continue to be dismissed.
Burning Question: what does a peat-free future hold for the Midlands?
Trinity College Dublin PhD candidate Jamie Rohu outlines the challenges for workers as we transition our industrial bogs towards a more sustainable future.
State warned by EU official in 2017 over eco-credentials of forestry licensing process
Records released to Noteworthy show that the State was warned it is not doing enough to ensure environmental risks from forestry “are a thing of the past”.
Closed Doors: Lack of transparency and the push to overfish in Ireland’s fishing sector
Noteworthy examines the powers at play in the sector and how the Irish system may be disadvantaging small-scale fisheries.
Our investigative platform, Noteworthy, takes an in-depth look at the fishing sector in this three-part series.
Significant enforcement problems prevail in Irish industry: Fishing's control issues
Noteworthy finds inspections of fishing vessels dropped by 30% in 2020, with a drop of over 60% sea boardings by the Naval Service.
Penalty point politics: Changing positions and lobbying on fishing regulation
Noteworthy delves into the Government meetings, letters and emails behind the new penalty points regulation for fishers.
Opinion: Migrants are forced to do the worst work without access to rights
Youth Against Racism and Inequality (YARI) activist writes that immigrants and people of colour are leading the force for change internationally.
Endangered fish thrown away and dead whales on our shores: Fishing's ocean impact
Noteworthy reveals over 30 tonnes of threatened fish were discarded in one year, including the endangered basking shark and critically endangered skates.
The N6 ring road: Solution or dead end for Galway congestion crisis?
Noteworthy and The Journal take a deep dive into the controversial infrastructure plan which awaits green light from planners.
Opinion: Vulnerable unweaned calves need protection in our export trade
Animal welfare campaigner Caroline Rowley outlines why she is challenging the State’s enforcement of EU law to protect farm animals exported abroad.
If we want to protect urban horses, we need to work with their owners
DSPCA education and community outreach projects are trying to address welfare issues facing loose horses in the greater Dublin area.
Minister Martin: We can protect our artists by covering their basic living costs
The creative sector was badly hit by the pandemic and has most to benefit from a Universal Basic Income pilot, write the Arts Minister.
Trial by Telegram: Ireland's far right mobilising on 'privacy-first' messaging app
Final part in a four-part investigation into the far right in Ireland analyses the growth of US-style tactics used by Irish influencers on the platform.
