Today's other stories in brief
Gardai find seven firearms during search
A HAUL of seven firearms found in Dublin were stolen in a number of robberies in the city in recent weeks, writes Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent.
The guns, which included five shotguns and two rifles, were found during a planned search of open ground at Palmerstown Wood, Clondalkin, on Monday.
The operation was carried out by members of the Garda’s Dublin south central task force and the district detective unit in Clondalkin. A quantity of ammunition was also found with the guns. The haul was stored in a wooden box.
One of the guns was a pump action double barrel shotgun. The other four shotguns were also double barrel. They were full length and had not been “sawn off” by whoever left them at the scene.
Gardaí believe the seven guns had either been left for collection by arrangement or were being stored there for a short period by a local criminal gang. The identity of those who had left the guns was not clear last night.
Dioxin crisis response defended
THE State’s food safety watchdog has staunchly defended its response to the crisis which erupted last month when dioxins were found in pork, writes Paul Cullen.
The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) says the economic losses resulting from the withdrawal of pork products would have been “far more devastating” if immediate measures had not been taken. It claims that Ireland’s reputation will be enhanced internationally because it was prepared to take decisive action by ordering the biggest food recall ever seen in this country.
FSAI representatives are to appear today before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, which is investigating the crisis.
Man admits stealing 15,200
A MAN who had often worked closely with gardaí as a car-park attendant and ranger at the Cliffs of Moher has pleaded guilty to stealing €15,200 at the visitor attraction.
At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, Billy O’Connor (44), