Other News In Brief

Lorry Driver Dies

Gardai at Santry are investigating a fatal road traffic collision on the M50 that happened at approximately 6.10am on Thursday morning. They said that a 27-year-old man, who was the driver and sole occupant of an articulated lorry, was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene. He was travelling north on the M50 and overturned at Junction 3. The scene was examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and Gardai would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them at Santry Garda Station on 01 6664000 or The Garda Confidential Telephone 1800 666 111.

Tesco's Ballybofey Bid

There's a fresh bid being made this week for a new Co Donegal Tesco store. The supermarket giant withdrew its previous planning application a month ago, but Tesco Ireland has now lodged a fresh application with Donegal County Council for a 330sq metre store at Donegal Road in Ballybofey. No reason for the previous withdrawal was given when the company communicated the move to Donegal County Council through a planning consultant last month, but it is believed it was on foot of the Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades' Association (RGDATA) objection.

Charles Honours RUC

Prince Charles has underlined his commitment to marking the sacrifices and achievements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. On the final engagement of his three-day programme in the North, the Prince of Wales visited the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) headquarters in Belfast. In his role as patron of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation (RUCGCF) since its establishment in December 2001, he was greeted by Dame Mary Peters Lord Lieutenant of Belfast. He then went on to meet Owen Paterson, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and was also introduced to Naomi Long the new East Belfast MP and David Ford, the Stormont Minister for the Department of Justice and Matt Baggott, PSNI Chief Constable.

Donegal Dud Note Warning

Business owners in South Donegal are being urged to be on the look-out for counterfeit notes in the south Donegal area as Gardai in Bundoran have said they have received reports of fake €100 notes circulating in the area in recent days. The public is being urged to be vigilant and to contact Gardai if they detect counterfeit cash as there a number of tell-tale signs that business people can look out for, for example, a person paying for a €10 item with a €100 note.

Fuel Rises

Higher petrol and diesel prices, along with a rise in mortgage interest repayments, helped fuel a slight increase of 0.2% in consumer prices in April, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. But, the annual cost of living continues to fall, albeit at a slower rate than previously, with the value of the basket of goods measured by the CSO costing 2.1% less in April than it did in the same month last year.

Gender Laws Demand

It has emerged that Ireland and Lithuania are the only two EU member states that do not have any legislation to deal with gender recognition as the Minister for State for Equality and Human Rights, Mary White, is attending a conference on the issue at UCC. The event is being hosted by the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights which says legislation must be drafted to ensure the preferred gender identity of transgender people is recognised.

SF Says 'Get Rail' In Donegal

A Sinn Féin senator has again called on Irish Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey to set in place plans for the extension of rail services for Donegal and the North West as a priority. Speaking during a debate on transport in the Seanad, Pearse Doherty said that in order to pursue the project all political parties must unite to achieve what is so desperately needed for Donegal and for the North West, the Donegal Democrat reports. "I have raised this issue time and time again and yet very little work has been done by government," he said. "Donegal is one of five counties in Ireland with no access to rail services. Such a situation in the 21st Century situation is ludicrous and one which, with a united effort and political will could be rectified.

(BMcC/GK)