20 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Republic

There have been 20 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

The latest update from the Department of Health brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 90 - and pushes the amount of confirmed cases on the island to above 100.

Today's increase compares to 27 new cases yesterday, and represents the second largest daily increase to date.

'Everything has fallen off edge of a cliff' - Dublin restaurant temporarily lays off 22 staff

File photo of Hugo's Restaurant in Dublin. Picture: Google Maps

A Dublin restaurant has had to temporarily lay off 22 of its 26 staff due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Concerns have been increasing about the impact COVID-19 will have on the hospitality industry, as restaurants, bars and cafés work to respond to the advice on social distancing and other measures aimed at reducing transmission of the virus.

Meanwhile, many restaurants are reporting large numbers of cancelled bookings as people opt to avoid public spaces.

Hotels could be used as COVID-19 isolation units

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said hotels and other large-scale properties could be used as isolation units, if necessary.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been asked to identify thousands of extra beds in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its CEO Paul Reid would not be drawn on figures, but confirmed they are in talks with the hotel sector.

Boy (17) pleads guilty to murder of Cameron Blair in Cork

20-year-old Cameron Blair.

A teenage boy has admitted murdering Cork IT student Cameron Blair, who died in hospital after being stabbed at a house party in Cork city in January.

A sentence hearing for the boy, who cannot be named by order of the court, will take place early next month.

Cameron Blair died in Cork University Hospital on January 16th after being stabbed in the neck at a house party on Bandon Road on the southside of Cork city.

NI 'cash for ash' inquiry finds no evidence of corrupt or malicious activity

A public inquiry into Northern Ireland's botched green energy scheme has found no evidence of corrupt or malicious activity.

The report into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) criticises first minister Arlene Foster for signing off on the project in 2012 - when she was energy minister - but finds that responsibility lay "not just with one individual or group".

It says the scheme should never have happened, suggesting it was a "project too far" even though based on a laudable premise.

Main image: Pictured (l to r) are Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan, and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Ronan Glynn. Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie