DELIVEROO has started trialling drones for food delivery for the first time in Dublin.

Foodies in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from selected restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle.

Deliveroo

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An initial test phase is being used to assess whether drones can help unlock new customers, particularly in suburban locations.

By bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries can significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods.

CEO and Founder of Manna Air Delivery, Bobby Healy, said: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers.

“Manna Air Delivery is proud to partner with Deliveroo, a platform trusted by top local restaurants and eateries, to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers.”

Owner of Musashi, Bill Lang, said: “We have been serving up authentic sushi for years but never thought we’d see it in the sky, delivered to peoples doorsteps by drone.

“Musashi is delighted to extend our partnership with Deliveroo to drone deliveries, helping us to reach even more customers in the Blanchardstown area.”

Green Party Leader, Roderic O’Gorman, called on the Oireachtas Transport Committee to urgently hold a hearing on commercial drone use.

He made the call following the announcement of the deal between Manna and Deliveroo that will see increased drone use in Dublin 15.

O’Gorman said: “Dublin 15 and other parts of the city are seeing a rapidly increasing number of drone delivery flights, and this will only increase with the new deal between Manna and Deliveroo. 

“Absolutely, there are benefits to the commercial use of drones, but there has been no discussion of the balance of rights between the companies using them, and residents who are impacted by the disturbance they create, particularly noise.”

Spokesperson for Transport for the Green Party, Cllr Feljin Jose, shared concerns over plans to expand the service to Glasnevin and the wider area in the coming months.

He said: “This rapid expansion of drone food deliveries coupled with the current planning regulation vacuum is a recipe for disaster. 

“There are plans to expand them to Glasnevin and the wider area in the coming months which prompted a discussion at Dublin City Council’s Mobility and Public Realm Strategic Policy Committee last month. 

“I’ve asked the chair of the committee to write to the Minister asking him to urgently publish regulations around this but we need to hit pause on this until that’s in place.”

URGENT SESSION

O’Gorman continued: “I have written to the Chairperson of the of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, which I sit on, requesting that the Committee holds an urgent session on the use of commercial drones for delivery. 

“I believe that the Irish Aviation Authority, Manna, Deliveroo and officials from the Department of Transport all need to provide their input to this hearing.”

O’Gorman called on the Minister for Transport to “urgently publish” the National Policy Framework for Drone Use. 

He added: “When I raised the issue of drone use in the Dail in February, the Minister said that this Policy was near completion. 

“It needs to be finished and published urgently, and should cover key issues like noise pollution, safety concerns, planning issues and privacy rules, regarding the use of commercial drones.”

The chair of the committee, Janet Horner highlighted there was a “grey area” over the regulation of commercial drone operations in terms of planning.

She said: “I think it is unrealistic and unfair to expect people to put up with that within their homes.”

The committee will call on the Irish Aviation Authority to discuss the issue further.

Paul Sharp

VIRGIN Media star Brian Dowling has shared an honest update on his daughter’s school journey.

The Six O’Clock Show host and his Dancing With The Stars judge husband Arthur Gourounlian share two kids together, Blake, 2 and 11-month-old Blu.

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Brian has shared an update on her school journey[/caption]

The pair often share snippets of their day-to-day lives with their little ones on social media.

Two-year-old Blake is gearing up to start play-school this year and both Brian and Arthur have been preparing her for the big change.

The couple brought Blake to her preschool for the very first time last month.

Brian took to Instagram today to share an update as the two-year-old continues to settle into school life.

The dad-of-two first shared a clip of himself carrying Blake on his shoulders as they made their way to preschool.

In the video, Blake looked excited for the day ahead as she smiled at the camera when her dad asked if she was looking forward to school

After dropping her off, Brian admitted: “School drop off done – does it actually get easier?

The popular presenter added that it has become “much easier”, as he explained: “I actually drop her at the door with the teacher, I don’t have to kind of walk in and put her at the desk and do all of that.”

However, he confessed that he still finds it tough to walk away.

Brian said: “But when I walk away I’m telling myself, ‘don’t look around, don’t look around’, but then I do look around and she’s perfectly fine.”

