An attempt has been made to steal an ATM in Co Louth.
It happened at 4:50am on Irish Street in Ardee.
A digger was used to remove the ATM from the wall of the building, causing extensive damage.
***
Officials say strong winds and soaring temperatures are creating "catastrophic" conditions for bushfires in Australia.
Millions of acres of land has burned across the country.
At least nine people have died and more than 800 homes have been destroyed.
Livestock and koalas have also been killed, alongside major damage to crops.
***
The Taoiseach said he is still concerned over Brexit.
Leo Varadkar said a lot has been achieved to date in the withdrawal agreement, in terms of the Border and the Common Travel Area.
However, he suggested that education, housing, health and everything else depends on our future trading relationship with Britain.
His comments come as the withdrawal bill passed through a key stage in the House of Commons yesterday, paving the way for Brexit on January 31st.
***
A man has been arrested at Dublin airport over alleged child abuse offences.
He had been extradited from Hungary to face charges in Ireland, after being arrested in Budapest on December 11th on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.
He was sought by the gardai over alleged offences under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.
The man will be transferred to Killarney Garda Station and is due to appear before Limerick Circuit Court on Monday.
***
Retail Excellence Ireland says a number of Irish businesses are struggling with sales in the lead up to Christmas.
The business group says many shop-owners are pinning their hopes on a busy shopping weekend to provide a surge in festive sales.
So far, footfall has remained flat compared to last Christmas, while as much as 70% of online sales are going to companies outside of Ireland.