AGP Executive Report

Mental Health & Support: ISPCC has launched two free online ADHD programmes—Living well with ADHD (16–18) and Supporting a child with ADHD (6–12)—to help families manage focus, planning and emotional wellbeing while waiting for assessment. Community & Care: A Dublin student-led nonprofit, Sevah Neuro, is expanding globally to support neurodivergent children and families and challenge stigma. Health in the News (Ireland): A 66-year-old Dublin man was pulled from a burning car and is in critical condition after smoke inhalation and burns; police and fire marshals are investigating. Farm & Food Sustainability: At the Tullamore Show, the Sustainable Livestock Village returns as a “one-stop shop” for practical sustainability steps, including water quality, soil health and generation renewal. Livestock Health Practices: Dunbia is urging lamb producers to vaccinate in the neck (not shoulder) to avoid injection-site issues that can affect export eligibility. Nutrition & Wellness Lifestyle: A new gluten-free artisan bakery, Freed.me, is opening up better options for people with coeliac needs, focusing on avoiding dry or stodgy bakes. Public Health & Systems: New figures show the Department of Agriculture seized 1,503 cattle and 1,152 sheep between 2020 and 2025 under animal welfare enforcement.

Hospital Overcrowding: The HSE says University Hospital Limerick’s trolley crisis is driven by a long-standing mismatch between patient demand and capacity, after INMO reported 614 admitted patients waiting for beds nationwide (366 in emergency, 248 in wards) and 113 on trolleys at UHL. Regional Strain: In Mullingar, 14 admitted patients were on trolleys this morning, with 10 in the Emergency Department, highlighting how delays are spreading across services. Older Persons Care: A new HSE update shows residential care bed targets are being missed, with many beds completed but not opened on time, and closures linked to staffing shortages and HIQA-ordered refurbishment. Mental Health & Support: With public services under pressure, attention also turns to mental health access, including reports of thousands contacting the HSE for help finding a GP this year. Health Tech & Regulation: Ireland’s AI Office board has been appointed to oversee implementation of the EU AI Act, aiming for more trustworthy, human-centric AI governance. Cancer Research Pipeline: BeOne Medicines secured a UK Innovation Passport for a bispecific antibody in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, aiming to speed patient access pathways.

Health System Leadership: Portiuncula University Hospital appoints Eileen Kelly as Hospital Manager, aiming to improve patient experiences at Ballinasloe. Cancer Awareness & Community Fitness: Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run 2026 returns to Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork, with 5km/10km options and a virtual run window. Women’s Health: A personal account highlights the move toward fallopian-tube removal as a strategy for reducing ovarian cancer risk, urging more women to ask about it. Child & Family Support: Concerns grow that childcare subsidies could be tightened, potentially affecting around 20% of families if funding isn’t secured. Digital Safety for Kids: Irish Internet Hotline CEO warns that giving young children smartphones can undermine digital autonomy and increase risks tied to online exploitation. Public Health & Animal Health: The IFA urges vigilance as bluetongue cases rise in England, warning Ireland’s peak midge season could raise transmission risk. Migration & Vulnerable People: Ukrainian children and vulnerable adults protest planned relocation from Citywest, citing access to schools, hospitals and GPs. Wellness & Culture: Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness get planning approval to redevelop Dingle’s Phoenix Cinema into a new arts and cultural centre.

Emergency Care & Safety: An NHS locum surgeon in the UK has been struck off after a botched bowel operation left a patient in “uncontrollable pain,” with a second surgeon correcting the error; the tribunal heard the mistake was “not known to man.” Sports Health: Irish boxer Lee Reeves remains in hospital in “critical but stable” condition after being knocked out at Dublin’s 3Arena, with a fundraiser already raising over €32,000 for his medical costs. Local Health Access: New CSO figures show Carlow households are far from emergency departments, with half over 37.4km away, highlighting how county boundaries can shape urgent care. Hospital Capacity Pressure: New data says four hospitals accounted for over half of acute bed closures in early July, driven mainly by staffing shortages, maintenance and infection control. Community Wellness: Limerick donors are being urged to give blood during peak summer demand. Nutrition on the Go: Whole Supp’s ready-to-drink Body Fuel launches in 60 Applegreen stores nationwide. Pet Wellness Retail: WellPaws becomes the first pet supplement brand to secure a category-first listing in Tesco Ireland, rolling out to 150 stores.

