News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

What's going on around Ireland

Dozens of workers at Bord Na Mona in Lanesboro will down tools for a second time later this month over a 3.5% pay increase.

Unions at the State-owned peat producer this week gave the green light to escalate industrial action by holding two further days of stoppages on June 27 and 28.

News of the additional stoppages comes after staff at the peat firm rejected an earlier deal involving Union officials and management concerning the 3.5% rise earlier this year.

The deal, agreed last April, reportedly meant staff would have received a lump sum payment of $1,250 upfront along with a 1.75% pay rise.
 [Source: Longford Leader]

LOUTH

Fifty percent of houses in Louth have paid the Household Charge according to the Louth County Council

And the council have said they will now proceed to recover the outstanding charge from households that have not paid.

Payments made after March 31 incur interest of one percent per month.

The Household Charge continues to be paid online and by post.

The backlog has now been processed by the department and Louth County Council like all other local authorities has been informed that the process is up to date.

At the end of March about 30% of the hoses liable for the charge had their payments processed.
[Source: Dundalk Democrat]

MAYO

Two Mayo brothers charged with possession of explosives and membership of the IRA have been remanded in custody after appearing before the Special Criminal Court last Monday.

Colm Mannion (32) of Burriscarra, Clogher, Claremorris and Brian Mannion (29) also of Burriscarra, Clogher, Claremorris are accused of being in possession of explosives material on Saturday, June 9 at a house close to the well-known village of Carnacon.

The two brothers appeared before a Special Criminal Court sitting after they were arrested in a raid on a premises in Clogher which was part of a garda (police) operation against dissident republican activity in the west of Ireland.
[Source: The Mayo News]

MEATH

One of Ireland's most sacred monuments – the Lia Fáil or Stone of Destiny – on the Hill of Tara, which served as the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland - has been vandalized.

The attack – by someone wielding a hammer or iron bar – has horrified archaeologists, historians and ordinary members of the public who view the stone as a central part of Irish mythology.

The attack on the stone was discovered by a local historian on June 9, and the damage has been inspected by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Monuments Service. The incident has been reported to the gardai (police).
[Source: Meath Chronicle]

OFFALY

Revenue from parking charges in Tullamore has fallen by 72%.

At last Monday’s quarterly meeting of Tullamore Area Committee, Gabriel Conlon told members that revenue had fallen from $1.4 million to $800,000.

Mr. Conlon was giving a presentation to members on the Tullamore Draft Parking Bye-Laws 2012.
The bye-laws which are on public display until June 22 with the closing date for submissions July 9, will see a number of changes in parking around the town.

​
Nster.com