It’s Thursday, Dublin.

☀ High 17C. Low 9C. Carry Umbrella

Good morning Dublin. Another wet and soggy day awaits. The Irish flight attendant is set to be released from Dubai - which is good news (we covered this yesterday), and DCC is preparing hard for Funtropolis.

👀 What’s on the news today:

• Ireland's first 3D-printed homes are being built in Dundalk.

• Third elephant tests positive for virus at Dublin Zoo (2 died so far)

• Hilary Benn will meet Micheál Martin at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday.

& more.

NEWS

Ireland’s first 3D printed homes are being built in Dundalk, featuring three three-bedroom social housing units.

The project utilizes 3D construction printing (3DCP) technology, which speeds up construction and reduces timelines by 25%.

This initiative, a collaboration between Louth County Council, Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, Harcourt Technologies Ltd, and Roadstone Ltd, integrates prefabricated components to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

The homes will use low-carbon ready-mix concrete, aligning with environmental goals and aiming to address Ireland's housing shortage by providing a quicker, eco-friendly construction method.

Dublin Zoo has confirmed a third elephant, Asha, has tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) following the deaths of Avani, 8, and Zinda, 7.

Asha, 17 and Zinda's mother, may have an advantage due to her age, which allows her body to develop more antibodies. The veterinary team is providing dedicated care and monitoring her condition closely.

EEHV, a serious and unpredictable virus with a high mortality rate in elephants under ten, has not shown symptoms in the rest of the herd, but all are being closely watched.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn will meet Tánaiste Micheál Martin at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday.

This meeting follows Benn's appointment after Labour's recent election victory. Martin, also Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, will discuss resetting UK-Ireland relations, focusing on the UK's controversial Legacy Act, which offers limited immunity for Troubles crimes.

Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasized a victim-centered approach to these legacy issues. Ireland has challenged the Legacy Act in the European Court of Human Rights. Additionally, Irish officials seek UK commitments on funding Casement Park for Euro 2028.

What to Do This Week + Extra News

Do you think it was a good decision to ban cars in Capel Street? Capel Street has been nominated for the VCO Mobility Award 2024 in the International Model Projects category.

Have a great day. We chat tomorrow.

Thanks, Khalid.