NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

Old photo of riots during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004. The Garda Representative Association says rank and file gardaí are concerned they will not have sufficient resources to police the forthcoming EU Presidency. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

IRELAND

• The Court of Appeal has refused to reveal the identity of a former TD who provided a character reference on behalf of a one-time government advisor convicted of sexually exploiting a 13-year-old boy at a Christian children’s camp.
• Costs involved in the building of new homes have spiked by “€15-20,000″ due to the US war with Iran, according to one state-backed housing provider.
• A €50 million bridge first approved during the Celtic Tiger era is moving closer to construction – despite no clear evidence of updated environmental checks along its protected river corridor.
• A proposed policy to allow homeowners to build modular units up to 45 square metres in their back gardens without planning permission will “cut red tape” and “see more housing delivered quicker”, according to the Housing Minister.
• Holly Cairns raised with the Taoiseach the case of a former office on Clare Street in Dublin 2 that has been converted into a residential property, now offering 22 bed spaces for rent at up to €890 per month each.
• Top civil servant Robert Watt will be paid more than €280,000 to lead the Dublin City Task Force.
• Trade Union Fórsa has written to the Department of Public Expenditure calling for increased access to remote working for civil service staff due to the impact of the fuel crisis and continued congestion on Irish roads.
• My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue has called for urgent Government action after two incidents involving sulky racing on public roads last week.

INTERNATIONAL

A hot air balloon landed in a back garden in southern California – with 13 people aboard. PA PA

#US V IRAN: Uncertainty remains over whether a second round of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran that are due to be held in Pakistan will go ahead, with the two-week truce agreed between the two sides due to come to an end. 

#BAD REVIEWS: Thinking of heading to see Michael this week? Critics have a fairly clear message: maybe don’t.

#BOYCOTT: Kneecap and The Mary Wallopers are among more than 1,000 musicians who have signed an open letter calling for a complete boycott of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

PARTING SHOT

Staff at the Spar store on Whitehall Road West celebrating National Lottery National Lottery

There were cheers and celebrations in Dublin 12 today after it was announced that the Spar store at 178/180 Whitehall Road West in Perrystown sold the winning Lotto Plus 1 ticket from Saturday’s draw worth €1 million.

Store owner Kieren Furey was delighted to hear that his store sold the top prize winning ticket from the weekend.

“Our family-run store has been here for 27 years, and this win marks the largest that we have ever had. I just know that all of our staff will be over the moon to hear that one of our customers has won €1 million,” he said.

“I wish the winner all the very best with their win – what a week they are having!”

The National Lottery has confirmed that Ireland’s newest millionaire has made contact, and arrangements are now being made for them to visit Lottery Headquarters.