The problem of job losses continues to concern the regional papers which are also worried about the growing nuisance of waste disposal. The Limerick Leader gives front page attention to a report by Norma Prendiville under the headline: "Fears of 150 Co Limerick jobs going up in smoke."
The report said: "Job losses in Foynes are inevitable if the Government's proposal to ban bituminous coal countrywide goes ahead. Dockers, importers and hauliers are likely to be affected with some estimating job losses as high as 150."
The Nationalist and Munster Advertiser caries the headline: "Tβnaiste 'blows the lid' on jobs, claims Healy. The report by Eamonn Lacey said: "South Tipperary's long wait for decentralisation of a Government office is set to continue with hopes of an imminent announcement dashed last week.
"Carrick-on-Suir and Tipperary town were dealt a massive blow as the decentralisation agony was exacerbated by comments made by Tβnaiste Mary Harney. According to Independent TD, Mr Seamus Healy, the Tβnaiste has 'blown the lid' off the decentralisation facade."
The Argus, in a report by Olivia Ryan said: "Concerns over the future of Xerox's Dundalk plant emerged this week with confirmation that workers in a number of sections are, currently, being offered voluntary redundancy."
A spokesman for the company, Mr Joe Browne is quoted: "We have no indication yet as to the number who will accept, however, I do expect that there will be some take up." The effect on employment from the events of September 11th in New York are referred to in the Wexford People. The headline over a report by David Tucker says: "Jobs go as Wexford firm suffers from US terror fallout." The report said: "Wexford-based Celtic Linen, which had been hoping to protect its workforce from seasonal lay-offs has been forced to cut out an entire night shift because of the downturn in hotel sector business since the September 11th atrocities."
The Wicklow People gives a two-page spread to the problems associated with the events in the US. One headline declared: "Jobs may go at centre in Glendalough."
The centre's manager, Mr George McClafferty "warns that unless numbers (of visitors) improved, staff would have to be let go. Numbers attending the Glendalough Visitors Centre have dropped 27 per cent" the report said. Other reports tell of: "Dramatic downturn in numbers" and "Tourist trade is hit by US exodus."
The Leinster Leader devoted its editorial comment to the national economy: "The sudden change in our national circumstances, from big-time boom to sudden reminders that the notches on the economic belt can be taken in as well as let out, are encapsulated in a quite unique manner in the totality of the quagmire that is Aer Lingus."
The Waterford News & Star turned its editorial attention to the question of waste management and attendant problems: it said: "Ireland is on the brink of a major crisis in waste management over the next few years if more landfills aren't given the go ahead to be created around the country. Illegal dumping in the countryside and rubbish piling up at companies and in households because there isn't room in the existing landfills to take the waste is what lies ahead if plans for new landfills are indefinitely held up because of public opposition in areas where they are ear-marked to be located."
The Munster Express commented: "The message coming from all quarters recently is that Ireland is facing a serious waste management crisis as the country is way behind the other countries in the European Union in dealing with the problem. A south east region management plan is currently being drafted and will subsequently go on display for public comment and submissions."
The Dungarvan Leader gives front page coverage to a local development recycling waste. Kevin Kirrane reported: "The first kerbside collection of recyclables to be undertaken by a local authority in Ireland will begin on November 9th in west Waterford and November 19th in Dungarvan with the aim of cutting the level of waste going to landfill in Dungarvan and Tramore by 35 per cent.
"The dry recyclable material to be collected will include cardboard, newspapers, magazines, washed milk and juice cartons and all types of plastic, including bottles, drink cans and food tins."
A story which drew national attention is featured in the Kildare Nationalist. Suzanne Pender reported: "West Wicklow residents were shocked to discover this week that hundreds of tons of hospital theatre waste had been dumped on of the county's most idyllic beauty spots.
Body fluid bags, bloody bandages, swabs, syringes, used tubing from operations and dirty gloves were among items found at the site in the Glen of Imaal near the village of Donard.
In total approximately 200 tonnes of hospital waste was discovered at the site.
The Roscommon Champion has a report by Jill Mellor which said: "Over 30 queries have been raised by Roscommon County Council in relation to an application for planning permission for an organic waste processing facility in Cloonfad.
"Organic Kompost Ltd have been asked to address a number of issues with regard to traffic congestion through the village of Cloonfad, a concern which has been raised within the local community."