national

National News Briefs

Bequests rise above €1m to Simon Community

The Simon Community was left more than €1m in wills last year.

That is more than three times the figure from the previous year, with the largest single amount registered at €350,000.

The agency for the homeless said bequests are essential in these tough times, and are very gratefully received.

More than 2,500 people accessed Simon's services across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow in 2011.
___________________________________

Index indicates fall in housing activity

There has been another major fall in activity in the housing sector, according to the latest National Housing Construction Index.

The index shows that the planning applications in the first half of 2012 are down nearly 20% on last year, while the number of projects commencing are down 7%.

Planning applications in Kildare have fallen by 41%, Kerry is down by 38% and Clare by 35%.

Danny O'Shea, Managing Director of Link2Plans, said the Capital is among the worst-affected areas.
___________________________________

SIPTU to launch campaign to protect Home Help service

SIPTU has said elderly people will suffer if cuts to Home Help services continue.

The trade union said HSE budget cuts are harming both workers and clients, and are asking all representatives in the Offaly area to attend a meeting this afternoon.

It is taking place at the County Arms Hotel in Birr at 4pm this afternoon.

SIPTU organiser Miriam Hamilton said the Offaly meeting marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to defend services.
_________________________________

Petrol prices set to continue rise

Consumers will continue to feel the pinch at the pumps as Ireland has recorded its highest rise in oil prices since February.

The weakening euro is said to be one of the factors pushing up the price of fuel, along with escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This resulted in an 8% hike in the cost of wholesale oil for July, which is expected to have a knock-on effect for consumers.

Power Trader at Bord Gais Energy, John Heffernan, has said motorists are not likely to see a let up in rising prices for some time.
__________________________________

Man due in court in connection with Dublin killing

A Dublin man charged with murdering a man who was shot dead three years ago is due back in court this morning.

Eugene Cullen of Derry Road, Crumlin is accused of killing 27-year-old Seamus O' Byrne at Tymon Park North, Tallaght, on March 13, 2009.

Mr O'Byrne was shot in his driveway in front of his partner and young son three years ago.

Twenty-nine-year-old Eugene Cullen was arrested on Monday last week and charged with the murder following his extradition from the Netherlands.

When he appeared in court gardaí said he made no reply to the charge.

He was remanded in custody and is due to make his second district court appearance at Cloverhill this morning.
_____________________________