LAST UPDATE | 30 Jul 2024

GOOD MORNING.

Here’s all the news you need to know as you start your day.

Public warning system

1. In our main story this morning, Muiris O’Cearbhaill reports that a plan to implement a text messaging system for large-scale emergencies has been delayed by more than a year to give the Government time to employ advisors for the project at a cost of €850,000.

Last year, The Journal reported that a Public Warning System (PWS) was expected to be introduced by November this year ’at the latest’, but due to extensive procurement, engagement and implementation procedures, the project has been delayed by 13 months.

Bronze

2. Mona McSharry won a Bronze medal for Ireland in the 100m breaststroke at the Olympics.

The 23-year-old Sligo woman swam the 100m breaststroke final in Paris La Defense Arena last night, finishing only narrowly behind silver medallist Tang Qianting of China (1.05.54) and gold medallist Tatjana Smith of South Africa (1.05.28).

‘It’s hands on wall first’

3. Reporting from Paris, Sinead O’Carroll writes about the most important 0.01 seconds of Mona McSharry’s career and how history, science and sport turn on the little things.

McSharry’s end was marked by a time of 1.05.59. Italy’s Benedetta Pilato’s fingers hit the wall of Lane One in 1.05.60. One hundredth of a second.

Retirement

4. Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michael Ring has announced he will not be contesting the next general election.

In a statement, Ring (70) said he made the decision after much consideration and reflection with his family and supporters.

Omagh bombing

5. The first public hearing in the UK’s independent inquiry into the Omagh bombing will begin later today.

The probe, chaired by Scottish lawyer and member of the House of Lords Alan Turnbull, is examining whether the atrocity could reasonably have been prevented by UK authorities.

Mortgage interest relief

6. Paul O’Donoghue writes about why mortgage interest relief, which was introduced as a one-off measure last year, could end up making Ireland’s housing market even more dysfunctional.

 The measure applies to homeowners who had an outstanding balance on their primary home between €80,000 and €500,000 as of the end of 2023.

Courts

7. A man who raped a woman at a house party four years ago has been jailed for seven years.

Tadgh Lonergan (28) of Kilsheelan, Clonmel, Tipperary, was yesterday handed an eight-and-a-half-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions.

Face off

8. Donald Trump has said he will “probably” debate US Vice President Kamala Harris, but said he “can also make a case for not doing it”.

In an interview with Fox News Channel, the former US president was pressed several times about committing to debating Harris before giving a less committed answer than he had in recent days.

Inquests

9. The inquests into the deaths of two men who died during an Ironman competition in Youghal, Co Cork in August of last year will open today.

Brendan Wall (45) who was a native of Cardrath in Slane, Co Meath and Ivan Chittenden (64) of Toronto, Canada, died on 20 August last year after they separately experienced difficulties in the water during the challenge.