Dublin Report: Overall shares in Dublin were weaker overall with a lack of newsflow providing little direction.

Irish Continental Group's fortunes took a turn for the better following a resolution of a bitter dispute at its Irish Ferries subsidiary.

The resumption of its cross-channel ferry service after a 21-day stoppage sent its share price ahead as investors took a more positive view of its prospects.

ICG shares climbed by 6 per cent on the day to end at €10.78, up 58 cent, with some brokers recommending them to investors at up to €12.

Ryanair announced it had signed a 10-year deal to expand at Charleroi airport in Belgium and also re-affirmed earnings forecasts despite easing fuel prices.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said the low-cost airline expects to deliver a 10 per cent rise in profits for the current year. The shares remained unchanged on the day at €7.70.

The financials enjoyed mixed fortunes. AIB was weaker, in line with the market, ending the session at €17.95, down 4 cent. Bank of Ireland was ex-dividend and closed at €13.39, down 27 cent.

Anglo Irish Bank managed to make some progress, adding 2 cent to €12.02, while Irish Life and Permanent was down 25 cent at €16.70 ahead of a trading statement today. FBD added 50 cent to €35.

CRH lost some ground shedding 5 cent to €23.60. Eircom was off 1 cent at €1.92 while Elan gained 10 cent to end at €10.55 in Dublin.

Among the food stocks, Glanbia closed at €2.52, down 1 cent, Greencore was 4 cent weaker at €3.34 and Kerry was unchanged at €19.10. Fyffes gained 2 cent to €2.13 and IAWS added 2 cent to €12.28..

C&C put on 4 cent to €5.32 while DCC added 5 cent to €16.70.

Other stocks traded on the day included Grafton, up 2 cent to €8.67, and McInerneys which rose 35 cent to €9.95.