Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance. Update 10.07ns_ Brian Wallace has been located safe and well tonight.Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance. Earlier: Gardaí seek help locating missing 27-year-old man from Dublin Gardaí are looking for the public's help in locating a 27-year-old man from Dublin. Brian Wallace has been missing from North Circular Road since this morning, December 16. Brian is described as being 5'10'' in height with a stocky build. He has fair hair and blue eyes. Brian was seen at on North Circular Road at approximately 8.30am this morning, wearing navy trousers and a wine jacket with a hood. He has access to a white ford focus car with a partial registration number of 132 KK.Brian's family are concerned for his well being and if anyone has information or can assist in locating Brian, they are asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station on 01 666 8600, the garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

A man who was in the house jumped from a first-floor window to escape the intruders. There has been an aggravated burglary in the North.It happened at a house in the Old Market Square area of Newtownards in Co Down at around 1.45am. Two men wearing hoods and carrying a hammer broke into the property and assaulted two men and a woman who were inside.A fourth person who was in the house, a man, jumped from a first-floor window to escape the intruders. He has been taken to hospital for treatment to injuries.The PSNI have issued an appeal for information. They say anyone with information can contact detectives at Bangor " on 101, ref no 166 16/12/18, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The Irish Coast Guard has gone to the rescue of a member of the public who suffered a leg injury while walking on the cliffs in Howth. The Irish Coast Guard has gone to the rescue of a member of the public who suffered a leg injury while walking on the cliffs in Howth. A rescue team from Howth assisted Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics in bringing the casualty to a waiting ambulance for treatment. Fergus Cooney, the PRO for Howth Coast Guard said they were happy to be of assistance."With the Coast Guard team from Howth along with the paramedics, the casualty was extracted off the cliff path and back down to Balscadden car park where there was an ambulance waiting," said Mr Cooney."I believe she had an injury to her leg, which thankfully wasn't life-threatening and she was brought to Beaumont Hospital where I believe she is going to make a full recovery."

A humanitarian volunteer from Ireland who was earlier this year arrested on suspicion of human trafficking in Greece has been reunited with his mother for Christmas. A humanitarian volunteer from Ireland who was earlier this year arrested on suspicion of human trafficking in Greece has been reunited with his mother for Christmas.Sean Binder, 24, of Doughcloyne, Togher, Cork arrived into Dublin Airport at lunchtime today where he was met by his mother Fanny and a group of his friends. He travelled to Lesbos a year ago to assist refugees caught up in the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. Fanny said having Sean back, even on bail, was the best possible Christmas gift particularly given that she endured the bleak image of seeing her son in handcuffs in a Greek jail.Sean Binder is greeted by his mother Fanny Binder at Dublin Airport. Picture: Gareth Chaney CollinsThe Trinity College Dublin and London School of Economics graduate says he is hoping to do normal festive activities like catching up with friends over a pint. However, he emphasises that the battle to prove his innocence isn't over. Sean decided to volunteer in Greece a year ago in order to get practical hands-on experience having been involved through his studies in human rights and crisis in conflict areas. His arrest and the detention of three other NGO volunteers was a bolt from the blue for Sean who said that he had never experienced any hostility in Lesbos where he was carrying out humanitarian work with Emergency Response Centre International. Sean said he was shocked by what he witnessed in Greece over the past year. When I got there I thought 'I can effect change. I am a rescue diver. I have rescue skills. As a first responder I can help out.' But when you have the first boat landing on some remote cliff face on the edge of Europe and you are helping somebody overcome hypothermic shock.... well it is stark. For me, up to then it was an academic topic. It was very shocking. But the longer I stayed the more confident I became and we started writing Standard Operation procedures and so on.The International Relations graduate said he was completely baffled by his arrest."It is as if we did something criminal but I don't understand how it can be problematic or questionable to pull somebody who is drowning out of the water or to make sure that an elderly lady or man doesn't die of hypothermic shock. We were providing basic medical assistance. "Sean met with police in a voluntary capacity in August after being informed that he was a person of interest in relation to alleged criminal activities. He and the three other NGO volunteers have spent the last three months in a Greek jail after they were accused of helping illegal migrants enter the country. Sean said he views his work and the endeavours of his colleagues as an asset to the Greek authorities. He expressed concern that the arrests would deter volunteers from assisting in the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. He feels that there is this mistaken belief that the presence of NGO's in the Mediterranean somehow encourages individuals to make risky voyages to Europe."I did some research and the statistics show that NGO's don't cause an increase in arrivals. In fact the more NGO's operate in the sea the less people die. The NGO's don't cause migration. They mitigate the loss of life."The German national, who moved to Ireland when he was five, said that although the numbers of people making voyages to Greece has decreased the pullling out of several NGO's has made the situation more risky for those who do travel. There are lives at stake here and we cannot have criminalisation of humanitarianism. There is a shadow being cast over it by these allegations. If we lose humanitarians people will suffer. I would argue that providing help is a European value.Sean was heartened by the support his mother received from Irish MEP's since his arrest. He is also grateful for the assistance of friends and family. Meanwhile, Fanny Binder who collected her son at the airport said that he has "hit the ground running" since he was recently released. She is hoping that he will finally have some quiet quality time as he initially flew into Berlin to give a press conference on the situation. Amnesty International in Ireland has said that they welcome the release of Sean and his co-accused. However, they insist that smuggling charges against the humanitarian workers must be dropped.In a statement, they stressed that this case “is the latest example of how authorities are misusing anti-smuggling laws to target activists.Kondylia Gougou, Amnesty International’s Greece Researcher said the fact that the volunteer workers “still face absurd charges and potentially long prison sentences is an outrage.”“To detain dedicated volunteer humanitarians who helped people in need defies logic. People who selfless act in these ways should be lauded not imprisoned. These baseless charges should be dropped.”The volunteers are charged by the Greek authorities of several crimes, including being members of a criminal organization, espionage, as well as facilitating the smuggling of migrants. A date has yet to be set for the trial.

