The 7 o’clock round up
By Mark O’Brien (@markjsobrien)
M50 reopens after serious crash
The M50 southbound was closed for a number of hours this morning after a serious crash near the J7 Lucan junction. The motorway was closed from about 7am this morning and reopend around 1pm. According to the Irish Times, the collision involved a car and two trucks. A woman, who was driving the car, was taken to Tallaght Hospital with serious injuries.
Rd Closed M50 at Jct 7 S/bound following crash & will remain closed until later in the a.m. following crash. Slip rd N4 onto M50 closed RT
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) November 11, 2015
M50- Road still closed for important forensic investigation, results of which can help avert other incidents, working hard to reopen asap — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) November 11, 2015
M50 update- Slip roads on to the M50 @ N4 junction now fully open. Thank you again for your patience
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) November 11, 2015
Mountjoy prison in lockdown
Mountjoy prison went into lockdown this afternoon after hoax contraband was found on a landing. It was initially thought that components for a firearm and bullets were found but it has further been reported that the gun barrel is, in fact, a cannabis grinder although TheJournal.ie are reporting that six bullets were found on a landing in C Division. All prisoners were locked in their cells while a wide-scale search of the prison was carried out.
Gardaí investigate former minister over child sex abuse claims
The Irish Independent are reporting that a former government minister is being investigated by gardaí after allegations were made that he sexually abused children in the 1990s. The alleged victims are believed to be both male and female although the investigation is still in its early stages and the former minister has not had the opportunity to refute the allegations yet.
Apple to employ a further 1000 people in its Cork campus
Apple plan to expand their Cork campus to accommodate a further 1000 staff. Apple Chief Executive announced the expansion during a visit to Dublin today. The company already employs 5000 people at its Cork site. According to RTE, Tánaiste Joan Burton welcomed the announcement, calling it “a vote of confidence in Cork and in Ireland”.
TV3 to broadcast Six Nations from 2018
TV3 have dealt a blow to RTÉ after they won the rights to broadcast all Six Nations Championship games from 2018 until 2021. In a statement, TV3 Group Broadcasting Director Niall Cogley said: “In the last two months, TV3 has been able to demonstrate its credentials as Ireland’s National Commercial Broadcaster with a refreshing and comprehensive presentation of all 48 games of Rugby World Cup 2015. We are grateful that the Six Nations Unions, the Federations and their Executive team were sufficiently impressed by our recent work. We very much look forward to presenting Rugby’s Greatest Championship into the foreseeable future and making TV3 the home of rugby in Ireland.” However, one former RTÉ pundit was not so impressed about the move.
Even the much-vaunted BBC could not hold the #SixNations. They had to share with ITV – it is the new reality. Money talks.
— George Hook (@ghook) November 11, 2015
I am really sad for my former colleagues in RTE Sport who strove might and main to deliver #SixNations coverage of high quality
— George Hook (@ghook) November 11, 2015
#SixNations we are a small step away from product placement on the panel. Woody in a toupee, Matt with Grecian 2000, Jennings -Coke (drink)
— George Hook (@ghook) November 11, 2015