Public Health & Care: A new study led by Trinity College Dublin researchers reports molecular confirmation that smallpox was carried to the Americas during the colonial period, using ancient DNA from Chilean mummies—an important reminder of how disease can travel with human movement. Cancer & Community Support: Limerick boxer Lee Reeves is in “critical but stable” condition after a knockout in Dublin, with a GoFundMe already raising over €23k for recovery and medical costs. Mental Wellbeing & Recovery: One couple’s routine of saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges is gaining attention as a practical stress-reduction and recovery habit, with them using it several times weekly. Health Access in Ireland: Almost 90% of urgent breast cancer referrals to Letterkenny have not been seen within the target time, raising fresh concerns about delays in care. Road Safety: A motorcyclist in his 40s died in a Carlow crash while travelling to a charity event, and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. Wellness Industry: STRONG Pilates announces expansion via a master franchise partnership, including entry into Poland and the Czech Republic, with Ireland listed among its existing markets.

EU Border Crisis: Ceuta’s migrant surge has triggered calls to suspend Spain from Schengen, but EU rules make it far from straightforward—while health services in the city report hundreds treated after deadly attempts to cross. Irish Health & Safety: Gardaí report two deaths on Irish roads over the bank holiday weekend, including a car vs 4x4 crash in Donegal and a fatal motorcycle collision in Carlow, as checkpoints and intoxicant testing continue. Child Protection Online: France’s children’s commissioner urges Ireland to use its EU presidency to push a Europe-wide ban for under-15s and back a simple public safety “index” for social media. Workplace Wellbeing: New funding expands free counselling for men aged 30–50 through the “Men Connect” project, adding outreach and support in pilot areas. Healthcare Access: Doctors and trainees say hospital childcare is still missing, with new hospital plans not including creches—adding pressure for parents in demanding rotations. Cancer Diagnostics: A Trinity/St James’s Hospital study says a liquid biopsy test can detect key drug targets on tumour cells that rival platforms may miss, supporting more precise treatment choices. Farm Health: A vet warns lameness remains the biggest health problem on many Irish farms, with costs varying widely by type and prevalence.

Sports Safety Update: Irish boxer Lee Reeves remains in a “critical but stable” condition in hospital after being stretchered out following a knockout loss to Gary Cully at Dublin’s 3Arena, with promoters saying more updates will follow in the coming days. Road Safety Tragedy: A motorcyclist in his 40s died after a collision with a car on the R448 at Ballyknockan, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow; Gardaí are appealing for dash-cam and mobile footage from drivers in the 8:45am–9:45am window. Gut Health & Mood: New reporting highlights growing research linking the gut microbiome and the gut–brain axis to anxiety, depression and sleep issues, pointing to diet and inflammation as possible influences. Wildlife-Friendly Gardening: Irish Gardener Peter Dowdall urges homeowners to avoid cutting hedges before the end of August to protect late-nesting birds and support healthier, more resilient gardens. Wellness Picks: Good Spa Guide Awards finalists for 2026 have been announced, with voting now open for spa-goers across Ireland and the UK. Farm Health Practicalities: Animal Health Ireland’s weanling event stresses pneumonia prevention, including slow weaning and better shed protection to reduce stress-related illness in calves.

Wellness & Beauty: NYX Hotel Dublin, Portobello, has launched Ireland’s first in-room beauty and wellness “Glow Up Package” with LED light therapy and clinically validated skincare—aimed at helping brides and busy weekends find real downtime. Sports Health: Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery says he will donate his brain for concussion research after a probable CTE diagnosis, highlighting the long-term toll of head injuries and the ongoing concussion lawsuit. Community Health Support: Lecarrow Benevolent Fund in Co Roscommon is hosting a major fundraising auction tonight (8pm) to back local people facing medical costs and to support life-saving defibrillators. Nutrition & Culture: An Irish home economics teacher in Boston has released a new cookbook, The Table We Kept, focused on keeping simple Irish cooking alive across generations. Work & Wellbeing: A new report warns that long working hours raise stroke and heart-disease risk, as burnout and low engagement continue to spread. Public Safety: Gardaí continue investigating the fatal Glen Hansard motorbike crash in Lucan, with inquiries focusing on the moments leading up to the accident.

