More news in brief
Cars will be banned from using Dublin Port Tunnel when it opens next Wednesday for a period of up to a month, the National Roads Authority (NRA) has said, writes Olivia Kelly.
The NRA said the tunnel would be available exclusively to drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for the first three to four weeks of operation, to allow those drivers to familiarise themselves with the conditions and layout of the tunnel.
This period will also be used by the tunnel operators, the Garda and Dublin City Council to assess how the tunnel affects external traffic and to make changes where possible.
High Court orders detention of ship
The High Court yesterday granted a "ship's arrest" to International Transport Federation (ITF) inspector Ken Fleming.
The order was made by Judge Liam McKechnie in the Admiralty Division of the High Court against a vessel called Merchant Brilliant.
Mr Fleming, who is on secondment to the ITF from Siptu, said $204,000 (€153,788) was owed to the 20-man crew of Latvians and Russians.
"It was almost a carbon copy of the situation we found on the vessel's sister ship, the Merchant Bravery, just over a week ago," he said. "When I arrived on board the Merchant Brilliant this morning, the crewing agency attempted to evict the crew and when that failed they attempted to leave Dublin port.
"Fortunately Norfolk Lines, who had chartered the Ro-Ro vessel, withdrew their pilot.
"I understand that the crewing agency is still attempting to find a pilot in the port and I am on my way down there now to ensure the court's order is enforced. "
Claim settled over damage to house
A couple who claimed their home was made uninhabitable after a truck crashed into it have settled their High Court action for damages.
Noel and Majella Biddulph were in their home at Sexton Cottage, Lusk, Co Dublin on the early morning of May 11th, 2001 when a truck travelling on the Dublin Road crashed into their house.
They had sued the truck driver, Joseph McCann, of Harbour Road, Rush.
The case, which was before the court as an assessment of damages only, had opened before Mr Justice Vivian Lavan, but he was told yesterday the action was settled. No details were disclosed but it is understood they settled for a "substantial sum".
They had claimed almost €60,000 in material damage caused to their home, a part of which was 150 years old, as well as general damages.