Related Archive: Northern Ireland Assembly

2006 CE

St Andrews and the Port Tunnel

Archived: 26 September 2026

Abstract

In 2006, Ireland’s boom brought record housebuilding, low unemployment, migration and pressure on infrastructure and services. The census recorded 4,239,848 people, with non-Irish nationals comprising about one tenth, reflecting profound social and religious change. Government responded through employment-permit, strategic-planning and social-partnership measures, while the Dublin Port Tunnel opened to improve freight access. In Northern Ireland, the St Andrews Agreement created a route towards restoring devolved power-sharing, although Stormont remained suspended; a Transitional Assembly began preparatory work. The High Court rejected recognition of Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan’s Canadian marriage. Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at the K Club projected confidence.

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2002 CE

The Euro in Irish Hands

Archived: 26 September 2026

Abstract

In 2002, euro notes and coins replaced the Irish pound, symbolising deeper European integration. Ireland’s Celtic Tiger economy remained strong in GDP terms, but weak GNP growth exposed dependence on foreign-owned firms. Census results recorded rapid population growth, immigration and Dublin-centred expansion, straining housing and services. Voters rejected tighter abortion provisions but approved the Nice Treaty, enabling EU enlargement. Bertie Ahern’s coalition won re-election. Clerical abuse controversies intensified scrutiny of Church authority. Northern Ireland’s institutions faltered despite IRA decommissioning, leading to suspension of devolved government. Ireland’s World Cup run provided national unity amid profound wider social, economic and constitutional change.

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