Connaught Telegraph 31 July 2002

From www.castlebar.ie

Local Papers Commentary
Connaught Telegraph 31 July 2002
By Sandra Noone
Aug 3, 2002, 08:29

Gardai warn public of rogue repair men in Mayo
The gardai are asking the people in Mayo to be aware of 'cowboy' tradesmen who offers to clean gutters or do other repair jobs around the house. Chief Supt Carey, head of the Mayo Garda Division, said on no account should any homeowner accompany any of the 'bogus tradesmen' to a bank to get money to pay for work done. He also added, the public should only deal with tradesmen they know and trust. Anyone with any information should contact the local gardaí.

Four year backlog for Arthritis sufferers
The Western Health Board has been lashed for its neglect of 14,500 arthritis sufferers. Dr Robert Coughlan is the only Rheumatologist in the WHB and he covers Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. For many years, the Mayo Arthritis Foundation is trying to get a specialist in Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar so people with arthritis can be treated in their own county. Due to the long waiting list, Ms. Mary Healy, chairperson of the Mayo Arthritis Foundation stated that "For many people it will be too late as the damage will already be done". She is once again calling on the Western Health Board to appoint a Rheumatologist to Mayo General Hospital because some people especially the elderly are unable to take long bus journeys to Galway for treatment.

Major project rejected by council because it's deemed 'premature'. Business sector annoyed by multi-storey car park ruling
The decision of Castlebar Town Council to refuse planning permission for a €3m euro multi-storey car park which was to be built on a section of the former Convent of Mercy site, facing onto Castle Street car park has angered commercial and business interests in the town. The letters sent to the Council by the developers outlined that they were 'available to pursue discussions with regard to entering into a joint venture with the council to develop the car park'. An agreed number of spaces could be leased or purchased by the council. Plans were made by the consortium to develop the remainder of the site but when the consortium demolished without permission, the century-old Convent buildings following two fires it ran into trouble with the council.