News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

He said he thought he was going to die during the incident last Friday, and has called for the animal to be put down.

Strabane District Council is investigating the incident.

"I didn't see the Alsatian, so I assumed it was locked up round the back where it usually is," Mr Barr said.

"As I posted the mail, I turned round to get back into the van when the Alsatian leapt on me.
(Source: BBC News)

Waterford

A major vote of confidence in Waterford is being delivered by one of the city’s largest employers, Genzyme, as a major €150m expansion of its facility on the Old Kilmeaden Road, was formally opened last Tuesday by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton.

The opening, which will also be attended by Christopher A Viehbacher, CEO, Sanofi, coincides with a celebration of 10 years of achievement and growth since Genzyme commenced manufacturing on the city’s Industrial Park.
 (Source: Waterford News & Star)

Westmeath

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has been questioned about the problem of raw sewage being discharged into the River Shannon in Athlone during times of heavy rainfall.

Minister Hogan said the issue would be resolved by Westmeath County Council's planned Athlone Sewerage Scheme upgrade - but it's not clear when that work is likely to start as its Project Inception Report is still being considered by the Department of the Environment.

In June, the Westmeath Independent reported that deficiencies in the town's outdated sewerage system meant a mixture of storm water and raw sewage flows from the sewer network directly into the Shannon and the Athlone Canal at eight locations during heavy rain.
(Source: Westmeath Independent)

Wexford

The parents of a young woman diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth spoke of their delight after they received a €1.4m settlement.

Ann and John French from Ballymitty, Co Wexford, took the High Court medical negligence action on behalf of their daughter Deborah (24) against the South Eastern Health Board and consultant obstetrician Harry Murphy.

The case was settled before Mr Justice John Quirke without any admission of liability.

The family, speaking outside the court, said: "It means we'll be able to live more comfortably and everything will be easier."

(Source: Irish Independent)

Wicklow

A convicted paedophile who previously went on the run and ended up being caught in Wicklow has been missing for over two months now.

40-year-old Paul Hunter Redpath, originally from Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, was last seen in Aberdeen on July 19.

Scottish Police are still investigating an alleged sighting of Redpath in Belfast.

He failed to comply with registration requirements and is now being treated as a ' wanted person.'

Grampian Police say Redpath is likely to associate with street drinkers and is likely to approach members of the public, charitable and religious orders asking for money.
(Source: The Wicklow People)
 

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