The road to Gridlock - Limerick

Today’s Sunday Business Post is running an article entitled “The road to gridlock” in which they ask three drivers, from Dublin , Galway and Limerick to give an account of what traffic congestion they encounter in their areas on their daily commute.

Here’s what Alona Troy, a community worker in Limerick says,

‘‘I live in Castletroy, so getting to Shannon involved two problems. The first was the traffic heading out to the university, and the second was the Parkway roundabout [near the Dublin road]. Even when you get through those and down Clare Street over the Jim Kemmy Bridge, and out towards LIT [Limerick Institute of Technology], the traffic was still heavy.‘‘Once I was on the dual carriageway to Shannon, it was okay, and took about an hour altogether. But in the evening, the journey was usually at least an hour and a half.

The problem in Limerick is that they keep adding shopping centres and retail parks on main thoroughfares and relief roads, such as the ones on the Childers Road and Ennis Road, and they add traffic lights for people who want to turn into these.‘‘The Jetland Centre in Caherdavin causes a back-up onto the dual carriageway into the city in the evenings, with people turning into it. What is the need for seven major Dunnes outlets in the city and suburbs?

It is crazy. Now that I’m working on Dominic Street, it takes less time to get to work, but the city is still choked with traffic.”

That’s it, no more to the story.
Strange..

Stormy end to 2006?

All signs are pointing to quite a windy end to the year with weather authorities reporting a stormy, squally Sunday in our area.

The Met is warning of Stormy conditions along with damaging gusts as high as 150km/hr along with heavy rain and showers. It looks like the hours between 9.00am and 6.00pm will be the stormiest.

The Met Office,

Severe Weather Alert : Stormy today, with damaging winds gusting as high as 140 or 150 km/h. Heavy rain this morning, with some localised flooding.
-Via Met.ie

The European Storm Forecast Experiment has our area under a thunderstorm warning for a 24hr period beginning at 6am Sunday.If I hear of any damage resulting from this event I will post it.

Just remember to tie the dog to something.

NEW DETAILS:
:: Storm damage reported in Scariff with a tree blocking a road.
:: Debris reported on the N69 near Mungret

This photo was taken at Harveys Quay around 3.45pm showing how high the tide was

Met Éireann Forecast for Munster
Latest Wind Speeds

Limerick radio license decision is imminent - Report

The battle of the airways in Limerick is hotting up, that’s according to an article in today’s Independent.

The paper reports that two applicants, UTV owned Live 95FM and locally backed Heart FM, are battling it out for the BCI’s Mid-West license which broadcasts from Limerick.

Heart FM is backed by comedian Pat Shortt, musicians Noel and Mike Hogan and businessman Tony Brazil.

A decision on which of the two the license will be granted is imminent.The winner of the contract could net up to €20m over the 10 years the license runs for.

Shock challenge to local radio license - Limerick Blogger (July 06)

Driver has brand new Taxi stolen in Southill

A Limerick taxi driver is currently having a crappy Christmas after his brand new 06 taxi was stolen while he was on a call in Southill.

The Leader reports that the driver was in the South side estate on Saturday night delivering flowers to a house when a number of youths took his two week old car.

Co-workers of the driver, who incidentally is now in Spain trying to salvage the holidays, said the car is probably a total write-off,

“It was an appalling crime, especially at Christmas, and one you would not wish on your worst enemy. The car was his pride and joy and he is absolutely devastated”

Gardai at Roxboro are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and to contact them on 061-214340.

Limerick Blogger makes the Limerick Leader

There is an article in this weekends Limerick Leader City Edition about The folks over at The Limerick Blogger, who are celebrating the 1st birthday of the website.

Squid, who is the owner of the top Limerick blog, gave a great interview which can be found on page three of the edition or you can read it over on the Blogger itself.

Squid talks about keeping the blog going for the past year, dispelling myths about his true identity, how he came about launching the site and other issues affecting Limerick Bloggers such as the golden 'anonymity of the Blogger' issue.

Read the full article over at Limerick Blogger.

Blog on Squid!

Third teen charged over Millie and Gavin arson attack

A 16 year old boy has appeared at a sitting of Limerick District court today charged in relation to an arson attack which seriously injured two Limerick children earlier this year.

The youth who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Gavin and Millie Murray outside their Moyross home in September.

Giving evidence in court today, Garda Andrew O'Riordan told how the defendant kept guard for two other youths while they filled two bottles with petrol and carried out the heinous act.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy stated that the charges brought before the teen were very serious and announced that she was refusing jurisdiction in the case.

The youth was bailed to appear again on January 2nd. Two other teens have already been charged in relation to the arson attack.

Gavin and Millie Murray are still recovering in a Dublin Hospital three months after the attack however they did spend Christmas Day at home with their family in Limerick.

RTE News Video (Realplayer)

Fire destroys city house

A house has been destroyed and another adjoining house has been seriously damaged after a major fire broke out today.

