News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

A round-up of news from around Ireland

Despite what are now perceived to be false assurances from the company that its backlog would be cleared by last Friday, angry parents drove from all over Ireland to the company's Dublin offices demanding their pre-paid orders.

Some of those who blockaded the premises received their orders within two hours. The books were handed over by security staff.

However the company still insists that its backlog, which was highlighted earlier this month, has been cleared and that it has taken steps to improve communication with customers. “All backlog orders have been dispatched,” the company said.
 [Source: Evening Herald]

TIPPERARY

Dozens of transport and road haulage jobs are under threat across Tipperary, following the announcement last week that one of the country’s main haulage companies is to cease trading.

Target Express (Ireland), the freight company, is to cease trading with the loss of 400 jobs, some of those including employees of the company in Tipperary. Target Express had previously rented out premises for use as a depot near Thurles from Germinal Seeds, a firm based at the Horse and Jockey. Sales and Production Manager of Germinal Seeds, Jim Gibbons, said Target Express had stopped renting the premises from them some months back, and expressed sympathy for all Target’s employees who may have lost their jobs last week. Mr. Gibbons said they had enjoyed a good working relationship with Target Express.
[Source: Tipperary Star]

TYRONE

A mother-of-three from Eglish described the possible closure of children's heart surgery facilities in Belfast as "unbelievable.”

Anita Gildernew was referring to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast which is under threat of losing heart surgery facilities following the publication of the “Safe and Sustainable Review” into the service.

The closure would mean Tyrone families would have to travel to Birmingham in order to receive treatment for children with heart defects.
[Source: Tyrone Courier]

WATERFORD

Gardaí (police) in Waterford tackling a spike in burglaries have made a number of arrests.

Four juveniles were arrested on suspicion of committing as many as 12 burglaries in the city over the last few weeks, in areas such as Larchville and Lisduggan. A file has been sent to the DPP in respect of the four individuals, who have now been released.
[Source: Waterford News & Star]

WESTMEATH

Among those with fond memories of the legendary astronaut is Athlone show-band musician Frankie McDonald, who met Neil Armstrong during his first visit to Ireland in April 1997.

The unplanned meeting between the two men took place in the lobby of The Brandon Hotel in Tralee.

"I was touring with Joe Dolan at the time and we were playing a gig in a theatre called the Siamsa Tíre in Tralee," recalled Frankie last Monday.

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Nster.com