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Oil
spill disaster in Spain
A major environmental disaster was trying to be avoided off the
coast of Spain as rescue teams bid to secure the 3,000 tonnes of
oil which leaked in to the sea after the tanker Prestige was damaged
following a storm.
High
percentage fail NCT
A new survey has revealed that the largest number of cars have failed
the National Car Test (NCT) this year, compared to any other year
since it’s introduction two years ago.
Safety
talks see cargo sailings resume
Following talks over a dispute on safety between Galway County Council,
the Inish Mór harbour master Paddy McDonagh and the state
subsided ferry operator O’Brien Shipping, cargo sailings have
resumed between the Aran Islands and Galway.
Roads
funding slashed by Finance Minister
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has axed more than 20 road schemes
as part of the Government's bid to halt growth in public spending.
Bleak
weather is set to continue
Driving conditions throughout Leinster were described as "atrocious"
yesterday, 14th November as over two inches of rain brought traffic
to a standstill.
Trucker
has lucky escape
A lorry diver had a fortunate escape yesterday 14th November when
his truck overturned on the N11 road north of Arklow.
Speed
detectors sell like hot cakes at exhibition
A Co Armagh entrepreneur has come up with a novel idea to help speeding
motorists beat the penalty points system.
Trucker
tells court he was never at fault
A Co Dublin truck driver has told Dublin City Coroners's Court that
he was not at fault for a road accident which claimed the lives
of four Bosnians in September 2001.
Ads
too shocking for TV
Two new road safety advertisements which are to be screened in the
Republic and Northern Ireland are so harrowing they cannot be shown
before the 9.00pm watershed, boadcasting authorities have said.
Borough
council is coming south to fill up
A decision by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council to seek
tenders for fuel from filling stations in the Republic has been
strongly criticised by fuel retailers in the North.
PSNI
removes unlicenced vehicles
Nearly 800 unlicenced vehicles have been removed from the streets
of Northern Ireland under a new scheme being implemented by the
Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Britain
adopts new code of practice on illegals
The British Government has produced a revised draft Code of Practice
for the level of penalties to be imposed if illegal immigrants are
found on board vehicles entering the UK.
Donegal
man gets euro 165,000 for concrete mixer accident
A teenager who sustained extensive injuries to his arm, when his
jacket sleeve became entangled in the shaft of a concrete mixer
has been awarded euro 165,000 at the High Court in Sligo.
Listen
to the hauliers - Brennan is told
The Irish Road Haulage Association believes Transport Minister Seamus
Brennan has been getting his advice from the wrong quarters in relation
to the Dublin Port Tunnel fiasco.
Tesco
trucks fit the bill
Retail giant Tesco Ireland has rubbished reports that its trucks
would be affected by the imposition of a 4.65 metre height restriction
on heavy goods vehicles.
Road
projects to be shelved in swinging cuts
The Government is preparing to shelve a number of high-profile road
projects, along with squeezing current spending in an attempt to
bring public spending for 2003 below 8 per cent.
Ferry
companies are confident of security measures
Irish Sea ferry operators are on "heightened security"
alert following warnings of possible terrorists attacks on unspecified
British ports.
Archaeological
find in O'Connell Street may further dealy Luas line
Contractors working on the Luas light rail line have uncovered a
300-year old house in the middle of O’Connell Street, Dublin.
Harrowing
adverts to hammer home road safety message
Two harrowing road safety advertisements depicting the deaths of
two pedestrians are to be screened on both sides of the border in
a bid to cut spiralling road fatalities.
Armagh
man bailed in diesel laundering case
A young Co Armagh man has appeared at Monaghan District Court in
connection with the discovery of an illegal diesel laundering plant
near Monaghan town on Monday evening, 11th November.
IRHA
makes pre-budget submission
The Irish Road Haulage Association has pleaded with the Government
not to increase excise duties on fuel, in the forthcoming budget.
Minister
to consider new truck height restrictions
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering introducing a new
height restriction for trucks and trailers for safety and environmental
reasons.
Dublin
traffic calming measures are saving lives in Dublin
The introduction of traffic calming measures by Dublin City Council
has reduced road fatalities by 50 per cent, according to statistics
just released.
Waterford
port to get euro 60 million upgrade
An Bord Pleanala has cleared the way for a euro 60 million development
at Waterford Port.
Job
losses running at almost 500 a week
Job losses are running at almost 500 a week, according to new figures
just released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Crude
oil prices take a hike
Crude oil prices rose on world markets yesterday after the United
States warned Iraq that failure to comply with the UN resolution
on arms inspectors would result in a military attack.
Customs
officers uncover illegal fuel laundering plant
Customs officials backed up the Gardai have uncovered a huge illegal
diesel laundering plant, a few miles from the Co Armagh border.
Ballynahinch
bypass will proceed
Despite the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly, plans for
the Ballynahinch bypass are to proceed according to Local Assembly
member Eamonn O’Neill.
Loughrea
bypass is a major doubt
Following revelations last week that Loughrea’s proposed bypass
could be put on the back burner for the next ten years, the town’s
Chamber of Commerce are to seek an urgent round the table meeting
with Transport Minister Seamus Brennan and the National Roads Authority.
Statoil
launch safety campaign
Fuel giant Statoil have launched a promotions campaign to make people
aware of the dangers of roads during the winter period - the project
is backed by the National Safety Council.
Tolling
is here to stay
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has warned that tolls on selected
national primary routes are here to stay.
New
archaeological finds put M3 route in doubt
The route of the proposed M3 motorway which is due to pass close
to the ancient Hill of Tara in Co. Meath is in doubt following the
discovery of scores of new monuments on the area.
IBEC
wants more public private partnerships
The employers body IBEC wants the government to fast-track infrastructure
projects through greater use of public-private partnerships.
Cork
company wins penalty points contract
A Cork-based company has been awarded the contract to process data
on speeding drivers for the new penalty points system.
New
NI road safety strategy announced
A new 10-year road safety strategy, aimed at reducing road deaths
and serious injuries by 33 per has been unveiled in Northern Ireland.
Tommy
splashes out for roundabout
A Co Kildare businessman who has forked out euro 1.3 million to
build his own roundabout is now preparing to build a new road.
Motorists
get the message
Speeding offences throughout the country have been slashed dramatically
since the introduction of the penalty points system last week, according
to Garda sources.
Government
to launch borrowing agency
The Government is set to launch the National Development Finance
Agency (NDFA), which has been established to provide private sector
funds for road-building and other infrastructure projects.
Shipping
sector calls on the Government to invest in infrastructure
The shipping industry has called on the Government to invest in
port-road-rail infrastructure and to implement the findings of its
own reports on the sector.
Abandoned
truck pair stands trial
Two men have been charged with the attempted importation of euro
25 million worth of drugs from the continent.
Archaeologist
return to controversial road site
Archaeologists have moved back onto the controversial Carrickmines
Castle site, which is located in the path of the South Eastern Motorway,
the final section of the M50.
Customs
officers close Donegal diesel washing plant
Customs and excise officers backed up by the Gardai have swooped
on an illegal diesel laundering plant in Ramelton in Co Donegal.