Dr Keelin O'Donoghue - who supported the Repeal campaign - says the January rollout is too soon. One of the country's lead clinicians for foetal medicine believes the timeframe given for the introduction of abortion services is unrealistic.Doctor Keelin O'Donoghue - who supported the Repeal campaign - says the January rollout is too soon. Last week, the Seanad passed the Terminations of Pregnancy Bill - the last major hurdle in making abortion services legal in Ireland.Dr O'Donoghue says making sure all the necessary precautions are in place takes time and a January start date is not achievable."I'm afraid that if this is introduced in January in this way, this service will not be what women deserve," said Dr O'Donoghue."This is really personally and professionally challenging for many health care professionals and it has the potential to cause significant workplace conflict around values and choices."And I think there has been a failure to recognise the complexities involved in working in maternity hospitals."

The former Workers’ Party president died from cancer on Thursday aged 84. Irish political leader Sean Garland helped transform republicanism from its narrow nationalist outlook into a much broader socialist movement, mourners said.The former Workers’ Party president died from cancer on Thursday aged 84.Dozens of people gathered outside a social club off the Falls Road in West Belfast to pay their respects as his remains arrived for a wake.His Belfast-born widow Mary received the hugs and sympathy of well-wishers.Daughter Caoimhe was also present as the wicker coffin was wheeled from the hearse without ceremony, flowers or flags into a social club close to the Royal Victoria Hospital.Mr Garland took part in the IRA’s border campaign in the 1950s but after the cessation of violence was a leading proponent of the socialism which split the organisation and led to the rise of the Provisionals.A Workers’ Party spokesman, who did not want to be named, said: “He was one of the people in the 1960s who had completely re-thought and transformed the concept of what it was to be republican and moved that away from a very narrow, nationalist perspective, into a much broader political socialist, Marxist, communist analysis of society.“He said himself many times that we have seen the consequence of what the narrow nationalism meant in subsequent years after that.”He was involved in an attack on the Royal Ulster Constabulary barracks in Brookeborough in Co Fermanagh on January 1 1957, which led to the deaths of fellow IRA members Sean South and Fergal O’Hanlon, an event marked by song and lore in republican circles.Mr Garland was part of a group of senior republicans, including Cathal Goulding and Tomas Mac Giolla, influenced by internationalist communism during the 1960s.The spokesman added: “One of his quotes from that period subsequently has been that he realised that people like him were sitting in backrooms in conspiracies while working-class people were out on the streets, demanding change and improvements in their material conditions and it is possible that republicans were divorced from that reality.”Throughout the violence of the 1980s and 1990s, the Workers’ Party promoted dialogue about peaceful co-existence in Northern Ireland.The Official IRA split with the Belfast-led Provisionals in 1970. Mr Garland was a key figure in the Official IRA ceasefire in 1972.Veteran Workers’ Party leader Tom French was among those present as Mr Garland’s remains arrived. Sean Garland was an absolute giant of the Workers Party Gemma Weir from north Belfast knew Mr Garland well.She said: “Sean Garland was an absolute giant of the Workers Party. A life-long socialist and a very inspirational person, especially for me coming into the party.“He taught me quite a lot, his courage and conviction, the fact that he always stood by what he believed in and also how he led the party, good times and bad times.”She said he was quiet and spoke in measured terms but always knew the right thing to say.“On a personal level, he was a very strong man but when it came to the children, my children, anybody’s children, he was the real granda, he would melt with them.”- Press Association

