Mica scandal protest
Thousands of protesters have marched through Dublin to demand 100 per cent redress for homes affected by the mica scandal.
Homeowners and families from Co Donegal and elsewhere hit by the devastating effects of the mineral on their properties have vowed to show the world the “despair and waking nightmare” of living in a crumbling home.
Dozens of buses carried people from Donegal, Mayo, Limerick, Claire, Leitrim and Sligo to the capital before they marched from the Garden of Remembrance to Government Buildings.
Earlier, motorists experienced delays on the M50 as mica campaigners held a go-slow demonstration. The protest caused long tailbacks on the motorway.
Partition centenary event
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill has criticised the Government’s decision to send representatives to a church service marking the centenary of partition.
A statement from the Government said Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney and Chief Whip Jack Chambers would attend.
Last month President Michael D Higgins caused controversy when he said he would not attend the service in Armagh. He said he believed it was not politically neutral and had concerns about the title of the event.
Bank of Ireland closures
Bank of Ireland customers at 88 branches across the Republic are using their local services for the last time today.
Some of these services will now be offered at post offices instead. It marks the latest step in an accelerated shift away from over-the-counter banking towards digital and online services.
Click here for a full list of the branches set to close.
Taoiseach in Belfast
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet with Northern Ireland’s political leaders during a visit to Belfast on Friday.
Mr Martin will visit the city for a programme of events as well as discussing the latest political developments.
He will meet the leaders of the main political parties to brief them on the €3.5 billion budget for cross-Border investment announced this week.