Tunnel
trouble
Rush hour traffic at the Lee Tunnel in Cork city came to a standstill
last night, November 7th when a southbound lorry, struck the super
structure of the tunnel.
Gardai
appeal for witnesses to bin truck death
Gardai have appealed for witnesses to a fatal road accident in which
a 92-year old man was killed to come forward.
Freight
decision put on hold
Irish Rail's decision to close its loss-making freight operations
has been put on hold until at least next year, following pressure
from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.
Gardai
appeal for witnesses to hit-and-run
Gardai in County Westmeath have appealed for witnesses to a hit-and-run
accident in Moate last night, November 6th.
20
mph speed limit introduced in Northern Ireland
Twenty miles per hour speed limits have been introduced in residential
areas of Northern Ireland in a bid to cut road deaths and serious
injuries.
NI
companies trading illegally
Northern Ireland's Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has claimed
that some small firms are trading illegally because they can't afford
spiralling insurance premiums.
Truck
crash victim named
The 92-year-old man who was killed when he was struck by a truck
in Dublin on Tuesday 5th November has been named as Martin Miley,
Ashford Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Text
traffic alerts
Text message traffic alerts in real time will be available from
the Automobile Association at the beginning of next year.
Motorists
could pay the toll for gridlock
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering the notion of charging
cars and heavy goods vehicles for the the privilege of entering
the capital.
High
tech cameras point the way
Truckers who jump red lights will face the prospect of having two
penalty points added to their licence thanks to a network of sophisticated
cameras that will be installed at all major junctions in the capital
in the coming months.
CIE
to rubber stamp freight closures
Bus and rail unions are gearing up for industrial action as the
CIE board meets today Wednesday 6th November to rubber stamp Irish
Rail’s decision to axe two passenger routes and cut its freight
activities by nearly 50 per cent.
Ministers
are out of tune
The Mayor of Waterford has accused the ministers of Transport and
Environment of singing from different hymn sheets in relation to
road tolling.
Proposed
Westmeath landfill site rejected
Celtic Waste, part of the NTR group of companies has been refused
planning permission to build a super dump in Co Westmeath.
Elderly
pedestrian killed by truck
A 92-year-old pedestrian has died after being hit by a truck, while
crossing the road in south Dublin.
Government's
permit system doomed to failure - Naughten
Fine Gael’s spokesman on transport Denis Naughten has claimed
that the Government’s plan to abolish provisional driving licences
and replacing them with driving permits is doomed to failure.
Wexford
TDs bid to save rail network
Wexford’s five TDs are to meet with Transport Minister Seamus
Brennan in an effort to avert the closure of parts of the rail network
in the south-east.
Brennan
ready to break up CIE
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is ready to scrap the ailing CIE
group and replace it with three independent companies.
Cullen
warns on tolls
Environment Minister Martin Cullen has warned public representatives
in the south-east that tolling on new roads in the region is inevitable.
Solicitors
may test new regulations in court
Solicitors who specialise in personal injury claims are threatening
to test the legality of new regulations - which prevent them from
advertising their services - in the High Court.
Dozens
injured in US vehicle pile-up
Almost 200 cars and articulated trucks collided on a foggy stretch
of US freeway, injuring dozens, nine critically, closing the highway
for a number of hours.
IRHA
welcomes McDaid's intervention in tunnel height row
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has welcomed the intervention
of Junior Minister Jim McDaid into the ongoing wrangle over the
height of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
Brennan
to get tough on learner drivers
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering replacing provisional
licences with a new 'permit driving' scheme in a bid to halt spiralling
road deaths.
Noose
tightens on illegal hauliers
The Department of Transport is continuing its crackdown on rogue
hauliers, who are undermining the euro three billion industry.
Penalty
points system is working - NSC
The National Safety Council (NSC) believes the introduction of the
penalty points system is already saving lives.
Minister
confirms review of speed limits
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has confirmed that speed limits
will be reviewed as part of a move to all-metric road signage.
Crude
oil prices will remain high
Crude oil prices are set to remain high, whether or not the United
States launches a military attack on Iraq, according to a senior
Irish economist.
Man
dies in truck crash
A 27-year-old man died following a collision between a lorry and
a car on the main Dublin - Cork road on Saturday, 2nd November.
Exporters
want freight decision reversed
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has urged the government to
reconsider the decision taken by Irish Rail to rationalise its freight
activities, ahead of a key meeting to approve the decision next
week.
Brennan
to play hardball on penalty points disclosure
The Department of Transport has confirmed that it will not release
information to insurance companies on motorists who have incurred
penalty points for speeding, unless its gets a guarantee that "clean
slate' drivers will get a reduction in premiums.
Speeding
drivers miss the point
Gardai issued errant motorists with more than 400 speeding tickets
yesterday 31st October on the first day of the new penalty points
system.
KPH
speed signs on the way
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan wants to change all the country’s
speed limit signs to kilometres per hour within the next 18 months.
Gridlock
unchanged despite euro 800 million spend
Traffic congestion in Dublin hasn't improved in the past four years
despite a euro 800 million investment in transport in the greater
Dublin area under the National Development Plan.
A
bridge too far for HGVs
The residents of O’Brien’s Bridge in Co Clare and Mountpelier
in Co Limerick mounted a blockade on the bridge that connects the
two villages, in protest at heavy goods vehicles using the route
to avoid traffic congestion in Limerick city.
Producers
will be responsible for end-of-life vehicles
The EU End-of-Life (vehicles) directive which is due to come into
force at the end of 2006 will mean that producers will have to take
responsibility for recycling and waste management, the Department
of Environment has warned.
CIF
wants more funds for roads
The National Development Plan is significantly behind schedule and
won't be completed on time unless additional funds are made available,
a national builders' lobby group has claimed.
Ferry
company gets texting
More than 1,500 travellers whose ferry sailings were cancelled last
weekend because of the storms,were notified via text message, Irish
Ferries, has confirmed.
Van
smash cyclist named
The elderly cyclist that died on Wednesday evening 31st October
in Co Clare when he was struck by a van has been named as Tony King,
68, of Toreen, Ennis.
Hibernian
insurance to follow suit in hiking premiums for speeding motorists
Another leading insurance company is set to increase premiums for
motorists caught speeding, but has stated that it will reduce premiums
for “clean slate” motorists.
New
style licence on the way
A new style driving licence will be introduced next January to complement
the launch of the penalty points system.
Naughten
wants signs sorted
Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport Denis Naughten has said
that many motorists will inadvertently fall foul of the new penalty
points system, because thousands of speed limit-signs that have
been damaged or destroyed have not been replaced.
Hogan
slams Brennan on sharing penalty points information
Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan’s decision to share information
on drivers with the insurance industry has been criticised by Fine
Gael’s enterprise spokesman Phil Hogan.
Diesel
laundering plant uncovered in border swoop
Customs officers from Dundalk have uncovered a huge diesel laundering
plant in Co Louth in an early morning swoop.
CIF
call for continued public spending on infrastructure
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government
to restrain current public expenditure, while maintaining public
capital expenditure in the forthcoming Budget.
