The hotel’s signature restaurant, 62 Drury Street Bar & Brasserie, is a destination in its own right

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Tucked away on Drury Street in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Creative Quarter, Brooks Hotel stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive boutique hotels. Combining contemporary comfort with classic Irish hospitality, this four-star property offers guests a refined retreat just moments from Dublin’s most iconic attractions.

Whether you are visiting for business, a romantic getaway, or a city break, Brooks Hotel strikes an ideal balance between elegance, convenience, and highly personalised service.

Location is arguably one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. Situated just a short stroll from Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College, you are within easy walking distance of the city’s premier shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks. Nestled in the Creative Quarter, guests are surrounded by independent boutiques, galleries, and a lively nightlife scene, making it an effortless base for exploring the capital.

Following an extensive refurbishment, the hotel’s 100 guest rooms now blend modern luxury with timeless style. Each room is designed for a relaxing stay, featuring individually controlled air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, and premium coffee machines. From elegant City Rooms to spacious Executive and Signature Rooms—and a truly luxurious suite for those seeking extra indulgence—there is an option for every type of traveller.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, 62 Drury Street Bar & Brasserie, is a destination in its own right, showcasing modern Irish dining crafted from fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. It is a warm, contemporary space that feels just as popular with Dublin locals as it does with hotel guests. The bar is equally impressive, boasting a curated selection of Irish whiskeys, craft gins, and expertly shaken cocktails.

My dinner was a highlight of the stay. I began with sautéed tiger prawns served with spring onion, shallots, and a chilli-garlic butter that begged to be soaked up with the accompanying focaccia. For the main, the rump of Wicklow lamb—served with potato terrine, pea purée, and a rich lamb jus—was succulent and full of flavour; the accompanying asparagus was quite possibly the tastiest I have ever had.

I finished with a chocolate mousse that was so refreshing and moreish, I would happily make a detour to the hotel just to order it again. I also sampled a non-alcoholic blueberry mojito—a delightful blend of fresh blueberries, mint, lime, and soda that genuinely impressed me.

Beyond the plate, the service was impeccable. A special mention must go to the restaurant servers and the wider hotel team, who were not only deeply professional but also remarkably warm and personable.

Unlike many boutique hotels, Brooks offers unique amenities that elevate the experience. A private in-house cinema provides an intimate venue for screenings or presentations, while flexible meeting rooms cater perfectly to business travellers. With a dedicated concierge team and 24-hour room service, the hotel’s commitment to personalised hospitality is clear.

Brooks Hotel offers the ideal trifecta of luxury, location, and personality. With its beautifully appointed rooms, excellent dining, and prime city-centre position, it remains a standout choice for couples, business travellers, and tourists alike. For visitors seeking an elegant boutique hotel within walking distance of Dublin’s major landmarks, Brooks Hotel continues to be one of the city’s finest places to stay.

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Some animals are at greater risk than others

A stark warning is being issued to pet owners after a cat brought into the charity’s care required surgery to have both ears removed due to severe sun damage. Buddy, an eight-year-old Domestic Shorthair, was taken in by Battersea’s Old Windsor Cattery after being discovered as a stray.

The charity’s clinical team swiftly identified lesions on both of his ears – one of which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer triggered by UV damage. Battersea’s clinical team also discovered pre-cancerous cells on Buddy’s other ear and were sadly left with no choice but to remove both ears to safeguard his future health.

Cats with white or light-coloured fur, such as Buddy, are especially susceptible to sunburn and sun damage, particularly on exposed areas like their ears and nose. While fur offers some degree of protection, areas with less coverage can be especially vulnerable to harmful UV rays.

Hazel Adams, cattery team leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “Buddy’s story is a serious reminder of just how devastating sun damage can be to our pets. Providing plenty of shade and water, keeping cats indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and using animal-friendly sun cream are a few simple ways owners can reduce the risks and help their pets stay safe in the heat.

“Despite everything he has been through, Buddy has proven to be a gentle and affectionate companion. He has adapted remarkably well to life without his ears and while his hearing has been affected, it hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest. He is now ready to find a loving home that understands his unique needs.”