The 46-year-old then joked: “Maybe when she’s eighteen this won’t be as bad.

He added: “What is nice though is I was able to do it this morning and I didn’t feel like I was rushed which was really nice.”

The TV host ended the update by revealing he was heading back home for a quick “cup of tea” before getting ready to record something new.

However, he didn’t reveal what the secret project was.

Brian recently admitted he’s been having a “tough” time as he fought back the tears in his emotional farewell statement on 98FM.

OFF AIR

After more than two years at the helm, the TV star called it quits on his radio show.

He had been co-hosting a weekday morning show from 10am to 1pm with Suzanne Kane since March 2023.

However, the pair haven’t hosted the show together in months with Leanne Hanafin replacing Suzanne.

It was the dad-of-two’s last time co-hosting his 98FM show last week and emotions were at an all time high in the studio.

Brian got teary-eyed as he signed off saying: “I promised myself I wasn’t going to get upset. You’re tearing up, don’t tear up!

“I have had the best time here for nearly two and a half years. It’s been an absolute blast. It’s been an honour to sit in this chair for the length of time I have.

“I’m sure a lot of people thought, ‘Oh, Brian Dowling got a job – He’ll be in it six weeks and he’ll be gone’. I have given this show absolutely everything.

“I became a dad on this show. I’ve had television success on this show. I’ve had it all on this show.”

MCDONALD’S Ireland has launched a new June menu with items from burgers to ice cream just in time for summer.

And the fast food chain has brought back an iconic fan favourite.

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The Big Arch® is officially coming to Irish restaurants.[/caption]

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Complete your feast with a side of Halloumi Fries[/caption]

McDonald’s has revealed its latest food items to hit stores this summer, including a brand new burger.

Get ready to discover McDonald’s delicious new June menu and treat yourself to irresistible flavours. 

From June 18 , McDonald’s is serving up its boldest menu yet with the new iconic burger, the Big Arch® is officially coming to Irish restaurants.

It is stacked with two juicy 100 per cent Irish beef patties, white cheddar cheese slices, crispy onions, fresh onions, shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles.

And finished with a generous layer of signature Big Arch® which is a creamy blend packed full of flavour.

Complete your feast with a side of Halloumi Fries, the golden sticks of halloumi cheese in a light batter coating come with a sweet chilli dip.

If you’re looking for something different, don’t miss out on The Katsu Chicken One.

Choose between crispy or grilled chicken, coated in flavourful katsu sauce.

Packed with crunchy cucumber and fresh lettuce it is wrapped in a warm, toasted tortilla.

It is the perfect meal for people on the go.

Whether you’re after a quick snack or something sweet to finish your meal, McDonald’s has got you covered with their new dessert item.

The toffee apple pie is the perfect warm treat, featuring a crispy pastry filled with its rich and unique toffee flavour.

And there are fan favourites back in stores by popular demand as the fast food chain returns two classics.

Prepare to satisfy your cheesy cravings because McDonald’s is bringing back the beloved Cheesy McCrispy®!

After lots of excitement from fans, this crispy, flavour-packed favourite is finally making its return.

The fan fave features a 100 per cent chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating, served with lettuce, crispy onions, pink pickled onion chutney, bacon, emmental cheese and a deluxe cheese sauce.

And back by popular demand the Toffee Crisp® McFlurry® is the ultimate after meal treat this summer. 

 The soft dairy ice cream swirled with Toffee Crisp® pieces, topped with toffee sauce is a crave-worthy combo.

Fans will have to hurry as items are available for a limited time only.

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Fans will have to hurry as items are available for a limited time only[/caption]

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The newest items land in restaurants on June 18[/caption]

Russia has accused Ukraine of indefinitely postponing the exchange of POWs but says it remains ready to honour the agreement.

NINE million pensioners will receive the winter fuel payment THIS YEAR after a humiliating government u-turn.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expanded the threshold for receiving the benefit allowing the elderly with a pension below £35,000 will get the benefit.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves[/caption]

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Rachel Reeves axed the universal winter fuel payment last July[/caption]

Ministers will be left red-faced with the change costing £1.25 billion with the new means-testing saving Treasury coffers around £450 million.

