The work included €1.245 million for an engineering firm and a further €1.1 million paid to consultants for a separate roads upgrade.

A Local Government auditor also criticised the council for proceeding with a €350,000 land swap with a local GAA club "without an independent valuation" of the four-hectare site offloaded by the local authority.

Fingal County Council told the auditor that it would review its processes for future projects, but defended the actions it took.

The strategy document, titled "An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats, was released last week.

Sources have said that the strategy could benefit Ireland in funding and other support.

The Government has repeatedly stated that Ireland is not joining any military alliances.

The National Museum of Ireland reopened eight months ago after after two years of closure.

The Journal understands that some visitors have recently been told that the next closure could be as long as five years.

There are plans to ensure that the Dead Zoo will live on throughout the next closure with a satellite exhibition at Collins Barracks.

Some people hit out at Met Éireann’s predictions, while others complained about its website.

Details of the complaints were released to The Journal under the Freedom of Information Act.

That's according to a new report published today by FraudSMART.

The report outlines how debit and credit card fraud (including ATM) hit €14.5 million.

People are being warned to be extra vigilant as Black Friday and Christmas approach.

The Cabinet approved legislation last month that would allow nightclubs to stay open until 6am. If the legislation is passed by the Oireachtas, the changes are likely to be enacted next year.

More than half of people think later opening hours for pubs is a good idea.

Rónán Duffy outlines what to expect if you're thinking of taking a trip this summer

The Digital Covid Cert should make things easier but technically you don't need one

If you decide to go, what will the resorts even look like?

Virtual abuse is now widely seen as part of the job of being an elected official, Órla Ryan and Christina Finn write

A number of politicians speak out about the vile insults directed at them - and their children

Irish politics needs more women and minorities to run for office, Hazel Chu says