Accident causes long delays on Ennis-Limerick road

An overturned truck caused traffic chaos on the N18 Ennis to Limerick road today.

The Ennis-bound lane of the carriageway was blocked as a result of the accident at Setrights Cross. The road was reduced to one lane and there were long traffic delays in the area, but nobody was injured.

Man dies in Limerick collision

A 30-year-old man has died and another has been injured in a road crash in Co Limerick.

The accident happened at around 2.30am on the N21 at the Rathkeale Bypass, when a car collided with a parked truck. The victim, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene.

RTE News reports that the driver was taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

Second Drinking Water Boil Notice Issued In County Limerick

Limerick County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, has issued a boil water notice to customers in parts of Pallasgreen village, County Limerick.

Earlier this week, the local authority issued a similar public alert to over 153 domestic and non-domestic customers of the Rockhill Public Rockhill Public Water Supply. Continued extensive testing by the local authority's Environmental Laboratory staff has since identified E-Coli in the Pallasgreen Water Supply.

100 households are affected by the new public water notice in areas including Knockanea, Grange West, Knockeen, Ballyart, Castle-erkin, Woodfarm, Dromkeen, Drombane, Sunville, Garranemore, Dromlara, Lisheen, Ballyvoneen, Brackylea and Linfield.

According to Paul Crowe, Director of Services, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, 'The introduction of a boil notice is deemed a necessary precautionary measure to ensure that public health is not put at risk’. He explained, ‘Due to the recent heavy rainfall in the county, the Rockhill and Pallasgreen water supplies have been under continuous surveillance. The surveillance subsequently identified E-Coli in the water supply. As Water Services Authority, on receipt of Health Service Executive (HSE) advice we wish to advise customers that, water being supplied from now until further notice should not be used for human consumption except under a number of conditions and for certain purposes.’

Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled.
Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place.
Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers.
Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads.
It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water.

Prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters.

Don’t use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l. Water maybe used for flushing of toilets and for internal house plumbing, as well as for personal hygiene and bathing.

Further information and advice is available from the following phone numbers:
(061) 496326 (9.30am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday) or (061) 419226 (after hours)

‘The Council wishes to thank the public for their support to date. A further notice will be issued in due course’, concluded Mr. Crowe.

Major New Public Park Opens In Limerick

A major new outdoor recreational facility has today been opened to members of the public in Castletroy, County Limerick.

Costing an estimated EUR2.2m to develop, ‘Castletroy Park’ is now one of the largest purpose-built public park and amenity areas in the Midwest Region. The delivery of the 17-acre development follows an eight-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare.

The development, which was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates Urban Design, features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route, and central performance and exhibition area with covering structure. It also includes an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands

The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council. Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, said that the new facilities were a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure.

‘The County Council has always been conscious of the growing population of the City Environs and the increasing demands for enhanced recreational facilities. To this end, therefore, the additional amenities being provided in this park will also be complemented by further recreational facilities in the Castletroy area and also a proposed new Neighbourhood Park at Ballykeeffe. This park will serve the population of the Southern Environs, including Ballykeeffe, Dooradoyle, Gouldavoher, Raheen and Mungret’, explained the Cathaoirleach.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. The funding made available through the Development Levy Scheme, makes it possible for the first time to provide this state of the art recreational facility. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan

Limerick County Council has in recent months made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale with further playgrounds planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff. Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are developing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities for young people in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

Drinking Water Boil Notice Issue In County Limerick

Limerick County Council, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, has issued a boil water notice to customers served by the Rockhill Water Supply Scheme in County Limerick.

Extensive testing by the local authority's Environmental Laboratory staff has identified E-Coli in the water being produced at the Rockhill Water Treatment Plant. The areas affected by the public water notice are Ballyteige Upper, Ballyfookeen, Howardstown North, Cappanafaraha, Ballywillin, Ballyclough Upper, Ballyinoran, Garryfine, Knockaunavoddig, Garrane, Ballynoe, Mounteagle and Lotteragh Upper.

