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HSE warns of extra-strength heroin
After a number of deaths recently, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has warned that heroin of extra strength may be currently in circulation, writes Martin Wall.
The HSE yesterday advised drug users that injection of heroin of this type could be particularly dangerous. It urged them to contact drug treatment services for further information.
The HSE also said that an examination into the recent deaths of six Dublin users had found "no common cause". No evidence of infection or contamination had been discovered to date. However, it said the results of all toxicological examinations were not yet available.
'Big Tom' returns to hospital
Legendary Irish country singer "Big Tom" McBride, who suffered a heart attack a fortnight ago, was readmitted to hospital at the weekend .
The showband leader who underwent surgery was readmitted for "some stabilisation" as a follow-up to the earlier surgical treatment he received.
According to a family source yesterday the readmission was required as a follow-up process to monitor the success of heart-valve surgery.
Fahey favours big port in Rossaveal
The amalgamation of the ports in Galway city and Rossaveal could lead to savings of up to €300 million towards the cost of a modern public transport initiative in the docklands, according to Minister of State for Justice Frank Fahey.
He has been accused of coming up with this proposal as part of a "turf war" with party colleague, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív. However, he believes his proposal to locate the new deepwater port for Galway at Rossaveal, instead of at the city docks, is viable from an economic and strategic point of view.
Mr Fahey said he fully supported Galway Harbour Board's €2 billion vision plan for the development of the docklands which would create a new "waterfront city".
Missing Balbriggan girl seen at station
Gardaí in Balbriggan, Co Dublin who made a public appeal about a missing girl yesterday said they had have had "a confirmed sighting" of her boarding a northbound train at Connolly station at 4.20pm. on Thursday.
Louise Heffernan was in the company of a male described as 18-19 years, 5ft 7in in height and of stocky build with fair to brown hair. Anyone with information on Ms Heffernan's whereabouts is asked to ring Balbriggan Garda station on 01 802 0510.
Cross-Border sanctions sought
A Donegal Fianna Fáil councillor, who is also a member of the Border Regional Authority, yesterday called for tough measures by the European Commission for the enforcement of sanctions for cross-Border traffic offenders in a new directive to be issued next year.
Councillor Patrick McGowan said that in view of the number of cross- Border traffic offenders escaping penalties for offences on each side of the Border, from Donegal to Louth, a greater effort must be made to reduce road deaths and that there must be an increased emphasis on enforcement.