Belfast
road upgrade to cause traffic gridlock
Northern Ireland’s Department for Regional Development has
confirmed that plans for the extension of the M1 / Westlink could
start in 2004, but opponents of the £55 million upgrade claim
it will spark widespread traffic chaos throughout Belfast.
Stena
Adventurer to makes waves
Stena Line’s new super ferry which will be launched on the
Irish Sea next summer has been named the Stena Adventurer.
Transit
makes television debut
The all-new Ford Transit Connect appears on TV for the first time
this week as it emerges from behind a team of workers to the sound
of pounding music.
Fears
for Arklow Port
Fears are now being expressed for the future viability of Arklow
Port which is heavily dependant on IFI for the majority of it’s
trade and finance to keep going.
Speedsters
to be hit by insurance hikes
Errant motorists could be hit with a 25 per cent increase in their
motor insurance premium every time they pick up penalty points for
speeding.
All
drivers must carry driving licence
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has announced that all drivers
will be obliged to carry their driving licence in their vehicle
from January 1, to aid Gardai implement the penalty points system.
Road
safety strategy has failed road safety
The Government's road safety strategy 1998/2002 which aimed to reduce
road deaths by 20 per cent over a five-year period has failed, according
to a top-level road safety group.
Naughten
criticises penalty points but AA back introduction
Fine Gael's Denis Naughten has criticised the implementation of
the penalty points system, claiming
that it has been rushed through to deflect attention from the Government's
failed road safety strategy.
Up
to 600 jobs to go at Irish Rail
Up to 600 jobs could be lost in Irish Rail's freight division in
the coming months as the company
begins a rationalisation programme.
Exports
fall in August
Exports fell by euro 500 million in August according to figures
just released by the Central Statistics Office
Irish
Rail to cut its freight operations
Irish Rail is set to pull out of its loss making freight operations,
but insists no jobs will be put at risk.
Gardai
not happy with new penalty points system
The penalty points system for speeding will come into force on Thursday
31st October but not everybody is happy with its implementation,
writes John Loughran.
Insurance
companies to get on penalty points bandwagon
Motorists disqualified for clocking up more than 12 penalty points
will be hit with huge insurance premium hikes, according to reports.
Lack
of road signs highlighted
Fine Gael's Jimmy Deenihan believes that all tourists entering the
country through ports and airports
should be given a booklet explaining the rules of the road, and
information about road signage.
LUAS
could be delayed until 2004
The LUAS system will not be operational until the first quarter
of 2004 according to reports.
Crude
oil prices continue to slide
Crude oil prices hit an 11-week low yesterday in London as the prospects
of a US-led military attack on Iraq abates.
PSNI
helpless to prevent attacks
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has admitted it is hard pressed
to prevent the upsurge in missile attacks on motorists using Belfast's
Westlink motorway.
Points
system rejected by Gardai
Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan’s plans to introduce
a penalty points system for speeding next Thursday has been slammed
by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
Do
phones fry your brains
Hauliers will wait with baited breath for the results of the new
tests currently taking place to check if
mobile phone radiiation leads to brain tumour growth.
Watch
out for flying eggs
All motorists have been warned to keep an eye open for over eager
Hallowe’en celebrations which might lead to the odd rotten
eggs being thrown.
Hello
Darkness, my old friend
Driving in darkness for the first time is always a tricky proposition
for newly qualified drivers whose lessons may have all taken place
in bright summer conditions. So putting the clocks back an hour
on Sunday (27th October) will cause real problems for many of them
according to the RAC School of Motoring in Ireland.
Cllrs
shown dump examination
Wicklow County Councillors were shown a video of an illegal dump
site at Rustyduff, Donard, which contains a number of steel drums
and could be as large as the infamous Whitestown.
£330,000
to be spent on Enniskillen road
Road works are to commence on a stretch of the main A32 Omagh to
Enniskillen Road at Clanabogan at a cost of £330,000, according
to the Department of Regional Development.
Motorists
are playing Russian roulette
Fine Gael’s spokesman on Transport Denis Naughten has claimed
that motorists are playing Russian roulette with their lives every
time they overtake a HGV in wet weather conditions.
Penalty
points will be up and running next week
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is set to announce the long awaited
introduction of the penalty points system, ahead of a public information
campaign which will include radio and press advertising.
Traffic
chaos - Dublin style
The capital was plunged into traffic chaos when two lanes were closed
on St Stephen’s Green to allow for work on the Luas line.
Brothers
arrested in connection with illegal dumping
Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the Garda investigation
into the illegal dumping of waste in Co Wicklow.
Harney
starts insurance shake up
Tanaiste Mary Harney is set to make a major change in court procedure
next week in an effect to clamp down on bogus insurance claims that
cost more than euro 1.5 billion annually.
N25
worst road in country
The N25 from Rosslare in Co Wexford to Waterford city is the worst
national route for road fatalities, according to the National Roads
Authority (NRA).
DAF
begins production of new XFs
At the beginning of October, president of DAF Trucks NV., Jim Cardillo,
officially drove the first new XF off the assembly line.
Dowling
to chair new PIAB
Tanaiste Mary Harney is set to appoint Dorothea Dowling to the chair
of the new Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), which is being
established to halt spiralling insurance premiums.
NSC
launches 'eyes wide open campaign'
The National Safety Council has launched a new road safety awareness
campaign, 'Eyes Wide Open' aimed at reducing the number of pedestrian
fatalities on Irish roads in the run up to and during the October
Bank Holiday weekend.
State
should deal with insurance costs
A District Court Judge has suggested that insurance companies should
be scrapped and the State deal with insurance costs and claims.
IBEC
calls for road tolls
The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) has called
on the Government to maintain taxes at their current level, stating
that the thrust of the forthcoming budget should be on controlling
public expenditure.
Crude
oil prices continue to slide
Crude oil prices continued to slide yesterday October 22nd as fears
of an imminent attack of Iraq by the United States continued to
abate.
Lorry
driver gets eight years in jail
A lorry driver from Blackrock in Co Dublin has been jailed for eight
years for his part in illegally importing euro 12 million worth
of herbal cannabis.
Gardai
recover euro 180,000 goods in warehouse swoops
Gardai have seized a huge haul of illegal cigarettes and CDs in
a swoop on a warehouse near the border.
Waterford
to get bypass at long last
The long awaited Waterford bypass has been given the green light
following a decision by An Bord Pleanala to reject objections to
the compulsory purchase of lands for the project.
Anger
at possible freight cutbacks
Politicians and trade unions leaders are up in arms following claims
that Iarnrod Eireann is ready to scale down its freight activities.
Calls
to upgrade A1
There have been calls to upgrade the A1 between Loughbrickland and
Newry in Co Down in the wake of the latest road fatality.
Government
in the dock over old banger directive
The Government is facing a severe rap on the knuckles from the European
Commission for its failure to introduce an "end of life"
Vehicle Directive into national legislation.
Crude
oil prices plunge
Crude oil prices have nose dived following signs that the United
States is prepared to give Iraq a chance to comply with United Nations'
resolutions, lessening the chances of an imminent military attack.