The houses on Oliver Plunkett Street in the Saint Mary’s Park area caught fire around 3.00pm this afternoon.

Three units of Limerick City fire brigade attended the incident and battled the fire for nearly two hours before declaring it extinguished just after 5.00pm.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately known however it is thought to have started accidentally.

Oliver Plunkett Street on Google Maps

Attacks on Weston house overnight

Gardai at Roxboro are investigating two incidents at a house in Weston in the city overnight.

Shots were fired at a house in Crecora Avenue around 12:45am this morning however no one was injured in the incident. A black car was seen leaving the area after the shooting.

Hours later the same house was set on fire in an arson attack around 6:00am.The house was vacant at the time.

Gardai have said they do not believe the incidents are feud related.

Garda appeal for information after Southill death

Limerick Gardai are appealing to the public this Christmas eve in relation to the identity of a body that was found Collins Avenue, Southill, last night.

A description of the man from RTE News,

The man is described as being aged between 55 and 65 years of age about 1.75m (5'9") in height with grey receding hair. He was wearing a green knitted jumper over a green Ireland jersey, blue jeans and black Nike mountain boots.

The man is believed to have died suddenly. Foul play has been ruled out.

Gardaí are appealing for anybody who was in the Collins Avenue area around 7.50pm and also to any taxi drivers who may have dropped this man to contact them at Roxboro Garda Station.

Limerick Garda –“There is a colossal drugs problem in the city”

"Some communities we will never get it out"

A really Christmassy, cheery article appears in today’s Sunday times outlining how the Gardai are understaffed in the fight against drugs in Ireland…and loosing.

The journalist, who claims to have gotten his hands on a ‘confidential security memo’, goes round the country listing the problems of the major drug areas.

Here’s the snippet on Limerick,

While Gardai will not publicly criticize force management, privately they say the resources allocated to combat drug dealing are “farcical”.

“They are not paying enough attention to the drugs problem,” one Garda said. “Heroin use is spreading so fast and it’s not even being recognized as a problem. It is now available in every county and management is not taking much notice of it.”

A Limerick Garda said: “There is a colossal drugs problem in the city and it is fuelling gun violence and gang feuds. The drugs unit here has just nine officers between day and night shifts. They are not even impacting on the problem, which is now so ingrained in some communities we will never get it out.”

Oh...and enjoy your Christmas...

The Full Sunday Times article
The Garda National Drugs Unit

Co. Limerick company gets “Christmas Boost”

Electronics manufacturing company STS PCB of Kantoher in Co. Limerick have received an early Christmas present this year.

Today’s Sunday Business Post reports that the company is expecting a €45 million lift in turnover from new contracts over the next three years after the Indian multinational Asian Electronics took a 51 per cent stake in the company last week.

STS PCB already employs 30 people in Kantoher outside Newcastle West and intends to hire more staff as it expands its operations. ‘‘It’s a major boost obviously
for this company to be incorporated into a major player like Asian Electronics,” said Kevin McDonnell, who set up the company with fellow director Mike O’Shea.

-via SBP

This is the same area of Limerick where 300 people lost there jobs at the Castlemahon foods plant in October.

Heroin seized in Ballynanty raid

Gardai confirmed today that €50,000 worth of heroin was recovered after planned raid on a house in Ballynanty yesterday.

A man and a woman both in their late teens were arrested at the scene in the north of the city and brought to Mayorstone Garda Station for questioning.

They were released without charge this morning and a file is being sent to the DPP.

Local radio reports the drugs have been sent to Garda HQ for forensic tests.

Renewed appeal for missing woman

Despite citywide searches and the passing out of leaflets and missing posters, Gardai have said tonight, that there have been no new developments in the case of missing 29-year-old Limerick woman Theresa Warren.

The Caherconlish native has been missing now since December 8th and Gardai are still appealing for the public’s assistance to help establish her whereabouts.

From Missing.ws :

Theresa Warren is described as 168cm tall, of medium build and with black wavy hair with a tinge of red. When she was last seen, she was wearing a multi-colored jumper, black and white trousers and a small green jacket.She was visiting a friend at Greenhills Road, Garryowen, and has not been seen since she left the house.Anybody with information should contact Henry Street Garda station on 061-212400

Radio host says he’s done with unlicensed broadcasting

“I will not be returning”- Gerry Hannon

In an interview conducted with the Limerick Post Newspaper, Radio Limerick One owner Gerry Hannon conceded this week that he will not be bringing RLO back to the airwaves.

Speaking to the Post he stated,

“That’s it as far as I’m concerned…I am now off air, and that’s the end of my station. I regret to say I will not be returning. A lot of my time went into RLO but it is not worth the effort anymore. It is not nice to be raided by the authorities every so often. Also, I lost €20,000 of equipment which was taken from me”

The pirate radio station was raided last week while Mr. Hannon was live on air interviewing a guest.

