Weekly news from around the 32 counties of Ireland

(Source: The Tipperary Star)

 

TYRONE

Almost a hundred supporters, including priests, civil rights campaigners, and family members have leapt to the defense of a former Coalisland businessman, and helped save him from a lengthy stay in a US jail. Two weeks ago, in Philadelphia, a U.S. judge sentenced Sean O'Neill, who came to the US in the early 1980s, to 18 months in prison after he was found guilty of tax, immigration and firearm charges. Mr. O'Neill, who built a construction business that made him a millionaire, originally faced up to 146 years in jail.

(Source: The Tyrone Times)

 

WATERFORD

One of Ireland’s longest running family own businesses, Flahavan's have announced details of a €1.6m investment in its mill in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. The new installation is capable of drying grain quicker and is more energy efficient. To date, €500,000 has been invested with the installation of a dryer and associated grain-handling equipment. “This is one of the largest strategic investment plans that we have undertaken at the mill and secures future employment,” Company chairman John Flahavan said. A further €1.1m investment is to be completed during the next month in new storage units at the mill, which can store up to 4,000 tons and are being installed specifically for organic oats.

(Source: Waterford News & Star)

 

WESTMEATH

One of Westmeath's most important historical sites has made a shortlist of potential nominees for UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Hill of Uisneach - considered the mythological "navel" or centre of Ireland, located near Loughnavalley, Mullingar - has been bundled as part the Royal Sites of Ireland, one of seven features of Irish heritage to make a "tentative list" drawn up by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The list has been compiled on the basis of the work of an Expert Advisory Group, established by Minister John Gormley, and sets out for each property a description, justification of outstanding universal value, UNESCO Operational Guidelines criteria met, statements of authenticity and integrity, and a comparison with other similar properties.

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Nster.com