Truck
driver released on bail
The Co Armagh lorry driver arrested on Sunday evening 20th October
in connection with an eight vehicle pile-up on the Dundalk / Newry
road in which 16 people were injured has been released on bail.
American
woman dies in truck crash
A 70-year-old American woman has been killed following a collision
between two cars and a lorry.
Two
die in separate truck collisions
Two people have died following separate traffic accidents this morning,
October 21st.
Stormy
weather
Stormy weather conditions have caused widespread flooding and ferry
cancellations in many areas.
Sixteen
injured in multiple vehicle pile-up
Sixteen people have been injured in an eight-vehicle pile-up in
treacherous weather conditions in north Co Louth.
Penalty
points system on the way
The long awaited penalty points system - or at least part of it
- will be operational by the beginning of next month.
Woman
dies after truck collision
A woman, on her way to work in the referendum count centre in Trim
in Co. Meath was killed when her car collided with a lorry.
Foreign
reserves should be spent on roads - CIF
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government
to spend Ireland's foreign currency reserves on developing the country's
infrastructure.
Scottish
police seize truckload of drugs
Drugs valued at in excess of euro 30 million have been seized following
a raid on a lorry in Scotland.
Thieves
make of with toys
Childrens' toys estimated to be worth euro 12,000 have been stolen
from a 40 foot container in Warrenpoint, Co Down.
IRHA
strikes new deal with NTR
NTR, the company, which runs the East and West Link Toll bridges
and the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), have reached an agreement,
which will result in a 10 per cent saving on toll charges for IRHA
members.
Harney
hopeful on IFI plants
Tanaiste Mary Harney is hopeful a liquidator will be able to sell
off some of the Irish Fertiliser Industries' (IFI) plants as a going
concern, saving the jobs of some of the 620 jobs workers who are
to be made redundant in the process.
Insurance
costs 40 per cent more in Ireland
An Irish person now spends 40 per cent more on insurance that a
person in the rest of the EU, according to figures just released.
Road
safety experts meet in Dublin Castle
A two-day conference of European road-building experts, focusing
on road safety throughout the European Union has begun in Dublin.
Fraudulent
claims inflate insurance premiums
The eradication of fraudulent insurance claims will lead to a reduction
in insurance premiums, according to Michael Kemp of the Irish Insurance
Federation.
Tyrol
in Austria introduces night ban on trucks
The local government in the Tyrol region of Austria has implemented
a night ban on trucks over 7.5 tonne using the Alpine transit A12
Inntal motorway this winter, despite doubts about the legality of
the ban.
Slane
residents still want bypass
As new traffic calming measures came in to place on one of the country's
most dangerous bridges, the residents of Slane in Co Meath have
called on the National Roads Authority to build a bypass around
the village, writes John Loughran
IFI
job losses will have knock-on effect
Business leaders in Arklow and Cobh have predicted further job losses
in the area following the closure of the towns' Irish Fertiliser
Industries plants.
EU
enters Carrickmines Castle debacle
The European Commission has written to the Irish Government seeking
information on whether the routing of the M50 motoring through Carrickmines
Castle complies with EU environmental directives.
JCB
operator shot by gunman
Gardai in Monaghan town are searching for a gunman who shot a middle-aged
JCB operator, while he was working near a quarry at Castleshane
on the Dublin-Derry road.
Harney
rubbishes PIAB cost claim
A spokesman for the Tanaiste Mary Harney has rubbished claims that
it will take almost euro 40 million annually to run the proposed
Personal Injuries Assessment Board.
Roscommon
residents launch campaign to free truck driver from Greek prison
Residents in the Co Roscommon village of Cloonfad have begun a campaign
to free from a Greek prison, a local 23-year-old lorry driver who
was jailed for more than three years for cigarette smuggling.
IFI
closure a severe blow to hauliers - Quinn
The closure of Irish Fertilsers Industries (IFI) is a "severe
blow" to the road haulage industry, according to a spokesman
for the Irish Road Haulage Association.
PIAB
will cost nearly euro 40 million
The cost of setting up a the Personal Injuries Assessment Board
(PIAB), part of the Government's strategy to reduce spiralling insurance
premiums, has been estimated at almost euro 40 million, according
to a recent report.
Deal
to lead to cheaper truck insurance
Leading insurance company Hibernian, and How's My Driving Ltd, the
privately owned fleet management road safety company, have struck
a deal which could result in reduced insurance premiums for companies
that show an improved accident record.
Government
criticised over insurance crisis
Fine Gael's spokesman on Trade, Enterprise and Employment, Phil
Hogan has criticised the Government for its failure to tackle the
deepening insurance crisis.
IRHA
urges its members to report illegal opreators
In a recent survey of its members, the Irish Road Haulage Association
(IRHA) has found that illegal haulage is one of the gravest problems
facing the licenced haulage industry, second only to spiralling
insurance premiums.
New
safety measures on approach to Slane Bridge
From Thursday 17th October, 2002 Meath County Council and the National
Roads Authority with the co-operation of the Gardaí, will
implement the second phase of new road safety measures on the N2
through Slane Village and the approaches to Slane Bridge.
A chip
off the old Scot
A canny Scottish businessman has helped gardai track a truck packed
with euro 300,000 worth of stolen generators using his laptop computer
and a global positioning satellite system.
Trucker
walks free
A Northern Ireland truck driver has had a charge of dangerous driving
arising from the deaths of two old age pensioners in Carrickmacross,
Co Monaghan, struck out at the local District Court.
Tyre
Safety Week in Northern Ireland
Thousands of motorists in Northern Ireland can expect to be stopped
by police this week as Tyre Safety Week swings into action.
Gardai
appeal for witnesses to hit-and-run
Gardai have appealed to witnesses to a hit-and-run in Co. Wicklow
which left a young man dead at the weekend to come forward.
M1
stretch branded most dangerous in the country
The M1 motorway north of Drogheda has been branded as the most dangerous
road in the country by a coroner's court.
ICG
wanted to spread its wings
Irish Continental group the owners and operators of Irish Ferries
was the only Irish publicly quoted company to express an interest
in buying Aer Lingus, when it was offered for sale last year.
UK's
Transport Minister is the Darling of freight industry
The British Government is set to spend £145 million to ease
traffic congestion, Transport Minister, Alistair Darling has revealed.
IRHA
to hold Information Day in Portlaoise
The Irish Road Haulage Association will hold an "Information
Day" in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, this Saturday
from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Brennan
is furious over cash only toll roads
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is set to haul the National Roads
Authority (NRA) over the coals after it emerged that two new toll
roads will operate a "cash only" queueing system.
Three
die in weekend of carnage
Three men in their 20s have been killed in separate road accidents
at the weekend.
Truck
driver named
The truck driver who lost his life in a single vehicle accident
in Co.Monaghan last Friday has been named as James Leydon, 55, from
Cherry Park, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin.
PIAB
causes more concern
A draft report by the Implementation Group which was set up to oversee
the establishment of a Personal Injuries Assessment Board claims
the body could add another and more costly layer to the compensation
system.
War
price fears
The Organisation of Petroluem Exporting Countries (OPEC) has warned
that global oil markets will be plunged into turmoil if the United
Sates launches a military attack on Iraq.
