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Geraldine Herbert

@gerherbert.bsky.social
2.3K followers 641 following 541 posts

Journalist and cat lover ... Transport, Motoring and Consumer Motoring Editor & Columnist at the Sunday Independent. Contributor - Irish Independent, Euronews and Good Housekeeping TV - RTE, Virgin Media, Radio - Newstalk, TodayFM, RTE and BBC

PostsRepliesMedia
Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
New @transenvuk.bsky.social analysis of real-world data finds that PHEVs emit 6 times more CO₂ than lab tests suggest 145 g/km versus 24 g/km making them just 14% cleaner than combustion cars. The data raises questions about promised consumer savings & why PHEVs are taxed as low-emission cars.
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Looking to speak to parents of kids in exam classes who are paying for grinds, using online subscriptions or one-to-one tutors, making sacrifices elsewhere, or unable to afford grinds at all. If you would like to contribute, please email: geraldine.herbert@independent.ie RTs pls
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Looking to speak to women about feeling safe on public transport, particularly after dark. Have concerns about buses, trains, stops, stations or the walk home changed how, when or whether you travel? Email gerherbert6@gmail.com. Shares appreciated. #journorequest #PublicTransport
woman sitting alone on a bus
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Micheál Martin says he's "leaning towards" banning e-scooters because of rising injuries and the misuse of e-scooters and scramblers by criminal gangs. But those are two completely different problems. One is public health. The other is criminality.
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Are you stuck on the M50 every day? How much time does it cost you, and what impact does it have on your work, family life or stress levels? I'm looking to speak to commuters for a feature. DM or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie Reposts appreciated #JournoRequest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Stuck in a property chain? Can't trade up? Given up and renovated instead? Looking to speak to Irish homeowners who've found moving from a starter home to a family home harder than expected. If that's you DM me or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie #JournoRequest #IrishProperty
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Working on a feature about why moving from a starter home to a bigger family home has become so difficult with chains, tight timelines, mortgage rules, lack of rentals, the lot. Looking to speak to homeowners who’ve tried to trade up, if that's you please email me geraldine.herbert@independent.ie
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Minister Darragh O'Brien confirmed the new EV scrappage scheme would fund 2,000 cars from July. But it seems the money actually covers 1,176. Meanwhile, more than 1,900 EV sales have already been confirmed. So it's off to a flying start. #EV #ICE2EV
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Working on a feature about Ireland’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and looking to speak with people who’ve successfully gone through the process. If that’s you, please DM me or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie. Reposts appreciated. #JournoRequest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Irish Pokémon collectors: What's the most valuable card you've ever owned? I'm working on a feature about the Pokémon card boom and I'd love to hear your stories. 📩 DM me or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie #PokemonCards #PokemonTCG
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Are you living in a modular home? Looking to speak with people currently living in one, families, couples, or solo occupants. Keen to hear what works, what doesn’t, and how it feels day to day. DM or email: gerherbert6@gmail.com #journorequest Reposts appreciated
Modular home
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Would you try an energy rationing experiment? Cut back on fuel & electricity, keep a short diary, and share your experience for a feature. Interested? Email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie or DM asap please RTs very much appreciated #JournoRequest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
From 9 March 2026, all learners must show proof they’re insured to drive the car used for their driving test (own or instructor’s). Bring an insurance certificate or insurer letter. No valid proof on the day = no test, and you’ll lose your test fee. #DrivingTest #LearnerDrivers
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Have you ever felt you had to edit your age out of your CV to stay in the hiring process? I’m working on a feature on professionals in their 40s+ especially in tech removing early roles or graduation dates to avoid age bias If this resonates please DM me or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Do you use an e-scooter to get around? I’m working on a feature about the people behind the growing number of e-scooters on our streets - why people ride, how it’s changed daily life, and how riders are navigating new rules, safety risks etc Replies, DMs, or email: geraldine.herbert@independent.ie
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Looking to speak to📣 Irish solo travellers 🇮🇪✈️ for a feature about “solo travel tax” Ideally, someone who’s recently travelled solo to a European city and used Airbnb/apartments. If this sounds like you, please email me gerherbert6(at)gmail.com #JournoRequest
solo traveller
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
