A round-up of recent media appearances from colleagues across the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, covering work featured between 08 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.
Is Ireland Facing a Rental Supply Crisis?
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) in the Irish Times and Extra.ie, 24 February 2026
Provided expert comment on data showing that rental supply in February 2026 reached its lowest level in 20 years, with average rents breaking the €2,000-a-month barrier for the first time.
What Does the Russian Economy Look Like After Four Years of War?
Dr Noah Buckley (Political Science) on Newstalk, The Hard Shoulder, 24 February 2026
Discussed the state of the Russian economy and what is known about daily life inside Russia following four years of war.
Irish Politics Shifted Left - But Why?
Prof Gail McElroy (Political Science) on Irish Times Inside Politics Podcast, 11 February 2026
An essay by Prof McElroy is featured in an Irish Times Inside Politics podcast episode examining the leftward shift in Irish politics following the 2024 general election.
Are Tax Breaks Getting Enough Scrutiny?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) at the Oireachtas Committee, Irish Independent, 10 February 2026
Provided expert comment at a recent Oireachtas Committee on how tax expenditures tend to receive less oversight than direct public spending.
Mercosur, Beef, and the Battle Over Bord Bia
Prof Alan Matthews, Fellow Emeritus (Economics) in The Currency, 8 February 2026
Prof Matthews’s expert analysis is referenced in an article on the limited impact of Mercosur beef trade liberalisation on Irish farmer incomes.
Are AI Chatbots Relying on Grokipedia?
Prof Taha Yasseri (Sociology) in The Verge, 31 January 2026
Quoted in an article examining the growing use of Grokipedia as a source by AI chatbots including ChatGPT.
Should We Talk About Controlling Wealth, Not Just Alleviating Poverty?
Dr Claire Moriarty, Visiting Research Fellow (Philosophy) in the Irish Times, 30 January 2026
Opinion piece questioning why public debate focuses on alleviating poverty while largely avoiding the issue of runaway wealth accumulation.
Can Board Games Boost Children’s Numeracy Skills?
Dr Claire Moriarty, Visiting Research Fellow (Philosophy) on Newstalk Radio, 21 January 2026
Discussed research findings indicating that playing board games provides lasting benefits for brain development and numerical skills in children.
Is Political Pressure Threatening Central Bank Independence?
Dr Davide Romelli (Economics) in The Economist, 14 January 2026
An article on the global trend of political interference in central banking cites research by Professor Romelli, an expert in central bank independence.
Can One in Five Workers Afford to Retire Before 70?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on Today FM, 13 January 2026
Provided expert comment on a pension provider survey finding that one in five workers do not expect to be able to afford to retire before the age of 70.
Wikipedia Turns 25 - What Has It Achieved?
Prof Taha Yasseri (Sociology) on ABC Radio National (Australia), 11 January 2026
Interviewed on Australia’s national radio to mark the 25th anniversary of Wikipedia and reflect on its significance.
How Much Did House Prices Rise in 2025?
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) in the Cork Independent, 7 January 2026
Provided expert comment on Irish housing price trends, including a rise of over 7% in the price of three-bedroom homes during 2025.
Do Road Restrictions Simply Shift Traffic Elsewhere?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on IrishCycle.com, 6 January 2026
Quoted in an article challenging the claim that sustainable transport measures simply displace car traffic rather than reducing it.
What Did Irish House Prices Do in 2025?
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) in The Journal.ie and on RTÉ Radio 1 Morning Ireland, 2 January 2026
Provided expert comment on data showing that the average gap between asking price and sale price grew to 6.6% in 2025, with national list prices rising by 5.5%.
How Is Ireland’s Economy Performing?
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) in the Irish Times, 18 December 2025
Provided expert comment in a special report examining Ireland’s economic outlook, including the persistent sticking points of housing and infrastructure.
Should Dublin Have a Congestion Charge?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime, 15 December 2025
Appeared on RTÉ Drivetime to discuss the case for and against introducing congestion charges for Dublin City.
Would a UK-Style Mansion Tax Work in Ireland?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) in The Journal.ie, 7 December 2025
Provided expert comment on the recent introduction of a charge on high-value homes in the UK and whether a similar tax could work in Ireland.