Irish
motorists unprepared for winter, says RAC
The majority of cars on our roads have mechanical faults relating
to safety components such as tyres, lights and brakes.
Trucker
dies in Co. Monaghan crash
A truck driver was killed near Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan when
the articulated fuel tanker he was driving overturned.
Ban
on mobile hits another snag
The ban on the use of mobile phones while driving has hit yet another
snag and won't now be introduced until the New Year.
Funds
pledge will end traffic disruption
Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has secured euro 1.6 million
in funding, for the construction of flood defences on the banks
of the River Dodder, much to the relief of local residents and commuters
in the area.
Residents
to protest over truck traffic
The residents of two small villages separated by the Shannon on
the Limerick / Clare border are up in arms over a constant flood
of trucks and cars, using their streets in what has been described
locally as a dangerous "rat run".
N1
to the border most dangerous road
The N1 between Drogheda in Co. Louth and the border is one of the
most dangerous roads in the country, according to statistics just
released by the National Roads Authority.
Bertie
bowl was traffic blunder
Documents just released under the Freedom of Information Act indicate
that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern scuppered the proposed National Stadium
at Abbotstown in Dublin because it would lead to serious traffic
congestion in the area.
Pick-up
driver killed in Cork accident
A man has been killed in a single vehicle accident in Cork city.
Stressed
out traffic wardens to take legal action
Traumatised traffic wardens are set to flood the courts with personal
damages claims in the coming months.
Statoil
confirm gas oil leakage
Fuel giant Statoil have admitted that an estimated 50,000 litres
of gas oil has leaked from a storage tank in their Galway premises
earlier this week.
Illegal
dumps being hid in rural areas
The Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that major illegal
dumps are been operated in rural Ireland and many ar still concealed.
Beware
of suicide drivers: Garda
The Gardai have issued a warning to motorists to beware of suicide
drivers as they are becoming more common place on our roads according
to a Garda Chief Supt.
Port
chiefs not hapy with Tara
Tara mines return to production has seen them clash with Dublin
Port over the size of product they ship through the port.
Diesel
laundering plant raided
An illegal operation of diesel laundering has been discovered and
raided by PSNI officers in the Strabane area of Co. Tyrone.
Esat
BT not going anywhere
Despite reports to the contrary, telecommunications group Esat Bt
have announced they will still be a part of the Irish market after
Chief Executive Andy Green said the company had no plans to change.
Wicklow
introduces pay by weight scheme
Wicklow is to be the first county in the country, whereby the state’s
first regular pay by weight refuse collection scheme is to be introduced.
County
plan for masts to be changed
The Mast Action in Meath (MAIM) group had demanded a change to the
development plan to cut down on the number of masts. Councillors
had received objections from protestors at a meeting to discuss
the issue this week.
Traffic
warden withdraws claim
The most famous or infamous traffic warden as the case may be, has
withdrew his claim for damages of around Eur30,000 after he claimed
that his job had made him ‘public enemy number one’.
Leitrim
recycling improves by 119%
A survey conducted by Rehab Recycling Partnership (RRP) for Repak
National Recycling Week has revealed that from January to August
2002 glass recycling in Leitrim has increased by over one hundred
per cent.
No
hearse needed for Jim's funeral
Highly successful company Sutton Plant Hire, mourned it’s owner
Mr Jim Sutton, the best way they could - by carrying his coffin
to Templetown cemetery on one of his low-loaders and not a hearse
like normal.
Deal
to lead to cheaper truck insurance
Leading insurance company Hibernian, and How's My Driving Ltd, the
privately owned fleet management road safety company, have struck
a deal which could result in reduced insurance premiums for companies
that show an improved accident record.
Probe
to focus on insurance raw deal
A probe into the insurance industry by the Competition Authority
and the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment will attempt
to discover the reasons why consumers are getting a raw deal.
Drug-driving
on the increase
" Drug-driving" is on the increase in Ireland, with more
and more drivers getting behind the wheel while under the influence
of cannabis and other narcotics, according to the Medical Bureau
of Road Safety.
Irate
motorists take the lollipop
School traffic wardens are being targeted by irate drivers for verbal
abuse and intimidation according to a straw survey conducted by
the Irish Independent.
Business
are cleaning up their waste act
Attitudes towards waste and waste management have improved in recent
years because of EU legislation, an environment conference has heard.
Pessimism
high among Irish businesses
Pessimism about future performance is high amongst Irish businesses
despite performing well in a business confidence survey.
Shell
calls for greater enforcement
One of Ireland's leading fuel retailers has called for greater enforcement
of legislation to tackle fuel smuggling on both sides of the border.
Finance
Agency Bill will come before the Dail prior to Christmas
The Bill which will ultimately lead to the establishment of the
National Development Finance Agency will be published during the
current Dail session, according to Government chief whip, Mary Hanafin.
Solicitors
agree to voluntary ban
Solicitors have agreed to a voluntary ban on "no foal no fee"
advertising in bid to halt spiralling legal costs.
Crude
oil prices ease slightly
Crude oil prices continue to ease on world markets despite fears
that the explosion that gutted the French-flagged supertanker Limburg
on Sunday was caused by terrorists.
Preferred
Carrick bypass route announced
Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils have announced the preferred
route for the bypass of Carrick-on-Shannon.
Teen
dies in Mayo crash
A 19-year-old woman has been killed in a single vehicle accident
in Crossmolina in Co. Mayo.
Haulage
industry thrives within EU: McDaid
Dr James McDaid,T.D has stated at the launch of the Irish Road Haulage
Association’s “YES” campaign to the Nice treaty that
the haulage industry in Ireland has reaped huge benefits from the
states participation in the E.U.
Commuting
times bug bear of employees - survey shows
A survey conducted by recruitment website irishjobs.ie has found
that it is taking longer and longer to get to and from work with
average daily commuting times of two hours now the norm.
Gardai
appeal for witnesses to Kildare hit-and-run
A hit-and-run driver has left three pedestrians injured, one seriously
following an incident in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.
Traffic
protest look set to continue
Residents in the Irishtown and Ringsend areas of Dublin look set
to continue disrupting traffic following an admission by the Office
of Public Works that it hasn't the money to build up the banks of
the River Dodder.
TD
calls for review of insurance industry
Independent TD Dr Liam Twomey has called for a swift and radical
overhaul of the insurance industry.
IFA
criticised by meat association
The Irish Meat Association has accused the Irish Farmers' Association
(IFA) of being "irresponsible and misguided" as it continued
its beef protest at Kepak plants last night.
Carriers
to face heavy fines
Tough new immigration laws contained in a cross-party discussion
document could see ferry companies and airlines fined euro 3,000
for every asylum-seeker found on board.
Drug
drivers on the increase - report
Almost three out of four drivers stopped by gardai on the suspicion
of driving while under the influence, tested positive for drugs,
the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) has revealed.
Government
in dry-dock over ports
The Irish Exporters' Association (IEA) has attacked the Government
for its failure to deliver on its commitment to develop the country's
ports.
October 2002
ESRI
warns on bleak future
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has warned that
Ireland faces "bleak" economic prospects unless public
finances are brought under control.