College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC backed a bipartisan US Senate bill to regulate college sports, including rules on athlete pay, media rights and transfer limits—though it’s unlikely to pass before the August recess. Public Health & Safety: A man in his 50s died after getting into difficulty in the water off Castletownbere Pier, with an autopsy planned at Cork University Hospital. Injury & Care: Limerick boxer Lee Reeves was taken to hospital after a knockout loss at 3Arena. Community Wellness & Environment: Uisce Éireann is investigating a reported “uncontrolled release” of sewage from a wastewater plant in Carrignavar, Cork, after locals complained of murky, foul-smelling water. Health & Inclusion: Féile an Phobail highlights women’s voices and inclusivity in its debates and discussions programme as the festival continues. Animal Welfare: A puppy farm case alleges multiple cavapoo deaths shortly after purchase, reigniting concerns about breeding conditions. Sports & Health Education: Galway’s senior football championship previews include player profiles and club form as the season gets underway.

Hospital Care & Accountability: A Cavan woman living with locked-in syndrome for 14 years has settled a High Court action against the HSE and Beaumont Hospital for an interim €3.7m after claims her MRI was misread and treatment was delayed. Emergency Services Pressure: INMO says July trolley numbers hit a record 10,394, with University Hospital Limerick worst-hit (2,172) and the HSE urging people to consider other care pathways. Leadership in Irish Healthcare: Eileen Kelly has been appointed hospital manager at Portiuncula University Hospital, bringing 25+ years’ experience across clinical and senior management roles. Public Health Preparedness: Former MSF Ireland chair Dr Gabriel Fitzpatrick calls for Ireland to set up a rapid-response emergency medical team for international disasters and outbreaks. Community Wellness & Inclusion: A cultural awareness visit at Derg Valley Care & Healthy Living Centre in Castlederg focused on Indian culture, diversity and tackling racism. Farm Biosecurity & Animal Health: Animal Health Ireland urges farmers to review biosecurity plans ahead of autumn stock purchases, stressing isolation and vaccination history checks. Brain Health: New coverage highlights research suggesting fluency in more than one language may help keep the brain younger and more resilient.

Health & Care Courts: The High Court has found Tusla in contempt for failing to provide secure placements for vulnerable children, with the judge warning it’s a systemic, recurring problem. Rare Disease Access: Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill says funding for the breakthrough Friedreich’s Ataxia drug Skyclarys is still under scientific and economic review, leaving families waiting on a treatment that can only slow progression. Autism Assessment Capacity: Cork-based AutismCare says it’s expanding its clinic with more assessment rooms and a sensory room, plus more speech, OT and psychotherapy, and plans new locations nationwide. Inclusive Wellness: Galway City launches a pilot scheme for wheelchair-friendly beach mats at Ballyloughane and Silverstrand, aiming to make seaside time safer and easier for people with mobility needs. Road Safety & Health: A Donegal roadworks firm, Whitemountain Quarries, was fined €1.2m after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches linked to the 2020 crash that killed a father and two children. Public Health Support: Samaritans marked Awareness Day in Athlone with a tree-planting event to highlight 24/7 listening and emotional support.

HSE Pressure at UHL: The Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation says University Hospital Limerick’s emergency department is facing major overcrowding and is calling for “exceptional measures”, warning the summer situation is a “huge red flag” for winter. Emergency Demand: INMO reports 10,394 people treated on trolleys in July, with 2,172 at UHL, as the hospital urges people to consider other care pathways. Mental Health & Justice: A Dublin lawyer found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity after a psychotic episode led him to stab his father 27 times; the court heard he had schizo-affective disorder and relapsed after reduced anti-psychotic medication. Community Health Support: A Bank Holiday fundraiser in Lecarrow, Co Roscommon will back the Benevolent Fund, which has supported medical costs and installed defibrillators locally. Palliative Care Awareness: All-Ireland Hospice and Palliative Care Week returns in September (Sept 6–12) with a campaign aimed at correcting misunderstandings about palliative care. Water Safety & Reliability: Uisce Éireann says it’s “well prepared” for its largest-ever repair, tackling up to 15 leaks on a critical Greater Dublin supply line. Health in the Public Eye: Una Healy says giving up alcohol has improved her sleep as she navigates perimenopause.