“They went through everything with a fine toothcomb and all my worldly studio possessions, built up over the years, were taken from me.”

Hannon did say however that he intends to apply for a classic/gold service license to be awarded by the BCI next year.

Loads more on this in this weeks Post Newspaper

Bishops hope "neglected areas" will be election priority

In light of a truly tumultuous week so far in Limerick, the city’s two Bishops have said in a joint Xmas message that social deprivation in parts of the city should be dominating the forthcoming general election.

Most Rev Dr Donal Murray(right) and the Church of Ireland’s Very Rev Dr Michael Mayes said in the text,

“There are parts of Limerick and other Irish cities where the sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ live among burned-out houses, burned-out cars and where some are intimidated out of their homes — where violence, weapons and drugs have become common place and where it is hard to have hope.

If we love these brothers and sisters as ourselves, a serious and urgent tackling of that situation would be an inescapable priority.

Would it be too much to say that it would dominate the forthcoming general election.”

More in the Examiner.

Limerick criminals clash in prison

The Independent reports today that two Limerick criminals have clashed in what prison officials describe as a “brawl” in Portlaoise Prison.

23 year old Roy Woodland and 29 year old Paul Coffey went at each other at the top security prison leaving one of them requiring hospital treatment.

It’s thought Mr. Coffey may have been slashed with a blade during the incident. Neither of the two has made official complaints against the other since the scuffle.

No indication on when this actually happened in the article however.

The Independent has more.

Man shot in city centre

A man in his 30’s is recovering in St. Johns Hospital today after he was injured in a shooting incident in the city centre this afternoon.

The shooting took place near the market area of the city, at Sean Heuston Place around 12.30pm.

The victim, Brian Collopy sustained gunshot wounds to his legs in the incident and is said to be in a serious but stable condition. Gardai suspect the shooting is connected to the murder of Noel Crawford last Sunday night.

Reports say a man approached the victim and opened fire hitting him in both legs before escaping in a silver car.

The scene has been sealed of for technical examination to be carried out later today.

Mr. Collopy(left) is a well known Limerick criminal who has convictions for larceny, car theft and drugs offences and was presented with a bill for tax on the proceeds of crime for €475,000 at his home in Fedamore by the Criminal assets bureau back in 2004

Map of City Centre
RTE News Report (Realplayer)
Irish Examiner Story

Joe Young hits out at station closure

Local Limerick priest Fr. Joe Young has spoken of is upset at the loss of Radio Limerick One today.

Speaking in an interview, Joe Young condemned the closure of a service he says has been an important lifeline for so many people.

“This radio station has been an important lifeline for so many people who don’t even get a chance to go outside their front doors.

It was a way of making a small difference to elderly people, people suffering from depression, people with anxieties. I went on this radio station just to try and make people feel they were special.

I am really very, very upset."

The pirate station was closed down last Wednesday in a joint ComReg Garda raid on its broadcasting centre in William Street.

Limerick teens lead Gardai on high speed chase in Clare

A 16 year old Limerick teenager has appeared at a sitting of Ennis district court today charged in connection with a high speed car chase through Ennis town centre Monday night.

Special Branch Gardai were dispatched to the Carphone warehouse in Ennis town centre last night after receiving reports that three teenagers had stolen a mobile phone form the shop. When Gardai arrived, a high speed chase ensued.

Reports say the young driver careered down one way streets, damaging a number of cars before being rammed off the road by a Garda car.

All three were arrested, two teenagers from Southill and one from Weston however the two from Southill were released today without charge.

The third youth , who appeared in court today, was charged with dangerous driving and the theft of a mobile phone.

RLO could be back tomorrow -Report

The Limerick Blogger reports today that pirate radio station Radio Limerick One is rumoured to be coming back on the airwaves as early as tomorrow midday.

The Blogger,

The ol' rumour mill tells us that Radio Limerick One will be returning to the airwaves at 1200 hrs on Wednesday. We cannot confirm this of course.

Just under a week ago, ComReg officials in the presence of Gardai shut down the radio station which broadcasts form William Street.

Station Owner Gerry Hannon(above) had stated after the raid that the service would be back within a few days.

Garda appeal after serious city assault

A woman is still recovering in hospital this morning after she suffered a horrific attack late Sunday night.

The 25-year-old was walking home around 3.30am when was pulled down a laneway off Mallow Street by a man and suffered a severe beating.The woman managed to fend off her attacker and escape on foot where she contacted Gardai immediately.

Gardai said yesterday that the woman was not sexually assaulted but say it may have been the motive for the attack.

Gardai have again appealed for information at 061 212400 to catch this man.

Murder victims brother in court after threatening to kill

The brother of the man shot dead last night has appeared in court today charged with threatening to kill a woman.

Paul Crawford with an address in Southill is reported to have held his dieing brother in his hands shortly after the gunman fled the scene of the murder last night.

