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The National Transport Authority confirmed last week that the project – which would have created hundreds of construction jobs and around 3,000 permanent positions – has fallen victim to the economic downturn.

It’s understood that just two property investment funds in the world had the resources to carry out a project of its scale – one had no interest in the scheme, while the other could not raise funding.

As well as a new railway station, the plan for the 15 acre site was to include around 600,000 square feet of retail space, more than 200 residential units, bars, cafés, restaurants and cultural space.

Martin Whelan, spokesperson for the Construction Industry Federation in Galway said the shelving of the regeneration scheme was a huge disappointment.

“It’s a huge disappointment for Galway, and the entire region would have benefitted too. It would have created significant and good construction jobs for several years, and it’s a lost opportunity in terms of employment.

“This level of investment in Galway would have improved the region’s attractiveness and the country’s attractiveness for further investment. A project like this can very much provide the stimulus we need to create an investment environment,” said Mr Whelan.
(Source: GalwayBay Fm)

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Kerry

The search is underway to find the 2012 Rose of Tralee. Last week the Rose of Tralee company have officially launched the search for the lucky lady who will succeed reigning Rose Tara Talbot when the finals are held in The Dome next August.

The competition got underway last Monday and selection events will be held in every county from March until June with the Regional Finals of the Rose of Tralee taking place in Portlaoise from June 1 to 3.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee from August 17 to 21.

Each county has a different selection date and application deadline, so anyone interested should log on to www.roseoftralee.ie to download an application form.

Entrants must be aged between 18 and 27.

There are great prizes on offer for the eventual winner including a World Travel Fund of €25,000 from the Pilot Training College, jewellery and homeware from lead-sponsors Newbridge Silverware, the use of a car for the year, free accommodation at any Carlton Hotel in Ireland and much more.

Rose bosses have also launched the search for this year's escorts. One escort will be picked as the Pilot Training College Escort of the Year live on TV when he will be presented with a check for €5,000.
Men aged between 21 and 30 can apply to be an escort by filling in the online-form at

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Nster.com