According to Paul Crowe, Director of Services, Transportation & Water Services, Limerick County Council, 'The introduction of a boil notice is deemed a necessary precautionary measure to ensure that public health is not put at risk’. He explained, ‘Due to the recent heavy rainfall in the county, the Rockhill Water Supply has been under continuous surveillance. The surveillance subsequently identified E-Coli in the water supply. As Water Services Authority, on receipt of Health Service Executive (HSE) advice we wish to advise customers that, water being supplied from now until further notice should not be used for human consumption except under a number of conditions and for certain purposes.’

Water for drinking purposes, brushing teeth and food preparation should be boiled.
Boil the water to ensure a rolling vigorous boil and then allow it to cool. Cover it and store it in a fridge or cold place.
Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic filters will not guarantee that water is safe to drink. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers.
Use water that has been prepared for drinking (i.e. that is boiled) for preparing foods that will not be cooked, e.g. for washing salads.
It is safe to drink commercial bottled mineral water.

Prepare baby feeds with water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If tap water is unavailable, use bottled water that has been brought to the boil and cooled. Avoid using water that is fizzy, unless boiling has removed all the fizziness. Check the label: water in bottles labelled “natural mineral water” is not required to meet all the standards of tap waters.

Don’t use natural mineral water with concentrations greater than the following for infant feeding: sodium –200mg/l; Nitrate –50mg/l; Nitrite –0.5mg/l; Sulphate –250mg/l. Water maybe used for flushing of toilets and for internal house plumbing, as well as for personal hygiene and bathing.

Further information and advice is available from the following phone numbers:
(061) 496326 (9.30am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday) or (061) 419226 (after hours)

Man Critical Following RTA

A man is in a critical condition in hospital this Wednesday morning following a car crash on the outskirts of Limerick city last night.

The collision occurred at Woodcock Hill Road near Cratloe shortly before 8pm last night. Units from the Ambulance and Fire Service were present at the scene for approximately one hour.

The Limerick Leader reports today that the car was badly damaged in the impact, and the front wall of a house was demolished. A spokesperson for the Fire Service said: "We received a call at ten-to-eight last night. Two units were dispatched to the scene and they were there until quarter-to-nine."

Limerick Docks Sculpture Draws Interest

Sculptors and artists from America, Ireland, England and Europe, have sent their submissions to Limerick City Council in response to the local authority’s advertisement for expressions of interest in designing and executing a monument in memory of those men who down through the decades eked out a precarious livelihood as dockers in Limerick Docks.

Cllr Jim Long, who chairs a committee to oversee the commission and completion of an appropriate monument, told the Limerick Post that a total of 22 submissions have been received and scrutinised.

"We are very impressed with the quality and standard of the designs received and we spent a whole day going through them and short listing them”.

Cathaoirleach Placed On The Long Finger

Outspoken city councillor Jim Long today told the Limerick Leader newspaper that he does not give "two hoots" about co-operating with the County Council.

Responding to reports in Tuesday's Limerick Chronicle, in which Cathaoirleach John Gallahue criticised city planners for not being "forward thinking" enough to put leisure facilities into troubled city estates, Cllr Long slammed the Fianna Fail councillor's claims as "a bit rich", and said he should look at the county's failings when it comes to social housing.

Cllr Gallahue said in yesterday's Limerick Chronicle: "If we had forward thinking planners and people with vision, you would have parks like these at any place which has a few hundred houses. They need public facilities."

However, an angry Cllr Long responded: "How dare he make such a statement? It is inaccurate and not qualified. It is a bit rich of him to come along and slate the city council's planners. Would he not be better off to concentrate on the lack of social housing in the county, and the fact that they did not build any for 20 years? He might be better off putting communities into houses rather than talking about public parks. The city's sole responsibility is supplying social housing, something the county council were negligent in doing."

Finnan to return to Irish squad

Liverpool defender and Limerick native Steve Finnan will make his return to Republic of Ireland duty against Norway as Wednesday as his club future remains in some doubt.

