More news in brief.
Partial eclipse of the sun will be visible from 9.30am-11am today
A partial eclipse of the sun will take place this morning from about 9.30am to 11am.
The moon will pass in front of the sun, covering up to 33 per cent of the sun, depending on where the spectacle is being viewed in Ireland.
The organisation Astronomy Ireland has set up eclipse watches at the Phoenix Park and in counties Carlow, Clare, Donegal and Wexford.
A total eclipse, in which the sun is completely hidden, will be seen in other parts of the world, including Canada, Greenland, Russia.
Members of the public have been warned not to look directly at the sun as this can lead to instant blindness.
Weather forecasts suggest people will have difficulty seeing the eclipse, with cloud expected.
Minister says number of visitors to Ireland continuing to hold up
Minister for Tourism Martin Cullen said the number of visitors to Ireland continues to hold up despite a challenging international environment.
He was commenting on tourism figures from the Central Statistics Office showing there were 805,800 overseas trips to Ireland in May. This was an increase of 14 per cent on the same month in 2007.
The Minister said there "are particularly challenging economic conditions affecting some of our largest overseas markets this year". He said his department and the tourism agencies were continuing to monitor Ireland's competitiveness as a tourist destination.
Cab seizure of criminal's home
The Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) has seized the Co Kildare home of a convicted criminal.
Edward Connors, who is currently serving a prison sentence, was subjected to the seizure order at the High Court yesterday.The move comes after an investigation by the Cab into his financial affairs.
A receiver appointed by the High Court is to take possession of the property in Carbury under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The proceeds will go to the Exchequer.
A Garda spokesman said Connors has a number of convictions and yesterday's order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 1996.
Man dies after two-car crash
A man was killed yesterday evening in a collision between two cars on the Kiltimagh to Kilkelly road in Co Mayo.
The crash occurred about three miles from Kiltimagh in the townland of Cloonfallagh at about 6.45pm.
It is understood that two other people were injured in the incident, one seriously. Traffic diversions which were put in place by gardaí are expected to remain in force until this morning. Meanwhile, gardaí in Kildare are investigating a fatal crash on Wednesday night at Baltracey Crossroads, Baltracey, Kilcock. The driver of one of the vehicles, a man in his 20s, died.