Crude
oils prices remain stubbornly high
Crude oil prices remained buoyant on world markets this week, propped
up by Middle East fears that the United States is moving closer
to launching a military attack on Iraq.
Government
criticised over inaction on insurance
Fine Gael has tabled a motion condemning the Government for its
inaction over the deepening insurance crisis, and its failure to
implement the findings of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board.
Ireland
surpasses packaging recycling target
Ireland did well to surpass its packaging recycling target of 25
per cent for 2001 but there is no room for complacency, according
to a leading recycling industry expert.
Smuggler
must pay £250,000
An Armagh man who was part of one of the biggest fuel smuggling
operations in Ireland has been told to pay £250,000 or face
another two years in jail.
Woman
dies in collision with truck
A young woman driver has died following a collision between a car
and an oil tanker in Co. Kilkenny.
Truck
crash victim named
The three-year-old child killed in an accident involving an ESB
truck in Co. Limerick has been named as Casey Singhland, from Newcastlewest.
Gardai
appeal for witness in road fatality
Gardai have appealed to the driver of a van who witnessed a fatal
crash on the Dodder Park Road in Dublin which claimed the life of
a 58-year-old woman to come forward.
Relief
Road for Carlow needed urgently
There has been calls made for a relief road in Carlow Town to ease
traffic congestion and residents have expressed their astonishment
over revelations that a proposed relief road on the 2002 Draft County
Development Plan is considered so low on the priority list that
construction will not begin until at least 2012.
Irish
trucker wins award in US
Carlow native Anthony Lee who emigrated to the U.S in 1992 has been
voted the 2002 Contractor of the Year by his employer Transcontinental
Refrigerated Lines Inc.
Taxpayers
money wasted on bypass
The compulsory purchase order needs to be completely overhauled
in order to save the taxpayer millions of euro’s on purchasing
land for the Ennis Bypass according to Independent Deputy, James
Breen.
Iarnroid
Eireann's woes may benefit hauliers
The news that Iarnroid Eireann is considering withdrawing its freight
service between Wexford and Cork at the height of the beet harvesting
season has been criticised by a spokesman for Irish Sugar.
IBEC
pleads with Tanaiste over PIAB
The employers' body IBEC has pleaded with Tanaiste Mary Harney to
press ahead with her plan to establish a Personal Injuries Assessment
Board (PIAB) in a bid to halt spiralling insurance premiums.
Excavations
at an illegal dump in Co. Wicklow
Excavations at an illegal dump in Co. Wicklow have unearthed more
than a quarter of a million tonnes of commercial and domestic rubbish.
Ireland
named and shamed
The European Commission has "named and shamed" Ireland
for breaches of environmental law.
Councillors
give overwhelming support to M50 motorway
Councillors from Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown Co. County re-asserted
their support for the final leg of the M50 motorway when they called
for its completion to end the "human misery" of traffic
gridlock in the south Dublin area.
New
road will have severe impact on property
A Bord Pleanala hearing into the compulsory purchase of lands for
the euro 25 million Waterford Outer Ring Road has heard that the
project will have a severe impact on property owners on the southside
of the city.
Irish
Road Haulage Association says "Yes to Nice"
The Irish Road Haulage Association today, Tuesday 1st October 2002,
launched its "Yes to Nice" campaign.
Roads
programme facing 25 per cost overrun - Brennan
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is considering introducing fixed
price contracts for future road developments in a bid to halt spiralling
costs.
Newmarket-on-Fergus
bypass opens
One of the most notorious bottle necks in the country has been eliminated
with the opening of a new euro 25 million bypass.
IRHA
states position on tolls
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on Transport Minister
Seamus Brennan to increase road tax to fund the roads programme
rather than introducing tolled roads.
Carrickminders
halt castle road dig
Work on the final leg of the M50 motorway was disrupted yesterday
30th September by protesters at the site of Carrickmines Castle
in south Co. Dublin.
Cross-border
law good news for insurance brokers
The European Union has endorsed legislation that will allow insurance
brokers to offer their services throughout all 15 EU states
NRA
asked to examine death road
The National Roads Authority has been asked to examine a straight
stretch of road near Killarney in Co.Kerry following the deaths
of a mother and her four-year-old daughter last March.
Britain
introduces sobering new law
A new law which comes into force this week in Britain will mean
that doctors will be able to take blood samples from unconscious
or injured drivers without their consent.
Council
call for action over slow drivers
Roscommon County Council has called on the Minister for Transport
to look at the immediate introduction of a minimum speed limit in
conjunction with the National Safety Council and An Garda Siochana.
M50
interchange gets underway
Work on the final leg of the M50 motorway in Dublin begins today
on the site of Carrickmines Castle despite a last-gasp attempt by
environmentalists to halt construction.
Dowling
lashes legal profession
Dorothea Dowling, chairwoman of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board
has lashed out at the legal profession saying "that lawyers
will move heaven and earth to scupper anything that will reduce
Bar earnings.
Objectors
to Co Cork super-dump will have their day
Objectors to a planned super-dump in Co. Cork are to be given the
opportunity to voice their concerns at an oral hearing.
IFA
protests continue over cattle prices
Nearly half of Ireland's beef exporting plants remained closed today
as the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) escalated its protests over
cattle prices by demonstrating outside the meat factories of Ireland's
big two producers AIBP and Dawn Meats.
Motorcyclist
killed in Co Cavan crash
A motorcyclist in his twenties has been killed in a road accident
in Co. Cavan.
Bacon
report grilled by PIAB supporters
Supporters of the proposed Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)
have slammed a report commissioned by the Bar Council which claims
the cost of insurance will spiral if the board is established.
Bright
sparks make off with electrical goods
Thieves have stolen an articulated lorry and trailer loaded with
£100,000 worth of electrical goods from a haulage yard in
Co. Armagh.
Truck
crash victim named
The woman killed in a collision between a car and truck near Sligo
town on Wednesday has been named as Maeve Boyle, 22, Upper Leabgarrow,
Aranmore Island, Co. Donegal.
Maxol
buys Estuary fuels
Tanaiste Mary Harney has approved Maxol’s euro eight million
acquisition of Estuary Fuels, the Limerick-based petrol and diesel
distribution business.
Residents
continue protest
Residents in the Ringsend - Irishtown area of Dublin caused major
traffic disruptions when they blockaded the road during the morning
and evening rush-hour.
NSC
plans safety campaign for October holiday
The National Safety Council will run a road safety promotion in
the run-up to the October Bank Holiday weekend highlighting “vulnerable
road users”.
You
are more at risk in light traffic - research shows
Traffic accidents are more frequent on French motorways when traffic
flows are light, research has indicated.
Lack
of funds to delay N7
North Tipperary County Council have been told that there may be
a delay on the construction of the new N7 motorway between Castletown
to Nenagh, as there are a shortage of funds to complete the project.
M50
planners stuck to report
Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority
have insisted that they took into account a 1983 archeological report
on Carrickmines Castle in designing the final phase of the M50.
PIAB
will increase insurance cost - Bacon
The Government’s decision to establish a Personal Injuries
Assessment Board (PIAB) in a bid to reduce spiralling insurance
premiums will have the opposite affect, according to a leading consultant.
