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Huge cost of airport parking laid bare as holidaymakers forced to fork out up to £200 for 4-day stay

BRIT holidaymakers are being forced to fork out outrageous prices for airport parking – with significant price differences across regions.

In some cases, car owners are being asked to pay up to £200 for a mere four-day stay at one of the country’s busiest airports.

Three friends loading luggage into a car trunk.
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Holidaymakers are being forced to fork out outrageous prices for airport parking[/caption]
Aerial view of London City Airport and surrounding area.
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London’s famous London City Aiport has been found to be the priciest[/caption]
Multi-story car park at Gatwick Airport with the Sofitel hotel in the background.
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Confused.com experts found that short-stay parking averages £93.90 for four days, while long-stay parking costs £59 on average[/caption]

According to Confused.com, airport parking fees for short stays can now reach three-figure sums – with London City Airport being the most expensive at £189 for less than a week.

Short-stay parking averages £93.90 for four days, while long-stay parking costs £59 on average.

This contrasts parking in Scotland, which is found to be significantly cheaper than in England – with some smaller Scottish airports even offering free parking.

Wales has the highest average long-stay rate at £81, nearly double Scotland’s average.

On this, a London City Airport spokesperson said that only 10% of their passengers use a private car and “those that do use our car park enjoy being able to walk to our terminal from any area in a matter of minutes”.

Indeed, rates vary widely depending on the airport, the time of year and whether the booking is for peak or off-peak periods.

Research also suggests that taking a taxi to and from the airport may be cheaper, with the average cost of a return taxi journey being £92.

While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge

Alvaro Iturmendi, Confused.com

Many travellers overlook this option, with less than 25% comparing parking costs to taxi fares.

To this end, of their survey of 2,000 Brits, it was revealed many travellers worry about car safety, theft and the time it takes to reach the terminal from parking areas.

These concerns make alternatives like taxis or off-site parking services more appealing.

Alvaro Iturmendi, a Confused.com travel insurance expert, said: “While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times.

“Many travellers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don’t compare their options.

“Our research found that more than one in five (21%) people cite driving and parking in an airport car park as their preferred airport transfer.

“So, finding ways to reduce the cost might make the choice even sweeter.”

HEY BIG SAVER

Drivers can save on parking by booking in advance, as well as considering off-site park-and-ride services and sharing taxi costs can reduce expenses.

Prices typically increase closer to the travel date, especially during peak times, while Confused.com’s airport journey planner, which compares parking fees and taxi costs, can help travellers choose the most cost-effective option for their specific needs.

Airports like Gatwick are also encouraging the use of trains, buses, or other public transport options to reduce reliance on private cars – which can be both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

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Euro giants who beat Arsenal unveil plans for state-of-the-art new stadium with huge ‘wall’ to intimidate opponents

GREEK giants PAOK have released the concept visuals and plans for a new stadium in the heart of Thessaloniki.

The new modern ground design is shaped to create a ‘fan wall’ to improve atmosphere and intimidate opponents.

Illustration of a new PAOK FC stadium in Thessaloniki.
POPULOUS
The new design aims to bring fans closer to the pitch[/caption]
Empty soccer stadium at night.
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PAOK’s existing Toumba stadium has a capacity of almost 29,000[/caption]

The stadium concept, designed by architecture company Populous, aims to weave tradition and innovation into a modern football venue.

The stadium – which would replace the club’s current Toumba Stadium but keep its name – would sit on a ‘podium’ which will make it a landmark among its surroundings in the Greek city of Thessaloniki.

This podium will also be used to house multi-level plazas to provide public spaces on non-matchdays.

Populous’ concept announcement says: “At the heart of the precinct lies the PAOK Plaza — a civic square hosting the club museum, official store, cafes and bars, and serving as the symbolic ‘front door’ to the stadium.”

The design is also specifically geared towards amplifying the already infamous atmosphere of Greek football.

Populous’ announcement continued: “The seating arrangement is engineered to create a continuous ‘fan wall’, bringing spectators closer to the action with minimal tiers, enhancing both intimacy and acoustic resonance.”

English fans might be most familiar with PAOK for their Europa League giant killing of Arsenal in 1997.

