A round up of other regional news stories.
€3.5m raised for Wexford opera house
The Wexford Festival Foundation has to raise just €3.5 million more to secure the necessary capital for a new opera house. Foundation officials say already some €3.5 million has been raised.
Sir Anthony O'Reilly and Independent News & Media PLC donated €1 million.
In addition to the private funding, the Government has pledged €26 million.
Liam Healy, chairman of the Wexford Festival Foundation, said the progress was a major vote of confidence in the 750-seat, state-of-the-art facility.
Construction on the new theatre is scheduled to be completed by summer 2008.
The foundation has planned fundraising events in Ireland and Britain to gain more attention for the required additional funding.
A private fundraising dinner in London has been planned for June 6th, with performances by former Wexford stars and opera stars Daniela Barcellona and Roberto de Candia. An event is also being planned in Ireland.
Strike at Limerick care centre ends
An official strike at a care centre in Limerick has ended after care workers agreed to return to normal employment duties today. Industrial action at the Brothers of Charity in Bawnmore started two weeks ago after 14 workers were suspended in a row over staffing levels.
The Bawnmore complex comprises residential and day facilities for adults with severe disabilities in a village-type complex.
In a statement yesterday, Siptu confirmed that pickets had ended and the 14 striking members would return to normal working duties today. This followed agreement to refer the issues of client/staffing ratios to a full Labour Court hearing next Wednesday.
Concerns over tree treatment
Health and safety concerns about a new Coillte treatment for trees in its battle against an insect pest has led to a dispute with the company's 450 tree planters.
Coillte claims the new method, known as pre- treated "dipped plants", is much more effective against the damaging weevil parasite. However, Siptu believes the treatment has "significant" health and safety concerns.
The dispute came before the Labour Court after a conciliation conference at the Labour Relations Commission failed to resolve it. The court recommended yesterday that the new planting system should begin without delay on a three-month trial.