Author: RTÉ Brainstorm

Climate Change: The Increasing Trend of Extreme Temperatures By Andrew Parnell, Dáire Healy, and Peter Thorne from Maynooth University, and Jonathan Tawn from Lancaster University If you were in Phoenix Park on a scorching day in July 2022, you might have experienced the highest temperature ever recorded in Dublin at 33°C. The trend of extreme temperatures is on the rise globally, with countries like France and Spain also breaking records in recent years. While Ireland has a history of extreme weather events, our research spanning from 1942 to 2020 reveals a notable increase in extreme temperatures across the country. We…

Inside the Count: Understanding the Irish Electoral Process As the local elections take place, it’s vital to understand what happens to your vote once you submit your ballot. On June 7th, citizens across Ireland will head to the polls to cast their votes, shaping the future of their communities. But what happens next? From voter turnout to counting votes, the process is crucial for democracy. Every vote counts. As seen in the proportional representation system, each vote has a weight and can shape election outcomes. Whether a candidate tops the poll or surplus votes are distributed, the count center becomes…