All visitors to the Institute of Technology, Tralee, Co Kerry, were checked at entrance points by a private security firm, backed by upwards of 12 gardaí, during a visit of President Michael D Higgins yesterday. The event passed off without incident.

Concern has been voiced by the public spending watchdog about more than €300,000 spent by the Institute of Technology, Tralee, on consultant fees for the design of the Kerry Sports Academy without capital funding for the project being in place.