During the court sitting today Gardai told how the 32 year old, who is a high ranking member of the infamous McCarthy Dundon Gang, threatened to kill a woman in the Southill area not long after his brother was killed.

He was remanded, refused bail and will appear before a Limerick court again on Wednesday.

It’s now widely believed that Paul Crawford was the intended target of the masked gunman last night.

More from Tuesdays Irish Examiner,

Detective Garda David Burke said he arrested Paul Crawford after threats were made to a woman shortly after the murder. Detective Garda Bourke said he believed Paul Crawford, and not his brother, Noel, was the intended victim of yesterday’s shooting.

He said there had been two earlier attempts on Paul Crawford’s life and he claimed that if Crawford got bail he would try to exact revenge on those who he believed killed his brother. Detective Garda Bourke claimed Crawford maintained he made the threat on the spur of the moment. However, he claimed that the woman was terrified and was fearful for her safety.

Detective Garda Bourke agreed with Ted McCarthy, solicitor, that the accused would not be able to attend the funeral of his brother if he was denied bail.

Homeowners flee as estates deteriorate says Election candidate

Sinn Fein’s Maurice Quinlivan has said today that he is concerned at the “continued rapid deterioration in some of our City estates”

Mr. Quinlivan(right) stated that significant numbers of residents are simply upping sticks and moving out and more are planning to follow.

He says it’s due to the high levels of crime, intimidation, stress and drug dealing,

“Many of these homeowners are left with houses that are now virtually worthless and people feel they have no alternative but to leave. The explosion in drug use and its associated crime is forcing many decent especially elderly families out. Many are trapped as they own their own homes and can’t sell them or afford to purchase or rent a house in a safer part of the City. This is a truly appalling scenario.”

The General Election candidate says the State and councils need to intervene to stop “drug fueled crime”,

“The City council must assume a duty of care towards these residents and help them find alternative accommodation as a priority. Whilst a longer term fix will require the state to deploy the resources necessary to defeat this criminality in our City, these people need somewhere to live in safety. It is incumbent on the state to ensure our housing estates are safe places to live in.

What we need and are sadly lacking is a proper co-ordinated response to the drug crisis. Drugs are at the root of all these problems. Many people who abhor drug taking and drug dealing are now unfortunately the victims of its consequences. We need to act immediately as this situation will only further worsen.”

Mr. Quinlivan was good enough also to send on a few photos of the situation in Keyes Park, just an example of what good people have to put up with everyday.

Man shot dead in Southill

An innocent victim of an ongoing feud between warring factions

Limerick murder is cowardly, vicious and cruel behavior - Michael McDowell

A man has been shot dead in Limerick City overnight.

A murder investigation is underway after 40-year-old Noel Crawford was shot outside his house in Southill around 3.00am Monday morning. He was approached by a lone gunman and had nowhere to hide.

The victim was the uncle of 5 year old Jordan Crawford who was shot in the leg in a similar gun attack outside their home last month

Gardai have stated at this early stage that the incident is feud related however reports suggests that Mr. Crawford was not the intended target and was simple just in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination to take place today.

Around an hour later shots were fired at another house in the same area. Gunman opened fire on the upstairs window of the house and immediately fled the scene.

No one was injured in that attack.

NEW DETAILS: It is believed that a gang on the North side of Limerick received a false report that a woman had been abducted by the McCarthy-Dundon gang and went on a rampage attack. The dead man’s brother, Paul Crawford, has strong links with the McCarthy-Dundon gang and four attempts have been made on his life over the past six months. The rival Keane/Collopy gang, based in St Mary’s Park on the north side of the city, are understood to have put out a contract on the 32-year-old.

Man injured in Moyross shooting

A 33-year-old man is recovering in the Limerick Regional Hospital today after he sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

The man was shot at his home in Cliona Park in Moyross around 11.30pm last night. Gardai say a lone gunman is suspected in this attack.

He was rushed to hospital last night however his injuries are not said to be life threatening.

NEW DETAILS: RTE news says this incident was a "drug related attack"

NEW DETAILS: Doctors say Tuesday that the injured man could be partially paralyzed for life

Some injured in second Co. Limerick crash

County Limerick emergency Services are dealing with another major road traffic accident this evening, hours after a fatal traffic accident near Bruff this morning.

Reports say a two car collision is causing major traffic delays on the Adare to Croagh road. The accident which happened around 5pm has injured at least two people.

Gardai, three ambulances and Fire officials were at the scene and they are requesting motorists to avoid the area completely.

Fatality after county crash

A 26 year old man has been killed and at two others injured after a high speed road traffic accident in County Limerick this morning.

The two car accident occurred on the main road between Bruff and Kilmallock around 9.00am this morning. Emergency services rushed to the scene. The young man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of one of the second car, another man in his twenties has been taken to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle.

The main Bruff to Kilmallock road is closed in both directions.

NEW DETAILS: RTE News picked up the story at 10.56am reporting that the dead person was a man.

