14sea AI Irish Morning Briefing

Morning briefing – key local Irish news by source

IRISH TIMES - Recycling off-track: EPA figures show Ireland’s household and business recycling rate has flatlined at 41–42% for four years, well short of EU/national targets (55% by last year, rising to at least 60% ahead) as overall waste volumes grow. - Lurgan car bomb plot: A 48-year-old man is charged with attempted murder and other offences over a failed car bomb attack on Lurgan police station in March; the New IRA claimed responsibility after a delivery driver was hijacked and forced to deliver a “crude but viable” device. - UHL sepsis death settlement: The family of Michael Cuddihy (76), who died from overwhelming sepsis days after being discharged from University Hospital Limerick’s ED, has settled a High Court action. - NI legacy law: The Taoiseach urged “continued progress” on dealing with Troubles legacy issues after a UK government court win, defending London’s approach and declining to say if the State will drop its inter-state case over the Legacy Act. - Dublin waste clampdown: From Monday, bin bags are banned on 110 streets in the north inner city; residents and businesses must use new on-street compactors or alternative collection arrangements, with fines to follow. - Defence spend questioned: The State will spend €128m on four H145 helicopters that lack medium-lift capacity for groups of combat soldiers, Oireachtas members were told, drawing criticism given a commission’s call for medium-lift assets. - Jury dismissed over online research: A High Court judge discharged a jury in a Carlow rape trial after some members conducted internet research, calling it “beyond regrettable.” - Dublin Fire Brigade: Thirty-five recruits completed training and begin probationary service. - Rail embankment case settled: A High Court dispute over an outbuilding alleged to have contributed to a rail embankment collapse and DART closure after heavy rain has been settled. - Assault acquittal: A 32-year-old man was found not guilty of assault causing serious harm to his two brothers after claiming lifelong abuse.

IRISH INDEPENDENT - Hantavirus cruise response: Plans are in place for Irish passengers from the MV Hondius to self-isolate; three deaths and eight suspected cases reported. WHO says human-to-human transmission is uncommon and this is not a Covid-like pandemic. Contact tracing is under way; the ship is heading to Tenerife. - Chawke siblings assault: At a sentencing hearing, the son and daughter of publican Charlie Chawke were said to have brought “shame” on their family after an unprovoked attack on two men in a Limerick hotel; details included biting and kicking. - Labour vs RTÉ: Labour complained to RTÉ after its Galway West by-election candidate Helen Ogbu was excluded from two debates, shortly after a poll showed her performing well. - Severe animal cruelty case: Limerick farmer Seamus Looby (68) pleaded guilty to 173 offences in “one of the worst” neglect cases, with calves left to starve and rot; his counsel said he is ashamed and now a local “pariah.” - Jury dismissed for online research: The Carlow rape trial jury was discharged for conducting internet research; the judge noted the DPP could consider contempt proceedings.