Two Cork men accused of IRA membership were freshly charged today at the Special Criminal Court with possession of firearms and ammunition.

A man involved in a violent disorder incident in Youghal, Co Cork, had the balance of an 18-month jail sentence suspended on condition he would stay away from a housing estate where the offence occurred.

Three men were arrested and two firearms were recovered in Cobh on Wednesday night as part of a Garda investigation into dissident republican activity in Cork.

A local authority has bowed to pressure from residents opposed to a new roadway aimed at relieving traffic congestion in Killarney.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has said that if Britain introduces mandatory ID cards, then Ireland will have to follow suit.