The summer of 2026 is firmly on course to become the hottest on record in the UK. Battersea is calling on owners of lighter-coloured cats to take additional precautions in the sunshine, reports Wales Online.

Animal-friendly sun cream can be applied to areas such as the tips of the ears and nose, while treats and gentle strokes can help cats develop a positive association with the process. Battersea advises using a titanium dioxide-based sun cream and steering clear of products containing zinc oxide. Owners should always consult their vet if they are uncertain which sun protection product to use.

If you are keen to give Buddy his second chance, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/rehoming. For further guidance on keeping your pets safe in the heat,click here.

Beadlam Grange Farmshop & Bistro, near Helmsley, currently holds a 4.4-star rating on Google from more than 850 reviews, as well as a 4.1 rating on Tripadvisor from more than 500 reviews.

The farm shop combines a traditional food hall and butcher’s counter with a bistro serving breakfasts, lunches, cakes and hot drinks.

Visitors can buy a range of Yorkshire produce, including fresh meat, cheese, bread, cakes, fruit and vegetables, preserves and other locally sourced goods.

Its meat counter is a particular feature, selling home-grown beef alongside lamb, pork, local free-range poultry, sausages, burgers, bacon and gammon.

Beadlam Grange Farmshop & Bistro, near Helmsley (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

The deli also stocks a wide range of Yorkshire cheeses, cooked meats, pâtés, pies, quiches and pastries.

Recent visitors have praised both the shop and its food.

One Tripadvisor reviewer who stopped for breakfast while travelling home from a family break said they had driven past Beadlam Grange many times without realising it was there.

They wrote: “We’ve been past plenty of times but didn’t realise it was here.

“Hiding in plain sight.

“No complaints with any of the six meals.

“Piping hot, good ingredients and served in a timely manner.”

Another recent visitor said they had enjoyed “the most wonderful breakfast” and particularly praised the poached eggs.

They added: “Will certainly call in again.”

Another customer simply said: “Loved my breakfast, thank you.”

The farm shop itself has also attracted strong reviews.

One recent Google reviewer described it as a “lovely place for coffee and cake” and added that the farm shop was “very good as well”.

Another regular customer said: “Excellent food and drinks.

“Staff are very friendly.

“Farm shop is fantastic.

“Highly recommended.”

The butcher’s counter is another draw for customers, with one reviewer praising the quality of its beef.

They wrote: “Great products.

“The Limousin beef just melts in your mouth.

“Friendly service, thoroughly enjoyed.”

Beadlam Grange also sells ready-to-heat meals and other products which have proved useful for visitors staying in holiday accommodation nearby.

One Tripadvisor reviewer, who visited the shop while staying in the area, said: “We loved the selection and variety of the items, especially the ready-to-heat meals as we were staying at a vacation property nearby.”

They also praised the gift shop inside.

Families are catered for with a children’s play area, while the business offers outdoor seating during warmer weather.

One visitor who attended a family baby shower said the food had been “delicious”, with plenty of choice and friendly staff.

They added: “My daughter loved the little play area they had.

“Would highly recommend.”

Jack Whaley became only the second Englishman to win the US Amateur Championship since 1911 as he beat American Jay Leng Jr 4&3 at Merion.

Victory will give the 22-year-old a place in the field for the Masters, US Open and The Open at St Andrews in 2027.

Whaley, who attends Florida State University, came into the contest as a major underdog against Leng Jr, who is 23rd in the world amateur golf rankings, some 67 places higher than the 22-year-old from Doncaster.

The on-course form looked to be following the rankings as Whaley slipped two down after the opening 18 holes in Sunday’s 36-hole encounter.

However, Whaley fought back superbly, making back-to-back birdies on the second and third holes of his second round on his way to winning four holes consecutively.

With rain lashing down in Pennsylvania, both players took two of the next six holes before Leng Jr misread a putt on the 12th to hand his opponent a three-hole lead.

