State-backed R&D Push: The Government will invest €460m to create seven advanced tech research centres under a new national network, Rinn, spanning AI, energy, advanced therapies, quantum and semiconductors, with 577 research roles and 800 PhD places across 17 institutions including TCD, DCU, UCD, UCC and Tyndall. Energy Storage & Hydrogen: Net Zero Energy has opened consultation on a €2bn, 600MW long-duration energy storage project in Carlow, using surplus renewables to produce hydrogen for later electricity generation and grid support. Grid, Climate & Risk: A new EU climate monitoring report says May 2026 was the world’s second-warmest on record, with Ireland among countries hitting multiple temperature records—raising the stakes for extreme-weather planning. Coastal Erosion Urgency: A Climate Change Advisory Council paper calls for laws now to enable “managed retreat” from eroding coasts, warning thousands of properties and hundreds of kilometres of roads face loss over 25 years. Dairy Innovation: VistaMilk’s Research Ireland Centre hosted a future breeding conference, highlighting gains in EBI and fertility, and pushing next-step genetics and on-farm education. Water Sector Governance: UKWIR announced a restructuring of its governance model for the UK and Irish water sector, aiming to boost transparency and focus on research, product development and collaboration. Transport & Safety: Cork councillors raised concerns about dangerous traffic speeds near Watergrasshill National School, where HGVs and cars use slip roads to avoid motorway tolls. Industry Skills: DAB Pumps donated training pressurisation equipment to South Devon College, underlining the wider push for hands-on skills in plumbing and water technology.