Megan O'Brien

Megan O

News Journalist

Megan studied at the Technological University of Dublin where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She previously won the Science Foundation Ireland prize for work around agtech and food tech at the Student Media Awards. Megan comes from a rural background in Kildare and has a keen interest in agri-business and agtech, as well as sustainable agriculture.

53% of septic tank systems failed inspection last year – EPA

Environment

53% of septic tank systems failed inspection last year – EPA

More than half of septic tank systems failed inspection in 2021 due to operational issues such as de-sludging and structural...
Farmers encouraged to avail of second Covid-19 booster

Rural Life

Farmers encouraged to avail of second Covid-19 booster

Farmers that are eligible for a second Covid-19 booster vaccine have been encouraged by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to...
Irish dairy products were 25% dearer than EU27 average in 2021

Dairy

Irish dairy products were 25% dearer than EU27 average in 2021

Prices for milk, cheese and eggs in Ireland were 25% higher than the EU27 average last year (2021), according to...
‘Urgent need for clarity’ for farmers on solar PV supports

Environment

‘Urgent need for clarity’ for farmers on solar PV supports

The Micro-Renewable Energy Federation (MREF) has sent a submission to the government on urgently supporting the farming community in the...
New farm apprenticeships announced by government

Rural Life

New farm apprenticeships announced by government

A number of new agricultural apprenticeships were announced today (Tuesday, June 28), as part of a wider package of measures...
Commission to use ‘smart thermostats’ to reduce gas demand

Agri-Business

Commission to use ‘smart thermostats’ to reduce gas demand

The European Commission’s Task Force on European Energy Security is set to promote the deployment of smart thermostats and heat...
Kildalton College celebrates 50 years with open day

Rural Life

Kildalton College celebrates 50 years with open day

Teagasc’s Kildalton agricultural, horticultural and equine college marked 50 years of education with an open day celebration at its campus...
Afforestation payments down 42% since 2010 – CSO

Forestry

Afforestation payments down 42% since 2010 – CSO

Afforestation payments have decreased from €108.2 million in 2010 to €62.3 million in 2021, according to figures released by the...
Monaghan farming family win Lakeland Milk Quality Awards

Rural Life

Monaghan farming family win Lakeland Milk Quality Awards

A dairy farming family in Co. Monaghan have been announced as the Supreme Champions of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality...
Call for government to meet contractors on rising green diesel prices

Machinery

Call for government to meet contractors on rising green diesel prices

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the government to confirm when it will meet with farm and forestry contractors...
Work underway on amending planning laws – Varadkar

Rural Life

Work underway on amending planning laws – Varadkar

Work is underway to change Ireland’s planning-permission system in a bid to prevent long-term delays to the development of projects,...
CSO: Irish population highest since before the famine

Rural Life

CSO: Irish population highest since before the famine

Preliminary results from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), show that Ireland’s population is the highest it has been in a...
Challenge to find sustainable AgTech start-ups launched

Agri-Business

Challenge to find sustainable AgTech start-ups launched

An international programme seeking start-ups with the potential to accelerate the agricultural industry’s transition to a net zero sector, was...
Kilkenny cheese plant to be ‘one of the most sustainable in Europe’

Dairy

Kilkenny cheese plant to be ‘one of the most sustainable in Europe’

The new continental cheese plant in Belview, Co. Kilkenny “will be one of the most sustainable in Europe”, according to...
Advice: Milk recording in preparation for selective dry cow therapy

Dairy Technical

Advice: Milk recording in preparation for selective dry cow therapy

It is not too late in the year to start milk recording in preparation for selective dry cow therapy (SDCT),...
Brazil set to increase beef production by 35%

Beef

Brazil set to increase beef production by 35%

Brazil must increase its beef production by 35% between now and 2030 to meet the demands of the domestic and...
Old Irish goat recognised as native rare breed to Ireland

Rural Life

Old Irish goat recognised as native rare breed to Ireland

The old Irish goat was approved as a native rare breed to Ireland today (Thursday, June 9), by the Minister...
Only 27% of people in rural Ireland have a funeral plan – report

Rural Life

Only 27% of people in rural Ireland have a funeral plan – report

Almost three quarters of people in rural Ireland feel conversation about death and funeral arrangements is lacking, according to a...