I am writing a feature exploring the profiles and experiences of first-time buyers who secure mortgage exemptions above the standard salary limits. If you’d like to contribute, please DM or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie RT's appreciated #journorequests
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Driving the new Kia EV4 this week - pricing starts from €39,940 for the Earth 2 trim with the 58.3-kWh standard range battery, and €43,275 for the long-range 81.4-kWh battery, range of up to 625 kilometres. #kia #EV4 #KiaEV4
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Are you 65 or older and still working? I’m writing a feature on why more people are choosing (or needing) to work past the traditional retirement age, exploring both the challenges and the rewards. If you are interested in contributing 📩 please DM me here or email geraldine.herbert@independent.ie
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Have you converted your attic in the last 5 years? 🏠 I’m writing a feature and want to hear your experiences, costs, compliance, wins & headaches. Reply, DM, or email 📩 gerherbert6@gmail.com RTs welcome! 🙏 #irishproperty #atticconversion #housing #ruralireland #JournoRequest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Looking forward to reading this @thinkorswim.bsky.social
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Have you moved to a four-day week? Looking to speak to people who’ve made the shift: 💬 How did you adjust your spending? 💬 Do you actually spend less? 💬 Was it worth it? Email me: geraldine.herbert@independent.ie #FourDayWeek #FlexibleWorking #CostOfLiving #FutureOfWork
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Looking to speak with parents about the real cost of sending someone to college in Ireland — rent, food, fees, and more. If you're currently managing it or planning ahead please get in touch: gerherbert6@gmail.com Reposts appreciated #JournoRequest #CollegeCosts #AccommodationCrisis
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
DIY Legal Have you ever taken a legal matter into your own hands, like writing your own will or managing a divorce? I’m working on a feature about the growing trend of low-cost, DIY legal services in Ireland. If you’re open to sharing your experience, email me at gerherbert6@gmail.com #DIYLegal
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🧸 Parents Are childcare costs forcing career changes, reduced hours, or financial stress? I’m writing a feature on the true cost of childcare & looking for Rural, urban, single-parent, dual-income etc 📩 gerherbert6(at)gmail(dot)com #journorequest #childcarecrisis Reposts please
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
On test this week: the BYD Sealion 7. With Blade Battery tech, fast charging, a practical 5-seat layout, over 500 km range, and prices from €45,435 (Comfort RWD) to €56,490 (Excellence AWD). #BYD #EVs #Sealion7
BYD Sealion7BYD Sealion7Interior of the BYD Sealion7
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
🩺 Call for Nurses Working extra shifts, agency roles, or thinking of moving abroad for better pay? I’m writing a feature on nursing salaries & want to hear from: New nurses Senior/clinical nurses Nurses doing extra work Irish nurses abroad 📩 gerherbert6@gmail.com #journalistrequest #JournoRequest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Eldest is 17 today. Where does time go... #SeventeenToday #GrowingUpTooFast
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Loved this debut novel; it more than lives up to the hype. #FlorenceKnapp guides one family through three names and three possible fates, each narrative beautifully weaving loss, grief, joy and rebirth. It will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended.#TheNames
The Names by Florence Knapp
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Thinking of Buying a Used EV? I’ll be chatting with Dearbhail McDonald on The Brendan O Connor show on @rteradio1.bsky.social tomorrow at around 12:30, about the ins and outs of buying a used electric car #evs #ElectricVehicles #electriccars
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Volvo Cars unveils the world’s first multi-adaptive safety belt, debuting in the fully electric #EX60 in 2026. Using real-time data from sensors, it customizes protection based on the situation & individual’s profiles, such as their height, weight, body shape and seating position #RoadSafety #Volvo
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Gowan Auto is now the official importer for Leapmotor, one of China’s fastest-growing EV brands. Launching this September with the T03 a compact hatchback and the C10 a premium electric SUV. Leapmotor will expand its Irish line-up by a further 6 models by 2028. #Leapmotor #evs
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
This book raises so many questions— chief among them - where was the media? Beyond that, it's astonishing that anyone believed Biden could run for a second term at all. Even more baffling is how he could possibly endure the rigours of a presidential campaign #OriginalSin
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Sitting pretty ... #blueskycats #Birman #Purrfection
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
🚗 Are you spending hours commuting every week — not because you want to, but because housing costs have left you no choice? I’m working on a story about Ireland’s commuting crisis and I’m looking to speak with those affected. Please repost 📩 gerherbert6@gmail.com #HousingCrisis #CommuterVoices
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Battery-electric vehicles are gaining traction: BEV share climbed to 15.2 % (up from 12 % in Q1 2024), with sales jumping 23.9 % to 412,997 units. Germany (+38.9 %), Belgium (+29.9 %) and the Netherlands (+7.9 %) led the charge, while France dipped 6.6 %.
