A Waterford county councillor has publicly called for “special planning treatment” for the Ring Gaeltacht after claiming the future of the region was under threat from “too many blow-ins”.

Another autumn of discontent awaits college students as the scramble for scarcer and dearer accommodation is tougher than in any of the last 10 years.

Numerous student accommodation complexes have been proposed over the past year but, as this selection shows, they have had varying levels of success in the planning process.

Mid-West Correspondent Jimmy Woulfe tells how the proposed Foynes-Limerick road scheme may, after years of frustration, offer relief of a bypass for the town Adare.

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

The Department of Education has been criticised by child abuse survivors for failing to consult them on the possible replacement of a permanent memorial with an exhibition.

A major development could be on the way for a key site in the centre of Waterford City following reports a Saudi Arabian company is preparing to invest €300m in the area.

An Bord Pleanála has a duty to the Irish people that it is not living up to with regards to Indaver’s plans for Cork Harbour, writes Linda Fitzpatrick

The issue of helicopter safety is one of the key reasons behind An Bord Pleanála’s decision to defer, for the fourth time, a decision on whether to give the go-ahead to a controversial incinerator in Co Cork.

The Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association (RGDATA) has temporarily put the brakes on German discounters Aldi and Lidl further expanding in Ireland.

A planned 32km greenway along a busy tourist route in south Kerry should be studied to ascertain its impact on the environment, due to the sensitive nature of the landscape and the scale of the project.

Cork city centre’s largest office scheme, Navigation Square, is now cleared for a €90m build commencement by the summer which could facilitate 3,000 jobs.

A High Court challenge has been mounted against the refusal by Bord Pleanála to give the go-ahead for a solar power-generating facility in the south-east.

The Trump family have secured their first planning victory for their luxury golf links resort at Doonbeg.

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a piece of the €16m upgrade of the five-star Dromoland Castle in Co Clare.

The Department of Education is considering a permanent exhibition to remember residential institution abuse victims, instead of the memorial recommended in the 2009 Ryan Report.