Patients who did not turn up for outpatient appointments cost Cork University Hospital (CUH) approximately €2 million last year. Figures released reveal that 5,125 new patients, and 18,800 return patients did not show up for their appointments throughout 2009. The number of non-attendances amounted to 13.6 per cent of new patients and 14.8 per cent of return patients appointments during the time period.

After much delay and confusion, the first sailing of the new Swansea-Cork ferry service took place last night will arrive in Cork this morning. The inaugural sailing of the re-opened ferry service left Swansea at 9.50pm last night and was due in Cork at 8am today (Thursday). It comes nine days after the MV Julia was to make her maiden voyage but technical difficulties resulted in hundreds of potential customers not travelling and not knowing when the ferry would sail.

Bandon man Oliver Hayes was yesterday (Wednesday) sentenced to life in prison for the murder of widow Ann Corcoran. The 49-year from Clancool Terrace in Bandon beat 60-year-old Ms Corcoran with a stick and counter top after abducting her from her home in Kilbrittain in July of 2009.

Tickets are now on sale at the Firkin Crane and Pro Musica for an opportunity to see some of Cork's most talented singers and dancers in action, all in aid of charities working in Haiti. 'Hope for Haiti', an evening of song and dance at the Firkin Crane, in association with the Cork Independent, will showcase the talents of Alan Foley's ballet students, Sinéad Murphy's dance students and the vocal talents of the Polyphonics Barbershop Choir and St John's Gospel Choir.

Gardai investigating an international murder plot have said all those arrested in Ireland as part of the probe are legal residents here. There was also believed to be no prior connection between the couple arrested in Ballincollig and five detained in Waterford.

Many young people in Cork are preparing themselves for new lives in Canada, with emigration the only option left for many in search of work. Recent figures showed a fall in the number of people on the Live Register for February, but Opposition TDs claim that this is due to emigration and not an improvement in the economy.

The decision on a proposed retail development with the potential to create 1,500 jobs will be made next Monday. Planning has been sought by John Cleary Developments for the construction of a 32,000 square metre development near Mahon Point shopping centre.

A new levy to be imposed on local radio stations will "certainly" cause job losses in Cork if it goes ahead, according to local radio chief Fiona Darcy. "Job losses are certainly ahead if this local radio levy is imposed," she said.

CLLR Kenneth O'Flynn has warned Cork shoppers and business to be vigilant following recent reports of an influx of fake fifty-euro notes. "This issue has been highlighted to me by a number of constituents. It is easy to tell these forged fifties that are currently in circulation. The quality of them is below a real note and they have a waxy feel, poor watermark and hologram," said Cllr O'Flynn.

Fianna Fail members of Cork City council say staff are being compromised by the directive from their unions to not deal with members of the government parties. Members of the IMPACT and SIPTU trade unions have advised staff not to assist politicians "who have not supported the interest of public sector workers".