Weekly news from around the 32 counties of Ireland

An Irish language school in Co Down was largely wrecked in what is believed to be an arson attack last Friday. "This is a downright disgusting act," said local SDLP councilor Eamonn O'Neill after three classrooms at Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche on Castlewellan's Circular Road went up in smoke at around 4.00am. Mr. O'Neill said it looked like arsonists took a shopping trolley from a local supermarket, filled it with newspaper, pushed it against one of the classrooms and set it on fire in what he called "a cowardly attack".

(Source: The Down Democrat)

 

DUBLIN

Concerns about revised proposals for Arnotts' €1bn Northern Quarter retail scheme have been raised by Dublin city planners. Arnotts got the go-ahead last year for the massive redevelopment, which will be located in an area bounded by Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Abbey Street and Liffey Street. However, An Bord Pleanala ruled the project could only proceed if a planned 16-storey tower in the original design was omitted. In total, the board tagged on 26 separate conditions to its grant of permission, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area. Arnotts Properties Ltd then submitted its revised plans and the city council have now expressed reservations about the new blueprint.

(Source: The Evening Herald)

 

FERMANAGH

Some 10 new jobs have been created with the announcement that the McElwaine Group in Lisnaskea have secured a contract at the new hospital development. McElwaine Security, which is part of the McElwaine Group, have been awarded a three-year security contract at the £267million development just outside Enniskillen. McElwaine's are the first Northern Ireland company to secure work on the development, providing site security access and specialist support through CCTV supply and monitoring.

(Source: The Fermanagh Herald)

 

GALWAY

Galway West TD Deputy Michael D Higgins has refused to rule out a run in the Irish Presidential elections of 2011. However, Deputy Higgins said that his current focus was on solving the problems facing the country, rather than making plans for an election two years away. "I would not rule out a run, but, to be honest, I have yet to give it any significant thought. I am spending my time trying to suggest alternative strategies for the country to get itself out of this current state.

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Nster.com