Ms Reeves axed the universal winter fuel payment last July just weeks after entering office in a bid to save £1.5 billion – after claiming the Tories had left a £22 billion financial black hole.

She said:  “Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government.

“It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.

“But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out.

“This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.”

The payment will be £200 per household or £300 per household where someome is over the age opf 80.

Eligibility will be based on the individual’s age and location during the third week of September this year. The person will have to have reached state pension age by September 21 this year to be eligible.

Pensioners will not have to take any action to receive the payment, it will come through automatically.  For those above the threshold it will be automatically clawed back through HMRC.

Three-quarters of people of state pension age in England and Wales  are now expected to get payment this winter worth up to £300 a year.

Only around two million individuals in England and Wales over the state pension age will miss out as they earn too much.

The threshold is seen by the Treasury as “well above” the income level of pensioners in poverty and is being seen as broadly in line with average earnings.

The costs will be accounted for in the Budget this autumn with the Chancellor taking decisions in the round to ensure her non-negotiable fiscal rules are met.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch blasted: “Keir Starmer has scrambled to clear up a mess of his own making. I repeatedly challenged him to reverse his callous decision to withdraw winter fuel payments, and every time Starmer arrogantly dismissed my criticisms.

“This humiliating u-turn will come as scant comfort to the pensioners forced to choose between heating and eating last winter. The Prime Minister should now apologise for his terrible judgement.”

The decision was in part triggered  after Labour suffered a brutal set of results at the local elections last month as Nigel Farage’s party surged.

Ms Reeves ditched the winter fuel payments to all pensioners in one of her first major acts as Chancellor last July blaming the state of the public finances.

But the move only saved Treasury coffers around £1.5 billion but the decision provoked fury from OAPs and charities.

The Chancellor last week revealed there would be a “means test” but stopped short of saying how it will be funded.

She said: “People should be in no doubt that the means test will increase and more people will get winter fuel payment this winter.

“As we have been clear, on winter fuel we will set out how we will fund that at the next fiscal event.

“We will set out how everything will be paid for at the budget in the autumn but it’s important that everything that we do is funded, because that’s how people know that we can afford it.”

The about-turn came after Sir Keir Starmer revealed more pensioners would be receiving the benefit following the outcry.

It meant a huge reduction in those receiving the benefit with numbers falling from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million.

But there was a word of warning that the payment wouldn’t return to being universal for all pensioners before the decision was made last year.

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said last week: “Is there any prospect of a universal winter fuel payment? The answer is no.

“Most people – ninety-five per cent of people – agree that it is not a good idea that we have a system paying a few hundred pounds to millionaires.”

WAYNE ROONEY and Tyson Fury will co-manage the England team at Soccer Aid 2025 – but they’re not the only famous faces.

They’ll be joined by Dermot O’Leary, Alex Scott and some much-loved pundits to present this family-friendly match.

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Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will present Soccer Aid 2025[/caption]

Soccer Aid is the world’s biggest charity football match and has raised more than £100MILLION since its inception by Robbie Williams in 2006.

Old Trafford will host this year’s event with Rooney and Fury’s England taking on an incredible World XI – and all proceeds going to Unicef.

Who are the Soccer Aid 2025 presenters and commentators?

Dermot O’Leary and former England football star Alex Scott will present Soccer Aid 2025 on ITV.

Returning for another year, Dermot and Alex will bring the polish and expert analysis, providing pitch side interviews, behind-the-scenes moments and fun.

They’ll be joined by seasoned pundits Sam Matterface and Love Island voiceover presenter Iain Sterling who will be on commentary duties during the match.

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Dermot O’Leary has presented Soccer Aid since 2010[/caption]

Dermot O’Leary

Dermot will dust off his suit and present Soccer Aid 2025, something he’s done every year since 2010.

O’Leary, 52, currently presents This Morning, where he’s always ready to add some personality.

He has earned his status as prime time ITV royalty, with over 10 years presenting The X Factor.

He started his career in 2001 when he hosted Big Brother’s Little Brother on E4, leaving in 2007.

