|
|
The Irish Government has launched a major upgrade of the eGates system at Dublin Airport, strengthening the country’s border management capability while improving the arrivals experience for millions of passengers.
The project follows a competitive public procurement process managed through the Office of Government Procurement’s eTenders system. A contract was awarded to Vision Box / Amadeus, leading to the installation of 25 new and upgraded eGates across Dublin Airport.
The upgraded technology is designed to support faster, safer and more efficient passenger processing at Ireland’s busiest airport. New features include enhanced facial comparison technology, stronger impostor detection measures, a two-step verification process and ID card reader functionality for eligible passengers from participating countries.
These improvements are expected to help reduce pressure at immigration control points while maintaining robust security checks. Passengers who require further examination will continue to be referred to immigration officers, ensuring that automated systems work alongside existing border control procedures rather than replacing them.
The investment comes at a time of continued growth in passenger traffic. According to the Government, 6.3 million passengers used eGates in 2025, and this number is expected to rise following the introduction of the upgraded facilities. Dublin Airport also welcomed more than 18 million arriving passengers last year, underlining the need for modern infrastructure that can keep pace with increasing demand.
Minister Colm Brophy said the new system brings important operational and security benefits, including improved verification processes and the ability for eligible passengers to use ID cards. The Government says the upgraded eGates will help airport staff manage higher passenger volumes safely and efficiently while continuing to uphold strong border security standards.
This modernisation reflects Ireland’s wider commitment to improving border management, supporting international connectivity and strengthening the passenger experience at a key national gateway. With tourism, business travel and international links continuing to grow, the upgraded eGates represent an important step in ensuring Dublin Airport remains efficient, secure and ready for future demand.
The launch marks a practical investment in Ireland’s aviation and immigration infrastructure, helping to deliver smoother arrivals for passengers while protecting the integrity of the State’s border systems.
It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Monday 25th May 2026, of Mr Patrick (Patsy) Cooney, Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Margaret and brother Tim; the passing of Mr Cooney is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving sisters Sheelagh, Margaret, Norma, Kathleen and Rosemaria, sister-in-law Violet, brothers-in-law John and Larry, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Cooney will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule Thurles, (Eircode E41 HH66), on Wednesday afternoon next, May 27th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, before being received into the nearby Church of St Mary, Bailey Street, Killenaule, at 7:30pm same evening.
Requiem Mass will be offered for Mr Cooney on Thursday Morning at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Crosscannon Cemetery, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Cooney, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Cooney family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday last 21st May 2026, of Ms Joan McCormack, Churchtown, Dublin and formerly of Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Ms McCormack passed away peacefully while in the care of staff at Beneavin House Nursing Home, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving brothers, sisters, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Ms McCormack will repose at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, Templeogue Village, Dublin (Eircode D6W AC82) on Tuesday afternoon, May 26th 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday morning, May 27th, at 11:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment immediately afterwards in Aglish Cemetery, Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary.
The extended McCormack family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Limerick produced a ruthless attacking display at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, sweeping Tipperary aside on a 5-27 to 0-25 scoreline to secure their place in the Munster senior hurling final against Cork on Leeside on June 7.
A crowd of 29,069 paid into the Ennis Road venue, where John Kiely’s side once again underlined the strength of their round-robin form on home soil. It was Limerick’s third Championship win in succession and it sends them into an eighth consecutive Munster decider, extending their remarkable run of provincial final appearances since 2019.
The tone was set almost immediately. Aaron Gillane struck the opening goal inside the first 15 seconds, finding space straight from the throw-in before driving a low finish to the net. From there, Limerick rarely looked in danger of being reeled in.
Aidan O’Connor added Limerick’s second goal in unusual fashion when his low delivery from a 65 travelled all the way through a crowded goalmouth and ended up in the net. With Gillane also claiming another green flag later in the contest, and O’Connor finishing with a brace of his own, the Limerick full-forward line carried a constant threat.
Kiely had restored Cian Lynch to the starting team after his influential showing against Waterford, while Mike Casey was also handed a start. Shane O’Brien and Barry Nash were named among the substitutes, but Limerick’s reshuffle did little to interrupt their rhythm.
All six starting forwards were on target before half-time, with Gearóid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Cathal O’Neill, Lynch, Gillane and O’Connor all contributing as the home side built a commanding platform. Casey also chipped in from defence as Limerick moved 2-6 (12pts) to 0-4 ahead during the opening half.
Tipperary, despite having surrendered their All-Ireland crown eight days earlier, did offer resistance before the break. Stefan Tobin impressed with his movement and accuracy, while Darragh McCarthy, Noel McGrath, Jake Morris and Eoghan Connolly helped Liam Cahill’s side stay within range.
A run of Tipperary scores briefly brought life to the travelling support, with Tobin proving a willing outlet and McCarthy reliable from placed balls. Connolly landed a long-range effort late in the half, but Diarmaid Byrnes responded with a free of his own to leave Limerick 2-12 (18pts) to 0-14 in front at the interval.
The second half, however, belonged almost entirely to the Treaty. Limerick tightened their grip around the middle third and began to punish every gap in the Tipperary defence.
Byrnes dispatched a penalty after Kyle Hayes was fouled by Connolly, a moment that also resulted in a black card for the Tipperary player. During that spell, O’Connor struck again before Gillane completed his double, turning a competitive-looking contest into a heavy defeat for the Premier County.
Late points from Tobin, Connolly and substitute Paddy McCormack added to Tipperary’s total, but they did little to alter the complexion of the afternoon. The result leaves Tipperary fifth in the Munster table, below Waterford on scoring difference, while their wait for a Championship win over Limerick continues.
For Limerick, this was a statement performance: five goals, a 17 point winning margin, and another Munster final date secured.
The Irish Government has confirmed that a charter flight removal operation, involving 34 EU nationals, has been completed.
The cost of providing the aircraft for this operation was €184,465 excluding VAT. Charter flight services are provided by Air Partner Ltd under a contract awarded in November 2024, following an open and competitive procurement process.
The group, made up of 22 Polish nationals and 12 Lithuanian nationals, were removed from the State on grounds of criminality. All 34 individuals were men, ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s, and had received custodial sentences for various criminal offences.
Removal Orders were enforced under the Free Movement Directive, with re-entry bans of up to 10 years imposed in order to prevent their return to Ireland.
The charter flight departed Dublin Airport today, Sunday 24th May 2026. It landed first in Warsaw, Poland, at approximately 3:45pm Irish time, before continuing to Vilnius, Lithuania, where it arrived at approximately 5:50pm Irish time.
This latest operation brings the total number of people removed under the Free Movement Directive in 2026 to 88. By comparison, 56 individuals were removed under the Directive during all of 2025.
The operation was carried out in close cooperation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. Garda personnel, medical staff, interpreters and a human rights observer accompanied those removed on the flight.
Including this operation, three charter flights have taken place so far in 2026, resulting in the removal of 130 people from the State. Of these, 67 were EU citizens removed on grounds of criminality.
Under Irish and EU law, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to move and reside freely across member states. However, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration may issue removal and exclusion orders where an individual is deemed to pose a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to public policy, public security or public health.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €300.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments