Minister warns of huge Corrib Gas loss to West
Former Minister for Marine and Natural Resources Frank Fahy, who is now Minister for Labour affairs, has warned that Corrib Gas would come to an end if the planning application before An Bord Pleanála failed. Describing the project as "the most important strategic and economic development for this region in the history of the State" Deputy Fahy said that it was time for all politicians, business leaders, community and local authority leaders to come together in support of the project to ensure that it proceeds. Shell / Enterprise Energy, owners of the Corrib Gas field are due to respond to a request for further information from An Bord Pleanála before 20th September.

Thousands bid farewell to Mayo comedian
Many glowing tributes have been paid to one of Mayo's best-loved entertainers, Mick Cuffe, who died last week aged 50. Belcarra Native Mick began his career as a mechanic in his father's garage, but soon gravitated to his main goal in life as a musician and spent over 30 years entertaining in his native county, even though bigger opportunities beckoned. A widely attended Requiem Mass for Mick was celebrated in The Church of The Holy Rosary last Sunday with internment afterwards in Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery.

Semtex and detonators found in Erris
Gardai discovered a substance, believed to be Semtex, along with some detonators, drums and other materials in the course of an extensive search in the Ballycroy area of Erris last week. According to Supt. Johnny Carey of Castlebar, about two to three kilos of the substance were found in one block and a smaller amount elsewhere. This material has been sent for analysis and results are awaited.