Latest news with #Hallinan
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Report: Reliance on fossil fuels presents 'disadvantages' for Ireland
Report highlights challenge of transforming Ireland's energy trade. A report from the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has found that Ireland is currently among the most fossil-fuel import dependent countries in Europe. The NESC revealed that this reliance on imported fossil fuels presents several disadvantages, including high levels of CO2 emissions, exposure to supply disruptions and price volatility on international markets, financial outflows, inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies, and negative impacts on air quality and human health. According to the NESC, Ireland faces cost-competitiveness challenges that must be acknowledged addressed if the country is to be become a significant net exporter of renewable energy. The NESC believes that Ireland's dependance on fossil fuel imports is exposing households and businesses to "price volatility on international markets", as well as geopolitical risks. Policy analyst at NESC, Dr David Hallinan said: 'The energy transition will not insulate us from developments beyond our borders. "Ireland is an island—but we're part of a European energy system. The international trading environment and domestic energy system will remain deeply intertwined." "To lead in clean energy, we need to invest strategically, contain costs and work more closely with our neighbours," Dr Hallinan explained. The NESC claims, that unless reliance on imported fossil fuels is "dramatically" reduced, Ireland risks worsening climate change and substantial fines from the EU. The report recommends redirecting fiscal resources away from inefficient fossil fuel subsidies to accelerate the energy transition and shift economic incentives toward investment in renewables. According to the NESC, green hydrogen is a pillar of Ireland's decarbonisation strategy and renewable energy export potential, mainly focused on decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors. The report cautions that the outlook for the sector remains uncertain and points out that domestic hydrogen demand alone will not justify large-scale infrastructure investment. The NESC claims, that without guaranteed export pathways and demand certainty, green hydrogen risks becoming "another stranded asset". It believes that Ireland will need to develop strategies for cost-competitive green hydrogen production, while fostering strategic partnerships with countries that will be significant importers of green hydrogen in the future. Dr Hallinan said: "Ireland must not view itself in isolation. Our energy future is European, and it must be built on shared planning, shared investment, and shared ambition. "The race to become a global leader in renewable energy trade will not be won on policy ambition alone. There are real concerns about the slow pace of energy infrastructure delivery." "If Ireland is to realise its ambition of becoming a significant net exporter of renewable energy commodities, we must address the root causes of high domestic electricity prices," he added.
RTÉ News
22-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Pope Leo gifted GAA jersey during audience at the Vatican
Pope Leo has been gifted a special GAA jersey during a recent audience at the Vatican for the Jubilee of Sport. Catherine Hallinan and Niamh Ryan are from Ireland and Katie Molloy is from New York. All three are members of the Rome Hibernia Gaelic Athletic Association and have been living in Rome for a number of years. They were thrilled to catch the attention of the Pope when they gathered with dozens of other groups and managed to get front row seats. Ms Molloy recalled how he waved over at the three expats: "We were able to pass on our special Jubilee of Sport jersey. We got the Jubilee logo printed on the sleeve, written 'as gaeilge'." Ms Ryan is a teacher from the village of Ballybricken in Limerick and has enjoyed a stellar GAA career with her home county. "For me, the GAA lives out the Jubilee of Sport theme through its strong emphasis on teamwork, which helps bring people together. "We have six different languages on our team so the game unites this group of people together, despite your background or wherever you come from," she added. Ms Hallinan is from Clonmel in Tipperary and says there is a close relationship between faith and sport. "There are as many GAA pitches as churches in Ireland," she joked before continuing. "The GAA and our religion went hand in hand in keeping the Irish identity alive through a long, and at times, troubled history," she added. She says the GAA is more relevant than ever today. "Sport brings people together from all walks of life and our men and women's teams travel all around Europe competing," she said. Ms Hallinan said it was lovely to hear Pope Leo mention Ireland during his greetings at the Vatican. She said now that he has a special jersey, they will make him an honorary member of the GAA!
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sligo's Ava Hallinan nominated for international player of the year ago
Hallinan attends Jesus & Mary Secondary School in Enniscrone, and has enjoyed a remarkable year on the footballing front. The talented Sligo student was one of only two players that played the full 70 minutes in each of the Bob Docherty Cup matches. Hallinan was named Player of the Match against Scotland as she was a powerhouse in defence for the second consecutive appearance in green. The Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone student has plenty of experience gained at such a young age. She has been capped at Under 16s level. Ava made the move from local side Kilglass United to Sligo Rovers last year. Previous winners include Jessie Stapleton (Palmerstown Community School), Hannah Healy (Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf), Abigail Bradshaw (St. Colmcille's Community School, Knocklyon), and Madison McGuane (Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally, Limerick). Hallinan is one of three nominees for the award. The other nominees are: Hailey Twomey of Eureka Secondary School, Kells, Meath and Ciara Milton of St. Leo's College, Carlow. Hallinan, at 14, is too young to feature for Sligo Rovers' senior team but will likely make that step up when she turns 15.