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Q1 2025 saw new car registrations in the EU drop by 1.9 % Year on year. March alone was nearly flat (–0.2 %), underlining the tough economic headwinds facing carmakers this spring. #NewCarSales
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
This week in the Sunday @independent.ie I test drive the new BMW 1 Series — a small car with big ambitions plus how to stay safe from blinding sun glare while driving. #CarReview #DrivingTips #BMW www.independent.ie/tag/geraldin...
Geraldine Herbert with the BMW 1 Series
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
My weekend plans: driving the Renault 5 ... #RetroRecharged #Renault5
Renault 5 in green
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Motorists – ever been led astray by Google Maps? Did it send you up a farm lane, into a bog, or straight into someone’s driveway? I’m writing a feature and would love to hear your story. DM or email gerherbert6(at)gmail(dot)com #JournoRequest #JournalistRequest 🚗RTs very welcome
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
I’m looking to speak with learner drivers (or recent learners) about the real cost of learning to drive — from EDT lessons to insurance, repeat tests & beyond. Willing to share your story? Email me please: gerherbert6(at)gmail(dot)com #JournoRequest #DrivingTest
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Thinking of hiring a car this Easter or summer? I'll be chatting with Brendan O'Connor on @rteradio1.bsky.social around 12:30 tomorrow sharing tips on how to get the best car rental deals — and avoid paying more than you need to. #CarHireTips #TravelSmart #ConsumerAdvice
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Contributed briefly to Brian O’Donovan's report on RTE about the rise of Chinese electric vehicles and how they’re reshaping the global car market — from increased competition and lower prices to more consumer choice. @news.rte.ie #EVs #ElectricVehicles #Tesla #carIndustry
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Attended the launch this morning of the new Renault 5 E-Tech Electric 🔋 40kWh (120hp) | up to 310km WLTP | from €25,995 🔋 52kWh (150hp) | up to 410km WLTP | from €30,995 ✨ Trims: Evolution, Techno & Iconic 💰 From €225/month PCP (incl. SEAI grant) #Renault5 #ElectricCar
 Renault 5 E-Tech Electric Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Judging you silently with my majestic fluff and piercing blue eyes ... #cats #catsofbluesky
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I'll be chatting with Ivan Yates on @newstalkfm.bsky.social 's Pat Kenny Show tomorrow at 10:20 about new car sales in Ireland and across Europe—plus, why the EU's 2035 ban on combustion engines is facing major challenges.
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Looking to speak with people who have bought a used EV. If you’re willing to share your experience, email me please at gerherbert6(at)gmail.com. #JournalistRequest #JournoRequest RTs appreciated
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Test-driving Alfa Romeo’s first EV – the Junior. Starting at €34,995 it comes in two power variants with 156 hp and a range of up to 410 km WLTP, as well as the sportier 280-HP VELOCE. A hybrid option “IBRIDA” will be available later this year, which comes in a 136-hp 48-V Hybrid #electriccars
Alfa Romeo Junior
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Geraldine Herbert @gerherbert.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
WheelsForWomen.ie is officially a teenager- moody independent & absolutely not asking for directions! #InternationalWomensDay 2012 we hit the road to give women a voice across all wheels cars, bikes & motorbikes. Huge thanks to the incredible women who’ve been involved @wheelsforwomen.bsky.social
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