According to BBC Sport, Finnan has been persuaded to return to the Republic set-up by manager Giovanni Trapattoni after retiring from international football last year.

"When I met the manager, I liked what I heard, so I made that decision," said the Liverpool defender. Finnan acknowledged that his Liverpool future is in "limbo". The £3.5million signing from Fulham five summers ago, has found himself out of the picture so far this season after undergoing hernia surgery.

News In Brief...

Limerick County Council has appointed a consultant to carry out an impact report following recent flooding in the catchment areas of the Arragh and Galey rivers, including Newcastlewest and Athea.

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Keeping a close eye on the Baggot Estate in Ballinacurra, councillors are maintaining pressure on City Hall to refurbish and develop the nature park, with provision for local sports clubs and a focus has been on the creation of a wetland area. A progress report has just been issued by director of services, Caroline Curley to councillors for the Ward - Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cllr Marie Byrne, Cllr Jim Long and Cllr Joe Leddin.

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Gardai have been alerted to what has been described as a crime spree in the Castletroy area, and are to step up operations. A Henry Street spokesperson told the Limerick Post that there had been an increase in crime in the general Castletroy district over the last 12 months. According to UL Students Union President Pat O’Brien, many students and residents had become very concerned for their personal safety. "It is disappointing that you can’t even leave your windows open in the summertime for fear of intruders”.

Making sound waves in Kilkee

Not content with bringing a slew of top musical acts to County Clare, Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson has just revealed details of its curtain-raising Cold Water Clash.

Running over two days between September 1 and 7 (waves & weather permitting), 16 pro surfers including Cian Kilcullen, Fergal Smith, Aaron Reid, Damien Conway, Hugh Galloway and Beth Manson will battle it out for prizes including top of the range Sony Ericsson Walkman mobile phones and a €10,000 worth cache of goodies from Sony Ireland.

“It’s great to have Sony Ericsson getting involved in Irish surfing,” Irish Female Champion surfer Easkey Britton told Hotpress.ie.

“As my sponsor I’m stoked that they are supporting an event like the Cold Water Clash which is shaping up to be one of the best displays of surfing in Ireland. It will be in a unique and fun format for everyone to enjoy and have the craic. I look forward to seeing this exciting event continue to grow and develop in the coming years, along with the current explosion of surfing in Ireland.”

As for the musical treats in store, the Cois Fharraige with Sony Ericsson line-up is:
Friday September 5 – The Zutons, The Futureheads, The Coronas & Kanyu Tree @ 6pm
Saturday September 6 – Supergrass, Seasick Steve, Simon & Oscar, The Broken Family Band & 28 Costumes @ 5pm
Sunday September 7 – Travis, The Coral & Joe Brown.

Tickets are available now from ticketmaster.ie

Flood hit areas braced for more rain

Home and landowners across Limerick are battling to contain flooding as the County today braces itself for more downpours.

There are fears of major traffic disruption amid predictions of more rain.

Rivers burst their banks and dozens of roads closed across the County over the past few days as Shannon Airport continued to monitor record breaking rainfall totals for the time of year.

Some parts of Limerick, mostly in the west of the county, saw up to three-quarters of the normal August rainfall in a single day. A spokeswoman for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the PA Group, confirmed another area of rain was moving into the county today.

Warning for Limerick Pedestrians as Survey is Revealed

Pedestrians in Limerick have been urged to show greater discipline and patience at road crossings in the city.

The warning has been issued by Limerick City Council`s Road Safety Officer who says twenty per cent of all fatalities on Irish roads involve pedestrians. Rory Mc Dermott says Limerick motorists have been showing greater awareness towards the safety of people out walking.

He told Limerick's Live 95FM that research carried out by the city council has highlighted some dangerous attitudes among Limerick`s pedestrians.

Untimely Death Of Former Mayor’s Son

The Limerick Leader newspaper reports that the family of former Limerick mayor Michael Hourigan are grieving this Monday following the tragic death of the councillor's 21-year-old son Patrick at the weekend.

