Inflation falls to 2.2% and Cathal Crotty avoids jail time

It’s Friday, Dublin.

☀ High 17C. Low 11C.

Not a Cold Day but There Will Be Rain

Good morning Dublin. Finally, it is Friday. It has been a long week for me. Hopefully, there will be some sunshine over the weekend.

👀 What’s on the news today:

• Irish inflation falls to three-year low of 2.2% in June

• Council grants permission to Johnny Ronan led consortium for 502 apartments in Dublin's Poolbeg

• Convicted soldier Crotty discharged from Defence Forces

  & more.

NEWS

Ireland's inflation rate fell to 2.2% in June 2024, marking a three-year low.

This decrease is primarily attributed to declining energy prices and easing supply chain issues. Despite this, underlying price pressures remain, particularly in the services sector.

The reduction in inflation is expected to positively impact consumer spending and economic growth in the upcoming months. Analysts believe this trend will continue, with inflation projected to ease further, reaching 1.9% by the end of the year. This is a significant shift from the higher rates experienced in recent years due to global economic disruptions.

Dublin City Council has approved the construction of 502 apartments in Poolbeg. The development will be on the former Irish Glass Bottle and Fabrizia sites. The plan includes five blocks with heights ranging from six to eight stories.

These apartments will consist of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units. The project also includes amenities such as a childcare facility, health center, retail spaces, and a residents' lounge. This is part of the larger Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone plan, aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant residential community.

Cathal Crotty, an Irish soldier, avoided jail time after pleading guilty to an unprovoked assault on Natasha O'Brien, sparking national outrage and protests.

Crotty, who was sentenced to a suspended sentence, assaulted O'Brien after she asked him to stop shouting homophobic slurs. The judge cited his guilty plea and good military conduct as mitigating factors, resulting in a €3,000 compensation order instead of imprisonment. The leniency of the sentence led to public demonstrations and calls for judicial reform.

FUN BITS + EXTRA

• Irish famine exhibition is still on here. This might be an interesting weekend outing for the family. Under 12 enters free, otherwise, price is around 20 eur/person.

• Aer Lingus said canceled flights to 'remain that way' amid suspension of work-to-rule

Enjoy the weekend everyone. Next email will be on Monday. Stay safe, drive carefully if you are going for a long drive.

And of course, reply to this email and tell me how was this week? I read every email and I will try to reply to as many as I can.

Thanks, Khalid.