Port of Cork has scored a major coup in landing a potentially lucrative spot on the first direct freight shipping service from northern Europe to Cuba since economic sanctions were removed on the Caribbean country.

The island of Ireland may be seen as a “safe haven” destination for overseas visitors this year due to security concerns about other parts of Europe, a tourism chief has predicted.

Hundreds of refugees stranded in Budapest’s Keleti station left for Austria on foot as trains to northern European countries remained suspended.

TEAL

Ireland spends more on each person in education than most countries but teacher unions say the system remains poorly funded.

Grain growers should not sell short as international grain prices continue to harden, IFA national grain committee chairman Noel Delany has warned.

Fast food outlets are to be banned near schools, under plans being considered by the Government.

As Scandinavians take to the first organic Irish cream liqueur with gusto, First Ireland Spirits is looking to expand its customer base by tapping new markets and extending its portfolio with whiskey products, writes Trish Dromey.

THE outlook for CRH contains a lot of uncertainty. With operations in 35 countries and something like 3,700 locations uncertainty has to be factored into any assessment.

MOTORISTS in Ireland may soon have to switch on their vehicle headlights during daylight hours as part of a new initiative being considered by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

ENTERPRISE Ireland-backed companies created 11,898 new jobs last year, and lost fewer jobs overall.

TULLOW OIL has targeted a number of possible acquisitions in Northern Europe and West Africa and put in place borrowing facilities of up to €250 million to fund any buyouts.

Twelve illegal migrants died early today after the boat they were travelling on took on water as it neared the Sicilian coast.