Ireland is not able to meet an EU regulation to guarantee gas supplies for at least 30 days in the event of disruption to the single largest piece of gas infrastructure during the winter, according to a report by the energy regulator.

The Irish and British governments today agreed a formal arrangement which paves the way for the flow of natural gas into Northern Ireland.

Natural Resources Minister Dermot Ahern has signed an agreement with the British government to link the Republic's national gas infrastructure with Northern Ireland.

The number of foot and mouth cases in Scotland could rise as farmers begin to check animals stranded by last week’s atrocious weather conditions, the Scottish Executive warned today.