Politics Taoiseach puts the brakes on plan for car parking charges in Phoenix Park Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers is also against the OPW’s proposal to introduce fees in order to reduce car usage in the capital’s popular recreation area
Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Just seven new sites sourced for emergency accommodationDetails of sites in Galway, Dublin and Offaly come as State scrambles to find enough housing for Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants
Legal On-the-spot fines for offences committed near national monuments Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill will allow OPW staff to fine offenders up to €200 rather than taking lengthy prosecutions in the courts
Commercial Property Construction Information Services round-upThe Construction Information Service offers the latest on projects on the ground and in the pipeline
Architectural Design Transforming Dublin Castle from defensive fortress to welcoming citizens’ centreA project is under way to rectify the disjointed nature of the castle campus and create an inviting, accessible and welcoming civic space at the heart of the city and country
Planning Five major flood relief schemes delayed over planning problemsSchemes to protect almost 2,000 homes had been due to begin last year, but are variously subject to planning objections, or stuck in the planning process
Vacant Properties State raises €6m by selling slew of surplus propertiesFormer Garda stations and social welfare offices are among the buildings sold off for new uses
Infrastructure State’s data centre won’t be completed until 2025 No contractor has yet been appointed to build the facility in Co Kildare, which has been delayed due to planning and energy issues
Transport OPW to reassure state boards over Metro tunnelling concernsConcerns are being raised over potential damage from tunnelling under cultural landmarks to build MetroLink infrastructure
Infrastructure Blocking of flood relief schemes could cause displacement, warns ministerPatrick O’Donovan says people may have to leave their homes because of opposition to projects, but environmentalists argue for retention of safeguards
Politics Security spend at homes of ministers and officials to top €3m By the end of this year, the state expects that security arrangements at private residences will have cost more than €3m since 2018
OPW chair warns communities may have to be ‘abandoned’ due to climate change floodingMaurice Buckley said ‘horrendous’ truth was that not all populated coastal areas could be protected in event of sea-level rises
Phoenix Park gates to remain open to traffic after public consultationMinister Patrick O’Donovan announced that the Dublin park’s side gates, many of which had been closed to cars last year to allow more space for walkers and cyclists, will now stay open
Report recommends raft of changes at OPW amid ‘poor management’ claimsReport raises concerns that OPW may fail to recoup €10 million overspend on Department of Health headquarters