Today’s date, December 16, will forever live in the memories of former soldiers who were involved in one of the most famous battles in war-torn Congo in 1961. For decades Irish soldiers have sacrificed Christmas time with their families in order to keep peace in far-off parts of the world at conflict.Today’s date, December 16, will forever live in the memories of former soldiers who were involved in one of the most famous battles in war-torn Congo in 1961.Private Johnny O’Halloran (left), and Private Tony Marshall after landing in the Congo in December 1961 on board a Globemaster troop carrier. Picture courtesy of Johnny O’Halloran.Fighting for peace today, 57 years ago, included Kilkenny man Johnny O’Halloran, a former Private with Company B, 36th Battalion, which was involved in the “Battle of the Tunnel”.Shortly after O’Halloran and his comrades in Company B dropped into the Congo, on board a Globemaster troop carrier, they “came under fire”.The conflict raged from “dusk till dawn”, he said.“Shots were fired our way and we fired back. We had a couple of near misses,” said O’Halloran, aged 75, and living in Waterford.Asked if he had killed anyone during the conflict, O’Halloran replied: “It’s a question no one of us can answer”.Three brave souls from the 36th Battalion fell mortally wounded during the Battle for the Tunnel - a strategic landmark and a key artery into the city of Elizabethville, the Kantangan capital, and vital rail link to Jadotville.Despite a continuous flow of machine gun fire and mortar attacks, the 36th eventually took the Tunnel.O’Halloran and others from Company B were “about 150 yards” from it when members of Company A were shot down.Private Frankie Keane, Private Johnny O’Halloran and (right) Private Tommy Dorney (R.I.P.) .Picture courtesy of Johnny O’Halloran.“We were fighting them for the ten days prior to that,” he said.O’Halloran and others from Company B met up last Friday to share their memories of the time.“It’s something we’ve been doing for the past ten years. One of these days we’ll be all dead and the memories will be all gone,” he said.By sheer luck no one from O’Halloran’s company was killed, but some were injured.There were battles going on in the city prior to that. It was frightening. All of us were (aged) 17 or 18 at the time.We knew the trouble was starting when we were leaving Dublin, (but) we didn’t really know what we were heading into.I went back to the Congo again the year after. There was trouble again, but not as severe.Despite it all O’Halloran said the “good memories” have got him and his comrades through.“You don't think of the bad times, you think of the good times. It put manners on us,” he added.O’Halloran and other brave members from Company B - including Tony Marshall, Carrick-on-Suir; Denis Ryan, Clonmel; and Patrick Walsh, Thurles - meet up regularly to share photographs and memories of those days.More, who put their lives on the line shortly before Christmas 1961, and who also participate in their meet ups, include Johnny Ryan from Fedamore, Co Limerick; Dick Whelan of Carrick-on-Suir and living in London; Mick Dee, from Clonmel; and Johnny Griffin, from Sligo.

The budget for State cars and drivers for the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the President, Michael D Higgins and other members of a select State funded group cost over €1m last year. The budget for State cars and drivers for the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the President, Michael D Higgins and other members of a select State funded group cost over €1m last year.That is according to new figures provided by the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, who reveals that €200,698 was set aside for Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar’s State car and driver costs in 2017.File imageIn addition, €197,005 was provided in 2017 for President, Michael D Higgins State car and the cost of drivers.The scheme also provides for a State car and driver for the office of Tanáiste. The costs of the office of the Tanaiste car and driver were shared with Dept of Justice, Dept of Business Enterprise and Innovation and Dept of Foreign Affairs in 2017 and the combined costs for those three departments last year totalled €278,000.In addition, the State last year set aside €179,841 for a car and driver for the office of Chief Justice - the current Chief Justice, Frank Clarke took up his role in July 2017 when he replaced Ms Justice Susan Denham.The other State office to enjoy the services of a State car and State funded driver is the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the DPP is currently Ms Claire Loftus.The amount set aside for the State car and driver to Ms Loftus last year totalled €186,958.In a written Dáil reply to Fianna Fáil’s Niall Collins, Minister Flanagan said that the total costs include an estimate for payroll costs of drivers, running costs and capital costs where applicable.Along with the State cars provided to those five Office holders, Minister Flanagan revealed that a driver and vehicle service is provided to the State Pathologist/Deputy State Pathologist when they are called to cases outside Dublin and the cost to December 10 for this year was €25,386.This followed a cost of €29,708 in 2017.Minister Flanagan stated: “The current service provider was selected through a procurement process undertaken in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement... A previous arrangement for the provision of a driver to the Officer of the Inspector was discontinued in 2016.”

