News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

“Our investments suffered due to the impact of the global financial turmoil has had on Ireland with investment income decreasing by 58 per cent to €346,253,” said her report.
(Source: Leinster Express)

Leitrim

Although Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes, confirmed the approval of w15,000 in flood relief funding for the Manorhamilton area during his visit to Co Leitrim last Monday, he acknowledged that finding a solution to the ongoing flooding of the Shannon River Basin is a complex issue which will require substantial study and co-operation between all interested groups.

Speaking during his visit to the county, Minister Hayes addressed businesses and residents affected by flooding in Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village in 2009. He also spokes with local councillors, senators and deputies Frank Feighan and Tony McLoughlin and Senator Michael Comiskey before traveling to Dromahair to speak with local councilors on ongoing flooding concerns in the north of the county.

With water levels on the Shannon River already significantly higher than usual it was obvious that more measures were needed to protect homes and businesses in the area. Issues such as ESB control over water levels and keeping levels high during the closed boating season as well as the need for greater co-operation between the vested bodies along the Shannon were all raised with the Minister. Councilors also noted the impact of silt levels in the Shannon and stressed the devastating impact recent flooding had on communities living along the Shannon in particular.

Director of Services with Leitrim County Council, John McGuinness acknowledged that over w200,000 in minor flood relief funding had been allocated to projects in parts of the county already but said there was a clear need for further investment to prevent further flooding in the future.
(Source: Leitrim Observer)

Limerick

Solicitor Ted McCarthy, who represented a number of men who were charged last week with soliciting the services of prostitutes, says that naming the men has had a huge effect on their families.

Mr McCarthy, who has more than 30 years experience as a solicitor, has also claimed that some of the men are close to suicide.

“My impression before the cases came to court was that they would not be named and this is what should have happened,” Mr McCarthy said when contacted by the Limerick Leader.

“The people that are really suffering are the families and especially the children with the run up to Christmas, they could have done without this,” he added.

Mr McCarthy - a former president of the BAR Association in Limerick - was critical of newspaper editors who decided to use the names of those who came before the courts. “It was selfish of the papers to name the men, just to sell a few extra copies,” he said.

“This whole episode has had a huge effect on some of the men, some who may even be suicidal,” he added.

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Nster.com