News

Train catering suspended

Iarnród Éireann says that, due to commercial issues arising from COVID-19, its catering providers Rail Gourmet (Rep of Ireland Intercity services) and Corporate Catering Services Limited (Enterprise) are suspending operations on services. As a result, catering services will not be available on its Intercity and Enterprise services until further notice.

Knock Airport to close

Operations at Ireland West Airport Knock are to be suspended next week, as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on air travel.

In a statement this afternoon, the airport's Managing Director said all staff would be temporarily laid off, from Monday next.

Joe Gilmore said there had been an unprecedented reduction in customer demand in recent weeks. He said the decision by Aer Lingus and Ryanair to suspend travel to and from Knock Airport in the coming days, meant the airport would have to close.

Mr Gilmore said he hoped the lay off would only be a short-term measure and that business could resume as soon as possible.

Gardai inspect Cork pubs

More than 30 pubs were inspected by gardaí in west Cork to ensure they were complying with the Government's request to remain closed during the Covid-19 outbreak.

One of the pubs was found to be open with a number of customers present.

All of the other premises were closed.

Gardaí do not currently have a legislative basis to enforce pub closures but, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, one of the conditions for holding a pub licence is that the holder is a responsible person.

Hotel plan rejected

Plans for a new hotel in the Markets area of Dublin's north inner city by one of Northern Ireland's leading hotel groups have been rejected.

An Bord Pleanála has reversed a decision of Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for the development of a 62-bedroom hotel on a 0.2 hectare site that includes the former Boland's bakery and biscuit factory off Capel Street. Cathedral Leisure, which is part of Beannchor, had originally sought to develop a 96-bedroom hotel on the site.

Flogas sponsors shooter

Flogas is to continue its sponsorship of clay target shooter Kimberley Irwin, who has been selected to represent Ireland at the World DTL Championships in Yorkshire, England kimberley0320 this year. Kimberley is also in the process of qualifying for the 2020 Home International Tournaments, which features top performing teams from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Kimberley, who inherited her passion for the sport from her father Robert, regularly competes abroad, either as an individual or as part of the Irish ladies’ team. She has represented her country at some of the world’s most prestigious clay target shooting events for many years, including the English Open, the DTL European Championships and the World Clay Target Shooting Championships.