The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users today (Monday) to take extreme care when using the roads, as Met Éireann has issued an Orange Weather Warning for strong winds until midnight tonight in counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Southwest to west winds will reach mean speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130 km/h throughout the day. Winds will peak during this afternoon and evening and will be at their strongest along the coasts. For advice on severe weather driving tips see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages. For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie

Gardaí  in Gort are investigating a two vehicle fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the N18, approximately 2 kms on the Galway side of Ardrahan, shortly after 12.30am this Monday. A pedestrian, a 66-year-old man, was fatally injured when he was struck by a car. The car also struck a parked garda car injuring the two gardaí, who were outside the car at the time. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body taken to University Hospital Galway. The two gardaí were taken to University Hospital Galway with injuries described as non life threatening. They remain in hospital. The man in his 40s, who was the driver of the first car, was arrested at the scene and taken to Gort Garda Station and has since been released. This stretch of the N18 is currently closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place. Gardaí wish to appeal for witnesses …

MINISTER for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys  has confirmed 10  Clare heritage projects will benefit under the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme 2016. Overall, 340 heritage projects nationwide will share in a €2 million investment package as part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for 2016. The funding will allow for the conservation and repair of heritage buildings across the country, and the scheme follows a similar model to the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, which proved to be very successful in 2014. It is expected this new scheme will leverage an additional €8 million in private funds and will generate significant employment in the conservation and construction industries. The Clare allocation has been given a broad welcome by Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen. “The work to be undertaken ranges from structural and roof repairs to window conservation/protection and masonary stabilisation. I would also like to compliment Clare County Council who has responsibility for administrating this scheme for …