Category Archives: News

news as it is happening-ish

houseprices5_13032012

 

House prices in Northern Ireland have shown an increase across the board for the first time since 2007, according to a new report. The NI Residential Property Price Index indicates that residential property prices rose by 2% between the first and second quarter of the year. All property types have increased in value. This is the first time since the second quarter of 2007 that all property types have shown an increase.

Hypes across the border.

Report shows first total rise in NI house prices since 2007 (BBC News NI)

Earlier: We’re Back, Baby

Pic: Pacemaker

vic

As UCC announces a pilot programme of alcohol-free accommodation at Victoria Lodge (above), few will remember the tragic incident of a 19 year old student who died as a result of a binge drinking session.

In 2009, a second-year Arts student consumed more than ten cans of beer and about half a litre of vodka while celebrating his hurling team’s win.

A UCC 2010 study on alcohol consumption showed that 46pc of male and 45pc of female students reported binge drinking more than once a week, and that all who reported drinking alcohol reported at least one adverse consequence.

Student died after heavy drinking session (RTE News, November 2010)

UCC offers ‘dry’ apartment for students who want ‘quieter surroundings’ (Irish Examiner)

Pic: Google Street View

Thanks June

dgprop1

 

Douglas Newman Goode (DNG) agent Brian Dempsey told the Irish Independent in reference to the volume of prospective buyers at a house viewing of a four-bed semi in Glenomena Grove, Booterstown;

“”I haven’t seen anything like that since 2006.”

 

Dempsey adds further;

“People are [now] coming to us with huge wads of cash – 20pc to 40pc of the money in cash for a €500,000 house.”

Wads.

Any excuse.

‘I haven’t seen anything like this since the height of the boom (Louise Hogan, Irish Independent)

IRVINGOFEXETER ONE LEGGED ROBERT PUNTER - BENEFIT FIDDLE STORY 021.jpg

A man with one leg was accused of being a benefit cheat – because officials had examined the wrong limb. Former lorry driver Robert Punter, 63, was hauled before court and accused of falsely claiming benefits despite having his left leg amputated in January. The confusion over his benefit claims was because he also later suffered a serious toe injury to his right foot.

Mr Punter, from Newton Abbot, Devon, made a full recovery from the toe injury but the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) mistakenly believed he was claiming benefits for it. After worrying about his appearance at Exeter crown court for months, the case was thrown out in less than five minutes after Emily Pitts offered no evidence on behalf of the DWP.

One-legged man accused of benefit fraud – because officials read report on his healthy limb (Metro.co.uk)

Pic: Irving

cuff

Michaella McCollum Connolly and Melissa Reid being led in handcuffs from the National Police anti-drug headquarters as they make their first appearance in court in Lima, Peru today.

Michaella McCollum Connolly and Melissa Reid arrive in court to find out if they will be charged over Peru drug trafficking (Heather Saul, Nick renaud-Komiya, The Independent UK)