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McDonalds launches Vegan Burger

McDonald’s is now offering a vegan burger in Ireland after years of research to perfect a plant-based patty and vegan cheese slice. mcdonalds0921

The fast food giant will trial the new McPlant in 10 restaurants from September 29 and a further 250 outlets from October 13, with the aim of rolling it out nationwide next year.

It is made up of a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan sauce, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese, and will be cooked separately from other McDonald’s burgers and sandwiches using dedicated utensils.

'Tap' payments record in July

Contactless payments by Irish consumers hit a new daily record in July with an average of 2.5 billion payments made per day worth €40.5m. payment0921

New figures from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) show July payment volumes rose by 29% year on year to 77.5 million, while the value of contactless rose by 33.7% to almost €1.3bn. The value of the average payment increased to €16.21, from €15.63 a year earlier.

A separate report from the BPFI also shows that online and mobile banking payments continued to grow strongly in the second quarter of the year as Covid-19 restrictions were eased. Payments made online and by mobile phones grew by 15.3% year on year to 32.2 million payments.

While the payment card is by far the most frequently used payment instrument, digital banking transfer volumes grew by 15.3% year on year to 32.2 million payments.

Cheque payments remained at historically low levels volumes of 2.1%.

€9m for 38 Dining Sites

Fáilte Ireland has announced funding of €9 million to build outdoor dining spaces across Ireland over the next six months. corkoutdoor

As the summer draws to a close, a variety of designs are likely to emerge across 38 sites.

“These structures are designed [with] full understanding of what the Irish climate is and once you have the right kind of roofing, the right kind of shelter, the right kind of heating etc then it is possible to have a very pleasant outdoor dining experience,” said chief executive Paul Kelly.

“Possibly not through all the winter and I don’t think there’s going to be many people out dining in red weather alerts; we wouldn’t be recommending that.”

Mr Kelly said the structures will be purpose designed and purpose built.

Cork Jazz Fest Returns

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is set to return this October, after being cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions. corkjazz

First held in 1978, the festival has hosted legends of jazz such as Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock and BB King over the years.

It will be held in Cork city over the bank holiday weekend from 22-25 October.

Under the Government's current reopening plans, most restrictions are set to lift on 22 October.

Fiona Collins, who chairs the festival, said all involved are "delighted" to bring the festival back this year.

Air BnB backs Domestic Violence Fund

Air BnB is contributing €350,000 to a new fund to financially support women and children who are fleeing domestic violence situations. airbnb2021

Safe Ireland and Airbnb have announced the 'Safe Ireland Survivor Fund' which will help those escaping abuse with basic needs such as groceries, utility bills, securing a deposit for safe accommodation and phone credit.

Services can also apply for funding for equipment or training, including play pods for children, or innovative and specialist support for high-risk and vulnerable women.

The fund, led by Safe Ireland in partnership with Airbnb who have donated €350,000, will be distributed through Safe Ireland's 39 affiliated services across the country.

Mary McDermott, CEO of Safe Ireland says the fund will help women to escape situations where financial barriers such as access to phone credit, transport or inability to pay bills "can and do keep women trapped".

"We thank Airbnb for their frontline response, while Safe Ireland continues to work for the eradication of domestic violence in society as a whole.”