Category: News

Digital News Report Ireland 2025

A majority of Irish people are either extremely or very interested in news, according to the annual Digital News Report Ireland 2025, published today by Coimisiún na Meán. Research for the Digital News Report is undertaken by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford and analysis of the Irish data is provided by the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo).

The Irish Report, which is in its eleventh year, shows that most people in Ireland (56%) across all age groups are interested in news. This represents the highest level of interest in news since 2022, up 3 points from last year, but down from a peak of 70% in 2021, during the Covid pandemic. This enthusiasm for news puts Irish audiences ahead of their UK (39%) and US (51%) counterparts and ahead of the European average (45%).

When asked about trusted sources of news, RTÉ News (72%), local radio news (72%) and local newspapers (71%) emerge as the most trusted brands, underlining the continued importance of both national and local news sources for Irish audiences.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: ‘’Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to offer our continued support to the Digital News Report Ireland, which reflects our commitment to a media landscape that consumers can trust, by supporting access to high-quality sources of news and information.

Whether watching, listening, streaming, or reading, the Digital News Report shows that most Irish people can’t get enough of news. It is encouraging to see that interest in news remains high in Ireland when compared internationally, even as the formats used to consume news continue to change. We are heartened to see the continuing trend of the Irish public’s unique and longstanding relationship with radio, which remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s media landscape. It is also important to see the trust Irish people place in local news sources, with local radio and local newspapers among the most trusted brands for Irish audiences.

While the Report gives us cause for optimism about the Irish news sector, considering the public’s strong appetite for news, we recognise that An Coimisiún’s ambition of developing and shaping a media landscape that reflects who we are as a society requires ongoing and sustainable levels of funding for media outlets to support high-quality journalism, and news that people can trust.’’

Key findings from this year’s Report include:

Interest in news – Interest in news in Ireland remains robust compared to other countries. 22% of Irish people say they are ‘extremely interested’ in news, with 34% saying they are ‘very interested’ and 33% saying they are ‘somewhat interested’. Just 3% say they are ‘not at all interested’ in news.

Trust in news – Overall, Irish audiences trust news more when compared to other countries. When asked if they trust the news most of the time, 50% of respondents in Ireland ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’, compared to 35% in the UK, 30% in the US and 39% for merged data from Europe.

Trust in brands – Traditional news outlets continue to perform well when Irish audiences are asked about their trust in brands. RTÉ News (72%), local or regional radio (72%), and local or regional newspapers (71%) are the most trusted brands. 70% of Irish respondents described the Irish Times as trustworthy, with the same percentage for BBC News, 68% for the Irish Independent and 66% for each of Newstalk, Today FM and Sky News.

Source of News – When asked which platforms you have used in the last week as a source of news, 58% of Irish respondents said television, with the same percentage (58%) citing online media (excluding social media and blogs). 47% say they have used social media as a source of news in the last week, with 36% saying radio, 22% saying printed newspapers, 12% saying podcasts and 5% citing AI chatbots.

Paying for News – The Report shows that 20% of people in Ireland are now paying for news, up from 7% in 2015 and a 3-point increase from last year. When asked if they have had a paid subscription/membership to a digital news service in the last year, the two frontrunners among Irish audiences are the Irish Independent (36%) and the Irish Times (33%).

Radio and Podcasts – In 2025, 11% of Irish respondents say they use radio as their primary source of news, which is significantly higher compared to the UK (8%), US (3%) or the European average (7%). When asked about the use of radio as a source of any news consumed, this figure increases to 36%. Irish audiences are also on-board with podcasts, with 12% listening to podcasts as a source of news in the last week, higher than in the UK (7%) and the European average (9%) but lower than the US (15%).

Artificial Intelligence – Audiences’ attitudes to the use of AI for news are changing. Last year, those ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ comfortable with news mainly produced by AI with some human oversight were 15%. This has increased to 19% this year, with under-35s almost twice as comfortable as over-35s when considering the same measure.

 Disinformation and Misinformation – When asked for their thoughts about online news, 68% of Irish respondents say they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on online. All age cohorts show concern about fake information online, with the highest rate (72%) among those aged 65+ and the lowest rate (62%) among those aged 18-24.