He was named late Sunday night as John Buckley from Kilfinane, Co Limerick

Some goings on today in the city

A few things happening today in the city,

:: In a build up to tonight’s Heineken European Cup game in Thomand park it is being reported that Santa himself will be parading the Heineken Cup itself on a short tour of the city on board a vintage fire engine today.

:: Street entertainers will be on hand as the newly pedestrianised Bedford row holds a special Christmas market beginning at 2 o clock.

:: Also today another red event, Limerick fire Brigade will be at a number of different areas around the city including Thomand and the city centre demonstrating how they cut people out of crashed cars in a goal to promote road safety this Christmas.

:: Then of course the Heineken European Cup game in Thomand park pitting Munster against the Cardiff Blues.

Floods hit county Limerick after huge rainfall

After twice the average rainfall for December has already hit our region so far this month, families and elderly in Clonlara have been forced to leave their homes due to extensive flooding in the area.

Flood hit residents are now blaming the ESB for opening floodgates at Parteen weir ,causing the floods.

From todays Leader,

Local residents have been trapped in their homes because of the flooding but the ESB insists it is not to blame. Mike Mason of Springfield, Clonlara said that residents had been left in an appalling situation. "My mother is completely housebound. Septic tanks are not working, we've no means of transport other than a four wheel drive tractor. I've been speaking to the ESB and they've said they're going to do nothing about it. They held back the water too long, up to two weeks ago the level of the river was low even though we've had rain for the last five weeks." He said a local family had deserted their home and called for the ESB to take belated action. "We want them to close the gates, they can't keep flooding us forever." He said that about 15 houses were affected and a large area of farmland was flooded. Another local resident Mike Hogan said that septic tanks had been affected and sewage was flowing through the area. His four children have been off school all this week, while he has to wear waders to make his way as far as the main road, where he gets a lift to work. An ESB spokesman said that if the gates had remained closed the situation could have been even worse. "If the gates hadn't been opened it could have caused a lot more damage. It's not something we do lightly." Clare County Councillor Cathal Crowe was critical of the ESB. "It seems that they have released too large a volume and some residents have been confined to their homes. They could have given some
forewarning to the people. Needless to say some very good agricultural land has been damaged," he said. Cllr Crowe said that he had knew of a home in the Clonlara area which had fish in the backyard. He said he had tried to drive around the area in a car but couldn't, and it had since become totally impassable even to jeeps. "I'm calling on the ESB to provide transport to residents in the effected areas. Residents have told me that they can't get through the floods.

A woman in her 70’s had to be evacuated from her house in the town last night when floodwaters reached the front door of her home.

It’s not just Clonlara however, Newcastle West, Rathkeale and Mungret have also seen flooding

Moran murder: three released without charge

Three men who were arrested in relation to the murder of Thomas Moran have been released without charge.

The three men, two in their twenties and one in his thirties were arrested on Monday night by Gardai investigating the death and were questioned.

A file is being prepared for the DPP’s office.

Time to meet the new neighbours

It has been confirmed that the Murray family will move in to their new home on the Old Cratloe Road in the coming days.

Despite objections from some 60 odd residents of the Old Cratloe Road Clonile housing estate, The county Council has purchased a house worth around 270,000 that the Murray family will now rent.

The house has a converted garage which can be used for the daily physiotherapy programme drawn up for her children, Millie and Gavin, who were badly burned in a September petrol bomb attack.

Six-year-old Millie will be allowed home from Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin for Christmas, but a final decision on whether four-year-old Gavin can come home has yet to be taken by his doctors. Ms Murray was given the news when she met council officials at city hall. More than 60 residents had signed a petition opposing the Murray family being moved into the estate. Ms Murray and her four other children are living in cramped conditions with relatives in Garryowen.

-Examiner

The council had been determined to find the family a new home ever since 6 year old Millie and 4 year old Gavin were injured in an arson attack back in September.

Information sought on missing Limerick woman

Gardai in Co Limerick are appealing for information from the public in relation to the whereabouts of a missing Limerick lady.

Theresa Warren from Caherconlish was last seen on Thursday night last, in the Garryowen area where she was socializing with friends at a house on Greenhills road.

She left that house between 1.30am and 2.00am and has not been seen since.

As usual Henry Street Gardai are asking anyone who may have any information to contact them on 061 212400.

Teen appears charged with Limerick murder

A third teen has appeared in court today charged with the murder of a young man in Limerick over a year ago.

Joseph Keane (18) from Garryowen appeared before Limerick District Court today charged with the murder of Darren Coughlan (18), on the Old Cratloe Road on November 4th, 2005 and also charged with withholding information relating to the death.

He was remanded in custody for another week.

Mr Coughlin was walking along the Old Cratloe Road last November night, when he was set upon by a group of men. He was chased a short distance and then kicked a number of times in the head and upper body.