Mr Hourigan, who suffered from epilepsy, was discovered unconscious near his home on the North Circular Road on Friday evening.

He is understood to have gone for a walk on his own before collapsing on the footpath shortly after leaving his house. The young man is believed to have suffered a seizure.

Climbing Limerick Hero Is Remembered In Native Limerick

Half a dozen white doves were releases into the dark County Limerick sky yesterday as a tribute to the "free spirit" of mountain climber Ger McDonnell, who died after his historic climb to the summit of the K2 mountain earlier this month.

The 37-year-old, the first Irish person to climb to the world's second highest mountain in the Himalayas, perished with 10 other climbers after an avalanche during their descent from the summit on August 2nd.

Today’s Irish Times reports that McDonnell, described yesterday as a "humble hero", had stopped to help three climbers who were in difficulty when he was hit by the icefall. More than 2,000 mourners converged on his native Co Limerick village of Kilcornan yesterday for a memorial Mass and celebration of his life. Mourners were led yesterday by Gerard's widowed mother Gertie, brother JJ, sisters Martha, Stephanie and Denise, as well as his partner Annie Starkey.

17-Acre Public Park To Open This Week In Castletroy, County Limerick

Limerick County Council will officially open a major new public park and amenity area in Castletroy later this week.

The development of ‘Castletroy Park’ follows an 8-month long construction contract between Limerick County Council and contractor L&M Keating of Kilmihil, County Clare. The EUR2.2m public park and amenity area, which is one of the largest purpose built public park and amenity areas in County Limerick, was designed by local company Nicholas de Jong Associates, Urban Design.

The development features 1.2 km of pedestrian pathways, a fully equipped children's playground, skateboarding area, circular cycle route and central performance/exhibition area with covering structure. It also features an array of natural habitats, including a 4,300 sq. metre lake, wetlands, wildflower grass areas and woodlands The development, which is located opposite Castletroy College, is complemented by park furniture, ornamental planting areas, a public car park and main entrance feature. It will be open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, and managed by Limerick County Council.

Cllr. John Gallahue, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, who will officially open the new public park and amenity area this Thursday at 12 noon, said, ‘These new facilities are a significant and welcome addition to Limerick’s outdoor recreational infrastructure’. He added, ‘The provision of this state of the art public park demonstrates Limerick County Council’s commitment to further improving the quality of life for local communities. The development will be of particular benefit to the growing population of Castletroy and surrounding areas’.

Mr. Gerry Behan, Deputy County Manager, said the provision of sporting and recreational facilities and services is one of the core functions of Local Government. ‘Castletroy continues to experience growth in terms of developments and population. Therefore, it is imperative that this is matched by the provision of important infrastructure such as recreational amenities. I expect that this accessible and convenient setting for relaxation and recreation will become a focal point for the people of the locality and beyond’, added Mr. Behan.

In the past year alone, Limerick County Council has made significant progress in meeting its obligations under the County Limerick Play Plan 2006-2010 and National Play Policy – Ready, Steady, Play! Play facilities have been provided at Kilmallock, Cappamore, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Further playgrounds are planned for Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croom, Kilfinane, Castleconnell and Bruff.

Elsewhere, the Council and the Football Association of Ireland are currently in the process of providing all weather soccer and multiuse facilities at separate locations throughout County Limerick. The five separate Astroturf pitches for young people will be situated in Abbeyfeale, Patrickswell, Hospital, Rathkeale and Cappamore. Earlier this year, meanwhile, President of Ireland Mary McAleese officially opened the Askeaton Pool And Leisure Centre, which has been established as a lasting tribute to Askeaton’s proud and lengthy association with organised swimming and water sports.

According to Cllr. Patrick O’Donovan, Chair of the Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), ‘Castletroy Park represents yet another step forward for the Local Authority in its continuing efforts to further improve the number and standard of recreational facilities available to members of the public. Through interaction with local groups, who possess an in-depth understanding of the needs of their locality, my colleagues and I will continue to press for further developments of this nature throughout the county’.