Fuel prices cut criticism
A significant cut in the excise duty on fuel took effect at midnight, after Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe yesterday confirmed a cut of 20 cent per litre on petrol and 15 cent per litre of diesel.
The measure, introduced amid concerns about growing pressures on the cost of living, will last until August 31st, costing an estimated €320 million.
However, there has still been criticism of the Government move, with Sinn Féin party leader May Lou McDonald saying the plan “doesn’t go far enough”.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has warned that a "very serious" protest will be held by truckers if the industry does not get more Government support amid escalating fuel prices.
Ukraine developments
Russia's war in Ukraine has entered its third week with none of its key objectives reached despite thousands of people killed, more than two million made refugees, and thousands forced to cower in besieged cities under relentless bombardment.
The Taoiseach will travel to Versailles today for an informal meeting of the European Council. The two-day summit of EU leaders is expected to discuss the invasion.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said a number of children from Ukraine have already started in Irish schools this week. More than 2,500 Ukrainian refugees have already arrived here, with children comprising a third of that number.
Meanwhile, RTÉ’s Tony Connelly will share his first-hand experience of the war in Ukraine on The Late Late Show this Friday, while former Presidents of Ireland Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese will also speak together about the crisis.
'Independent Ukraine Road'
The street in Dublin currently home to the Russian embassy in Ireland could soon be renamed ‘Independent Ukraine Road' as a mark of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Residents of Orwell Road, the current name of the street, are set to be consulted on the proposal, which has already been unanimously passed by a subcommittee of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The move comes after various European countries renamed city streets where Russian embassies are located, with Latvia's Riga agreeing a change to ‘Independent Ukraine Street,’ Lithuania’s Vilnius choosing ‘Heroes of Ukraine Street’ and Albania’s Tirana agreeing on ‘Free Ukraine’.
In Dublin, the motion was proposed by Labour councillor Peter O'Brien, who said he took inspiration from the other European capitals, adding the name change is intended as a “gesture of solidarity” with the people of Ukraine.
Electric Picnic returns
After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Ireland’s biggest music festival Electric Picnic has revealed its line-up for 2022.
Headliners include Dermot Kennedy, Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys, Megan Thee Stallion, Picture This and Snow Patrol.
Other major acts across the weekend will include Anne-Marie, Fontaines DC, Glass Animals, London Grammar, The Kooks and Wolf Alice.
The music festival will take place in Stradbally, Co Laois from September 2nd to 4th, with tickets going on sale at 9am tomorrow.
