A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Investigation into fatal Cork collision
Gardaí have begun an investigation into the death of a woman in her 80s who was killed when the car in which was travelling was in collision with a van in north Cork yesterday.
The woman was a front-seat passenger in a car being driven by her husband when the collision happened at Nohovaldaly, on the main Rathmore to Mallow road, at around 5.20pm.
Firefighters had to use cutting equipment to take the woman and her husband from the car, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband and the driver of the van were taken to Kerry General Hospital in Tralee.
Seven injured in Athlone crash
Seven people, including a child, were injured in a crash near Athlone yesterday.
The collision happened at 1.30pm at Ballybeg on the N61 between Athlone and Roscommon, near the Hill of Berries. Four cars were involved, and the injured were taken to Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe, Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore hospital and Mullingar hospital.
Last night hospital authorities described the injured as stable.
Gardaí in Athlone have called for witnesses to the crash to contact them.
Tenders sought for Naval vessels
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea yesterday launched a tender competition to purchase new vessels for the Naval Service.
The Department of Defence is to purchase two offshore patrol vessels, with an option on a third, and one extended patrol vessel, with an option on a second.
The ships will replace existing vessels due for replacement over the next three to five years.
Search for missing boy
Gardaí in Tallaght, Co Dublin, are appealing for public assistance to help trace the whereabouts of Shane Valentine (13), who is missing from his accommodation at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, since 3.30am on Thursday.
The boy is 4ft 10ins, of thin build, with mousey brown hair.
When last seen he was wearing dark navy tracksuit bottoms, a white hoodie top and runners.
Anybody with information should contact Tallaght Garda station; telephone 01-6666000.
Decision on plans for Dublin airport
Bord Pleanála has reached a decision on separate plans for a new terminal and runway at Dublin airport, writes Tim O'Brien.
However, the decision will not be released until next week. A spokesman for the board said the issues had been decided at a meeting on Thursday afternoon, but would not be released until next Wednesday to ensure all parties had received notification by post.
The new terminal and runway are key elements of the Dublin Airport Authority's proposals to deal with congestion.
Historic hotel for sale in Mayo
A historic hotel in Co Mayo where the National Land League was founded in 1879 closed its doors yesterday with no firm indication as to when it will reopen. The Imperial Hotel, which overlooks The Mall in Castlebar and dates back to 1720, has been put on the market by owners Noel and Jacqui Rowland.