PAOK beat Arsene Wenger’s Gunners 2-1 over two legs, including a 1-1 draw at Highbury in which an 87th minute equaliser from Zisis Vryzas sent the Greeks through.

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They went on to be knocked out in the next round by Atletico Madrid in a chaotic tie that finish 6-9 on aggregate, including a second leg that ended 4-4 in Greece.

On home soil, PAOK are established title challengers, last winning the Super League in the 2023/24 season.

Empty soccer stadium before a match.
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PAOK won nine, drew two and lost five at their home Toumba Stadium last season[/caption]

Now they will hope their new look stadium concept will mark them as a premier destination for players looking to prove themselves in Greek football.

There is no timeline yet for when the club will be able to bring this concept to life, but the visuals provide a glimpse into a potential near future for the Greek giants.

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‘Thank god Tommy wasn’t there’ – Ireland AM fans ‘dying with laughter’ after Muireann floored by Alan’s cheeky blunder

IRELAND AM fans were left “dying with laughter” after Alan Hughes made a major slip-up live on air.

The popular presenter and his co-host Muireann O’Connell geared up for their usual telly laughs yesterday morning, but ended with more than they bargained for.

Three people holding an ice cream cone.
Instagram
Muireann and Alan were back on air for their usual telly laughs[/caption]
Man discussing Ireland's biggest 99 ice cream cone.
Instagram
Alan made a hilarious slip-up live on air[/caption]
Two people on a talk show reacting to a "Big Boy" ice cream cone.
Instagram
Fans were left ‘howling’[/caption]

Muireann and Alan were chatting about Currans Service Station’s ‘BIG BOY’ nine-inch 99 ice cream cone.

The conversation quickly turned to the subject of the cost of an average 99 these days – but Alan hilariously got his numbers mixed up.

The TV star had a major slip-up as he said to the camera: “How much is a 69 in your area?”

Muireann was stunned as she turned and asked: “A what?”, as Alan burst into a fit of laughter.

He quickly clarified: “A 99. Sorry, a 99 in your area.”

The pair were left in stitches after the mistake and Muireann added: “Oh it’s very early, what time is it? It’s 7.30.”

Ireland AM later posted the clip to social media, captioning it: “How much is a 69 in your area- No, a NINETY NINE!”

“Alan mixes up his words when reacting to Currans Service Station’s ‘BIG BOY’ nine-inch 99 ice cream cone.”

Fans were left in stitches as they raced to the comment section, calling it “TV gold”.

Miriam said: “Omg – howling.”

Rachael wrote: “Actually dying with laughter.”

Justine commented: “Funniest moment EVER.”

Eileen said: “TV Gold.”

Another added: “Thank God Tommy wasn’t there.”

Earlier this week, an Ireland AM guest opened up about their plastic surgery journey and how taking part in a TV show “changed their life”.

Irish influencer, Alan McGarry, appeared on the hit breakfast show alongside Alan and Muireann to share their eye-opening cosmetic experience.

‘ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH’

The TikTok star began receiving cosmetic treatments on their face at just 19-years-old.

Alan confessed: “Back then I was just not understanding what I wanted to look like I was just trying to enhance myself.

“I didn’t know where I wanted to be and who I wanted to look like.”

The content creator added: “Growing up I was a little bit more chubbier, I was ginger and people used to pick on me and I just wanted to change my appearance.

“I just wanted to get away from all those bad names, so I started getting into filler.”

The TikTok star highlighted how lip filler became a “big trend” when they were a teenager.

They admitted: “The Jenner’s were doing it, it was trendy.”

McGarry admitted that the cosmetic surgeries started to become an “addiction” quite early on in their journey.

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Irish Presidential election frontrunner emerges as high-profile potential FG candidate rules himself out of Aras race

FORMER head of the GAA Sean Kelly has blown the whistle on his Presidential ambitions – clearing the way for Mairead McGuinness to become Fine Gael’s runner in the race to the Aras.

It comes as Fianna Fail TDs and Senators sit on the fence about whether or not their party should enter a candidate into the Presidential election for the first time in almost 30 years.

