News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Meath

The opening of the long-awaited Tayto Park outside Ashbourne this week will see the creation of 85 jobs and a major spin-off for the local economy amid predictions that it will attract 200,000 visitors each year. The €8.5 million investment by Ashbourne businessman, Ray Coyle, owner of nearby Largo Foods, is being seen as a major boost to the local economy.
(Source: The Meath Chronicle)

Offaly

Offaly County Council is to write to NAMA to find out how many of Offaly's 182 unfinished houses in estates it owns. The issue was raised by Cllr Tommy McKeigue at the last meeting of Offaly County Council, where a presentation on developments in the county was given. "We need to find out who owns these estates. Very little would finish some of them off," said Cllr McKeigue
(Source: Offaly Express)

Roscommon

Election candidates in last year’s local elections have declared expenses of almost €150,000 in their bid to secure one of 26 seats on Roscommon County Council, the Roscommon Herald can reveal. The 40-plus candidates to contest the 2009 local elections spent more than €147,000 on their election campaigns, according to figures published by the council.
(Source: The Roscommon Herald)

Sligo

Heartless thieves stole at least €1,200 and a Ranger Rover from, a home in Skreen last week.The thieves used sophisticated glass-cutting equipment to remove the back window from the home of a man who was due to have a hospital appointment a few hours later. They then stole an estimated €500 from a safe in the house and took the keys of a black Range Rover which was parked outside the house.
(Source: The Sligo Weekender)

Tipperary

Eggs and cheese were the choice of missiles as Health Minister Mary Harney visited Nenagh hospital to officially open a new endoscopy unit last Friday week. A group of approximately 30 Sinn Fein supporters protested at the gates of the hospital in a protest organized by the SF Mayor of Nenagh, Seamus Morris. Protesters shouted "bloody Mary" and "you've got blood on your hands" as the Minister got out of her car at the hospital's front door.
(Source: Tipperary Star)

Tyrone

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has defended the decision to prosecute a woman accused of stealing a £1.79 child's dummy. Barbora Batykova, 26, of Chapel Street, Cookstown, was cleared of theft at Dungannon Crown Court on Wednesday last. The PPS decision to proceed with the case had been described as "outrageous". But PPS Acting Deputy Director Raymond Kitson said it was "properly taken and correct".
(Source: BBC News)

​
Nster.com