Two others, Shane Kelly and Richard Treacy have already been charged with Mr. Coughlin's murder.

Three arrested in relation to Southill murder

Three men have been arrested in connection with the death of Thomas Moran, who body was found on waste ground next to a burning house last month.

The men, two aged in their twenties and one aged in his thirties are being held at three different Garda stations. They were arrested last night

Shortly after the murder on the 13th of November, a report surfaced claiming Mr. Morans murderer had fled the country.

Sheila Murray speaks on rehousing objections

"I just want my children to be happy and they are so excited about moving into their new home."

Sheila Murray has spoken for the first time since it was revealed that residents of a suburban neighborhood had objected to her family moving in.

Speaking about the objections today, Mrs. Murray said,

“I just want to get a proper home for Millie and Gavin and get them home and allow them get on with their lives. We didn’t ask for what happened to them to happen. All we want is to live in peace. When we lived in Moyross I got on with everybody and had never trouble or anything like that.

I don’t even know where the house is and the people there could not even know us. I just want my children to be happy and they are so excited about moving into their new home. That is all I want: my children to be happy and to get on with their lives as best they can.They just want to go home. I didn’t think they would ever be coming home. I thought Gavin, especially, would never be coming home as he was so bad and was given no hope for the first 24 or 48 hours.”

It was reported on Saturday that Limerick City Council had found a suitable house for the family after they were driven out of their Pineview Gardens home in October. However residents of the area objected to the family being re-housed there.

The paper also reports that Limerick City Council officials and the Health Service Executive held a meeting on the Murray family and that the housing situation for the family was “high on the agenda.”

Caherdavin soon to be under City Council rule

After some speculation it has been revealed today that the handing over of Caherdavin from County Council control to the City Council will go ahead.

The Examiner reports that the County Council is “well disposed” towards the new plan which was suggested by crime czar John Fitzgerald.

Limerick to have Ireland’s only indoor rowing centre

Work on Ireland’s first indoor Rowing centre has begun out in The university of Limerick.

From Ireland Online,

The unique facility will be Ireland's only indoor Rowing 'Tank' where various weather and water conditions will be simulated. It will accommodate up to 16 rowers at a time in training.The total area of the Boathouse is 1900 square meters.

As well as housing the UL Rowing Club, Kayak Club, Mountain Bike Club and Sub Aqua Club the building will include a launch jetty, pontoon and a café area on the river bank which will be open to the public.

The new facility is tagged at a hefty €4.3m and surprisingly this report states that the project has been “largely funded by the university's students”

Whatever happened to the poor student then?

Post offices to close in tribute to murdered postmaster

Post Offices in Limerick will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday) for an hour beginning at noon out of respect for murdered postmaster Alan Cunniffe who was shot dead in Kilkenny on Friday as he chased an armed shoplifter from his post office.

A man in his 20s has appeared at a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court in relation to the fatal shooting.Shu Shen of no fixed abode was charged on two counts; that he robbed Patrick Cremin of €13,760 at the post office in John's Green, and with the murder of Mr. Cunniffe.

Ship leaks tonnes of oil into Shannon estuary

A pollution alert has been declared in the Shannon estuary after it emerged this morning that 10 tonnes of oil has leaked from a cargo ship.

The accident happened at 9.15 Sunday morning when the vessel, the Cobalt Water, was leaving port at the Aughinish Alumina refinery(right) when it struck a pier. A hole appeared and oil began to leak. Workers eventually plugged the hole however 10 tones of oil had leaked into the estuary.

Harbor Master Captain Alan Coughlan described the incident yesterday as a reasonably serious spillage.

Clean-up specialists from Limerick and Clare are now on their way to the scene and helicopter is also being deployed to gather from the air, where the oil has reached land.

Aughinish is an alumina refinery situated on Aughinish Island on the south side of the Shannon estuary between Askeaton and Foynes, 20 miles downstream from Limerick

NEW DETAILS:The swift action of a spillage Emergency Response Unit has prevented a major environmental disaster it is being reported tonight.

Although a sheet of surface oil is reported on the Limerick side of the Estuary near Loughil it is thought that a 3 inch hole in the side of the tanker was flowing for about an hour and a half before it was plugged.

However the 10 tonne figure was apparently a “worst estimate” and it is now thought that considerably less actually leaked.

Harsh weather continues in Limerick

Harsh weather conditions are continuing again in Limerick with the Met office warning today of some heavy rain along with the odd thunder and even a risk of localised flooding.

There are reports of very minor flooding on the Ballyneety / Limerick Rd and at the Roxboro Roundabout so watch out for that if you’re traveling today.

It’s also worth pointing out that European Storm Forecast Experiment has our area under a thunderstorm warning.

A summary of today; Rain, heavy at times. Very windy but it will ease into tonight

Suburban Residents object to Murray family moving in- Report

Earlier on in the week it was reported that Limerick City Council was determined to find a new home for the Murray family who left their Pineview Gardens house after they came under attack in October.

