IrelandMorning Briefing

Wednesday’s Top Stories: Homelessness chief defends communication strategy, Teacher-sharing scheme to tackle shortages

Here are the most important stories you need to start your day, including family of Imelda Keenan say she was under sustained pressure before vanishing

Page one photo: Emergency services at an explosion in Beirut, which killed Hamas deputy head, Saleh al Arouri. Photograph: Abbas Salman
Page one photo: Emergency services at an explosion in Beirut, which killed Hamas deputy head, Saleh al Arouri. Photograph: Abbas Salman

Homelessness chief defends communication strategy amid criticism following Ringsend arson attack

The director of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) has defended the service after politicians said they were not told of plans to create homeless accommodation at a vacant pub in Dublin which was then set on fire.

The fire broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Eve at the Shipwright pub in Ringsend and took six fire tenders several hours to bring under control. Gardaí have confirmed that the fire was the work of arsonists. The building has been at the centre of false rumours, spread by far-right campaigners, that it was to be used to house dozens of asylum seekers. Last month, anti-immigration protests were held at the building.

A row escalated on Tuesday after several politicians and local representatives called for a better communications strategy from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and a formal notification process. It is understood that the DHRE and the Department of Integration told public representatives who contacted them in mid-December that it was not intended to use the site for asylum seekers.

Top News Stories

News from around the World

The Big Read

Conor Pope writes that money is likely to be a less tight for consumers in 2024 than it was in 2023. Photograph: Christian Horz/ iStock
Conor Pope writes that money is likely to be a less tight for consumers in 2024 than it was in 2023. Photograph: Christian Horz/ iStock

The best from Opinion

Today's Business

Top Sports news

Picture of the Day

Waxwings in West Dublin, a winter visitor in variable numbers to urban areas, mainly to the north and east of Ireland. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Waxwings in West Dublin, a winter visitor in variable numbers to urban areas, mainly to the north and east of Ireland. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Culture and Life & Style Highlights

Why not try one of our Crosswords & Puzzles?

Like this?

Get the best content direct to your inbox by signing up to one of our newsletters