News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Councilors said they are hopeful their meeting last Wednesday with representatives of the National Roads Authority (NRA) will bring the funds needed to advance the proposed Twin Towns bypass and other national roads projects. The delegation of councilors from all parties and members of senior staff have asked the NRA for €16 million for roads projects around the county, about €6 million more than the council received this year from the roads authority. Of that, the council is looking for €500,000 to redesign aspects of the proposed bypass to try to meet An Bord Pleanála objections. Donegal Mayor, Fianna Fáil Cllr. Brendan Byrne, who led the delegation to Dublin, said Donegal County Council "is certainly pushing on an open door" at the NRA with regard to the bypass. He said the NRA appreciated the strategic importance of the bypass to the county.

(Source: Donegal Democrat)

 

DOWN

Nadine Coyle said she is amazed at the generosity of the people of Newry after visiting the city for the first time on Thursday last - then insisted she would love to return next year to perform in concert. The Girls Aloud star was special guest at the Newry Business Christmas Charity Lunch where over £80,000 in cash and donated toys was raised for local charities and disadvantaged children. Boyfriend Jason Bell accompanied the 24-year-old and the New York Giants star was in familiar company as USA Ambassador to Ireland and Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Dan Rooney, was also present for the event’s 10th anniversary. The Derry girl was clearly shocked at the colossal amount of money raised at the lunch and heaped praise on everyone involved. “It really is an amazing event. This is its 10th year and it’s great that so many people take time each year to attend it and raise so much money for such great causes,” she said.

(Source: The Down Democrat)

DUBLIN

Westlife spent some time with American President Barack Obama before their performance at the Nobel Peace Prize concert last Wednesday night. Singer Shane Filan told of his delight at getting so close to President Obama, the latest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The band had the opportunity to meet the President when they flew over to Norway in advance of their performance at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo. Shane, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily were invited by organizers to take part in the ceremony -- an opportunity they wouldn't dream of turning down. However, Shane was determined he would not be giving the US President the Royal treatment by bowing before him. Speaking ahead of the historical meeting, Shane said: "I won't be bowing, I'll just be shaking his hand and saying to him, 'You're doing a great job'. "I've always said that I'd love to meet an American President and I thought some day maybe I would. "But I certainly didn't think it would be President Barack Obama, he's kind of the one everyone wants to meet.

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Nster.com