Fine Gael MEP candidate Sean Kelly (left) and Independents 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace at the European Parliamentary election Ireland South count centre in Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday May 26, 2019. See PA story POLITICS Elections South. Photo credit should read: Michelle Devane/PA Wire
Sean Kelly has ruled himself out of running for president
Michelle Devane/PA Wire
Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, speaking at a news conference.
Mairead McGuinness looks set to become Fine Gael’s Aras candidate
Reuters

With Michael D Higgins set to vacate the Aras in November and an election expected in October, the clock is ticking down for wannabe presidents to get their names on the ballot paper.

Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly had previously expressed an interest in becoming Fine Gael’s candidate for the election however, he dramatically dropped his candidacy today.

This leaves the way clear for former European Parliament Vice President Mairead McGuinness to secure Fine Gael’s nomination with just one week left in the party’s nomination process.

Kerry man Sean Kelly said: “I have given it a lot of consideration. It’s probably the most difficult decision I’ve had to make – certainly in my political life.

“I looked at the pros and cons and I asked myself one question – am I happy with what I am doing at the moment and I said I am, would I be happier spending seven years in the Aras considering John B Keane said a day out of Kerry is a day wasted and I said perhaps not.

“So I looked at all the pros and cons and I am very disappointed in some respects because it is only something that comes along once in a lifetime and an awful lot of TDs and supporters within Fine Gael and outside Fine Gael were anxious for me to run and to support me.

“But ultimately I had to make up my own mind having consulted with my family who were 100 per cent behind whatever decision I was going to take but I think the best thing is at this point of time is to continue the work I’ve been doing in Europe.”

Pressed on why he was not running to become president, the Ireland South MEP said while the Aras is the highest office in Irish politics it is also “largely a ceremonial role” and “you don’t have that much power and influence.”

Fine Gael members have one more week left to nominate a candidate however, sources say it is now likely that McGuinness will go unopposed and become their runner in the race.

Left leaning opposition parties including Labour, the Social Democrats and Sinn Fein are in talks to unite behind one candidate with Galway TD Catherine Connolly the front runner for that spot along with Senator Frances Black.

However, Sinn Fein have yet to make an official decision on whether to back this unity candidate or run their own candidate in the race with some in the party talking up the chances of Mary Lou McDonald winning the election.

Other opposition groups, including Aontu, Independent Ireland and independents TDs, are also in talks about running a candidate together with some names circulating, including businessman Declan Ganley.

Fianna Fail have yet to indicate whether or not they will run a candidate in the election with party sources indicating that the decision is effectively being left up to Micheal Martin.

SITTING ON THE FENCE

Several members of the party today sat on the fence when asked by the Irish Sun if they wanted to see Fianna Fail enter a candidate to try win the Presidency.

Senator Mary Fitzpatrick said: “Our members are very engaged, we as a parliamentary party are very engaged on it but to be fair it is a very significant undertaking.

“It is a very important office and I believe we will use the time over the summer months and then when we come back in the autumn probably around our parliamentary party think in – that time frame – I would expect to see some conclusions being reached. I can’t see it before then.”

Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland in Dublin.
DDYGEG Aras an Uachtarain (official residence of the President of Ireland) in Dublin, Ireland
Alamy

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Sabalenka vs Anisimova Wimbledon semi-final suspended for medical emergency as medics rush into crowd to help

PLAY was delayed during the first Wimbledon women’s semi-final due to a medical incident in the stands.

Aryna Sabalenka was serving at 2-3 40-40 in the first set when the match had to be halted.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Wimbledon tennis match in progress; scoreboard shows Sabalenka vs. Anisimova
BBC
Play was temporarily halted during the first set[/caption]

A spectator sat directly in the 31C heat required attention.

Members of the armed services working as stewards quickly went over to provide medical attention and an umbrella.

Concerned world No1 Sabalenka also brought over a bottle of water to help.

The spectator was then helped away, with Centre Court applauding.

Both players headed back to their chairs during the delay.

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Kate Moss, 51, and daughter Lila, 22, look amazing in matching black bikinis as they frolick on the beach in Ibiza

KATE Moss and her daughter Lila looked incredible as they hit the beach in Ibiza wearing matching black bikinis.

