Stories from Ireland

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated the Irish state intends to bring Daniel Kinehan back from Dubai to face organized crime charges. The announcement was made during the Prison Officers Association Conference.

Medicines regulators have issued new guidance limiting the recommended use of certain decongestant nasal sprays to a maximum of five days.

IMF projections for the 2025-2030 period indicate Ireland has a high probability of ranking first in GDP per capita. This would see Ireland surpass Luxembourg, which held the top position last year. Norway, Switzerland, and Denmark are also expected to be positioned among the top leaders. The report notes that economic turbulence is not merely an internal issue but affects various countries. These economic forecasts come amid ongoing global economic turbulence. Cyprus is expected to see the most advancement, while Greece is projected to experience the largest decline in purchasing power parity.

A queue has formed on the South Ring Road Westbound in Cork between Junction 4 Wilton and Junction 2 Coriheen due to a reported collision. The incident is currently causing traffic delays in the area. No injuries or specific vehicle details were provided.

The Irish government has approved more than €6.5 million in one-off funding for eight local authorities. The funds are designated for the introduction of interim flood protection measures. This allocation follows the impact of Storm Chandra, which caused heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Ireland in late January. The measures aim to lessen the impact of future flooding in the worst affected areas. Mark O'Driscoll reported that the funding comes almost three months after the storm's occurrence.

The developer BAM has indicated an intention to provide a completion programme for a hospital project by tomorrow. The National Pediatric Hospital Development Board's Chief Officer, Dave Gunning, addressed a committee regarding the project.

Authorities in Ireland are requesting that citizens report any suspected sightings of the Asian Hornet to invasives.ie. Reporting sightings with photos is described as the most effective way to assist in the continued control or eradication of the invasive species.

Analysis of nests found in Cork City and Cove indicates that the invasive hornet species has not reached a development stage capable of releasing mated females into the wild. There is currently no evidence of the hornets overwintering in Ireland. The risk level is being monitored based on these findings.

European member states have reportedly provided tax advantages totaling 13 billion euros to Apple to encourage investment in Ireland. These practices reportedly allowed Apple to exempt various activities involving foreign companies, specifically American firms, from taxation. The scale of the untaxed revenue is described as very considerable. The Commission holds decision-making power in the areas of state aid and competition policy. While the European Union court initially ruled that the Commission was incorrect, the Commission maintains its role as a guardian of treaties to sanction companies violating competition rules. The Court of Justice annulled a previous tribunal decision to rule in favor of the European Commission's 2016 decision regarding Irish tax payments. The ruling is final and requires the recovery of sums unduly received by Apple due to tax exemptions.

President Michael D. Higgins is returning €2.6 million in salary and allowances to the Irish State. The move involves the reimbursement of accumulated funds to the government.