Irish Language & Media: Work is underway in Belfast’s Castle Street to build a 6,000 sq ft TG4 Fleadh marquee, with an entertainments licence approved for live TV coverage from Aug 6-9 and performances largely inside the marquee. Road Safety Push: Sligo councillor Marie Casserly says Ireland’s road deaths are rising again since 2021 and wants road safety treated as a national emergency, warning that e-scooter focus must not dilute the bigger problem. Pharmacy Reform: New laws will let pharmacists prescribe and renew contraception after an initial GP visit, with rollout expected before end-2026 once training, protocols and IT updates are in place. Financial Literacy: Ireland appoints its first financial literacy ambassadors as part of an EU-wide push to give citizens trusted, accessible guidance on money matters. Industrial & Trade Tensions: Aughinish Alumina’s confidential government review says sales into Europe have “markedly” declined amid concerns over Russian ownership, while the report’s publication is contested over claims of confidential and security-sensitive material. Agriculture & Farm Costs: The IFA kicks off its pre-Budget ’27 campaign in Dublin, urging protection of farm schemes, cost supports, and extension of key tax reliefs. Energy & Infrastructure: Permission for more offshore windfarms is expected in the short term, according to the minister.