The 51-year-old supermodel and glam Lila cooled off in the warm sunshine by going for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Lila Moss in a black bikini in Ibiza.
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Lila Moss looked great in a black bikini in Ibiza[/caption]
Kate Moss in a black bikini on a beach.
BackGrid
Her mum Kate wore a very similar two-piece set[/caption]
Lila Moss in a black bikini in shallow water.
BackGrid
Lila waded into the shallows and let her blonde hair down[/caption]

Lila, whose dad is media mogul Jefferson Hack, 52, looked cut from the same cloth as her famous mum as she strutted elegantly across the pebbly beach.

While Kate proved she’s still got it, looking lithe as she walked away from the loungers.

When she reached the water’s edge, blonde Lila let her hair down and launched herself into the shallows.

Lila openly talks about living with type 1 diabetes and her continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was visible as she crouched in the water.

Earlier this week she spoke glowingly of the release of the first-ever Barbie doll with the condition.

She said: “I think to have a Barbie doll that looks like me with type 1 diabetes is completely surreal, and it makes me very proud to be able to represent this community.

“I get so many messages every day about how I’ve helped someone be less insecure or helped them be more proud of their diabetes patches, and so to be able to represent the community in this way is very exciting and special.

“I think it’s so important to embrace these patches and having them, and not hiding them or being insecure about them – I think it’s really cool to have them.

“I think my younger self would be really excited about how cool my Barbie’s outfit is, how nice her dress is, and she’s got a little gold bangle on and she’s really chic, but also just proud to represent a really important cause and something so special and close to my heart.”

Lila recently recreated her mum’s style when she went braless in a see-through top at Paris Fashion Week.

She’s been open about raiding her mum’s wardrobe, and why not when it’s such a treasure trove of style.

Earlier this year, she said: “I’ll find something in my mum’s wardrobe — borrowing a T-shirt — then I’ll see something, and say, ‘Wait, can I borrow that for Glastonbury?’ months in advance.”

The model is making a name for herself in her own right, too, having worked with brands such as Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Versace.

Kate Moss and a man in swimsuits at the beach.
BackGrid
Kate also went for a dip[/caption]
Kate Moss and Lila Moss on a beach in Ibiza.
BackGrid
Lila’s diabetes blood sugar patch was visible on her arm[/caption]

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Solons ask House to check on unpaid hospital claims

MANILA, Philippines — At least two lawmakers have already asked the House of Representatives to investigate the issue of unpaid claims to private hospitals, as some medical establishments have stopped accepting guarantee letters (GLs) from indigent patients. Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Robert Nazal separately filed House Resolutions (HR)

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‘Absolutely glowing’, cry fans as mum-to-be Doireann Garrihy shares ‘stunning’ baby bump snap from dreamy French getaway

RTE star Doireann Garrihy has left fans gushing after sharing a “stunning” snap during her dreamy getaway in France.

The 2FM Drivetime host, 33, recently announced she’s expecting her first baby with husband Mark Mehigan.

Woman in black dress and gold sandals.
Instagram
Doireann posed for a ‘stunning’ holiday snap[/caption]
Couple announcing pregnancy in mirror selfie.
Fans shared their love for her post
Instagram

Since announcing the news, Doireann has been keeping followers in the loop with regular updates on her pregnancy journey.

The happy couple have now jetted off for a relaxing sun-soaked getaway in France.

The mum-to-be took to Instagram yesterday to share a series of gorgeous holiday snaps.

The popular presenter was glowing as she posed proudly with her hand resting on her stomach.

Doireann looked effortlessly stylish in a flowing black mini dress cinched at the waist.

She paired her outfit with black sandals featuring gold detailing, a gold handbag and matching jewellery.

The TV star captioned her post: “Quick pic before the hair goes full Monica Geller.”

Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for her post.

Aoibhinn Garrihy said: “Effortless French chic.”

Grainne wrote: “Looking amazing.”

Louise gushed: “Absolutely glowing Doireann. I love the all the gold details.”

Jayne commented: “You just look so beautiful.”

Another added: “Stunning.”

On a recent episode of her hit podcast, Doireann & Friends, the host sat down for a chat with Carl Mullan – and they were full of praise for their former co-host Donncha O’Callaghan.

