One of Barack Obama’s initiatives begun a decade ago in the US has strengthened civil society by innovative means over here, writes Pádraig Hoare.

The high-tech Ludgate Hub which has brought one-gigabit connectivity to the West Cork town of Skibbereen is set for up to €30,000 in funding, thanks to a partnership with a Cork charity and philanthropic network.

Builders and painters have teamed up with an arts collective to rejuvenate some historic lanes, urban green spaces, and derelict hotspots in the heart of Cork City.

Fianna Fáil has moved to quell internal rumblings after party leader Micheál Martin’s parliamentary assistant was unveiled as a local election candidate.