Morning Briefing
IRISH TIMES - Heatwave alert: Met Éireann warns of a prolonged very warm/hot spell this week into next, with temperatures widely above 25°C and potentially reaching high 20s/low 30s from Friday. UV levels will be very high; heatwave criteria (five consecutive days >25°C) likely to be met.
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Parnell Square cultural quarter costs soar: Dublin city councillors approved plans to borrow up to €100m as the project’s price tag climbs to more than €173m (up from €60m in 2013). The scheme includes a new city library and renovations around Parnell Square North, including the Hugh Lane Gallery and the former Coláiste Mhuire.
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Hospital theatre strike averted: Planned industrial action by around 25 perfusionists at five hospitals (St James’s, the Mater, CHI Crumlin, Cork UH and Galway UH) was called off after “positive” pay talks, averting disruption to surgeries that require heart-lung machines.
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Ombudsman on housing list removal: A Dublin City Council social housing applicant was struck off the list five years ago without his knowledge after not completing an assessment survey. Ombudsman Ger Deering’s annual report found no evidence the council called or emailed him before removal.
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Dún Laoghaire shooting arrest: A man in his 30s was arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act over Sunday’s fatal shooting of Mark Cullen (39) at Patrician Park, Kill Avenue. Gardaí suspect an intimidation or punishment attack went wrong.
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Cork murder trial: A court heard Michael Foley (61) died from blood loss after about 30 stab and slash wounds at his home in Macroom in February 2024. Daniel Hourigan, from Cork city, denies murdering Mr Foley on February 1.
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Inland Fisheries Ireland tribunal: An occupational physician told the WRC that former IFI chief executive Francis O’Donnell had suicidal thoughts and work-related stress. The doctor said IFI was unhappy with her finding that his stress was work-related and warranted enhanced sick leave.
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Galway surgery inquest: The family of Bridget Conroy (71), a mother of 10, described “tears and roars of sadness” after she died at UHG on January 29, 2023, four days after heart surgery at the Galway Clinic and three cardiac arrests. The inquest heard their testimony.
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Tributes to Cork motorcyclists: Kinsale mourns two racing enthusiasts who died days apart in separate events—James Walsh after an incident linked to the Tandragee 100, and John O’Donovan during the Swords 100.
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Sport/human interest: Shamrock Rovers’ Roberto “Pico” Lopes described the surreal “dream” of sharing a pitch—and a shove—with Lionel Messi, as fans welcomed him home in Dublin.