Commenting on the Digital News Report Ireland 2025, Dr. Eileen Culloty, Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo) said: ‘’Local media enjoy strong public trust, an indication of their deep roots in Irish life. But trust alone doesn’t pay salaries or sustain newsrooms. The big challenge is to convert trust into viable careers in local journalism so that local media can continue informing communities.”

Earlier this year, Coimisiún na Meán awarded €5.7 million through new Journalism Schemes, funded by the Department of Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport and which covered Local Democracy and Courts Reporting. These Schemes have to date facilitated over 100 new or enhanced journalism roles in Ireland. By the end of this year, An Coimisiún will have run the second round of those Schemes, as well as two new Journalism Schemes, covering Digital Transformation and News Reporting.

The Digital News Report Ireland 2025 can be found on the Coimisiún na Meán website.

Best Practices for Organizing Physical Hardware Storage

In an era dominated by technology, the importance of efficient hardware storage cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a small business looking to enhance your workspace or a seasoned technician working from home, properly organizing hardware contributes significantly to productivity and ease of access. Taking the time to ensure your physical storage is well-structured and functional saves time and reduces stress during critical projects. Proper organization leads to improved workflows and enhanced overall efficiency in any environment.

Categorize by Type

The first step to efficient hardware organization is categorizing your items. Grouping components according to their types—such as screws, cables, and connectors—can significantly streamline your workflow. When every item has a designated place, you can easily locate what you need without rummaging through piles of mixed components. Clear labeling of each category can further enhance this method by allowing you to identify where each type is stored quickly.

Consider using bins or containers for each category. It is advisable to choose transparent containers so that you can easily view their contents. While some items may be smaller and require specialized storage solutions, larger components can benefit from shelving systems. By investing in proper categorization from the start, your storage system will become both intuitive and straightforward to maintain as your inventory grows.

Utilize Weatherproof Storage Options

When it comes to organizing hardware, especially in areas prone to moisture or temperature fluctuations, it’s vital to invest in weatherproof storage solutions. Opting for the Bud industries ip65 weatherproof containers can be an excellent choice for safeguarding your valuable components. Items stored in such containers are not only protected from water or dust but also resist various environmental factors that may lead to degradation over time.

Moreover, weatherproof storage options provide peace of mind, ensuring that your hardware remains intact, regardless of external conditions. By prioritizing durable and weather-resistant solutions, you safeguard your investments and simplify future maintenance challenges.

Optimize Vertical Space

In many storage environments, vertical space is often underutilized. Capitalizing on this space enhances your ability to store more while keeping floor space clear for movement. Use shelving units that reach the ceiling or floating shelves to create additional storage areas for items that are not frequently accessed. Implementing hooks for tools or cables can also help to maximize vertical organization while maintaining accessibility.

 

By organizing vertically, you can maintain a more spacious workshop and avoid cluttering surfaces. Consider heavy-duty racks for holding heavier items and ensure that they are properly secured. Not only do you increase your storage capability, but you also create a visually appealing and orderly workspace that inspires productivity.

Use a Consistent Labeling System

Consistency is crucial when it comes to labeling your storage solutions. A well-organized space can quickly become chaotic if items are not labeled uniformly. Choose a clear labeling system that everyone who uses the space understands. This might include color-coded labels or standardized nomenclature for each category, which ensures that equipment is always returned to the right place after use.

Additionally, consider incorporating digital labels or scanning QR codes on the labels for a tech-savvy approach. This system can provide detailed information about each component, including specifications and quantities, accessible through a smartphone or computer. Such an organized approach greatly simplifies the inventory management process and reduces the chances of errors when retrieving items.

Employ Modular Storage Solutions

Modularity in your storage design promotes flexibility and adaptability in your setup. Modular storage solutions allow you to reconfigure your arrangement easily as your inventory changes or expands. Such storage options are often customizable in size and shape, so they can be adjusted to accommodate various components while efficiently utilizing your stored space.

