Niall Glynn

A Panama‑registered freighter involved in a record 2.2‑tonne cocaine seizure has departed Cork harbour after being held since September 2023 for evidential purposes. Maintenance costs reached about €17m while the vessel remained in Ireland’s custody. An international shipping company bought the ship for one dollar and arranged its tow to Varna, Bulgaria. Eight men previously received a combined 129‑year sentence over the seizure, and experts described the handling of such a large impounded asset as unusual but efficiently managed by Irish authorities.

The MV Matthew, held in Cork since a record seizure of 2.2 tonnes of cocaine in 2023, has departed the harbour after being sold for one dollar to a shipping company that will tow it to Varna, Bulgaria. Maintaining the vessel cost the Irish state about €17m while it was retained as evidence. Ireland’s Revenue service confirmed its release, and eight men previously received a combined 129-year sentence related to the smuggling operation. An expert from the Centre for the Study of Democracy noted the administrative and financial burden such large seized assets can impose, though he said the Irish authorities handled the case relatively quickly.

Two bottlenose dolphins, Squiggle and Squashy, have become an ecological asset and tourist attraction in Strangford Lough, aided by the area's protected status that limits fishing. Marine experts highlight their role in maintaining ecological balance and attracting eco‑tourism while urging visitors to keep a safe distance. Warmer waters are bringing more marine species to Northern Ireland, and Strangford Lough may become an increasingly important refuge for wildlife as climate change progresses.

Two bottlenose dolphins, Squiggle and Squashy, have become a regular presence in Strangford Lough, contributing to the ecosystem and drawing visitors. Marine experts note that the lough’s protected status and lack of trawling likely encourage the dolphins to stay. Businesses are beginning to benefit from eco‑tourism linked to their presence. Experts emphasize the need for responsible wildlife interactions, advising visitors to keep distance for safety. Warmer seas may attract more marine species to the area, making the lough an increasingly significant refuge for wildlife under climate change.

Margaret Keeley secured a significant settlement in her civil case against the Ministry of Defence, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and former Army agent Freddie Scappaticci, who operated as Stakeknife. Keeley argued that state agencies knowingly allowed her interrogation and threats by Scappaticci in 1994. Her solicitor described the settlement as a major step toward accountability for victims. Operation Kenova’s findings highlighted that MI5 was deeply involved in Stakeknife’s handling and prioritised protecting him despite serious crimes.

A woman interrogated by double agent Freddie Scappaticci in 1994 has reached a significant settlement with the UK state in the first civil case of its kind. Margaret Keeley sued the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Ministry of Defence and Scappaticci, alleging authorities knowingly allowed the ordeal while he worked as an agent. Her solicitor described the outcome as a major step toward accountability. The report follows findings from Operation Kenova, which concluded that MI5 was closely involved in handling Scappaticci and prioritised his protection despite his involvement in serious crimes.