Western People - 16th January 2002

From www.castlebar.ie

Local Papers Commentary
Western People - 16th January 2002
By Neasa McGarrigle
Jan 17, 2002, 22:01

Great lakes could turn into pea green mass of algae
A public meeting will be held in Crossmolina on Wednesday January 23rd in an attempt to form a partnership of all groups concerned with the pollution crisis in Loughs Conn and Cullin. Recent deterioration in the lakes has caused great concern both from the angling tourism and the public health points of view. At the meeting experts will speak on the state of the lakes and the threat to their future and all interested parties will be invited to work together to redress the situation.

Castlebar UDC laments loss of 250 jobs and savage beatings
Castlebar UDC propose to ask Mary Harney to meet with them to discuss options in place for the those who lost their jobs in Volex, totally 700 over the last 12 months. Other job losses were imminent and many ancillary jobs wew also in danger resulting in a very serious situation for the town. No town in this county has been placed on the priority list by the IDA. Roads and electricity were important issues with a bearing on this too. The brutal beating of a young man who ended up in intensive care was also discussed. The failure of parents together with alcohol and drugs was changing the face of Castlebar.

GMIT focus on safety in west
A recent GMIT seminar on safety in the construction sector hosted experts from the Health & Safety Authority. The seminar was attended by students from the construction management, civil engineering, architectural technology and construction economics courses. It covered topics on high risk areas such as scaffolding, roof work and excavations. Each year about half of the construction-related accidents result from falls from heights.