A report in today’s Irish Examiner is claiming that residents of a well-off area of a Limerick suburb have allegedly objected to the re-housing of the family to their area.

Examiner reporter Jimmy Woulfe says “reliable sources” in Limerick are informing him that the Council has found a home for the family in a well off area but have met opposition from locals.

Neither the council nor the Murray family would comment on this latest development but head of housing Pat Dowling reiterated his pledge,

“I am determined to have a suitable home for Sheila Murray and her children in time for Christmas”

Examiner Article

Lower Mallow Street reopens after safety scare.

Traffic restrictions are beginning to ease this morning following the reopening of Lower Mallow Street.

The street was closed yesterday evening and through the night after panels of cladding became loose high up on the river point building. Gardai took the precautionary measure of closing the street along with howleys Quay in fear the cladding would fall in the high wind.

Limerick Blogger has more on the closures,

Lower Mallow Street and Howleys Quay were immediately closed, and motorists were advised to avoid Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Mallow Street, Condell Road and the southern quays.All traffic lights in the City Centre were flashing amber while these roads were closed.

Contractors carried out work through the night to secure the panels and the road was reopened this morning. AA Roadwatch now reports that traffic is moving well in the city centre.

Polish bank to set up in Limerick?

The country’s first Polish bank could be opening in Limerick city next year along with a Polish medical centre, it was revealed today.

Pat O`Sullivan, president of the Irish Polish Cultural and Business Association confirmed that talks were underway with a particular Polish bank to convince them to open a branch in Limerick next year.

O’Sullivan said,

"If each person is sending home €150 from what they earn here, and I know some are sending home more, then you are talking about in excess of €1bn a year going back to Poland. This is big business for banks and financial institutions, some of whom are charging excessively for this service.”

He also confirmed plans to possibly set up a Polish medical centre in the city in 2007,

"We are encouraging Polish GPs to come to Ireland to set up a practice here providing a day-to-day service for Polish people. At present, many Polish people are going home for this service because of communication difficulties. We hope that a Polish medical centre will open in Limerick next May. It will start with two to three Polish GPs and a dental service will also be provided"

News article.
List of Polish Banks.

Hillary Clinton could be coming to Limerick

Reports today say that former first lady Hillary Clinton may be visiting Limerick next year.

Limerick mayor Joe Leddin confirmed to local radio today that The New York Senator has been asked to attend the Mayors Ball at the new Hilton Hotel in May next year. He said that the senator is just one of a number of individuals approached to be guest speaker at the event.

Clinton has yet to confirm or decline the invitation however Live95 states that she is “keen to come to Ireland next year”

House for Murray family before Christmas

Limerick City council have told the Limerick Leader tonight that they are confident they will have a new home for the Murray family in time for Christmas

Shelia Murray along with six of her kids including her 6 year old daughter Mille and 4 year old son Gavin, was forced to flee her Pineview Gardens house in October when the windows of the house were smashed in by rocks and bricks. Their car was also smashed in the attack by a group of men.

Pat Dowling who is the Director of services of the Council Housing department told the Leader,

“Since that date we have been looking at various different alternatives with the family. We want to provide a decent house for the family. I am not in a position to confirm anything yet but we are confident that we will have a house for them before Christmas.”

Rumours that Euromillions Jackpot winner Dolores McNamara had bought the family a house in Killaloe have been rubbished by the paper.

4 year old Millie Murray and younger brother Gavin(above) were badly burned in a horrific arson attack in Pineview Gardens back in September.

Protesters bring redundancy dispute to the Dáil

300 people who lost their jobs when the Castlemahon poultry processing plant closed have staged a protest outside the Dáil today demanding that the Government intervene in their redundancy dispute.

Since the plant closed, workers have only received two weeks redundancy pay as apposed to the five weeks they were promised.

The former employees say they are under financial pressure leading up to Christmas.

Four sent for trial in Limerick doorman murder

FOUR YEARS ON: FOUR MEN GO FORWARD TO MURDER TRIAL

A total of four men appeared in court today in relation to the murder of Brian Fitzgerald.

26 year old Dessie Dundon, his 22 year old brother John Dundon and Gary Campion from Pineview Gardens, Moyross were all charged with murder at the sitting this morning. 49-year-old Anthony Kelly who was charged at an earlier date also appeared at the sitting.

Armed Gardai surrounded the courthouse(above) today as the four men including two brothers were led in to the chamber.

From the Limerick Blogger,

Dessie Dundon is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Kieran Keane and attempted murder of Owen Treacy. Dundon was part of a double-cross operation against Keane, who had offered them €50,000 to kill a member of the Ryan family, the Keane's opposition in another feud, but Dundon and his associate, Anthony, "Noddy" McCarthy, decided to kill him instead.John Dundon, his brother, pleaded guilty in 2005 to charges of threatening to kill Owen Treacy during the Keane murder trial.

