A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Contraband cigarettes valued at 860,000 seized in Dublin swoop
Two million cigarettes worth some €860,000 were confiscated by gardaí and Customs officers in Co Dublin yesterday, writes Genevieve Carbery.
The cigarettes came in through Dublin Port a few days ago, gardaí said. The contraband was seized as it was being loaded on to a truck at Greenogue Business Park, Newcastle, Co Dublin. Three men were arrested at the scene. One man, aged 38, and two others, aged 44, were last night detained at Clondalkin and Ballyfermot Garda stations.
Two lorries, a van and a car were also seized as part of the investigation. More than 80 million illegal cigarettes have been confiscated by so far this year.
EU mobiles to get common charger
A universal mobile phone charger is to be introduced across the EU from 2011.
The European Commission yesterday welcomed the new standard, called micro USB.
It will be compatible with new data-enabled phones, or those which can be connected with a computer.
The commission expects the first generation of compatible phones with the new common charger to reach the European market early next year.
In 2009, 13 of the leading mobile phone manufacturers agreed to harmonise EU chargers. As a result, consumers will not need to change chargers with every phone, the commission said.
Events in train for 'Year of Craft'
A range of events and exhibitions to celebrate craft in Ireland is being planned to mark the Year of Craft 2011.
President Mary McAleese will be patron of the year which will be marked across the island. The year was designated by Craft Northern Ireland and the Crafts Council of Ireland and marks the 40th anniversary of the council.
It aims to raise awareness of the economic importance of the sector which employs 5,700 people and to promote it as a viable profession.
Events include a special stamp by An Post, a "forge- in" by blacksmiths, and an children's Crafted Creaturesexhibition at the Ark, Dublin.
See craftinireland.com
Man in hospital after being shot in leg
A man was recovering in hospital yesterday after being injured in a shooting in Dublin on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old man suffered gunshot wounds to his leg, arm and hand in the incident in west Dublin.
Gardaí said the attack took place in the Wheatfield area of Clondalkin at about 9.30pm.
The man was taken to Tallaght hospital, where his injuries were described as not life-threatening.