An international organisation that measures efforts by cities worldwide to cut carbon emissions said that no Irish city has responded to its survey.

Cities, which are home to more than half the world’s population, are stepping up efforts to slash pollution, often wresting the fight against climate change away from national governments.

Water is set to become a more serious risk for companies and investors. It’s already recognised.

A blueprint for the development of Co Cork up to 2021 identifies the need for 73,000 extra houses, a designated area for windfarms, and the need to earmark land for major new industry.

A COMMUNITY creche pleaded last night for emergency funding to avoid closure this coming Friday.

A SENIOR Department of Enterprise official was accused of allowing the head of his department mislead an Oireachtas Committee about concerns over a multi-million euro Fás training scheme.

WARNINGS about waste and mismanagement of a €126 million Fás “slush fund” were ignored by the Department of Enterprise as far back as 2006.

A NUMBER of community schemes based in disadvantaged areas have decided to refuse any further state funding due to what they claim are attempts to silence those seeking to give voice to the marginalised.

A MASSIVE €4.5 million was paid out to SIPTU and ICTU from the misspent Fás training package which has caused the European Commission to withhold €57m in social funding.

THE head of the Department of Enterprise has denied burying a critical report into an alleged €167 million Fás “slush” fund for employers.

THE Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project in Cork was established in 1991.

A MULTI-MILLION euro income stream the country receives from Europe for social projects is in danger because of questions raised about the possible misuse of grants given to Fás.

ENERGY minister Eamon Ryan says Irish companies have come into line with their international counterparts in prioritising green issues.

A BLIND musician plans to bring the music of hope to one of Limerick’s most notorious crime blackspots.

Big business is increasingly facing up to climate change, with more than half of the world's 500 largest companies introducing schemes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a report said today.

PLANNING problems with proposed mobile phone masts in Kerry are continuing, with four further refusals in recent weeks.

A MEMBER of Limerick County Council has thrown down a challenge to the powers which officials hold in granting planning permission for housing.