Other News In Brief

Body Recovered In Co Clare Search For Missing Tourist

A body has been recovered in the search for a missing woman in County Clare.

The tourist, aged in her 40s, was reported to have gone missing from the Cliffs of Moher over the weekend. Gardaí initiated a search and enlisted the help of the Coast Guard.

A body was spotted during a first light search on Sunday morning, 07 April, at the base of cliffs.

The Naval Search Diving Section assisted with the recovery operation, and the remains have been taken to University Hospital Limerick for a post-mortem examination.

Proposed Reduction In Public Transport Fares On Weekends To Increase Use

Dublin Senator Catherine Noone, a Fine Gael candidate, has called for a reduced rate of public transport fares on the weekends to increase use of the services.

Senator Noone said the initiative will also reduce air pollution. She commented: "We must be realistic about our climate responsibilities, however while many people are taking steps in their personal lives to reduce their carbon footprint, we must also recognise that we need to provide some economic incentive to change habits.

"Introducing a reduced weekend rate on DART, Luas and Dublin Bus is one such way we can encourage people to consider public transport as an alternative."

Senator Noone continued: "Many cities across Europe have already developed plans to introduce free public transport and some have operated this system for a number of years. The evidence from these cities shows an increase in passengers and a reduction in air pollution. Many more cities in Europe and around the world are planning to implement similar services.

"What I am suggesting is a simple but effective way of changing our transport habits during weekends."

Sinn Fein Seeking Greater Protections For Tenants

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has submitted several amendments to the government's Residential Tenancies Bill in the hope of increasing the protections for tenants.

Deputy Ó Broin said: "Some of the key changes we are seeking is the removal of the sale of the property as a reason for landlords to evict tenants. We are also seeking to remove the clause that allows a landlord to evict tenants if a family member wishes to use the property.

"While critical of the failure of Rent Pressure Zones to protect tenants from rising rents we will be seeking to remove the rent pressure zone exemption for new properties on the market or properties that have not been let in last the two years."

The amendments will be voted on this Thursday when the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government deals with the Bill.

Deputy Ó Broin added: "We look forward to seeing what amendments the Minister will be bringing forward on student accommodation, rent pressure zones and short term letting.

"If the government supports these amendments it will do more for renters than the current proposals alone. "We will be pushing for our amendments to be adopted during the Committee meeting this Thursday."



(JG/CM)