Gardaí investigating the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old father of one following an incident in Co Clare early yesterday morning have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Irish Water has admitted it was aware of issues with the electrical supply at a water pumping station in Co Clare which failed last week resulting in a swimming ban at one of the county’s most popular beaches.

A body has been recovered from the sea in Co Clare this afternoon, writes Patrick Flynn.

The second phase of the reconstruction of the 19th century seawall at Kilkee has begun and is expected be completed before the start of the 2016 summer season.

Gardaí are appealing for information on the whereabouts of two Japanese tourists in their 60s who have not been seen since Saturday.

A 19th century sea wall is at risk of collapsing onto one of the west’s most popular beaches while the adjacent road continues to sink after being damaged in the recent storms.