IRE - The Irish Times

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1. Ireland’s time in EU hot seat has potential for plenty of awkward moments

   Government approach to tricky debates around defence, Big Tech and US relations will be closely watched during EU presidency

2. No more rain warnings but Met Éireann forecasts unsettled weather for weekend ahead

   Forecaster warns of continued showers and gusty winds across Ireland in days to come

3. Sex offender who assaulted vulnerable young man jailed for five years

   Ronaldo Otto, who goes by the first name Samantha, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 20-year-old autistic man

4. Travellers ‘devastated’ as south Dublin support organisation closes amid bitter rift

   Development will lead to loss of education and health supports, housing advocacy and employment and training programmes

5. Unsigned allegations about fisheries agency referred to gardaí by TDs

   Letter purported to be written by someone close to the board of troubled State agency

6. Church services

   Week beginning February 21st, 2026

7. Irish Government hopes to use EU presidency to repair transatlantic relations, leak shows

   Confidential draft of Government’s plans for presidency role includes commitment to boost EU-Nato co-operation

8. More councils boycott X over Grok AI sexual images controversy

   Thirteen local authorities cease using site or are reviewing use after non-consensual sexual images created by AI tool

9. Violent crime victims to receive increased State compensation after European court ruling

   Injured man awarded €60,000 - multiples of original €645 award received - in settlement of case against State

10. ‘The water will take a car and sweep it away’: Connemara river at centre of flooding row

    Locals near Kylemore Bridge in Co Galway have faced the problem for years, which they say is partly due to environmental rules