When infrastructure requires the sacrifice of communities it seems only better-off areas with political connections can stand up to projects, writes Michael Clifford.

One of only two community crèches in Dublin’s south inner city is to close in mid-August leaving up to 50 families having to find alternative childcare for the new school year.

THE Christmas lights were switched on at Leinster House yesterday in the presence of the Taoiseach and his fellow party leaders, but there was one notable absentee.