IRELAND WILL be one of the few countries left that will be habitable when global warming leads to a planet-wide catastrophe, one of the world’s best known scientists has predicted

AN independent expert has been called in to examine O'Connell Bridge over fears the Dublin landmark is falling apart because of global warming.

IRELAND'S 40 shades of green does not include the all-important "eco-green" and that is severely tarnishing its reputation with tourists according to travel bible, the Lonely Planet.

After 200 days of research by seven contributors including the main author, Fionn Davenport, the latest edition on Ireland, released yesterday, provides the usual mix of reviews, some complimentary others critical, of Ireland's main tourist hotspots.

Yet again Bundoran, Co Donegal, comes in for criticism. In 2006, the guide described it as "a kitsch assortment of half-baked fairground rides, flashing arcades, fast-food diners and overpriced B&Bs".