SuperValu, a popular supermarket chain, has recently closed two stores due to slower trade, bringing the total number of closures to three this year. The chain found it impossible to keep these outlets open, citing factors such as location and local competition. Compared to its rivals Tesco and Dunnes, SuperValu has experienced slower growth in consumer spending. These store closures come at a time when the cost of living crisis is ongoing, especially as the competitive Christmas season for retailers approaches.
In other news, Israeli troops have ordered the evacuation of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Over loudspeakers, the troops instructed hospital director Mohammed Abu Salmiya to evacuate patients, wounded individuals, displaced Palestinians, and medical staff, asking them to move towards the seafront on foot. Before the Israeli troops moved in, the hospital was sheltering approximately 2,300 patients, staff, and displaced Palestinians. This development adds to the ongoing tensions and conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland has announced that there is a shortage of a commonly prescribed antibiotic called Augmentin. This antibiotic is used to treat various infections, including sinus and ear infections. The Irish Pharmacy Union is hopeful that pharmacists will soon gain authority to dispense alternative medications when prescribed medicines are out of stock, thanks to a serious shortage protocol. Medicines shortages have been a persistent problem in Ireland and other countries.
Dublin will see a demonstration for the sixth consecutive Saturday in support of Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign group will march to protest Israel’s treatment of Gazans and to urge the government to impose stricter sanctions on the state. This demonstration highlights the international concern over the situation in Gaza.
Fine Gael, a political party in Ireland, will be holding a Special Conference in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, focusing on delivering for rural Ireland and strengthening the party organization. It is important to note that this event is not an Ard Fheis, therefore, there will be no televised speech by the Taoiseach.
In an interview for The Journal’s Policy Matters series, Gino Kenny, a TD for People Before Profit, expressed his party’s stance toward the European Union. Kenny stated that his party is not eurosceptic but rather euro-critical. Although supportive of the European Union, Kenny is against the direction in which the EU is heading. He believes that most people in Ireland would also support the EU and that a referendum to leave the EU would fail.
New data from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has revealed that the median age for first-time buyer mortgages has increased to 35 years old. Additionally, the median income for these buyers has reached its highest level on record at €82,000. However, the average mortgage prices have also increased to €270,000. These figures demonstrate the challenges faced by first-time buyers in Ireland.
IBM has decided to stop advertising on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) after reports indicated that their ads were appearing alongside content praising Adolf Hitler and Nazis. This move by IBM represents a setback for the social media platform as it attempts to regain the trust of big brands and advertisers.
Finally, the 2023 PwC GAA-GPA All-Star football team has been announced, with Dublin leading the way with five players represented. Kerry, the team beaten in the final, has four players on the team, while Derry enjoys a significant showing with four newly-minted All-Stars. Roscommon and Monaghan claim the final two positions. Notably, Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, at 42 years old, becomes the oldest-ever All-Star in either code, a record that may only be broken by himself if he continues playing in 2024.
This article highlights current events and developments across various sectors, providing readers with valuable and informative content.