Whaley rounded off his win with a superb left-to-right putt for birdie at 15 to become the first English amateur to triumph in the US Amateur since Matt Fitzpatrick in 2013.

Prior to Fitzpatrick, Harold Hilton had been the last Englishman to won the title in 1911, with Scotland’s Richie Ramsay (2006) the only other British winner since 1898.

Fitzpatrick went on to follow up his success at The Country Club in Brookline by winning the US Open on the same course in 2022.

Former US Amateur winners include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland.

It has been crowned as best local pub in the region

A Cambridgeshire local pub with a “hidden gem” garden has been named as the ‘most loved’ in the region. As it does every year, Muddy Stilettos has announced the best of what the region has on offer.

One of these categories is the ‘most loved local pub’ across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. The lifestyle magazine crowned The Pheasant in the village of Keyston as the ‘best’ in the region.

The pub acts as a meeting point amongst the community – especially as it is the only local amenity in the village. It is a restored thatched country pub where “thoughtful hospitality, seasonal cooking and exceptional wines come together in the Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire countryside”, according to its website.

It added: “The bar remains at the heart of The Pheasant, with cosy corners, roaring fires in the colder months, local ales on the pumps, carefully crafted cocktails and an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in and stay awhile.

“Beyond, our light-filled restaurant overlooks the gardens and surrounding countryside, offering a relaxed setting for everything from long lunches to evening dining. When the weather allows, our south-facing garden is one of the area’s hidden gems.”

The finalists for the Muddy Award 2026 were:

• The Boot (Freston);
• The Burleigh Arms (Cambridge);
• The Crown (Bildeston);
• The Crown (Stoke By Nayland);
• The Debenham Lion (Debenham);
• The Greyhound Inn (Pettistree);
• The Three Blackbirds (Wooditton);
• The Three Hills (Bartlow);
• The Wild Rabbit (Harkstead).

The Pheasant offers a wide variety of dishes. From battered fish served with triple-cooked chunky chips, crushed minted peas and tartar sauce to a pan-seared duck breast with roasted apricot, pomme dauphine, heritage carrots and apricot chutney, the menu is diverse offering each customer a choice they can enjoy.

Its dessert menu is a big crowd-pleaser with options such as a sticky toffee pudding or brown sugar, chocolate and espresso tart. For true savoury-lovers, a cheese plate from Rennet & Rind, Cheesemonger and Affineur of Cambridge, served with crackers, membrillo, celery & grapes is available to please your tastebuds.

Reviews on Google highly recommend the pub, with 4.6 stars out of five. One customer wrote: “A beautiful little pub with a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were incredibly attentive and clearly passionate about both the food and the overall experience.”

Another previous diner wrote: “This was a great find. Just off the A14. So welcoming. The food was great and the location stunning – including Highland cattle in the field next door.”

Laura Doel is the new general secretary of TUC Cymru

On Laura Doel’s CV you’ll find roles in unions, politics, and even newspapers. She worked in manufacturing at Tillery Valley Foods and there was also the spell as a Chinese takeaway driver with a sideline as a taxi, but that’s a different story.

Now, she is the new general secretary of TUC Cymru. An umbrella organisation, it has 47 affiliates, who represent 400,000 members in Wales.

Unions are something that run in her blood. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here

“I was born and raised in South Wales Valleys, so everybody in my family was a member of a union. They were miners, they were steelworkers, they were in manufacturing and so it was instilled in me from, you know, from the beginning. You get a job in a trade or a profession, you join a union, and the NUJ was my first union as a journalist.

“There’d been big history and tradition and culture of where I’m from that, everybody is part of the trade union movement,” the 43-year-old, originally from Aberbeeg says.

“It was no shock that I would end up becoming an activist within Unison. I became an activist within three days of starting at Blaenau Gwent Council,” she smiles.

A seven-year spell at NAHT followed until the role of General Secretary of the Wales TUC became vacant when Shav Taj, the previous holder was elected to the Senedd as a Labour MS to represent Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf.

The umbrella organisation’s role, she explains, is that it “seeks to promote the issues that matter to our trade union affiliates”.