IRHA
calls on freight forwarders to agree code of conduct
The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on the Institute of
Freight Forwarders in Ireland to agree a voluntary code of conduct
in the wake of the collapse of Kilkenny based freight forwarder
Intel, which left more than 55 hauliers high and dry.
Brennan's
claims confirmed by Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council and the Dublin Port Authority has backed claims
by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan that 98 per of all heavy goods
vehicles using Dublin port will be able to fit in the new port tunnel
when it is finally opened in 2004.
September 2002
Woman
killed in truck smash
A woman has been killed following a collision between a truck and
a car in Co. Sligo.
Trucker
gets right royal scare
A trucker had a near miraculous escape when his vehicle plunged
into the Blackwater River on the outskirts of Kells, Co. Meath early
this morning, 25th September.
Dun
Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority
confirm 1983 land use report was used in selection for the M50 South
Eastern Motorway and archaeological preservation at Carrickmines
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the National Roads Authority
(NRA) wish to clarify that contrary to allegations and reports in
the media, recommendations contained in a 1983 Report by An Foras
Forbartha regarding concerns of potential archaeological impact
in the Carrickmines area, were taken into account and adhered to
when the position and design of the Glenamuck Link Road and the
M50 South Eastern Motorway were chosen.
Crude
oil prices soar again
Crude oil prices soared again yesterday, 24th September amid fresh
fears that the United States is ready to launch a military attack
on Iraq.
Waterford
bypass will go ahead despite the cutbacks - Cullen
Environment Minister Martin Cullen has reacted angrily to a statement
by Friends First, chief economist, Jim Power, that he cannot see
the proposed Waterford city bypass ever being built.
Stand-off
at Carrickmines Castle
Conservationists opposed to the building of the M50 interchange
on the site of Carrickmines Castle in south Co. Dublin have been
involved in stand-offs with tree-fellers on the site.
Hot-wired
truck used in bungled race track heist
Gardai in Co. Cork are on the trail of thieves who stole a truck
and then used it to pull a safe through a wall at Cork Racecourse,
not knowing that the safe was empty.
Quarry
gets blast go-ahead
Blasting is due to commence at a quarry in Co. Fermanagh today 25th
September after the High Court in Belfast granted an injunction
restraining local residents from entering a danger zone 100 metres
from the nearest blasting point.
Beef
pickets called off
Work has resumed at six AIBP meat processing plants after farmers
called off their protests yesterday, 24th September.
NRA
reject N17 safety concerns
The National Roads Authority have come in for criticism after they
rejected that the N17 running through Tuam had some safety concerns.
Council
launch campaign to tackle rubbish
Waterford County Council have launched a new campaign to assess
the problem of extra rubbish bags left out for collection on bin
day.
Only
two per cent of trucks won't fit in Dublin Port Tunnel
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has told a meeting of the Irish
Exporters Association that only two per cent of trucks passing through
Dublin Port will be unable to use the new port tunnel because of
height restrictions.
Lifesaver
plan plays second fiddle to Operation Artery
Operation Lifesaver is being neglected in Dublin and special garda
vehicles designed to tackle dangerous driving are lying idle, according
to reports.
National
Ploughing Championships begin
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the National Ploughing
Championships at Ballacolla, Co. Laois which it opens today, 24th
September and continues for the next three years.
Ireland's
late late payment show
Irish companies are the slowest payers in Europe according to a
survey conducted by business research group BusinessPro.
Mn
killed in Dundalk crash
A man has been killed and another seriously injured when the car
in which they were travelling in spun out of control on the outskirts
of Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Take
the foot off the gas
Motorists could reduce their fuel bills by more than 13 per cent
per annum, by modifying their driving styles, according to Sustainable
Energy Ireland.
Brake
launches road safety week in Northern Ireland
Ten children lost their lives in road accidents in Northern Ireland
last year, according to road safety charity Brake.
Seven
die in another weekend of carnage
Seven people lost their lives in a weekend of carnage on our roads.
IEA
to attack Brennan on transport infrastructure
The Irish Exporter’s Association (IEA) is set to tell Transport
Minister Seamus Brennan that a loss in competitiveness because of
poor infrastructure is one of the major threats to the economy.
Mobile
phone ban still a long way off
The implementation of the ban on using mobile phones while driving,
will not be enforced in the foreseeable future following failure
to agree on how the law should be enforced.
Future
is bleak for small firms - SFA
The Small Firms’ Association (SFA) has stated that the sector’s
ability to create jobs is being seriously undermined because of
cost pressures.
OPEC
comes under pressure from industrialised world
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is coming
under intense pressure from the industrialised world to increase
output.
Car-Free
Day declared a success
Car-Free Day in Dublin was declared a success by it organisers,
but Dublin cyclists weren’t so impressed.
Three
die in night of horror crashes
Three young men have lost their lives in separate road accidents
in counties Cavan, Galway and Mayo.
Diversions
for ploughing championships
Gardai have warned all motorists including HGV traffic that diversions
will in place on the Dublin - Cork N8 route to facilitate the National
Ploughing Championships in Ballacolla, Co. Laois which take place
from September 24 to 26.
Hope
of crude oil increase dashed
As expected the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
has opted to leave production output unchanged at 21.7 million barrels
per day, dashing hopes of a production increase and a softening
of prices at the pumps.
McCreevy
leans towards infrastructure investment
Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy has given a broad hint that the
Government will put investment in infrastructure ahead of public
spending increases in the forthcoming Budget.
Irish
Ferries returns to profit
Despite weakness in the tourist and freight markets, ferry operator,
Irish Continental Group still managed to post a euro 3.3 million
profit for the first six months of the year.
Pickets
will damage business - AIBP
A threatened picket by beef farmers on six Goodman controlled AIBP
meat factories from Sunday night 22nd September could prevent slaughtering
on Monday and could damage AIBP, according to a company statement.
PSNI
swoop on diesel laundering plant
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has uncovered a diesel laundering
plant near the Co. Tyrone village of Clady.
Horror
crash victim awarded £1.7 million
A 25-year old Belfast man who was severely injured in a road traffic
accident five years ago has been awarded Stg£1.7 million in
compensation.
Lotto
winning trucker banned for two years
A Lotto winning truck driver was fined euro 100 and banned from
driving for two years when he appeared before Naas District Court
on drink driving charges.
No
increased production from OPEC
Hopes of a reduction in fuel prices at the pumps have been dashed
with the news that OPEC is prepared to maintain stiff production
curbs to support high oil prices, despite signs that inflated energy
costs are hindering global economic recovery.
PPPs
on the road to nowhere
At a time when the Government is looking increasingly towards the
private sector to plug the gaping funding hole in the national roads
programme, there are emerging indications that contractors and their
financial backers are losing interest, a leading employers’
group has stated.
Dublin
City Council urge motorists to leave the car at home
Dublin City Council has urged all motorists to leave their cars
at home this Sunday, International Car Free Day and to take to the
Capital on foot.
