More regional news in brief.
Limerick drug dealer jailed for 12 years
A Limerick drug courier who was caught in a Garda operation targeting a major Shannonside criminal has been given a 12-year sentence by Judge Donagh McDonagh at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. John Costello (26), Hennessy Avenue, Kileely, pleaded guilty to having unlawful possession of 3kg of amphetamine tablets valued at €45,000 for sale or supply on September 1st, 2004.
The court heard Costello was arrested near Mountrath, Co Laois, by members of the National Drugs Unit who found the drugs in his car.
Cullen's helipad refused permission
Businessman and writer Bill Cullen has been refused retention planning permission for a helicopter landing pad at his property in the heart of the Killarney National Park, but has been granted permission for other structures including a large house. An Taisce had said permission for a helipad should not be granted.
In its refusal, Kerry County Council said a helipad would adversely affect the natural environment.
Glencullen Properties Ltd, owned by Mr Cullen, had sought retention permission for the helipad, along with a tennis court and landscaping at Killegy Upper, a prime special amenity area between Mangerton and Torc mountains.
The application was also for retention of a large house and cottage with a total floor area of 691sq metres.
Admiral Brown remembered
Argentina is preparing for the arrival of up to 300 people from Mayo later this week for ceremonies to mark the 150th anniversary of Foxford-born Admiral William Brown, the founder of the Argentinian navy.
On Saturday, the anniversary of the admiral's death, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at his tomb in Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires.
Among the visitors will be the parish priest of Foxford,
Fr Joseph Gavigan, and the president of the Admiral Brown Society in Foxford, JJ O'Hara.
Shannon land transfer filed
One of the largest ever property transactions in the history of the State was officially filed with the Property Registration Authority (Land Registry) yesterday after responsibility for Shannon town was transferred from regional development agency Shannon Development to Clare County Council in 2004.
The local authority yesterday delivered transfer maps for all property in Shannon.
Cornwall to Cork flights to start
Air Southwest is to begin a new service between Newquay Airport, Cornwall, and Cork from May 4th. The flights will operate on Monday, Friday and Sunday throughout May, with a Wednesday flight being introduced from June.
Mike Coombes, deputy chief executive at Air Southwest, said yesterday a service to Cork was the next logical step in the airline's development of services out of Newquay.
Meanwhile, Aer Arann will introduce four services from Lorient to Waterford, Galway, Cork and Kerry and three services from Nantes to Cork, Bristol and Cardiff as part of its summer schedule.