And given the varied CV she’s just summarised as we meet in Transport House in Cardiff, she says she feels well placed to do just that.

“I’ve scratched the surface there, even with the plethora of jobs that I’ve had in the past but actually, what it does do is it gives you not only a grounding in various types of industry, but also a greater understanding of what matters.

“What matters to people and what matters to people in work, and how important it is that you have a safe and secure job, that you’re comfortable in your workplace, that you’re supported in your workplace because I’ve worked in some places that definitely didn’t embody that, but I’ve worked in some fantastic places.

“It does instill that sense of purpose and collectivism, which sounds a cliché,” she admits.

“A lot of what the trade union movement does, and what our focus in TUC Cymru is, is about creating those conditions of service where you don’t need to contact your union, because you haven’t got into a situation where you feel that you need that one-to-one support.

“We do a lot of work in that campaigning piece about making sure that we have those conditions of service, whatever the workplace is, that people can thrive and people are protected and be valued, and get a decent day’s pay for a job well done.

“We do a lot with our affiliates to make sure that they are supported and their issues are listened to. We do a lot of lobbying with government, as you’d expect, and employers, both in the public and the private sector, to promote the importance of that value of the workforce.

“Because as we have seen and as has always been the case, the workforce is the essence of the success of industry, the success of education, the success of everything – the workers are the things that make this country tick.

“They’re the things that make things happen and we need to make sure that they are protected. They are our greatest resource when it comes to the economy, for example. So, therefore, we need to make sure that we are creating and supporting those conditions where they can do well.”

The process to appoint a new general secretary was underway by the time of the Senedd election in 2026, and as soon as she knew the job was coming up, she wanted it.

“This job came up at a time where, let’s be honest, it’s a hugely challenging time, not only economically, but also politically,” she says.

While she knew a new Welsh Government was likely, no-one foresaw then a new Prime Minister and all that also brings.

“One of our main priorities is around the public sector. We are seeing—and we’ve had successive UK and Welsh governments not invest in the public sector as much. as they should.

“What you’d say about the public sector is, it’s not just the people that work in it.

“It’s the services that they provide are crucial to the economy. For example, the issues that we have in social care, that don’t just affect those people that use social care directly, it affects their families, it affects their abilities to work, it affects their abilities to look after themselves and manage their own finances. It has a huge economic impact, the pressure on public sector. And if we don’t get that right, we are never going to be able to address the other challenges that we already face.

“For us as TUC Cymru, that is an absolute priority, making sure that there is significant investment in public sector, making sure that we have the roles to deliver for people across Wales because of the huge impact it has when we don’t get it right, making sure that those workers feel valued and are paid appropriately for the—for the crucial role that they do.

“When we’re looking at priorities around investment, we need to be looking at how we protect and create jobs in Wales.

“We are encouraged by the new Welsh Government and their plans for the establishment of a new development agency, and we look forward to working with that government on that.

“But we need to make sure that worker voice is at the heart of that discussion, because the workforce brings with it a wealth of expertise and—and skills that we will need to be able to make whatever it is that we want to do a success.

“We have highly skilled workers in Wales, we have people that have a lot to give when it comes to expertise in a variety of different industries. We need to utilise the resources that we’ve got, and for us, that will mean making sure that we attract business to Wales, making sure that we grow the businesses that are here, making sure that they are supported to be able to create those conditions where the workforce can thrive, making sure that we’ve got highly skilled, sustainable jobs, and that we’re also forward-thinking.

“We talk a lot about AI and the threat that AI has to particular—particularly industry. But actually, there is an opportunity to use AI to our advantage if we do it right. TUC has been very clear: we’re not about subsidising highly paid, skilled workers for AI, and we know the challenges around that, as we’ve seen other countries fall into that trap.

“What we need to do is harness AI to use it to the extent where it can be of benefit to the existing workforce and it can help with job creation and that’s the kind of conversation that we are interested in having, and where we have had discussions with government about where we feel those areas of priority need to be.”

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It is, she says, early days for both the Plaid Cymru minority government in Wales, and Andy Burnham’s Labour government in London.

