By Sarah Gill
27th Jul 2023
27th Jul 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Tributes pour in for Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor passed away at the age of 56. In a statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.” President Michael D Higgins led tributes, saying Ireland had lost “one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her … May her spirit find the peace she sought in so many different ways.”
Dublin teen arrested
A second teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the serious assault of a US tourist in Dublin city centre last week. Stephen Termini, 57, was admitted to intensive care in hospital after being attacked on Store Street on 19 July. The incident happened just after he left his guesthouse accommodation on Talbot Street last Wednesday night.
Derelict Sites Levy
Most Irish local authorities didn’t collect any of the money from the owners of derelict sites last year despite the growing housing crisis, while many authorities didn’t even impose the levy on a single site in their jurisdiction. Out of 31 local authorities, 18 received nothing from landowners, while 14 of these local authorities didn’t impose a levy on any of the owners of the 314 derelict sites in their jurisdictions.
Sex for rent
The Department of Justice has warned renters not to respond to advertisements offering reduced rent, or no rent, in return for sexual favours. The warning comes as more advertisements offering such rental propositions were placed on online classified ad websites in recent days. One such advertisement seeks “ladies only”, with the offer of free accommodation in Dublin. The landlord describes himself as “pretty chill” and offers free accommodation “for an arrangement with the right lady”.