Adam Mandeville

Five teenage boys died and four people were seriously injured in a head-on collision on the northbound M9 at Junction 3 in County Kildare. Gardaí said the vehicle carrying the boys was travelling on the wrong side of the motorway, while the injured occupants of the other car were taken to hospitals in Dublin and Kilkenny. The motorway remains closed in both directions, and Gardaí are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the driving, while Fiosrú has opened an independent investigation after being notified of the incident; Gardaí said no pursuit was underway.

The deadline for new applications to Northern Ireland’s Troubles Permanent Disability Payment Scheme will remain 30 August, despite a recent court judgment expanding eligibility. Victims and survivors commissioner Joe McVey said 300–400 additional people in one group may now qualify and criticised the dispute between Westminster and the Northern Ireland Executive over funding. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said an extension should be considered but did not commit the Executive to seeking one. Victims’ organisations warned that the short deadline, limited consultation and low public awareness could prevent eligible people from applying, while some existing applicants expressed concern that an extension could delay cases already awaiting decisions. More than £150m has been paid to around 4,000 recipients from 14,000 applications, with late applications permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

The Troubles Permanent Disability Payment Scheme will stop accepting new applications on 30 August 2026, despite a recent court judgment widening potential eligibility. Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Joe McVey and victim-support groups say a three- to six-month extension is needed, warning that hundreds may otherwise miss out and that the short deadline causes distress. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said an extension should be considered but did not commit the Northern Ireland Executive to lobbying the Secretary of State. The UK government says the regulations allow late applications in exceptional circumstances. More than £154m has been paid to about 4,000 recipients, while the dispute remains focused on funding, consultation and the risk of delaying cases already under consideration.

Women's Rights Network Northern Ireland has begun legal proceedings in the High Court in Belfast against Féile an Phobail after the festival cancelled its planned 4 August event, Respect, Rights and Reality. WRN NI argues that the cancellation breached a contractual agreement after the festival had accepted the proposal, allocated a venue, confirmed arrangements and published the event. Féile says it stands by the cancellation and will continue promoting events offering balance and inclusivity. The dispute follows an online campaign against the event, which was to include Sex Matters speaker Fiona McAnena and focus on women's sex-based rights.

A Northern Ireland employment tribunal dismissed Sara Morrison’s claims that Belfast Film Festival discriminated against her for her beliefs on sex and gender, ruling that the organisation’s actions stemmed from operational and stakeholder concerns rather than her political views. The panel found no evidence of direct discrimination, harassment or constructive dismissal, concluding that BFF’s responses involved routine investigation and administrative procedures. Morrison’s involvement in a Let Women Speak rally prompted external complaints, but the tribunal held that these did not result in unlawful treatment. She had financial support from JK Rowling and reported online abuse to police following the event.

An employment tribunal dismissed Sara Morrison’s claims that Belfast Film Festival discriminated against her for her beliefs on sex and gender, finding the organisation acted in response to operational and stakeholder concerns rather than political opinion. The panel ruled there was no unlawful discrimination, harassment or constructive dismissal, concluding BFF’s actions were limited to investigating complaints and managing organisational obligations. Morrison, who received financial support from JK Rowling and spoke at a Let Women Speak rally, had argued her participation led to mistreatment, while counter-protests and online abuse followed the event.

Police searched a property on Rosapenna Parade in north Belfast, prompting early‑morning evacuations that have since been lifted, allowing residents to return home. A police spokesperson thanked the public for cooperation, and the Ardoyne Community Centre was opened to assist displaced residents.