Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph - 16th Oct 2002
By Declan Holmes
Oct 16, 2002, 16:34

Newport Schools Bombshell
A major controversy is unfolding following the announcement by the Education Minister Noel Dempsey T.D. that the decision to proceed with the new school in Newport has been reversed. Mr Dempsey said that a decision would be made on foot of a review, but Mr Michael Ring T.D. Fine Gael claimed that the proposal has been cancelled because the proper catchment area did not exist. The property for the school has been purchased for a sum in the region of €380,000.

Mayo miss out on ‘Wild Mouse’
Mayo missed out on a €1m rollercoaster ride called the ‘Wild Mouse’ as a result of the lack of carnival facilities in Castlebar. The loss of the Castle Street venue meant that the annual Boxing Club Carnival had to be switched to a smaller venue off Main Street. Castlebar needs the use of a large civic area like the Military Barracks, which has been used in the past for carnivals and similar events.

Man whose phone went off in court cleared
A man from Mulranny had his 7-day sentence for contempt after his mobile went off in court quashed. Kieran Loftus was in court when a beep went off. The judge Mary Devins asked the person to turn off the phone. After two warnings, the judge found Mr Loftus in contempt and sentenced him to 7 days. On the way out of court, Mr Loftus was involved in an incident with a fire extinguisher, which was knocked off the wall and went off. He was awarded costs by the High Court.

© Copyright 2003 by www.castlebar.ie and the author