The amount paid out in compensation payments by the State to victims of crime is set to soar this year due to a number of large awards from a State scheme in 2018. The amount paid out in compensation payments by the State to victims of crime is set to soar this year due to a number of large awards from a State scheme in 2018.This follows the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan confirming that he has set aside an additional €2.24m for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal this year. In a written Dáil reply to Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming, Minister Flanagan stated that the €2.4m will bring to €6.4m available to the Compensation Tribunal.Minister Flanagan stated that he has approved the additional €2.4m “in view of a number of large awards from the general scheme in the current year”.The €6.4m at the disposal to the tribunal this year follows the tribunal last year paying out €3.97m to 117 claimants - the highest amount paid out was €954,000.The €3.97m paid out last year follows €3.76m paid out in 2015; €4m paid out in 2016 and €3.95m paid out in 2014.The highest individual payment made in recent years was a payout of €1.85m made in 2014.The number of applications received last year was 181 and this represented a decline of 14% on the 210 applications received in 2016.In recent years, the Department of Justice has set aside an annual budget of €4m for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal with the exception being 2013 when €11.3m was allocated to the tribunal to deal with a backlog of payments.The amount paid out in any given year is not reflective of the applications received in that year, for various reasons, including that compensation payments may relate to applications made in prior years.The Minister also stated that it is not possible at this time to state the number of cases awaiting decision and those which are deemed to be open. He said: “I have, however, requested an assessment of the caseload of the Tribunal and have asked my officials to examine this assessment and seek the views of the Criminal Injuries Tribunal in this regard.”

Gardaí at seeking the public's assistance in locating 67-year-old Ann O'Sullivan who is missing from her home in Tallaght, Dublin 24 since yesterday. Gardaí at seeking the public's assistance in locating 67-year-old Ann O'Sullivan who is missing from her home in Tallaght, Dublin 24 since yesterday.She is described as 5' 1'', slim with brown hair and blue eyes. Ann was seen at Tamarisk in Tallaght at 3am this morning wearing a dark rain jacket, tracksuit bottoms, pink hat, and carrying a plastic bag and a Roches Store umbrella.Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000.Ann O'Sullivan was last seen at 3am this morning.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has hit out at Theresa May's handling of Brexit from start to finish. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has hit out at Theresa May's handling of Brexit from start to finish. Mr Ahern said the suggestions made by Mrs May to EU leaders in Brussels this week were "absolutely crazy" and he detailed a litany of "terrible mistakes" she has made during her tenure as British prime minister.Mr Ahern also warned that if the backstop goes there would be a return to a hard border, which he said cannot happen.Speaking on RTE radio this morning, Mr Ahern said: "I have some sympathy for Theresa May but I have to say it's only on a personal level, she tried to make a speech the other day and she was exactly 50 seconds into it when they started heckling her, her speech was only nine minutes so I thought it was bad manners."However, Mr Ahern dismissed Mrs May suggestion, which was rejected by the EU Council, that the aspirational future relationship document be placed into the withdrawal agreement.I have heard some stupid things in this debate but that was absolutely crazy."To be polite about it she didn't make a lot of sense."Hitting out at other decisions made by the prime minister, he said: "She created the red lines without consulting her cabinet or even her senior cabinet ministers, the Lancaster House speech she made in January of 2017 brought the Customs Union into it for the first time which I think was a terrible mistake."She called a general election after going for a walk in the hills over the Easter Holidays.She triggered article 50 when she had no plan she didn't have to trigger it, she triggered it a year, nine months ago without having worked out the details of it. I am afraid Theresa May has made a lot of mistakes.He said the argument of Brexiters that the backstop can be softened is not an option."The backstop has to remain in place if we want a frictionless border, it's not something that we threw in just to have a word in the game."We can't give an inch on it."

A number of vehicles were also set on fire and a dog had to be put down due to its injuries. Update: A local TD is calling for calm after eight people were injured during a raid on a house in Co Roscommon early this morning. Gardaí are investigating and say three people were treated in hospital, a number of vehicles were set on fire and a vet had to put down a dog who was injured in the disturbance.The house and adjoining farm near Strokestown had been at the centre of an eviction earlier in the week. Local Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy says he will be contacting the bank involved tomorrow morning to see if anything can be done to ease tensions in the area.He said: "While there seems to have been a very bad handling of the eviction, I have to condemn the violence of last night and most people I have spoken to today don't want that type of scene."However, it is absolutely essential that the bank deal with this matter very urgently and to come to some settlement with the family as it is causing a lot of upset in the area."And I would again appeal for calm in this situation. We don't want people hurt."Earlier: Eight people injured in attack at house in Co Roscommon Gardaí are investigating after an attack on a house in Roscommon which left eight people injured. The scene at the house outside Strokestown in Roscommon. Photo: Brian FarrellThe incident occurred at approximately 5.30am this morning at a farm in Falsk near Strokestown.A number of vehicles were also set on fire and a dog had to be put down due to its injuries.Three people were taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.The property is understood to have been recently repossessed. Gardaí confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident of criminal damage and assault.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man armed with what is believed to be a machete or cleaver robbed a business in Belfast last night. Police are appealing for witnesses after a man armed with what is believed to be a machete or cleaver robbed a business in Belfast last night.The man entered a shop on Oldpark Road and threatened two female staff. He took the till from the shop and made off in the direction of Ardoyne Avenue with an accomplice who was waiting outside the shop.The two staff members were uninjured but badly shaken.The man is described as 5' 8'', wearing a dark puffa jacket, a hoodie with the hood up, a red scarf covering his face and orange, builder type gloves.Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Belfast.