Another of the charged, Gary campion has already been charged with the murder of Frankie Ryan one Sunday in September.

Mr Fitzgerald was shot outside his home in Corbally on 29 November 2002 after returning home in the early hours of the morning from his work as a bouncer at a Limerick nightclub.

All four were sent forward for trial to the current sitting of the Central Criminal Court.James Martin Cahill, an Englishman, was jailed for life for the murder of Brian Fitzgerald last November.

Sending in the troops for Operation Freeflow

Operation Freeflow gets underway next Monday with the news that a grand total of eight new Gardai, fresh from training college will be “drafted in” to keep Limerick streets free from Gridlock over the Christmas period.

Operation Freeflow commences Monday and will run until January 5th.The traffic corps will be looking out for traffic gridlock and illegal parking which runs amuck around this time of year.

So be warned!

What do we want?..Bebo out!

When do we want it!....between 9am – 6pm because I have loads of college work…

Bebo- a social networking craze with millions of members all round the world. Urban dictionary describes Bebo as,

Myspace's biggest rival. Currently very popular amongst college students in Ireland for some strange reason.
Used in a sentence: OMG a bebo whiteboard! Let's a draw a dick on it!

Some students of the University of Limerick however have won a battle to ban the bebo website from all UL computers between 9am and 6pm everyday. It seems the more diligent students cannot find a free computer to complete college work due to the amount of people hogging them for personal uses, Bebo being the main culprit.

Student union spokeswoman Deirdre O’Shaughnessy told today’s Examiner,

“The idea behind the new policy move is to allow students who have assignments and important projects access to computers ahead of those who are using them for purely recreational purposes. The policy change does not advocate banning Bebo from all university buildings. It actually advocates Bebo free zones between 9am and 6pm every day to allow for coursework rather than a total ban”

The vote which was conducted by class representatives was said to be very close. The college estimated that nearly 1/4 students in the library at any one time, are using the computers for Bebo.

Body found in sea off Clare coast

Rescue services have recovered the body of a man off the coast of Clare tonight.

The body was discovered after a major search and rescue operation was launched when a man was seen entering the water at Lahinch Strand at 3.45pm today.

Search boats from Doolin and Lahinch were dispatched immediately after the incident but efforts to find the man were hampered by severe weather.

Gardai are reportedly on their way to the scene.

Limerick man knocked down and killed in Scotland

Reports from Scotland today say that a Limerick man in has been killed in a road accident in Glasgow.

21-year-old Aidan Murphy from Kilteely in Co. Limerick was walking along a bridge when he was struck by a Taxi around 4am this morning.

He was brought to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Pc Colin Scott of Helen Street police said,

"At this time we are working to piece together the young man's movements and trying to establish why he was on the Kingston Bridge"

BBC News - Kingston Bridge pedestrian killed

Limerick taken off Tornado watch

As a band of extreme weather moves across Limerick and the entire country, the Met office has issued a severe weather warning today saying that stormy conditions are expected in the Limerick area as well as across the country.

From the Met office,
The Munster Area:
Becoming extremely windy or stormy today, with gale force southwest to west winds, gusting up to 130 km per hour. Heavy or prolonged showers also, with a risk of thunder.

A Tornado Watch which was issued by Torro at 2020GMT on Saturday for parts of Southern Ireland which include right here in Limerick has been discontinued.

Homes and businesses in Askeaton and Carrigkerry were hit with power outages caused by harsh weather conditions last Thursday.

If any readers have any storm related information like power cuts or fallen debris then you can leave it in the comment section

Arson victim is the star of the Toy Show

"A doll and a drum, a kick up the bum, and a chase around the table" -Millie Murray

A little Limerick girl was the star of the Late Late toy show last night 3 months since an arson attack which left her and her younger brother seriously burned from head to toe.

6-year-old Millie Murray-McNamara, who was a very special guest on the toy show, arrived straight form the burns unit of Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children where she has been recovering since September.

While on the show, mille explained all about some toys she had brought along and also talked about her younger brother who was watching live in the hospital. Pat Kenny then surprised Millie by bringing out X- factor winner Shane Ward, who presented the little star with a giant teddy polar bear. Millie was clearly overjoyed.

Joking with an interviewer, Mille explained after the appearance that all she wanted for Christmas was "A doll and a drum, a kick up the bum, and a chase around the table."
Before going on to say she really wanted a dolly set, a trampoline and a small pink bike "with no stabilizers".

The brave girl’s father watched from backstage saying,

"I'm very happy with the progress she's making. She's getting up and she's running around, she's helping the nurses and people who go around with the dinners,"

He said that 4 year old Gavin ,who was also injured in the cowardly attack, was making a good recovery however he was too young to appear on the show last night.

Limerick Blogger has uploaded a video of little millie’s appearance on thr Toy Show. Fantastic clip.

Photocredit: Limerick Blogger