News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Meath

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has strongly denied that the Navan to Dublin rail link has been postponed in the review of the national capital investment programme.

He said the planning process was in train and that, when that was complete, "the money would be there" to start work on the rail link.

However, with no firm commitment given in the Government's capital investment programme published on Monday, doubts on the rail link's future have been voiced by local public representatives, who have also pointed out any delay in the provision of the rail line would also impact on future plans for the new regional hospital, to be located in Navan.

Deputy Shane McEntee said the minister had given no indication of how the €587 million cost of the rail line would be funded, given that it is not in current capital spending plans as set out in the Government's review.
(Source:Mayo News)

Offaly

A protest against the "inadequate and humiliating conditions" at the dole office in Portarlington took place yon Tuesday to highlight the problems faced by more than 3,000 forced to sign on at the tiny office.

The queue at the office stretched well down Main St early in the morning as the unemployed from surrounding areas had to sign on and give personal details in cramped conditions. Sinn Féin organised the protest in response to what has been described as completely inadequate conditions. Hundreds of people have also signed a petition calling for better facilities.
(Source:Offaly Express)

Roscommon

Harpers and Traditional Musicians are expected in large numbers to the picturesque Village of Keadue on the shores of Lough Meelagh for the 32nd O'Carolan Harp and Traditional Music Festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, starting on July 30th.

The official opening of the Festival, which is held under the auspices of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, takes place on Sunday, August 1st. and will be performed by Mr. Seamus McCormack, President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

This years Festival sees one of the biggest and most exciting line-ups ever, with a variety of music sessions and other traditional entertainment on offer to the thousands of visitors who are expected to attend.

The spotlight will once again be focussed on the harp events, as the Festival has now become a focal point for harpists the world over.

The Senior Harp Competition will be held on Monday, August 2nd. and the winner will take home a prize of €650 and a crystal trophy.

The Harp Competitions are sponsored by local Arigna Fuels Ltd. This is in addition to the various harp schools, recitals and workshops that will be held over the Festival period.
(Source:Roscommon Champion)

Sligo

A Taiwanese lighting company is to establish a manufacturing base in Ballymote, Co Sligo, creating an initial 10 to 15 jobs in the town.

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Nster.com