The Taoiseach says he will not be calling for a full lock-down unless to told to do so by medical officers.

A third of the cost of us producing a house is taxed, or controlled by the state, between Vat and planning contributions.

Some of Munster’s top business leaders have called for taxes on the construction industry to be reduced in order to boost housing supply in the region.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Leesiders, who have been UL’s victims on each occasion.

Two of the most wholesome TV shows to grace our screens have made the top 10 most-watched this week on Netflix.

Everyone might be resigned to the inevitable but no-one will volunteer or be asked to resign, writes Kieran Shannon.

Tickets, priced just €20, are on sale now.

As you load your trolley with booze this Christmas, it’s worth remembering a huge chunk of your money goes straight to the Government, says Leslie Williams

Food critic Tom Doorley served up a varied menu of tweets yesterday to hit back at broadcaster Neil Prendeville for the coverage of his review of a Cork City restaurant.

You might imagine that returning from seven years in America was the turning point in Kieran Bergin’s Tipperary career, or perhaps simply his re-dedication to the game of hurling since early last year.

Up to 200 business in Cork have signed up to a campaign to support the €150m redevelopment of the former Beamish and Crawford site into an events centre, according to the campaign organisers.

Despite opposition from heritage campaigners, Heineken Ireland and their joint venture partners BAM Contractors secured planning permission for their €150m Brewery Quarter regeneration project on the historic Beamish and Crawford site on South Main St.

The developer behind one of two multi-million event centres proposed for Cork City has warned against a “public spat” after several prominent business owners united to support his rival.

Several influential business owners have backed one of two rival developers who are bidding for €16m in public funding to help build a conference centre in Cork.

Westmeath 0-14 Waterford 3-22

Holders Rockwell College laid down a marker with an accomplished display to deservedly reach another Avonmore Milk Munster Schools’ Senior Cup final following their victory over Christian Brothers College at Musgrave Park yesterday.

LIMERICK boss John Allen has several attacking injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s trip to O’Moore Park to face Laois in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League, which he has branded a ‘must win’ encounter after the 14-point beating they suffered against Clare in the opening round last month.

CBC Cork’s Adam Finn touched down for two tries as his side cruised to victory in their opening Avonmore Milk Munster Senior Schools Cup clash yesterday.

IT was a day made for picnics and eating outside.

THE relentless rain failed to dampen the spirits of food lovers who flocked to Cork’s Fitzgerald Park to whet their appetites at TasteFest.

THE Cashel Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted in favour of proceeding with twinning the Cashel Chamber with The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce in Florida.

VETERAN goalkeeper Eddie Hickey emerged as the penalty shoot-out hero for Fairview Rangers as the Limerick outfit captured the Umbro FAI Junior Cup for a record eighth time yesterday.

A SENIOR World Health Organisation (WHO) official has warned that an increase in swine flu cases in tropical regions could result in a “second wave” reaching the northern hemisphere over the coming months.

CIARAN GLYNN took over the best-of-the-Irish mantle in the HSBC World Cup Qualifier at Tattersalls, Co Meath, yesterday, when slotting into eighth at the end of the dressage phase.

Mexico said a swine flu epidemic appears to be easing, but today urged citizens not to let their guard down against a virus that has killed 19 people and is spreading across Asia and Europe.

Mexico reported no new deaths from swine flu overnight, giving health experts more reason to be optimistic that the worst is over at the epicentre of the outbreak, despite new cases being confirmed across Europe and Asia.

ONE of the first super-pubs in Munster is to be bulldozed to make way for a giant supermarket.

THE lethal strain of bird flu poses a greater challenge to the world than any infectious disease, including AIDS, and has cost 300 million farmers over $10 billion in its spread through poultry around the world, the World Health Organisation said yesterday.

AVIAN flu extended its grip on Europe yesterday, as Poland reported that two dead swans had the virulent H5N1 strain of the virus and Austria confirmed that several cats had been infected.

Frankie Dolan may be eyeing up an AIB Connacht club title with Roscommon champions St Brigid's this Sunday, but the fiery forward could be forgiven for having his mind on other things.

The country worst hit by bird flu, Vietnam, confirmed its 42nd human death today from the virus, as the World Health Organisation warned governments to be ready for when – not if – a deadly pandemic arrives that could kill millions.

A deadly new global pandemic of human influenza is inevitable and suffering will be “incalculable” unless the world is ready, the chief of the UN health agency said today.

IRELAND and other EU countries have agreed to take steps to ensure poultry does not come into contact with wild birds that may carry the avian flu virus.

The Government will be assessing the threat of bird flu on an hourly basis to ensure measures are in place to prevent a human pandemic, Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan pledged today.

In the wake of Val Daly's surprising resignation as Roscommon manager, the Connacht men will have a new management team in charge for tomorrow's Tommy Murphy Cup quarter-final against London.