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He added: "I know it's not much of a consolation to people who've suffered, having their houses robbed, but the number of burglaries in the county decreased significantly.

"We are very much focusing on targeting these crimes, we're looking at the where, when and at what times these crimes are being committed and we are having a degree of success in our detection of the people carrying them out."
[Source: Anglo Celt]

CLARE

Clare County Council is to sell off almost 100 acres of land in Drumcliffe in a public auction next month. A guideline price of between $440,000 and $470,000 has been placed on the land, situated four kilometers north of Ennis.

Handling the sale on behalf of the council is Costelloe estate agents. The 37.3 hectares are situated close to the graveyard fronting the north side of Drumcliffe Road.

According to David Costelloe, the land has “enormous potential”. He is expecting a good level of interest at the auction on Friday, June 22 at 3 p.m. in the Old Ground Hotel.

“The land has road frontage of about 120 m, with extensive frontage to Ballyalla Lake, the River Fergus and the River Poulacorry. It is mixed land comprising upland, caucas and a small portion of forested area,” he explained.
[Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

The authors of a new book launched in Cork last week have found that Irish people have been victims of trafficking in Australia.

An estimated six people are being trafficked for the purposes of the sex industry in Cork City at any one time, according to David Lohan and Dr. Jennifer deWan.

However, their research also found that Irish emigrants in Australia have been trafficked in the construction industry, undergoing forced labor, having their travel documents withheld, and being subjected to threats of serious harm.

According to David Lohan and Dr. Jennifer DeWan, co-authors of Open Secrets: An Irish Perspective on Trafficking & Witchcraft, this finding highlights for the first time the "deliberate exploitation of Irish workers".
 [Source: Cork Independent]

DERRY

A 30-year-old man from Derry’s Bogside has appeared in court accused of possessing bomb devices found in a flat in the city earlier last week.

Anthony Thomas Friel, of Gartan Square, is further charged with possessing articles which could be used in an act of terrorism.

The charges relate to the police search of a flat in Maureen Avenue on May 21.

Friel is accused of possessing three improvised explosive devices, three timer power units, timers and batteries.

The 30-year-old is also accused of having tools, sealed work suits and duct tape.

During a brief hearing at Derry Magistrate’s Court last Thursday morning, Friel spoke only to confirm his details and that he understood the charges.
[Source: Derry Journal]

DONEGAL

Still riding on the crest of a wave since his election victory, Irish President Michael D. Higgins is now Bundoran bound this summer for one of the country’s largest surfing events.

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Nster.com