De
Rossa will raise M50 decision with EU
Labour MEP Pronsias De Rossa has criticised Transport Minister Seamus
Brennan for making the wrong decision in allowing the last section
of the M50 motorway to pass through the Carrickmines Castle historical
site and said he would take up the issue with the European Commission.
Dodder
residents cause traffic havoc
Irishtown and Ringsend in Dublin were brought to a virtual standstill
yesterday morning, 18th September when residents staged a a rush-protest
to highlight their calls for the banks of the river Dodder to be
reinforced.
Gardai
appeal for witnesses to Kildare crashes
Gardai have appealed for witnesses to two separate road accidents
which happened earlier this week in Co Kildare.
Focus
on North's primitive roads
Northern Ireland’s “primitive” road infrastructure
and rail network will be highlighted at a major three-day international
conference , hosted by the University of Ulster which begins at
Belfast’s Waterfront Hall today, 19th September.
Ferry
couple released as file is prepared for DPP
The man and woman arrested at Rosslare Port on Tuesday when 15 illegal
immigrants were discovered in the back of their camper van have
been released without charge.
Transition
year students visibly shocked by road safety show
More than 2,200 transition year students were “shocked and
visibly upset” when they attended the Road Safe Roadshow organised
by the National Safety Council in the National Concert Hall yesterday.
Mother
of three found alive and well
Mother of three, Helen Judge who was abducted from her home near
Allenwood in Co. Kildare in the early hours of Monday morning has
been found alive and well in a wooded area near Jenkinstown in north
Louth.
Exporters
warn on US trade war
The Irish Exporters’ Association has warned that a looming
multi-billion trade war between the EU and the United Sates will
have disastrous affects on the Irish economy.
Romanians
sent back to France as couple arrested
Fifteen illegal immigrants were discovered at Rosslare Port in the
back of a camper van and returned to France yesterday afternoon.
French
go to war ... on drink drivers
The French Government has declared war on bad drivers in an attempt
to halt soaring road fatalities.
Roads
plan to be delayed by three years
The National Development Plan, including the roads programme, which
is due to be completed in 2006, may take a further three years to
complete because of a funding crisis.
Carrickmines
Castle saved in compromise plan
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has rubber-stamped a plan that
will save about 60 per cent of Carrickmines Castle, on the site
of the last leg of the M50 motorway, while allowing construction
work to continue.
OPEC
ministers to meet in Japan
OPEC ministers will meet in Osaka, Japan on Thursday 19th September
to discuss production quotas for the remainder of the year amid
continuing fears that the United States will launch a military attack
on Iraq.
Soaring
insurance premiums put jobs at risk in North - economist
Spiralling insurance premiums in Northern Ireland are putting jobs
at risk in small and medium sized enterprises, according to a leading
economist.
Traffic
arrangements in place for golf championship
The World Golf Championships, featuring world number one Tiger Woods,
takes place at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny from Thursday 19th September
until Sunday 22nd September and special traffic arrangements have
been put in place in a bid to avoid delays in the area.
Ferry
good idea to beat gridlock
Water taxis could be operational on the River Liffey in Dublin by
the end of next year if a project by the Dublin Docklands Development
Association (DDDA) comes to fruitition.
Appeal
for witnesses to fatal accident
Gardai in Cork have appealed for witnesses to a serious traffic
accident, which happened at North Ring Road, near Park Court a 7.45pm
on Sunday evening 15th September to come forward.
Brennan
under pressure due to euro 6.8bn shortfall in NDP
Labours Joan Burton has called on Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan,
to explain the huge shortfall in funding for the National Development
Plan for 2000 to 2006.
Gardai
want better quality speed checks
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has urged the
Government to target traffic black spots rather than wide, safe
roads for speed checks, as they fear road safety has simply become
a profit making exercise for the State.
Russian
beef ban lifted on six counties
The beef trade has received a huge shot in the arm with the news
that Russia has lifted its ban on taking beef from six Irish counties.
Woman
dies in freak truck accident
A woman pedestrian has been killed in a freak and tragic accident
involving a truck in Co. Carlow.
OPEC
comes under pressure from EU
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is coming
under pressure from the European Union to increase production of
crude oil to bring the price down from $28 to $20 per barrel.
Bush
diplomacy eases pressure on oil prices
World crude oil prices have retreated following George Bush’s
speech to the United Nations in which he said he would work on a
new resolution against Iraq.
Man
dies in quarry accident
A man in his 60’s has been killed in a quarry accident in Co
Cavan
Louth
woman questioned over Belgium drugs haul
A Co Louth woman is being questioned in relation to the massive
shipment of drugs discovered on an Irish-registered truck in Belgium
last week.
Jury
returns accidental death verdict
An inquest in Dublin has heard that dashboard toys and bunting obscured
the view of a truck driver, whose articulated lorry struck and killed
a German cyclist in the city centre last year.
Cross-border
police units to tackle crime
Special EU cross-border police squads are to be set up in the coming
months to tackle organised crime and terrorism, according to reports.
Appeal
date set in incinerator case
Leading racehorse trainer Aidan O’Brien has told the High Court
that he believes the health of his family and local residents would
be put at risk if a waste management company is allowed to build
an incinerator near his home in the Golden Vale.
Bertie
Bowl scrapped in favour of roads
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has stated investment in road, rail and
other infrastructural developments over the lifetime of the Government
has meant there is no public funds to proceed with Stadium Ireland.
Four
asylum seekers discovered on truck
Four asylum seekers have been discovered in the back of an articulated
lorry - that arrived from Cherbourg - on the M50 motorway.
Give
the PIAB radical powers - insurers urge
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board could cut legal costs by
as much as euro 220 million per year, if it is given radical powers,
according to the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF).
Oil
prices continue to soar
Crude oil prices have soared again following a warning from the
US Navy that oil tankers operating out of the Middle East could
become a potential target for al Qaeda terrorists.
Howlin
calls for challenge to waste plan
Labour deputy Brendan Howlin wants the South East Waste Management
Plan challenged in the courts, it has emerged.
Stuck
truck as authorities pass the buck
Traffic was delayed for more than two hours yesterday (Tuesday)
10th September at Cromaglan, Killarney, Co Kerry when an articulated
truck got wedged under a bridge.
Oil
prices soar to one year high
Crude oil prices have soared to their highest level in over a year
on the back of rumours that OPEC will not increase oil output if
the United Sates launches a military attack on Iraq.
IIF
wants get tough policy on insurance fraud
The insurance industry has called on the Government to put legislation
in place so that insurance fraud can be treated as a separate criminal
charge.
Quarry
tax bites in the North
The Quarry Products Association in Northern Ireland has launched
a blistering attack on Treasury representatives for their failure
to listen at first hand to the views of the association in relation
to the aggregate tax.
No
foal no fee advertising to face ban
The Law Society is backing new regulations to ban solicitors from
advertising for compensation business. The ban is due to come into
force in November.
Confidence
declines among managers
A survey commissioned by Deloitte and Touche has found that confidence
amongst the state’s business managers has fallen sharply in
comparison to the second half of 2001 and the majority believe conditions
are set to worsen before the end of the year.
Horses
for courses
Horse racing illuminaries Aidan O’Brien and JP | 
