Welcome to Data Éireann

Hey folks! Welcome to Data Éireann, my project to dive into all things Irish politics, government, and (hopefully) some pinch of detective work about what’s actually going on in the data beneath the press releases. It’s just me running the show - so think of it as a one-person curiosity-fueled project with a dash of data analytics thrown in.

What’s This All About?

I’ve always been fascinated by current affairs and politics—especially when campaign promises from elections don’t exactly match reality (sound familiar?). Ireland’s got big talking points, like housing, healthcare, and that never-ending cost-of-living conversation. But how do we separate real progress from empty words?

That’s where Data Éireann comes in. I want to look under the hood of government structures, budgets, and policies in as much detail as I can. If something catches my eye, I’ll try and dig a bit further and find some answers.

Why Bother?

1. Curiosity: I genuinely want to understand this stuff on a deeper level.

2. Public Awareness: If I can shed light on government spending or policy decisions, maybe it helps people get more engaged or ask better questions.

3. Accountability: Politicians make big promises. Let’s see who’s delivering—and who isn’t.

What to Expect

• Short, Sharp Posts: Quick updates on what I learned this week, weird data tidbits I stumbled upon, or a new question I’m exploring.

• Deep Dives: If I find something really interesting or puzzling, I’ll go all-in with visuals, analysis, and a behind-the-scenes look at the data.

• How-To Guides (Maybe): If I end up using Python or other tools to sift through data, I might share the process. Transparency for the win, right?

Join the Conversation

While this is a personal project, I’d love for it to spark some dialogue about how Ireland is run. If you’re curious about the government, or you love data and want to compare notes, pull up a chair. Over time, who knows—maybe Data Éireann becomes a go-to spot for insights on Irish governance. (Big dreams, small beginnings.)

Anyway, thanks for reading this far. Let’s see where this journey takes us.

Cheers,
Mark
Data Éireann