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25th Oct 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Visa rules stopped Derry ambulance crews responding to Creeslough gas explosion
Some Northern Ireland ambulances were unable to rush to Creeslough, Co Donegal after last year’s gas explosion that killed 10 people because foreign-born paramedics on-board did not have visas that allowed them to cross the Border, it has emerged. The disclosure about the Altnagelvin Hospital-based ambulances in Derry was made to an inquiry by the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly into the operation of the century-old Common Travel Area agreement between the Republic and the United Kingdom.
The Irish Times
MV Matthew drug ship cash traced to Kinahan’s Dubai stronghold as gardaí meet UAE police in Dublin
Gardaí investigating the seizure of over two tonnes of cocaine from a cargo ship off the Cork coast have identified payments linked to the criminal enterprise which originated from Dubai. The analysis of financial transactions further strengthens garda suspicions that the Kinahan crime gang, whose leadership is based in the Middle Eastern metropolis, had a significant investment in the seized drug shipment.
Independent.ie
UN agency warns of ‘halt’ to Gaza aid operations
A UN agency has warned that dwindling fuel supplies could force it to stop aid operations in Gaza, as calls mounted for a humanitarian “pause” in fighting. After 18 days of Israeli air strikes and a near-total land, sea and air blockade of the Palestinian territory, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned operations were at breaking point.
RTÉ
Midleton residents whose homes were devastated in floods say they feel forgotten
Homeowners of an East Cork housing estate have told how they feel like the forgotten faces following the destruction of Storm Babet, with many facing uncertain futures after losing everything they cherish. Homes across Beechwood Drive in Midleton were besieged by rushing floodwaters that engulfed their homes from all sides within minutes, completely destroying the downstairs.
The Irish Examiner
Government revisits idea of cutting social welfare supports for Ukrainian refugees
Government is revisiting the idea of limiting social welfare supports for Ukrainian refugees, The Journal understands. An overhaul of the whole Ukraine refugee response is on the cards, with significant changes due to be made in areas such social protection, education and housing. The idea of cutting financial supports was first floated earlier this year when a confidential Cabinet report found that Ireland is one of only three EU countries paying refugees from Ukraine full social welfare benefits.
The Journal
Today’s forecast
Mist and fog, especially across the midlands, west and south will gradually clear this morning. Dry this morning and for a time this afternoon with spells of hazy sunshine, ahead of cloud and rain, which will gradually move up from the southwest. Localised heavy falls and spot flooding are possible later. Parts of the north and northeast staying dry for daylight hours. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees in moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, stronger along south and west coasts. Tonight, rain will extend to remaining areas with scattered heavy showers and clear spells following overnight. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees in light southeast breezes. Some mist or fog locally too. A Status Yellow fog warning has also been issued for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Munster and all of Connacht.
Met Éireann