The trio hosted the 2FM Breakfast Show together for a number of years and also fronted a hidden-camera comedy series together called The Full Irish Hidden Camera Show.

Doireann left the breakfast show last May after five years on air and Donncha stepped away shortly after for unrelated reasons.

STAR PALS

Carl has remained on the show, now hosting alongside new co-stars Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonnar.

The radio host admitted that he had a “right cry” to his wife after they made the decision to leave the show.

He said he was “so afraid” they wouldn’t keep in contact but was relieved to share that all three are still close as ever.

The pair then went on to gush about their beloved pal Donncha as they admitted they didn’t give him the “credit he deserved”.

Carl said: “He was so good for us because sometimes we could get into our heads a little bit – you know someone might send in a s***y message.

“But to have him around the place, just to bring you right back down to earth it, was just great.”

Doireann added: “But also, looking back on it in hindsight, I have never met someone like Donncha for team spirit.”

She explained that he always made sure “everyone has a role” and that they were all working “on the same team”.

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Three clues Molly and Zach had secretly split – as he sets his sights on Love Island co-star hours after break up

MOLLY Marsh stunned fans yesterday when she confirmed that she had split from her Love Island beau, Zach Noble, two years on from the show.

The couple had a rocky time in the Majorcan villa but true love prevailed and they appeared to be the happiest couple to walk away from their series but it has now all come crashing down.

Molly Marsh and Zach Noble at the National Television Awards.
Molly Marsh and Zach Noble’s break-up appeared to come out of the blue but the signs were all there
Rex
Zachariah Noble and Molly Marsh at The Hunger Games premiere.
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Molly shared a statement to confirm she’d parted ways with Zach[/caption]

But in a statement shared online yesterday, Molly confirmed their split, saying: “I just want to confirm the rumours. Myself and Zac have split up and are no longer together.

“We have parted ways as friends and thank you all for your love and support of our relationship over the past 2 years. Molly.”

A source close to Molly and Zach said: “Nothing bad has happened between Zach and Molly. They just made the decision to split on a mutual basis.

But now eagle-eyed fans have picked up on three clues that proved the pair had called it quits in the weeks leading up to her announcement.

Last month, Molly’s followers noticed that she failed to share a post in celebration of his birthday.

Zach turned 28 on 13 June, but Molly seemingly failed to mark the occasion with any sort of public acknowledgement.

In another telling clue, Molly’s followers picked up on the fact that her best friend recently unfollowed him on Instagram.

Zach was notoriously close with Molly’s inner circle and was regularly seen in various different snaps with all of her pals.

Plus, it also seemed his eye had turned elsewhere with Zach recently liking a string of sexy snaps from another Islander.

Zach appears to be a fan of Ekin-Su and has made no secret of his admiration for her with a stream of Instagram likes.

Ekin does not appear to follow Zach on Instagram.

Zach, 28, is yet to post on the split but tonight shared a video clip of him working out over which he wrote that he was “locked the f**k in”.

Molly and Zach met on series 10 Love Island in 2023.

The pair both entered the villa on day one – but weren’t originally with each other.

Molly was coupled up with Mitch Taylor, while Zach was paired with Catherine Agbaje.

Portrait of a smiling man with light eyes and a short haircut.
Instagram
Now it seems that hunky Zach has his sights set on an even bigger Love Island star[/caption]
Woman in white bikini sitting on the edge of a hot tub.
Instagram
Ekin-Su’s snaps have caught his eye[/caption]

They soon realised that they were attracted to each other and things were going well until Kady McDermott entered the villa as a bombshell.

The Love Island legend picked Zach in a recoupling ceremony, which meant that Molly was sent home in a shock twist.

However, Molly returned as part of Casa Amor – and the couple couldn’t ignore their feelings.

Molly and Zach ended up placing fourth on the series.

After trying to navigate life outside of the villa, and long distance, the pair went their separate ways after seven months together.

However, they soon reunited and, in August last year, they took their relationship to the next level and moved in together.

Woman holding phone with decorative case and beaded strap.
Instagram / @mollygracemarsh
Molly did not address the reasons behind the split[/caption]

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