News

Tourist sues over bus fall

A Canadian tourist who fell down the stairs of a double decker tourist bus in Dublin when she claims it jerked after allegedly pulling in for St Patrick’s Cathedral has sttled her case in the High Court.

Retired real estate administrator Susan Riches claims she now suffers post concussion syndrome and has regular migraines after she was propelled down the stairs, hitting her head, suffering lacerations to her face and breaking a finger.

Mr Justice Bernard Barton was told it was the 63-year-old tourist’s case that she was thrown headlong down the stairs.

She was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and she suffered nightmares and flashbacks and she now says she has a significant fear of stairs and escalators.

The bus operators and owners have claimed the bus had not stopped at the Cathedral but was stopped in traffic and had not reached the tour stop. They say it was an unfortunate accident but claim it was the tourist’s fault.

When the case resumed yesteday (Thursday), Mr Justice Bernard Barton was told that it was settled and could be struck out..

'Rose' Fest seeks permanent home

A permanent home for the Rose of Tralee International Festival has moved a step closer. roseot0120

Mayor of Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane (FG) has revealed that the council is to advertise later this month for expressions of interest from the private sector for a centre on a council-owned site at Fel’s Point in the town.

The centre would host the event, replacing the “dome” that has to be erected each year, and would also double as a major commercial exhibition and conference venue in for Kerry.

Advertisements seeking interest from developers will be placed in media from January 27,.

A 2,000 seat event centre that will accommodate a year round exhibition area for the festival, as well as hosting major sporting events conferences and large scale commercial events is envisaged.

Farmers to disrupt Dublin

The business of hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions will be disrupted to-day (Wednesday) when up to 400 tractors will drive into Dublin city centre in a farming protest.

It is ahead of the two-day demonstration, as part of their ongoing campaign over beef prices, carbon tax and other issues.

The protest is being organised by the Individual Farmers of Ireland, but isn't supported by the main farming organisations.

Gardaí are warning of major traffic disruption from 10am this morning, with some road-closures in the city centre.

In November, the Individual Farmers of Ireland organised for more than 300 tractors to descend on the capital to protest.

Ryanair may get Max soon

Ryanair could receive its first deliveries of up to 10 grounded 737 Max aircraft from Boeing by April, chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said yesterday, but he cautioned the timing was up to regulators. ryanair1217

That is earlier than indicated by CEO Michael O'Leary this month, when he said Ryanair might not receive its first 737 Max until October. The Max, Boeing's fastest-selling aircraft, has not flown since last March following two crashes. Ryanair has up to 210 of the planes on order, but none in service. "We now think we will get it in March or April this year, looks more like April than March, and we think we will get up to 10 Max aircraft," Mr Jacobs said.

Dublin-Cairo route announced

EgyptAir is to launch a new year-round direct Dublin-Cairo service from this summer. cairo

The new route, which commences on June 5th, will operate four times a week, and will be Ireland’s first scheduled air service to Egypt.

A spokeswoman for DAA, said the market for air travel between Dublin and Cairo was increasing, with an estimated 14,000 passengers travelling between the two cities last year.

EgyptAir also has an extensive route network from its hub in Cairo to onward destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

The new service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays with an Airbus A320NEO aircraft that is due to join the EgyptAir fleet in February. The 142-seat configuration will have 16 seats in business and 126 in economy.