But, I ask whether given Plaid failing to get enough support from across the Senedd for its supplementary budget in the dying days of the last Senedd term, does it worry her looking forward?

“We’re not just talking about a new government, we’re talking about a party that’s not been in power on its own,” she says, urging a little calm about worries about legislation passing while acknowledging Plaid has put pressure on itself with its 100 day plan.

“There is obviously, and would be with any government, but certainly from this government, ambition and that drive to do something, to bring positive change and to bring it quickly.

“I think the reality is it’s a bit more complicated than that, and that’s starting to play out.,” she says.

The supplementary budget not passing was, she says “a really challenging situation” but she says it never needed to get to where it did.

“There was an opportunity missed when it came to that supplementary budget. Education unions were absolutely clear, and had been clear, by the way, for four years about their concerns around ALN funding,” she says, pointing out it wasn’t about politics but a much longer-standing issue.

The WLGA, which represents councils had issued a report too.

“That information was already out there. The issue that transpired that led to Labour not supporting that supplementary budget was the fact that those two unions went into dispute the day before the vote. There should have been discussions. It didn’t need to get to that situation.

“I think what we will see, though, and I am confident in, is that we have politicians in Wales who understand and will work with other like-minded parties to put the people of Wales first and I think it’s going to take a little bit of time for those relationships to build and to be solidified, and let’s not forget we’re talking about a lot of new people as well”.

She mentions how Rhun ap Iorwerth made his first public speaking appearance having become First Minister was at TUC Cymru Congress. Given how closely the Labour and union movements are interwoven, it was a shrewd move.

“TUC is not affiliated to the Labour Party, but of course we have a history and a tradition that we are incredibly proud of. But we are going to be working with whoever is in power that shares the same values of the trade union movement, and that is about putting workers’ rights first, that is about making sure that we create those jobs and those conditions of service where workers can thrive, and that’s certainly been the intention of Plaid Cymru.

“That was what they set out, what the First Minister set out at Congress, that he wanted to do. He talked about the value of the workforce in Wales, he talked specifically about the skills that we’ve got, and his intention to grow the economy via that workforce and we take him at his word.

“We’ve already started those conversations with government ministers. I think it’s fair to say that those conversations have been positive, but of course, we’re all finding our feet. “

They are supportive of Plaid’s plans for a new development agency. “Things like the new development agency is a really interesting concept and how we hope to be a key part of that.

“When we’re looking at other reforms across other areas, when it comes to public sector pay, for example, we hope to be able to bring the wealth of expertise that we have from the people on the ground to be able to create the conditions of service in those sectors that will not only benefit those individuals, but of course the knock-on economic effect of people having well-paid, sustainable jobs in our communities.

“That’s how I want to position us, that step further than what we potentially had previously.

“Now it’s about delivering, and that will be with this new government and those people that want to work with us to deliver for those people in Wales.”

There is, she says, social partnership legislation in Wales. “We need to make sure that we’re using all the levers that we’ve got available to us for that to be successful.

“We don’t have to look that far or, you know, long ago, where things have been, where we’ve seen economic success, where we’ve seen jobs grow, where we’ve seen improvements in educational standards, it’s about where we bring everybody together and that’s what the TUC is about, bringing the workforce together.

“We have a key role to play in making sure that we bring those partners together, and we want to be part of that discussion, we want to be part of that delivery.”

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An appeal had been launched by Colin Ross’ family after they hadn’t heard or seen from since Friday.

A Scottish man who went missing for two days while on holiday with in Rome has been found.

Colin Alexander Ross, 56, vanished at around 10pm on Friday, August 13., when he was visiting the Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda with his partner Anabella Mcallister.

She told how she had been taking a picture of him before he walked up a side street and vanished.

Anabella made a desperate appeal online earlier on Sunday after Colin, from Elgin in Moray, had not been seen or heard from since Friday.

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However, it is understood that was found this evening after making it back to his hotel. His daughter told STV news that he had been “injured” but had somehow made his way back.

