A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Man died from hypothermia, inquest told
An elderly man died from hypothermia on his farm after becoming stuck in a muddy field on a very cold and wet day, an inquest was told yesterday.
Michael McGough (72), of Snugboro, Castlebar, Co Mayo, was found dead in a field about 150 yards from his home on February 10th last.
Returning a verdict of death from natural causes, the coroner, John O'Dwyer, said it was clear to him that the deceased had become trapped in muddy ground and died from hypothermia after being unable to release himself.
Cork rugby fans urged to pool cars
To avoid traffic gridlock Cork airport has urged Munster fans to adopt car pooling to get there for departures for next weekend's Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.
Fans are also reminded about restrictions on what they can bring on board.
"Munster supporters' flags are most welcome. However, any item which has the ability to be adapted for causing injury to another passenger will be confiscated."
All special rugby charters on May 24th will operate from the main terminal building.
Ennis emergency cover concern
Homes and commercial properties over a wide area east of Ennis, Co Clare, have been left without adequate emergency fire and ambulance cover following the closure of the Tulla Road for works by Clare County Council and Iarnród Éireann, it was claimed.
Local Fine Gael councillor and former Limerick fire chief Johnny Flynn said the emergency services were sent to a crash at Ballymacahill on Saturday afternoon.
The fire brigade had to take a detour of 7km while an ambulance had to take a similarly long diversion in another direction.
These detours added between seven and 10 minutes to the response times.
According to Mr Flynn, there was no need for the road to be closed on Saturday.
However, a council spokesman said: "This issue has been teased out at length. The Irish Rail work involves replacing the bridge deck and widening it to provide access for pedestrians and cyclists and this work cannot be carried out while maintaining traffic flow.
"The time it would take to make space for a fire appliance or ambulance to get through would be longer than the round trip and sometimes would just not be possible."
Hotel extension plan criticised
A spectacular view of Downings Bay will be lost after Donegal County Council granted planning permission for a hotel extension.
The claim was made by Cllr Liam Blaney at last week's Milford electoral meeting in relation to a new development at the Rosapenna Hotel.
Mr Blaney said he had been inundated with complaints from residents who were furious that the view from the Carrigart approach to the village had been blocked.
"I am not against tourism, but what's happening in Downings is a disgrace," he said.
"There is a massive concrete jungle blocking the view of the bay. Three local caravan park owners were put out of business by the council because they did not have planning permission. It is a total disgrace that planners would give permission for that ."
However, Cllr Noel McBride defended the Casey family who own and run the hotel.
He said the planning application went through the proper procedure and was granted permission.