October 11: Today’s top stories in 60 seconds

First funerals to take place today after Creeslough explosion
The first funerals of victims of the service station explosion in Co Donegal will take place today. Ten people died in the tragedy in Creeslough on Friday. They ranged in age from five to 59. Separate funeral masses will be held for Jessica Gallagher (24) and Martin McGill (49) at St Michael’s Church in Creeslough at 11am and 2pm respectively. Both Jessica and Martin will be buried in Doe Cemetery.
The Journal

Planning approval for more than 1,400 new homes in south Dublin to be quashed
Planning approval for more than 1,400 new homes in south Dublin is set to be quashed after An Bord Pleanála conceded three court cases linked to the work of its former deputy chairman, Paul Hyde. The planning authority is no longer contesting judicial review cases that were taken against fast-track approval it gave for large apartment schemes in Killiney, Blackrock and Milltown. ABP’s move “followed the receipt and consideration by An Bord Pleanála of legal advice from its legal agents”, the body said in response to questions.
The Irish Times

Gardaí seize €1.3m worth of cigarettes in Dublin raids
Gardaí have seized €1.36m worth of cigarettes and tobacco during a number of searches in the Tallaght area. The raids were carried out on Monday morning and involved the Tallaght Drug Divisional Unit, uniform units and Garda Dog Unit. “Following the searches, the seized items were later handed over to staff from Revenue’s Custom Services,” gardaí said. “The cigarettes seized represent a potential loss to Revenue in excess of €1m.” The force said no arrests were made and investigations are ongoing.
Independent.ie

Govt to outline dates for payments announced in Budget
The Government will today outline the payment dates for the €1.2 billion worth of lump-sum social protection supports announced in last month’s Budget. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath are expected to set out the details of the eight different lump sums that will be paid between now and Christmas.
RTÉ

Primark’s Belfast shop to reopen in November
Primark’s flagship Belfast shop – gutted in a fire four years ago – is due to re-open in the first week of November, the company has announced. The fire at the clothing retailer’s historic building in the city centre burned for three days after starting on 28 August 2018. The Bank Buildings has been closed since and was being rebuilt. After four years of planning and restoration work, construction is now almost completed. Primark’s existing store on Castle Street is to merge with the restored Bank Buildings site. The smaller store at Fountain House, Donegall Place, will close in the days before the opening of the newly restored site.
BBC

Today’s forecast
Mostly cloudy today with a little patchy rain or drizzle possible across parts of north Connacht and west Ulster this morning. Elsewhere, it will be largely dry with a mix of cloud and some bright spells today. By late afternoon, more persistent rain will develop in Atlantic coastal counties. Maximum temperatures of 11°C to 14°C in moderate southerly breezes. Outbreaks of rain will spread eastwards across the country early tonight along with areas of mist and drizzle. Drier and clearer conditions will develop in western areas towards dawn on Wednesday. Lowest temperatures of 10°C to 13°C in moderate to fresh southwest winds.
Met Éireann