For example, storage containers that can be stacked or arranged side-by-side provide the user with many options. They can keep hardware organized without committing to a permanent layout. An adaptable setup means you can remain responsive to your needs throughout your projects, making it simple to reorganize whenever necessary.

Maintain an Inventory Log

Keeping track of your storage is just as essential as the organization itself. An inventory log is a powerful tool in hardware management. It can be a simple spreadsheet that lists items, quantities, and locations, or you can go high-tech with inventory management software. Regularly updating this log lets you keep tabs on what’s in stock, preventing unnecessary purchases and wasted expenses.

More importantly, an inventory log can help you identify patterns in your usage, letting you know what items are frequently in demand and which ones are rarely utilized. This insight can drive decisions regarding future purchases or help you plan for storage adjustments. With knowledge of your inventory, it becomes easier to maintain an organized setup that best suits your needs.

Organizing physical hardware storage need not be a daunting task. By employing these best practices, you can create a streamlined and effective storage environment, minimizing clutter and enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, an organized space helps you focus on your projects without the distraction of misplaced items, providing a more enjoyable and productive experience for all those involved.

An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán launch Information Pack with online safety advice for all general election candidates

Coimisiún na Meán and An Garda Síochána have today (08 November) published an Information Pack for all election candidates running in the upcoming General Election. The aim of this pack is to provide information on the roles of An Garda Síochána and Coimisiún na Meán, and to offer guidance for candidates on what to do when they are faced with harmful and/or illegal content or behaviour online.

The Pack has information on different types of scenarios that might arise during the campaign and what steps candidates can take. It provides includes further information on the rights of users under as part of Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework and the reporting channels to use for various different platforms when people suspect illegal content online.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations at An Garda Síochána, Shawna Coxon said “it is important everyone feels free to participate in the electoral process, whether they are engaging in real life or online. That is why An Garda Síochána and Coimisiun na Meán are working together to support our democracy by keeping people safe online during this election.”

John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said “it is important that people are empowered to run as candidates in any election without being discouraged by illegal abuse or behaviour online. We want our media landscape to support democracy and electoral integrity, and we hope that this information pack will help candidates understand their rights online and where to turn to for help, if needed. We’re also engaging with online platforms on their preparations for the election and we expect them to play their part in ensuring that people can make free, fair and informed choices about where to cast their vote”.

Spring controversy, storm names and other Irish weather insights to be explored by Evelyn Cusack at special Imbolc event

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies will host a special talk by Met Éireann forecaster, Evelyn Cusack, to mark the first day of spring or ‘Imbolc’ on Wednesday, 1st February, 7pm – 8pm, at DIAS, Burlington Road.

The talk – ‘Ireland’s Weather and Climate: A Journey Through Time’ – will take attendees on a journey from the time of Snowball Earth (around 600 million years ago) to the birth of scientific weather forecasting.

Ms. Cusack will also explore ‘spring controversy’, which debates whether Saint Brigid’s Day is the start of spring. The ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc is said to mark the seasonal shift from winter to spring. Imbolc is celebrated on 1st February, the same day on which the feast of Saint Brigid is marked.

Commenting today (30.01.23), Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: “We’re honored to kick-off this year’s events, and celebrate Imbolc with an iconic speaker like Evelyn Cusack. Marking the shift from winter to spring, Imbolc – or Saint Brigid’s Day as it is also known – is an important festival in the Irish calendar both scientifically and culturally. At DIAS, we have expertise focusing on both on Celtic Studies and Cosmic Physics, amongst others – and a festival like Imbolc is a great opportunity to highlight some synergies in both these fields. This promises to be a fascinating insight into weather forecasting and our climate, and we would encourage people to join us for the talk.”

Evelyn Cusack has over 30 years of experience in forecasting and broadcasting on TV and Radio. She is the current Head of the Forecasting Division in Met Éireann, and is the chair of the EUMETNET Storm Naming Group, a network of 31 European National Meteorological Services based in Brussels, Belgium. She is also the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) Forecasting Lead for Severe Weather Events.

The lecture is free to attend and will take place on Wednesday, 1st February, 7pm – 8pm, at DIAS, Burlington Road. Places are limited and advance registration is required. To register, visit Eventbrite.