Annabella has said that Colin was in a bit of an “unsteady state due to medication and heat” when she last saw him. He also vanished without his phone and wallet.

Writing online she had said: “As you all know, we are in Rome. Since Friday, what was meant to be a dream trip has turned into a nightmare, as Colin has been missing from that first night. Friday night, August 14, at the Pantheon in Piazza della Rotonda, my fiancé Colin Alexander Ross went missing around 10pm.

“He was in a bit of an unsteady state due to medication and heat. We had walked across the front of the square from Via Minerva and stopped at the far side, where I went to take a picture. Colin disappeared up the street to my right, up a slight hill which had various cafes. By the time I followed, he had disappeared.”

She continued: “Please, people of Rome, help find him. This happened on our first day here in Rome. He had no phone, as his was on charge in the room, and I had mine, as well as his wallet in my bag, as his pockets were no good.

“It wasn’t his intention to go missing. All police and agencies are involved, though I’ve heard nothing from the police today as of yet. I’ve been in touch with the embassy and added this on all the sites I can think of over here too. It feels like the whole of Rome is looking, but can’t see him.

“Everyone please share to get him back to me.”

Formula one star Lewis Hamilton has been romancing reality star Kim Kardashian since the beginning of the year – and he appears to be making a great impression on her wider family

Lewis Hamilton’s descent into the inner circle of the Kardashian clan took another step over the weekend as he joined Kylie Jenner to help her celebrate her birthday. The 41-year-old Formula One ace stunned fans this year when he struck up a romance with thrice-divorced mother-of-four Kim Kardashian.

And now it appears he is fully immersing himself in Kim’s family, as he joined her younger sister, Kylie, the daughter of divorced former partners Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, to celebrate her 29th birthday. Kylie took to social media over the weekend to share highlights from her celebrations.

And it appears to be receiving a personal high-speed drive from the seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion. A video clip showed two people within an all-terrain four-wheeler positioned beside a giant dirt track.

The occupants inside were unrecognisable because they were both wearing crash helmets; however, a telltale tag revealed that Lewis was behind the wheel, while a screaming onlooker identified Kylie as the other occupant, yelling: “Birthday ride!”

The pair were then shown speeding off into the distance with the all-terrain vehicle eventually becoming engulfed in a cloud of dust. Other photos and video clips from Kylie’s celebrations showed her enjoying herself with her family in Hawaii. She posed alongside older sister Kendall, 30, while notorious gossip outlet Deuxmoi reported that the ladies’ respective boyfriends, Jacob Elordi and Timothée Chalamet, were also in attendance – even though Kylie didn’t feature them in her birthday Instagram dump.

Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner shared a post of her own, writing about her youngest child: “Happy 29 my girl!” – along with a string of emojis. Older sister Khloe shared a lengthy message online on Kylie’s actual birthday, 10 August.

The reality star wrote at the time: “Happy birthday to my world–class poker player baby sister. Kylie, I swear in another lifetime I was your mother. I don’t care how old you are, you will forever be my baby.”

She continued: “I know I’ve loved you long before this life, and I’ll love you long after it. My sister by blood, my best friend by choice, and one of the greatest loves of my life. I know in every lifetime, every reality, every realm, we will always find one another.”

Khloe went on: “Watching you become the woman you are makes me so incredibly proud and emotional. The mother, friend, sister, daughter, businesswoman you are inspires me endlessly. You light up spaces you aren’t even in by the mention of your name.

“You’re hysterical, gentle, loving, lighthearted, patient, and so much fun and yes, obviously the most gorgeous, but your heart will forever be the most beautiful thing about you.”

Reports of Kim and Lewis dating first emerged in February this year. Kim was previously married to rap star Kanye West, with whom she shares four children.

She was also previously married to basketball player Kris Humphries from 2011 until 2013, and prior to this, she was married to musician Damon Thomas from 2000 until 2004.

This month, a source close to the Kardashians told US Weekly that Kim’s romance with Lewis was the “real deal”, insisting that the couple “are still very serious and committed to their relationship.”

