Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Denmark Scraps Book Tax to Combat 'Reading Crisis'

2025-08-21

Facing a growing 'reading crisis', Denmark will eliminate its 25% book sales tax – the highest in Europe. This move, costing the state an estimated $51 million annually, aims to boost book sales and reading rates. The decision follows an OECD report revealing that 24% of 15-year-old Danes struggle with basic reading comprehension, a four-percentage-point increase over a decade. The Danish publishing industry had advocated for the tax cut, emphasizing the need for accessible physical books for all.

(www.rte.ie)

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Ryanair Doubles Down on Oversized Baggage Fees: Staff Incentives Increased

2025-07-21

To combat the issue of passengers bringing oversized cabin bags to the gate, Ryanair is considering doubling the commission paid to staff for identifying them. Currently, employees receive €1.50 for each oversized bag, and passengers are charged extra fees. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary stated that bags exceeding size restrictions will be refused or checked in for a fee of up to €75. He emphasized the airline's continued incentive program for staff enforcing baggage rules and indicated that passengers who consistently violate these rules are unwelcome.

(www.rte.ie)

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Kite-Powered Electricity: A Game Changer in Wind Energy?

2025-07-18

A project in Co Mayo, Ireland, is generating renewable electricity using kites, touted as a potential game-changer in wind energy. Kitepower, a spin-off from Delft University, employs 60 sq/m kites flown up to 425m, generating electricity through a yo-yo-like system. The kites, controlled by kitesurfing professionals and a GPS system, produce up to 30 kW per hour, stored in a battery. The entire system is mobile and easily deployable, operating even in cloudy, rainy, or nighttime conditions. This technology aims to provide clean energy to remote areas and eventually integrate with the electricity grid.

(www.rte.ie)

Tech innovative technology

Drone Deliveries: Navigating the Murky Legal Airspace

2025-06-02

The rise of drone delivery services has brought to light significant legal ambiguities surrounding airspace ownership and privacy. Current regulations are unclear, leaving many practical questions unanswered regarding homeowners' rights to prevent drones from flying over their property. The article explores the conflict between landowners' rights and the public interest in utilizing drone technology. A proposed solution involves legally defining the height to which private property extends into the airspace, perhaps 60-70 meters. Below this, drone operators would need landowner consent; above, designated air corridors would be established. This approach aims to balance the needs of homeowners and the burgeoning drone delivery industry.

(www.rte.ie)

Tech

Irish Minister Rejects Streaming Levy: Consumers Price Out

2025-04-06

Ireland's Minister for Media, Patrick O'Donovan, has opposed proposals for a levy on streaming services like Netflix, arguing it would price consumers out of entertainment. Despite previous preparations for the levy, intended to fund domestic programming as recommended by the Media Commission, O'Donovan will bring a memo to Cabinet opposing it. He believes the existing television license fee suffices for terrestrial television and plans to address legal loopholes via the Broadcasting Bill. Concerns over RTÉ funding also feature, with O'Donovan highlighting an almost 'monopolistic' situation regarding license fees, advertising, and Sound and Vision funding, and pushing for increased accountability.

(www.rte.ie)

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