News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

In Kells, the number on the live register fell in September to 2,094, down from 2,165 in August. Some 1,313 males and 775 females are on the dole in Kells with 333 of these under 25.

In Trim, the numbers unemployed fell from 3,881 in August to 3,643 last month. There are currently 2,240 men on the dole in Trim and 1,403 women signing on. Some 662 of those on the live register in Trim are under 25.
(Source: The Meath Chronicle)

Monaghan

Tractor thefts have fallen by 50pc as a result of a big garda operation that put an international gang out of business.

The operation, which spanned 11 jurisdictions, led to the recovery of €7m of stolen machinery.

The ringleader of the gang, Cyril McGuinness, is now locked up in Belgium, serving a seven-year sentence for his part in the theft of tractors and trailers units.

McGuinness (45), of Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, was detained by gardai on an European arrest warrant and his extradition to Belgium was then ordered by the High Court. He had been a key target of the garda stolen vehicles unit for the past seven years.

McGuinness is serving his sentence in a maximum security jail.

Four years ago McGuinness was convicted of 44 charges in relation to the illegal dumping of 28,000 tonnes of waste from the Republic in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The court heard that he was involved in one of the North's biggest crime gangs, which had made €2.6m in 20 months from the waste smuggling.

McGuinness trusted his associate, Damien McPhillips, from Clones, Co Monaghan, with the task of travelling around Europe to locate suitable vehicles.

McPhillips was extradited to Belgium after he was served with an European arrest warrant while on holiday in Spain. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment along with a British accomplice, Bob Peachey, who was arrested in Germany.
(Source: Irish Independent)

Offaly

After spending three weeks in Mountjoy Teresa Treacy was free to walk among the trees she cherishes so much last week.

Last Thursday lawyers for the ESB and Eirgrid asked that Ms Treacy be released from prison to facilitate an appropriate environment for further discussions to resolve matters around the construction of the Cushaling - Thornsberry 110kV Line.

In a statement they said intensive efforts had been taking place with Ms Treacy’s family and the IFA to resolve the situation. “However, Ms Treacy’s release will enable further dialogue with her and her family to reach a mutually agreeable solution.”

“We remain committed to the completion of the project, which is critical to providing a safe, secure and reliable electricity system for the Midlands region.

“ESB and EirGrid are very pleased that Ms Treacy is returning to her family after what has been a difficult time for them,” they said.
(Source: Offaly Express)

Roscommon

Roscommon are reported to be interested in having Mick O’Dwyer take charge of the senior footballers.

​
Nster.com