The source added: “It is the real deal for Kim and something she hasn’t experienced in a long time.” And Lewis himself last month shared photos and videos of himself with Kim writing “hold your people close”.

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A consultation on the Executive’s public sector Artifical Intelligence Strategy is open

An Executive report has said that Northern Ireland could develop “green data centres” as more need to be built to sustain plans for increased use of AI in the public and private sector.

Northern Ireland currently has nine data centres with an Executive report on an Artificial Intelligence Strategy for NI saying there is a need for the creation of new ones in order to accommodate public sector AI projects and the datasets needed by businesses developing AI models.

The report highlights how despite it having double the population, the Republic of Ireland has more than 10 times the number of data centres with 135. It says that NI is in a postiion to develop “green data centres” that would be powered by renewable energy sources.

One of these “sustainable” data centres is being built at the Foyle Port Innovation Park in Derry by GreenScale and is due to be up and running in 2027. The site will have 100MW of power and says that it can ben expanded to 300MW with this being supported by renewable energy.

The company’s website says the data centre is based in a “critical digital gateway” as “Northern Ireland sits within a low‑latency triangle connecting the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe.”

The AI strategy report says that 20% of renewable energy that is produced in NI “goes to waste” and could be utilised for projects like data centres. The high costs associated with using cloud services have also been cited as a reason to create new data centres saying that “Sovereign, green, high-performance computing is therefore essential.”

The Executive has said it is looking to expand the use of AI throughout the public sector and says that it presents a number of opportunities while also noting the potential risks. It has said the full potential of AI will only be realised with the public’s trust due to the impact the sector has on people’s lives.

It says NI is currently in a position where it could become “major AI player on the global stage”. It says: “AI can transform our public services to the benefit of citizens; it can revolutionise how we work and study; it can drive economic growth and prosperity; and it can amplify human capability to create higher-quality jobs.The potential is extraordinary, and we have a duty to educate our citizens so that they understand that potential and can use these intelligent systems for their own benefit.

“Yet Artificial Intelligence carries risk, so our priority must also be to ensure that we have accountable human oversight operating with guardrails for ethical use and guidelines for best use. This is particularly important in the use of AI in public sector transformation where so many of the services that impact the lives of people every day are delivered. The potential of AI will never be realised without public trust.”

It continues: “If we adhere to our eight principles and work collaboratively to develop a plan that delivers on the recommended actions, Northern Ireland (NI) will be uniquely positioned to become a major AI player on the global stage. We have deep expertise across all sectors; we have a unique ecosystem based on connectivity and collaboration; and we have significant potential to be a leader in infrastructure: our natural resources could establish us as a pioneer in green data centre provision and, with that, a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment.”

A consultation on the AI Strategy is open until October 7, 2026.

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The 19th century school building was put on the market for £560,000 in January

A former primary school is set to get a new lease of life. The former Kennett Primary School on Station Road in Kennett was put on the market for £560,000 in January.

Plans, submitted by Colourbox Montessori School Ltd to change the former school into a pre-school, have now been given the green light. Kennett Primary School still runs as a school, but moved from its former 19th century building in late 2025.

The plans were granted permission by East Cambridgeshire District Council. According to the plans, the pre-school will accommodate up to 64 children and employ 15 new staff members. The pre-school will open from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm.

The applicant did not wish to make changes to the existing buildings or part of the exterior. The trees, boundary hedging, and soft landscaping will also be retained as part of the plans.

The new pre-school will provide 10 onsite car parking spaces, alongside a separate cycle storage facility. There site already accommodates a playground.

The applicant said the proposals to reuse a former primary school are “wholly appropriate”. The applicant added that the proposals will “suitably respect the character, scale and design of existing neighbouring and nearby dwellings along with the setting, character and appearance of the wider rural surroundings”.

The school building was first built in 1865 by rector William Godfrey, who paid £700 for the construction of the school. Years later, a modern extension was added to the school after the expansion of the village.

Colourbox Montessori has nurseries in several Suffolk locations including in Bury St. Edmunds, Newmarket, Haverhill and Barrow.