A digger was towed to the scene by a tractor and trailer. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a digger was used to steal an ATM from the wall of a bank in Monaghan.The Bank of Ireland in Ballybay which was robbed this morning. Photo: Philip FitzpatrickA digger was used to break a hole into the wall of a Bank of Ireland to remove the ATM, at around 3am this morning.Gardaí say the cashpoint was loaded onto a trailer in Ballybay, before heading off in the direction of Cootehill or Carrickmacross. Investigators believe the vehicle in question is a Toyota Land Cruiser.A tractor, which was used to transport the digger to the scene, was set on fire.The Main Street has been sealed off, and diversions in the area are currently in place.An investigation is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042 9690190.

Gardaí have issued an urgent appeal for the mother of a baby found dead on a beach in Dublin to contact them. Latest: The body of an infant which was found on a beach in Dublin yesterday was a full term baby girl, gardaí have said.A post-mortem examination which was carried out today found that there was no foul play involved in the death of the child.Gardaí continue to investigate the discovery of the baby on Bell's Beach near Balbriggan.They are appealing for the mother of the child to come forward and are also asking anyone with information to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 8020510.A man walks along the beach in Balbriggan near the scene where the body of a newborn baby was found. Pic: PAEarlier: Gardaí appeal to mother of baby found on Dublin beachGardaí have issued an urgent appeal for the mother of a baby found dead on a beach in Dublin to contact them.A local volunteer cleaning the area found the infant on Bell's Beach near Balbriggan, in north county Dublin at around 10am yesterday morning.It is understood that the baby was partially buried and is Caucasian. Gardaí say that the sex of the baby is unknown at this point.The baby's body was removed from the scene and taken to Temple Street Hospital before being taken to the City Morgue.Gardaí held a press conference at Balbriggan garda station yesterday, and said they were concerned for the mother's safety and health "given what she has gone through".Eiliah MacNab, Tusla area manager, and Garda Sgt Fiona Savidge during a media appeal held at Balbriggan Garda Station yesterday. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ieSergeant Fiona Savidge assured the baby's mother that she would be treated with "the utmost compassion" if she contacted them.Sergeant Savidge said: "The reason we are here is that an incident occurred this morning where a member of the public found the body of a newborn baby at Bell's Beach in Balbriggan."I want to get in touch with the mother of this baby, I am reaching out to you, I know you need medical attention."You need to go to your doctor, possibly a 24-hour doctor on call. If you could also go to an accident and emergency, 24-hour care is available there."We are here at Balbriggan Garda Station at 01-666 4500, at any Garda station or Tusla can be contacted 24 hours a day on 0818 776 315."I can assure you, you will be treated with the utmost compassion and care and 100% confidentiality."I know you are a daughter, I know you are possibly a sister, a cousin, you may have a husband, a boyfriend, you may have just confided in a friend."So to anybody out there that the mother of this baby has got in touch with, I am appealing to you to make contact with us here."Fianna Fáil Senator, Lorraine Clifford-Lee, said: "I'm distraught to learn of the discovery of the body of a baby on Balbriggan Beach today."I'd appeal for the mother to come forward for medical treatment. You'll be treated with compassion."

The value of all residential property now stands at €450bn, a rise of €30bn since June, and represents a daily increase of €150m, the report found. An average of 17 properties worth €1m or more are now sold each week in Ireland, according to Daft.ie's latest Wealth Report.The analysis by the property website on the country's premium market for the second half of this year found that the number of homeowners whose property is worth €1m or more – making them “property millionaires” – has surpassed 5,000A property on sale in Luggala, Co Wicklow, for €28m.The value of all residential property now stands at €450bn, a rise of €30bn since June, and represents a daily increase of €150m, the report found.The most expensive markets are all in Dublin, where the average asking price in Foxrock is now €872,000, followed by Mount Merrion at €863,000, Dalkey €825,000 and Sandycove €818,000. By comparison, the average asking price nationwide is €257,000.The highest concentration of property millionaires are also found in Foxrock (1,452), followed by Dalkey (649) and Blackrock (576).Outside of Dublin, Enniskerry in Co Wicklow is the most expensive market with average property values of €639,000, followed by Delgany, €490,000 and Greystones, €437,000. In Munster, Kinsale is the most expensive location (€384,000) with Crosshaven (€294,000) and Bandon (€293,000) completing the top three.In Connacht-Ulster, Kinvara (€332,000), Oughterard (€239,000) and Westport (€234,000) occupy the top slots.In comparison, the two least expensive markets are in Roscommon and Donegal, with the average asking price in Ballaghaderreen (Roscommon) at €95,000, Bundoran in Co Donegal is next at €103,000 with Ballymote/Tubbercurry, €106,000, Castlereagh, €110,000, and Belturbet, €116,000 rounding off the five least expensive.Commenting on the figures, Ronan Lyons, economist at Trinity College Dublin and author of the report, said: "Unsurprisingly, the country’s housing wealth is concentrated in cities. Urban Dublin makes up less than 1% of the land mass of the country but is home to over 40% of its housing wealth. "The other four cities bring the urban share to roughly half. This is perfectly normal and indeed probably less stark than other countries, where greater populations drive even greater land values in the most desirable locations."Changes in housing wealth can tell us about important changes underway in the economy. Donegal now has two of the cheapest ten markets in the country, with the Lifford/Raphoe area joining Bundoran in that list. This tallies with other evidence that Brexit-related uncertainty has taken its toll on the northern market.Martin Clancy of Daft.ie said: “Dublin remains the epicentre of the million-euro plus property market in Ireland. "Dalkey has seen the single most expensive sale of 2018 so far with a home their changing hands for €7.8m in May," he said.

