News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

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With more than 20 events planned “from dawn to dusk,” the organizers say the day will “set the spirit of Yeats free in his spiritual home.”

[Source: Sligo Champion]

TIPPERARY

Gerard Fogarty is set to become the youngest Fianna Fail public representative in the country, having been nominated by the party to replace Gerard O’Brien on Thurles Town Council.

Gerard (23) is one of the well-known Fogartys of Parnell Street, where his late father Tom and his mother Josie have kept shop since 1956. He has a degree in Law and Taxation. In November Gerard was elected to the Fianna Fail National Executive by Ogra FF.
 [Source: Tipperary Star]

TYRONE

The trial of two men charged with the murder of Michaela McAreavey heard last Monday that no DNA from either of the accused was found in her hotel room in Mauritius or on her body.

Mrs. McAreavey, a 27-year-old teacher, was found dead during her honeymoon at the Legends Hotel in January 2011.

Hotel workers Avinash Treebhoowoon, 30, and Sandip Moneea, 42, deny murder.

On Monday, the court heard evidence from Oxfordshire-based forensic scientist Susan Woodroffe, who had examined samples from Mrs. McAreavey's body, as well as swabs taken from the hotel room.

The scientist, who is a prosecution witness, said that the results of her tests revealed "no specific indication" of DNA from either of the accused.
[Source: Tyrone Courier]

WATERFORD

Good news on the employment front in Waterford with the announcement that Dawn Meats is to create 65 new jobs after securing a $370m contract to process up to 18,000 tons of Irish beef annually for McDonald’s.

The deal has led Dawn Meats to invest $17.9 million in anew purpose built, state of the art, beef processing facility in Carroll’s Cross, Co. Waterford, with a further 100 jobs created during the construction phase of the 40,000 square foot facility. Construction began on the new facility, which includes the very latest energy efficient technology and the longest freezer line of its kind in Europe, in December 2011.
[Source: Waterford News & Star]

WESTMEATH

Book rental schemes in schools in the Republic of Ireland could reduce family book bills by up to 80%, a report has indicated.

Compiled by the Department of Education, the report suggested that more than three quarters of primary schools operated such a scheme for pupils.

There has been a low response rate for secondary schools to get involved in the rental scheme. This has been criticized by the National Parents Council.

Spokesperson Jackie O'Callaghan said that the book rental scheme in post primary schools was "in operation up to junior cycle" (GCSE).

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland she said that at senior cycle there was a "continuous change" in the books being used and for that reason pupils could not have a store of books.

Ms O'Callaghan said that Athlone Community College in County Westmeath operated a book rental scheme from first year to leaving certificate.
[Source: BBC News]

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Nster.com