Ireland Reports 30 % Fall in Asylum Applications for 2025 After Fast-Track Reforms
Work-Permit Processing Bulletin Shows DETE Backlog Now Stretching to Late November Submissions
Storm Goretti Triggers Weather Warnings That Could Disrupt Southern Ireland Travel
Latest News
Holyhead Port Reopens After Ferry Berthing Incident, Restoring Vital Dublin–Wales Freight Link
Holyhead Port, a key node for the Dublin–Wales ferry corridor, reopened on the evening of 7 January after a berthing mishap closed the facility for most of the day. The shutdown delayed freight and passenger sailings by up to seven hours, highlighting the vulnerability of the land-bridge route that carries almost half of Ireland’s UK-bound cargo.
Ireland records 30 % drop in new asylum applications in 2025
Official figures released on 7 January 2026 show that Ireland received 13,160 asylum claims in 2025—almost 30 % fewer than in 2024. The drop follows the introduction of safe-country fast-track rules and an expanded voluntary-return programme. While the slowdown eases pressure on reception facilities, employers may see a smaller cohort of asylum-seeker work-permit holders in 2026 and should plan workforce strategies accordingly.
Processing-date bulletin shows Irish employment-permit queue still stretching back to November
DETE’s 7 January processing bulletin shows that new General Employment Permit files dated 27 November 2025 and Critical Skills Employment Permit files dated 17 December 2025 are only now being reviewed, with ICT renewals still stuck at September 2025. The figures signal ongoing delays that could affect Q1 start dates and renewal strategies for foreign staff.
Storm Goretti prompts Met Éireann snow-and-rain alert for four southern counties
Storm Goretti has triggered a Status-Yellow snow-and-rain warning for four southern Irish counties from noon on 8 January. While Dublin Airport is unaffected, regional air and road transport in Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford could face disruption, and employers should plan for delays or remote-work contingencies.