A round-up of today’s other regional news stories in brief
Arklow school evacuated because of fire
Children had to be evacuated from a school in Arklow, Co Wicklow, yesterday after a car spray-paint shop went on fire.
Some 500 pupils at St Joseph's primary school in Templerainey were taken from their classrooms when dense smoke billowed into the sky from the blaze at the Auto Body Shop, a panel-beating repair business.
School principal Michael O'Callaghan said the wind took the smoke down the valley. The school was not in danger, and the students were able to return an hour later.
Two workers, however, had to be taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Two units of Arklow fire brigade pumped water from a nearby pond to douse the fire, which caused thousands of euro worth of damage.
Some nearby houses had also to be evacuated amid fears that oil and gas tanks might explode.
Theatre directors meet protest group
The directors of the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone, Co Westmeath, where all six staff were laid off last week, have met with representatives of a group protesting against the redundancies, writes Liam Horan.
The fate of the staff of the Dean Crowe Theatre and the future of the theatre has led to a dispute in Athlone, with over 300 people attending a meeting to voice their disapproval at the lay-offs.
The directors yesterday said the "theatre is very well booked up to June, and continues to attract bookings". The board is expected to discuss the matter in the next few days.
The six staff members - including manager Fionnuala O'Connell - were all funded by Fás grants, and this money was expected to continue throughout 2006.
The board said the lay-off decision was taken to stave off "a financial crisis".
Pottery discovery halts council work
The discovery of 13th century pottery in Golden, Co Tipperary, has halted work on a proposed sewage plant for the village.
Archaeologists excavating a site in the village have discovered the remains of buildings close to the River Suir. They have also unearthed fragments of pottery, confirming that the area was settled in the 13th or 14th century.
The items were discovered on a site being prepared by South Tipperary County Council for a water treatment plant.
The council has ceased work on the site while it is being examined by archaeologists, and is now looking for another site for the plant.
According to the State agency Dúchas, the find is "significant" in archaeological terms. Director of services with the council Billy McEvoy said the council would be engaging with Duchas and archaeologists before matters could progress.
Garda choir to sing in Australia
The Garda Male Voice Choir is to sing at a St Patrick's weekend Mass at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Two Sydney appearances - a Seán Ó Riada Mass on St Patrick's Day in St Mary's Cathedral and an Opera House show on March 19th - are also scheduled.
The choir is performing a special preview concert tonight in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.