At the height of the storm, which was a category Orange weather event, more than 4,000 homes and businesses were left without power. Power has been restored to most customers affected by Storm Deirdre yesterday, ESB Networks has saidAt the height of the storm, which was a category Orange weather event, more than 4,000 homes and businesses were left without power.The worst affected areas were in counties Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Clare, Wicklow, Meath and Dublin.Currently, there are still pockets of power outages in Limerick, Ennis, Bray in Co Wicklow, Mulgannon in Co Wexford and Julianstown in Co Meath.A Status Orange wind warning and Yellow rainfall warning ended at midnight.A 9-year-old girl was struck by a falling tree while cycling with her family in Cork city yesterday.The girl was pinned under the tree for up to 40 minutes and is being treated in Cork University Hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.Areas in Wexford, Waterford and Cork were hit by spot flooding after some rivers overflowed they banks.Several stranded motorists were also assisted by emergency services from their cars after they got trapped in flood waters.There will be occasional rain or hail showers today with a risk of thunder, with the rain prolonged in Munster and Leinster in the morning.These showers will become confined to Atlantic coastal areas in the afternoon, Met Éireann says.Most areas will be dry at first tonight, with temperatures falling to between zero and four degrees. Frost is forecasted for the midlands and eastern areas, with this clearing before morning.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Update: A file has been sent to the DPP after a man in his sixties was arrested in connection with the death of a psychiatrist in a hit and run incident in Cork in the early hours of Saturday morning.Father of three Martin Lawlor, 49, who is originally from Tralee, Co Kerry was killed while he was walking on the Airport Road in Cork at about 5.30am on Saturday.A taxi driver in his 60s who was arrested in relation to death has been released from custody. Gardai have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. It is understood that Mr Lawlor was returning to the Cork International Hotel from a night out when he was struck by a car. The driver of the vehicle left the area. Another motorist raised the alarm after he spotted a body on the road. Mr Lawlor was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardai subsequently stopped a taxi driver who had a damaged windscreen. They arrested the driver. The body of the deceased was removed to Cork University Hospital for a postmortem. Mr Lawlor was employed in Cork but was due to return home to his family in the north of England.Tributes have been paid to Dr Martin Lawlor online. He was the director of the Centre for Recovery and Social Inclusion in Ireland. He was also the co founder of State of Mind Ireland alongside his sister Dr Susan Lawlor. State of Mind Ireland extended its deepest condolence to Dr Lawlor and the Lawlor family with the "untimely death of their father, brother husband and friend."It is beyond tragic the way he was taken from us all. Dr Fiona Chambers, head of the School of Education in UCC, said she was "shocked and saddened at the untimely passing of Dr Lawlor." She described him as a "champion of mental health" and stated that it was "a privilege to know and work with him."State of Mind Ireland aims to improve the mental health, wellbeing and working life of sports players and sporting communities throughout Ireland. Dr Lawlor was the programme lead and the medical director of the initiative. Kerin O'Rahilly's GAA Club in partnered with State of Mind. They said that it was with "profound shock and sadness" that they learned of the death of their friend Dr Lawlor. They extended their condolences to his family and friends. Dr Lawlor was a graduate of UCD and the Royal College of Psychiatrists and was employed by the HSE South since 2005. He was a respected forensic psychiatrist who regularly commuted from his job in Cork to his family in Manchester. Earlier: Victim of fatal Cork collision named as man released without chargeA man in his 60s who was arrested yesterday in connection with a fatal road collision in Cork has been released without charge.A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a man died after he was struck by a car on the Kinsale Road in Cork city between 5am and 5.45am on Saturday morning.He has been named locally as Martin Lawlor, 49, a psychiatrist who was originally from Tralee, Co Kerry but who had been living in Manchester.He is a married father of three.It is understood that Mr Lawlor was walking towards the Cork International Hotel from the city when he was struck by the car.His body was taken to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination took place.Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information or dash cam footage to contact Togher Garda Station on 021-4947120 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.Digital Desk

