News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

ANTRIM

Vandals who damaged two school buses and a window at Riverside Special School caused disruption and upset to “some of the most vulnerable children in society,” the headmaster has told the Antrim Guardian.

The $6,400 worth of damage was discovered at the Fennel Road premises at around 7 a.m. Friday (September 7) and pupils, parents, and staff members looking forward to the end of the first week of the new term were quickly notified.

Children had to be brought to school by their parents or wait for replacement buses to collect them at around 10 a.m., meaning they missed out on a portion of the morning's lessons and activities.
[Source: Antrim Guardian]

ARMAGH

The controversy over the appointment of enforcement officers from a private security company by Newry and Mourne District Council continues to gather momentum, following the publication of an open letter, signed by five trade unions, which outlines the unions’ “grave concerns” at the potential impact on council employees.

The Examiner understands that a meeting took place on September 6 between council officials and trade union representatives, at which concerns were raised about the perceived “privatization” of public services and the consequent threat to jobs.

It has emerged that Protec Safe Door and Event Management Ltd., the company engaged to carry out certain enforcement duties related to dog fouling, littering and tobacco control – which were previously performed solely by council workers – is believed to be owned by Councilor Brendan Curran, a fact that has caused further consternation among union members.
[Source: Examiner Newspaper]

CARLOW

A Tullow publican was viciously set upon by a gang throwing bottles, glasses and even a hanging basket as he attempted to stop the angry mob entering his pub on Sunday night (September 9).

Paddy Hogan, brother of Minister Phil Hogan and owner of The Hogan Stand in Tullow, was subjected to a terrifying attack by up to a dozen men and women that left him covered in blood and his face cut extensively by flying glass.

The shocked publican was taken to St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny by ambulance on Sunday night, where he received treatment for his injuries.

“I am shocked … all I’m trying to do here is make a living and run a good house,” said Mr. Hogan, who was visibly shaken by the ordeal.

“There’s a lot of talk about travelers’ rights, but what about the publicans? If I refuse to serve someone, I’m in trouble, but what if I do serve someone and this happens – it’s a no-win situation,” Mr. Hogan told The Nationalist.
[Source: Carlow Nationalist]

CAVAN

The 25 Kingscourt Brick former workers, who had been outside the plant for 272 days in a dispute over redundancy payments, can now look forward after accepting the latest redundancy offer from Lagan Brick management.

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Nster.com