Hospital Capacity Boost: Cavan General Hospital has begun a €100M extension, adding a modern Emergency Department, expanded Endoscopy, and 56 extra inpatient beds, with hopes it opens in three years. Public Health & Environment: Uisce Éireann is investigating an “uncontrolled release” at Carrignavar Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Cork after claims raw sewage entered a popular angling river, with agencies notified. Mental Health Support: A new partnership expands free, 24/7, confidential mental health help for veterans and families via Crisis Text Line and Face the Fight. Community Action: Clonmellon residents are gearing up to challenge a proposed solar farm and battery storage near the village, forming a core committee and calling for planning and legal expertise. Cancer Awareness: A Kildare woman, just over a year after HER2-positive breast cancer, is named Patient Ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society’s Very Pink Run. Road Safety: The RSA renews its motorcyclist safety appeal after Glen Hansard’s death, noting 108 road deaths so far this year. Health Research: Ancient DNA from Chilean mummies strengthens the case that European colonisation introduced smallpox to the Americas.

Dementia Care in Focus: Monaghan Hospital opened a new dementia-friendly Willowbridge ward, with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praising age-friendly design and a plan to roll similar upgrades across redeveloped wards. Cancer Care Upgrade: Beaumont Hospital has launched Ireland’s first genomics-based prognostic testing for multiple myeloma, using SKY92 and next-generation sequencing to better guide personalised treatment. Cardiovascular Health: University of Galway is driving plain-language, patient-friendly guidance for hypertension, with public discussion groups planned to help people understand risks and management. Rare Disease Hope: A new cell therapy study reports deramiocel can slow muscle decline in advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy, offering fresh hope for families in Ireland. Water Safety Warning: The EPA says drinking water quality in private supplies still falls behind public standards, urging mandatory registration and stronger monitoring to protect public health. Workforce Shock: Boston Scientific has filed for collective redundancy notifications in Ireland, with layoffs expected across its Galway, Cork and Tipperary sites. AI Oversight: HIQA says AI in healthcare must not replace human judgement, stressing accountability, safety monitoring and person-centred care. Community Health & Access: Dublin politicians are calling for the James Weir Home for Nurses to be acquired by Dublin City Council and turned into a community space rather than sold.

Hypertension & heart health: University of Galway is inviting people in Letterkenny to join patient discussion groups on high blood pressure and cardiovascular health, aiming to shape a plain-language national care pathway with support from cardiology teams and groups including the Irish Heart Foundation. Public inquiry pressure: Families of the Creeslough explosion victims met Taoiseach Micheál Martin and accepted a conditional commitment to consider a statutory public inquiry if current criminal and regulatory processes don’t deliver answers. E-scooter safety rules: Government plans backed by Cabinet would raise the minimum age for e-scooter users to 18 and make helmets and hi-vis mandatory, with higher fines for breaches. Workplace health & safety: HSA is investigating a fatal machinery accident in Boyle, where a man was killed while renovating a house. Cancer recovery check-in: Beverley Callard says her breast cancer recovery isn’t going as expected and plans to speak with hospital staff after persistent nausea and fatigue. Environmental health: Castlemartyr Resort in east Cork was fined €10,000 after a pollution spillage killed more than 100 fish in the Kiltha river.

AI in Health: HIQA says any new AI use in Ireland’s health and social services must be safe and trustworthy first, with clear accountability and person-centred care at the core. Brain Research: Trinity College Dublin-led work in Alzheimer’s models suggests microglia help keep brain networks stable, warning that broadly suppressing them could backfire. Public Health & Food: Danone plans Ireland’s first liquid advanced medical nutrition plant in Macroom, targeting tailored nutrition for cancer-related malnutrition, frailty, stroke and Alzheimer’s. Road Safety Tragedy: A Cavan crash that killed mother Nell Raven has now claimed her 10-year-old daughter Ira, with Gardaí renewing appeals for witnesses. Local Wellness: Enniscrone hosts a Teens Connect outdoor wellness programme (surfing, yoga and woodland activities) starting Aug 6. Community & Care: Carbery Group’s new chair John O’Brien pledges support for Cork farmers and milk price stability, while a Cork environmental health officer retires after 45 years of service. Health System Watch: Trolley pressures remain in the spotlight as Ireland reports thousands waiting for hospital beds.