A new poll out this weekend shows satisfaction with the Government has fallen. A new poll out this weekend shows satisfaction with the Government has fallen.The Sunday Independent Kantar Millward Brown opinion poll shows nearly half the people polled are unhappy with its performance. The Taoiseach's popularity has also taken a hit and Fine Gael has also suffered falling two points since April to stand at 32%, now just five points ahead of Fianna Fail who are unchanged at 27%.It is also poor reading for the Taoiseach with Leo Varadkar's personal popularity down seven points to 49%.Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin's personal popularity has dropped four points to 40%, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald has dropped nine points to 37%, while Sinn Féin is down one point to 21%.Labour are unchanged at 5%, the Greens down 2 to 1% and Independents and others up three to 14%. The poll was conducted among 920 adults around the country, between December 1 and 13.

There was no winner of tonight's Lotto Jackpot, worth almost €2.5m. There was no winner of tonight's Lotto Jackpot, worth almost €2.5m. Lotto Results: Saturday, December 15, 2018Daily Million Results - Jackpot  €1,000,000There was no winner of the Daily Million top prize.1, 12, 21, 23, 36, 38 | 8Daily Million Plus Results - Jackpot  €500,0003, 13, 18, 24, 26, 34 | 39Lotto Results - Jackpot  €2,442,198There was no winner of the Lotto jackpot but over 89,000 players won prizes.2, 9, 23, 34, 35, 38 | 41Lotto Plus 1 Results - Jackpot  €1,000,000There was no winner of the Lotto Plus 1 top prize.3, 14, 15, 16, 19, 47 | 23Lotto Plus 2 Results - Jackpot  €250,000There was no winner of the Lotto Plus 2 top prize.16, 19, 20, 29, 31, 39 | 25Lotto 54321 Results - Jackpot  €125,0002, 9, 23, 34, 35, 38 | 41Lotto Plus 1 54321 Results - Jackpot  €125,0003, 14, 15, 16, 19, 47 | 23Lotto Plus 2 54321 Results - Jackpot  €125,00016, 19, 20, 29, 31, 39 | 25Lotto Plus 2 54321 Results - Jackpot  €125,00016, 19, 20, 29, 31, 39 | 25Lotto Plus 2 Results - Jackpot  €250,000There was no winner of the Lotto Plus 2 top prize.16, 19, 20, 29, 31, 39 | 25Daily Million Results - Jackpot  €1,000,000There was no winner of the Daily Million top prize.6, 13, 19, 26, 30, 36 | 15Daily Million Plus Results - Jackpot  €500,0001, 8, 11, 12, 27, 36 | 21Lotto Results - Jackpot  €2,442,198There was no winner of the Lotto jackpot but over 89,000 players won prizes.2, 9, 23, 34, 35, 38 | 41Lotto 54321 Results - Jackpot  €125,0002, 9, 23, 34, 35, 38 | 41

A father of two who was knocked down and seriously injured last Wednesday has died from his injuries this afternoon. By David RaleighA father of two who was knocked down and seriously injured last Wednesday has died from his injuries this afternoon.Patryk Kacprowicz, (aged 33), originally from Poland, was struck by a white coloured VW van as he was crossing the Main Street in Hospital Co Limerick.He had been living in the South East Co Limerick town for the past eight years with his partner Katarzyna and their two young children.Mr Kacprowicz donated four organs to help save others in need of a transplant, a source close to the family said.An online fundraiser has also been set up to help Mr Kacprowicz’s family cover the cost of his funeral and meet other expenses.The fundraiser set up on the GoFundMe website has raised over €13,000 in a 20-hour period.The online fundraiser was set up by the Hospital Tennis Club.Patryk Kacprowicz.Mr Kacprowicz and his family have been “actively involved in the community, especially in the tennis club where Patryk was a member”, a club spokesperson said.“Instead of looking forward to Santa Claus coming next week, his two young children Nicholas and Nanett, are now preparing to say a final farewell to their doting father.”They urged people to “make any contribution to can” to this fundraiser “to help alleviate the pressures that his family will now bear in preparing for his funeral and also in the future”.“This will give his family one less thing to worry about at this terrible time.”“Being the giver he was, Patryk donated four of his organs to save the lives of others - his legacy now lives on through the lives he’s saved,” they added.Elaine Carroll, PRO of the club, said all their “thoughts and prayers” were with Mr Kacprowicz’s family.“The community is shellshocked”, she added.Online tributes have poured in for Mr Kacprowicz who was very popular in the community.His devastated brother Rafal wrote online he was “feeling broken”.“We miss you so much my Brother...We love you,” he added.Jack Quinlan from Hospital also paid tribute: “Rest In Peace paddy you were truely one of a kind prayers are with u and your family.”John Eoin Sheahan, a co-worker at Munster Packaging, described Mr Kacprowicz as a “sound man and always a good man for a laugh”.“(He) always kept us on our toes...work will never be the same rip paddy.”Danuta Domagala also offered her “condolences”....adding there were “no words in the face of such a tragedy.”Extended close family members have travelled from Poland to Limerick to make arrangements for Mr Kacprowicz’s funeral.The scene of the crash in Hospital, Co. Limerick. Picture: Press 22Gardaí have tonight made a fresh appeal for witnesses to the “fatal RTC (road traffic collision)”, which occurred around 5.40pm last Wednesday.“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, anyone any information or anyone who may have been on the road between 5.25pm and 5.50pm to contact them at Bruff Garda station on 061 382940, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station,” a garda spokeswoman said.

