Five things you need to know today

[ cost of renting has surged ]

The average cost of renting a home in the Republic has increased by €134 a month over the last year, with prices in Dublin climbing by substantially more, a new report on the housing market finds.

Figures published by property website Daft.ie show that the average monthly rent in the Republic is at €1,131, with rents averaging €1,784 on the south side of Dublin city, €1,690 in the city centre and €1,553 north of the Liffey.

Here's a map:

[ Palestinian flag is to fly above city hall ]

Dublin City Council has agreed to fly the Palestinian flag above City Hall this month despite opposition to the move from the Israeli ambassador to Ireland.

Long delayed plaza plan leaves College Green a construction site

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Plans unveiled for new College Green plaza in Dublin

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Martyn Turner’s 1995 court date for blasphemy

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More than half of Irish people had a first date in a pub, survey finds

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People Before Profit councillor John Lyons said he proposed the motion in solidarity with the people of Palestine to mark 50 years of Israeli occupation in the West Bank and to show the support of the international community for the Palestinian people.

3. The Abbey Theatre has revealed ambitious expansion plan

The Abbey Theatre is planning a multimillion euro redevelopment and expansion. The plan includes increasing the theatre’s capacity from 631 to 950 seats.

The plans will see the demolition of the existing theatre and several surrounding properties recently acquired by the Abbey.

[ where Irish life starts and ends ]

Romance begins at the pub, according to a survey by the Irish Vintners’ Association, which found more than half of respondents had a first date there.

The pub is also still at the centre of family events, the survey found. Almost 90 per cent of more than 1,500 people said they attended after-funeral drinks in a pub, while more than 80 per cent went to one after a christening.

[ Alligator heads and thousands of live bees ]

A package containing up to 4,000 live bees sent from Poland and a consignment of eight alligator heads were among the items seized by Customs officials at An Post's Portlaoise mail centre last year.

And finally ...

With Wow Air and Norwegian in the market stateside travel has never been so cheap - or has it? asks Fiona Reddan