Irish Government Recalls Nearly 13,000 Passports After Machine-Readable Code Omitted
Storm Goretti Triggers Ferry Rescheduling and Travel Warnings Across Ireland
Airlines Begin Testing EU Carrier Interface Ahead of EES/ETIAS Roll-out
Latest News
Sinn Féin Slams Dublin Airport Authority for Skipping Parliamentary Hearing
On 9 January the Dublin Airport Authority refused an invitation to testify before the Oireachtas Transport Committee, prompting Sinn Féin to accuse it of dodging oversight. The dispute complicates approval of funding and regulatory measures critical to upcoming border-control upgrades at Dublin Airport.
Ireland Reports 30 % Fall in Asylum Applications for 2025 After Fast-Track Reforms
The Department of Justice confirms asylum applications fell from 18,651 in 2024 to 13,160 in 2025—a 30 % decline—after fast-track procedures and new ‘safe country’ designations. While the drop eases pressure on reception facilities, it may also shrink the future pool of asylum-seeker work-permission holders, prompting employers to revisit talent-sourcing plans.
Work-Permit Processing Bulletin Shows DETE Backlog Now Stretching to Late November Submissions
DETE’s 7 January bulletin reveals that General Employment Permit applications dated 27 November 2025 are only now under review, with overall GEP timelines running 9–11 weeks. Employers should pad recruitment schedules, prioritise complete filings and monitor DETE’s announced February ‘Blitz Week’ aimed at clearing the queue.
Storm Goretti Triggers Weather Warnings That Could Disrupt Southern Ireland Travel
Met Éireann has issued a Status-Yellow snow-and-rain warning for four southern counties from noon to 20:00 on 8 January. Cork and Waterford airports, as well as Rosslare Europort, could face temporary shutdowns, while road conditions on major corridors are expected to deteriorate. Employers should review duty-of-care plans, activate remote-work contingencies and remind travellers of EU261 rights.
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.