A child cheated death this evening after she was struck by a falling tree while cycling with her family in Cork city. A child cheated death this evening after she was struck by a falling tree while cycling with her family in Cork city.The girl, nine, was pinned under the tree for up to 40 minutes as emergency services worked to free her.She is being treated in Cork University Hospital tonight for lacerations to her head and for suspected fractures to her lower limbs. She is expected to make a full recovery.The incident occurred as the girl, her mother and brother were cycling on a biking and walkway which links the Atlantic Pond to the Marina around 5pm.What was described as a “substantial tree” fell as the family passed and the girl was struck by one of its large limbs.Her bike was crushed and she was pinned beneath.Emergency services were alerted and three units of Cork City Fire Brigade and two ambulances were tasked to the scene.Third officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, Martin Coughlan, said two firefighting crews used handsaws to cut the tree’s branches and limbs from around the little girl as medics worked on her.She was conscious throughout her ordeal and was subsequently removed by ambulance to CUH.Mr Coughlan praised her for her bravery during the entire rescue operation.“She is a very brave little girl. She was a fabulous patient,” he said.“She listened to instructions, she was very cooperative, and she was able to tell us where her pain was which made it easier for us to make better assessments.”Mr Coughlan said fire crews have responded to several weather-related calls throughout the day, including several downed trees and fallen power lines.But he said they have also had to rescue several stranded motorists from their cars after they got trapped in flood waters.“We’ve had lots of idiots trying to drive their cars through water today,” he said.“If a road is flooded, don’t drive through the flood waters.“You’re putting yourself at risk and you’re also putting at risk be emergency service that have to respond.”

Kai Corkum died in Newtownards after being hit by a vehicle. The grandfather of a three-year-old boy who died after being struck by a car in Co Down has said he is heartbroken.Kai Corkum, from the Ards area, died on the Moville Road in Newtownards in Co Down on Thursday, police said.The incident involving a silver Volkswagen Golf happened at about 5.20pmA 21-year-old man was arrested, but has since been released on bail pending further police inquiries.Kenneth Corkum posted on social media that he was “heartbroken” at the loss of Kai.DUP MP Jim Shannon said it was a heartbreaking tragedy for the family.He added: “There wouldn’t be a person in the community who wouldn’t be thinking about them.”- Press Association

Several hundred people have attended a protest in the centre of Dublin in solidarity with the French yellow vest demonstrations. Several hundred people have attended a protest in the centre of Dublin in solidarity with the French yellow vest demonstrations.The protesters in Dublin wore yellow vests and some had hard hats, while others tied scarves over their faces. The chanting was mainly anti-Government in nature.Those who gathered outside the Custom House overlooking the River Liffey before marching to Leinster House included pro-Palestinian organisations and socialist republicans.Others involved in the gathering said they were concerned about the use of fluoride in the public water supply.The "yellow vest" movement in France, which takes its name from the fluorescent safety vests French motorists must carry in their vehicles, emerged in mid-November as a protest against fuel tax increases.It soon expanded into an expression of rage about the high cost of living in France and President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

People in Summerhill on Dublin's northside have come together to support a 92-year-old woman who was robbed just days before Christmas. People in Summerhill on Dublin's northside have come together to support a 92-year-old woman who was robbed just days before Christmas. Staff in the local Spar shop put out a collection jar to help replace the money that was taken.Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring said the kindness of people means they have raised enough to cover the money stolen, and then some.He said: “Karen Fox and the staff at the local Spar shop decided to do something about it. What Karen did was just literally put a jar on the counter at the Spar.A collection in support of the elderly woman who was mugged in Summerhill, Dublin this week. Pic: RollingNews“Luckily enough, enough money has been collected to make up the money that was stolen from the lady.“I know she is a bit shook up but I spoke to her and I know she is overwhelmed with the generosity.”He said locals have chipped in several thousand euro at this stage, with the surplus likely to go towards a worthy charity.“There is a surplus at the moment so we don’t know what we are going to do with that,” he said.“I will speak to Karen Fox in the Spar and we might give it to the likes of Brother Kevin in the Capuchin Centre.“The generosity of the people is obviously acknowledged by everybody and we are delighted to see people coming out with such generosity.”Gardaí have been informed of the incident.