Almost half of new homes may be exempt from new building regulations

Housing extensions and one-off homes may be exempt from tough new building regulations aimed at preventing shoddy work, under proposals being considered by the Government.

The Irish Independent reports that the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly, is devising a radical plan amid concerns that householders are paying up to €16,000 to have their homes inspected.

Gardaí investigating after two bodies discovered in a house in Co Wexford

Gardaí in County Wexford have launched an investigation after two bodies were discovered in a house this afternoon.

The discovery was made at about 4.30pm in the upstairs bedroom of a home in the Woodlands Estate in Clonroche village - just a few miles from Enniscorthy town.

Gardaí are not treating the deaths of the man in his 20s and woman in her 30s as suspicious.

Remains of motorcyclist returned to Dublin by convoy after fatal crash in Co Clare

The remains of motorcyclist Aidan Lynam have been returned to Dublin by convoy this evening.

The Lucan man lost his life at a fundraising event for Down Syndrome Ireland in Clare yesterday.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announce name of their baby daughter

Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced that their baby daughter is to be called Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Kensington Palace tweeted that the baby will be known as: "Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge."

Gardai are asking for information after a mugging in Swords

Gardai in Dublin are appealing for witnesses following a robbery and assault in Swords on Saturday.

Three people, a man and two women, were robbed and attacked by a group of youths as they walked near the Castle in Town Park at around 8:45pm.

The man was brought to Beaumont Hospital by ambulance for a shoulder injury, however the women did not require hospital treatment.