His voice can be heard welcoming the weekend on BBC Radio 2 where he presents the Saturday breakfast show.

He’s a key part of the line-up, establishing himself as a prominent voice in the presenters line-up.

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Alex Scott is presenting Soccer Aid for the fifth time[/caption]

Alex Scott

Alex Scott is a former Arsenal and England international who has swapped the pitch for presenting duties.

Alex played a huge role in increasing the popularity of women’s football and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

As a presenter, Alex has held the mic for Sky Sports and the BBC, covering major footballing events, including at the Women’s World Cup and England’s failed bid for silverware at Euro 2024.

Since 2021, Alex has partnered with O’Leary to present Soccer Aid.

The perfect partners provide interviews and insights from the sidelines and behind the scenes.

Who are the Soccer Aid 2025 pundits?

Experienced football commentator Sam Matterface will be in charge of describing the action.

Sam will be a familiar voice to ITV, TNT Sports and TalkSPORT audiences.

To stop it all getting too serious, Iain Sterling will provide some light relief as the co-commentator.

The cheeky Scottish presenter is taking a quick break from preparing for Love Island 2025 to deliver sharp one-liners and celebrity insights – to stop it all getting too serious.

When is Soccer Aid 2025?

Soccer Aid will take place on Sunday, June 15.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7.30pm, with coverage free to view on ITV1 and streaming available on ITVX.

The match will be held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, having been played at Stamford Bridge last year and the London Stadium the year before.

SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.

HEIMIR Hallgrímsson believes that going back to basics has Ireland ready for the World Cup campaign.

The Boys in Green face Luxembourg tomorrow in the final warm-up game ahead of the start of the World Cup qualification campaign in September. 

And Hallgrímsson wants to see Ireland build on a decent 2025 to date that has seen them win twice against Bulgaria in March and draw with Senegal on Friday night.

He said: “Basics first before details. I think we are getting the basics pretty good at this stage and the excitement comes with that. 

“We feel that we are growing, we can play good teams like Senegal and look comfortable. 

“That’s now one step taken and hopefully we can have the same performance against Luxembourg so it shouldn’t be up and down performances.

“We should be consistent in what we are doing, that’s the main thing if you want to qualify.

“You need to get performances every game and play a similar way in every game and develop a style of play.

“This World Cup campaign comes and goes really quickly so we have to have everything spot on once it comes to September. I think it’s good preparation for us.

“It’s always important to win. For every team, it’s always important to win.

“Just to get that winning feeling and make it a habit to do everything correct – to win the matches. 

“It is important to win the game even though we would say in a friendly, I would pick performance above winning. 

“If we have a good performance, continue to improve in what we are doing, even though we are unlucky and lose the game, I would probably take that more than a win…

“It was the wrong way of saying that, don’t make that a headline!”

While Hallgrímsson looks for consistency, he confirmed that he will make changes to his starting XI. 

Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal was called up on Sunday with Jack Taylor and Josh Honohan both carrying slight knocks.

But both took part in training this morning in the Stade de Luxembourg. 

Hallgrímsson continued: “The purpose of this camp was to look at new faces and we will make some changes even though we were really happy with the performance. 

“Hopefully everyone will have their time to shine, but we’d like to keep some consistency too and build on what we’ve been doing well. 

“I think we probably played one of our best games as a team and we don’t want to miss that in the game against Luxembourg.”

Chris Evans has long held a place in Hollywood’s heart, not just for his leading-man looks or blockbuster roles, but for his grounded, quietly charismatic presence off-screen. With a face that seems untouched by time (yes, the Fountain of Youth rumors persist), Evans has charmed audiences for years. So when he married in September 2023, […]

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Live from New York — it’s Rat-urday Night! A fed-up Brooklyn tenant battling a rat infestation in his Crown Heights apartment has been live broadcasting the pests’ nightly antics to pressure his landlord to take action. For the last two weeks, Adam Schleser’s live “Rat Cam” has captured rodents scurrying over beams, screeching, chewing, and...

"Of course the New York Post is best suited to pick the best name,” Greenfield said. "Puns and wordplay are our meat! We rib people all the time!"