Data used to convict Graham Dwyer contrary to EU law
The collection of mobile phone data used by Gardaí as part of efforts to convict Graham Dwyer, and the Irish law which allowed the practice to take place, were contrary to EU law, a senior judicial adviser at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has said.
The ECJ case arose after Dywer challenged the Irish law which allowed for the retention of his phone data by Gardaí, which the Irish Supreme Court referred on to Europe.
In 2015, Dwyer was convicted for the murder of Elaine O'Hara in 2012, with mobile phone data making up a key part of the prosecution's case. Dwyer has also lodged a separate appeal to his conviction with the Irish courts.
Restrictions come into effect
New measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 come into effect this evening.
Nightclubs, pubs and restaurants will now have to close at midnight. However, the Government has now specified that bars in hotels will also have to close by the curfew time.
The late night sector has voiced anger about the new measures, also calling on the Government to reintroduce the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to support the industry amid earlier closing times.
Government Ministers are expecting public health experts to recommend further Covid-19 restrictions in the next two weeks as infection levels continues to rise in the country.
Concerns over school closures
Concerns have been raised over the new five-day isolation rule for close contacts of people infected with Covid-19.
It is believed the new rule may lead to school closures due to a shortage in substitution staff.
The issue was a source of tension in the Dáil on Wednesday during a heated exchange between the Labour Party leader Alan Kelly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Inquest into death of mother and baby to conclude
An inquest into the death of a mother and baby at Cork University Hospital will conclude on Thursday.
Marie Downey and her newborn baby Darragh died within 33 hours of each other in March 2019.
The inquest heard that the baby suffered an irretrievable brain injury and was found trapped underneath his mother Marie, who died from an epileptic seizure.
Man shot in Dublin
A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a shooting incident in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the incident that occurred at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday at Ballyfermot Crescent.
The attack on the man in his 30s, who was driving or sitting in a car outside a house when he was shot, was well planned, having "all the hallmarks of a gangland ambush" according to The Irish Times.
Garth Brooks concerts confirmed
Country musician Garth Brooks is coming to Dublin, playing two concerts at Croke Park next year.
Aiken Promotions confirmed the news on Thursday morning. The concerts will be held on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th.
In 2014, Brooks' five sold-out dates at the stadium were cancelled after the council refused to grant licences to allow the events to go ahead.
