Local Papers Commentary
The Western People - 13th February 2002
By Neasa McGarrigle
Feb 13, 2002, 22:06

Nightclubs pose risks to hearing
Eighty-six percent of nightclubs in the Western Health Board area play their music too loud. This astounding fact is the result of a Western Health Board survey that surveyed eighteen nightclubs and thirteen music bars. Eighty-six percent of these played music that was louder than the recommended maximum noise level. Seventy-one percent played music that exceeded the recommended maximum noise levels for the World Health Organisation of 110 decibels. Exposure to any sounds louder than 105 decibels for any length of time longer than four minutes, forty-three seconds per day is a dangerous risk to your hearing.

Landowners willing to donate land for Lough Lannagh development
Fifteen landowners have offered to donate land to the Town Council to develop the area surrounding Lough Lannagh. The land at the moment is zoned for agricultural use but the town council is considering rezoning the land to build houses on it. The initial twenty metres around the lake will be developed to add to the current amenities at the lake. Then after the twenty-metre point there is a potential for up to four hundred houses to be built. There have been mixed reactions to this idea. Some people are opposed to building houses beside such a picturesque lake. Others think that the development of the lakeside area would be great. The final decision has not yet been made however, so we shall have to wait and see what the Town Council decides.

44-year old man jailed for selling drugs
Mr. Gerry Walsh a 44-year-old man from Castlebar was jailed for six months on the charge of possession of drugs for sale or supply. Mr. Walsh was stopped by the Gardai on March 7th, 2001 and was found to have had enough cannabis to make 46 rolled joints. Again on the 26th of July 2001 Mr. Walsh was stopped under the misuse of drugs act and two plastic containers with cannabis resin and £140 were found on him. £50 was from his dole money but the rest was from selling drugs. In his statement Mr. Walsh said that he thought that hash was good for you. Supt. Joe Staunton said that drugs were a serious problem in Castlebar and the Gardai are trying to deal with the situation.

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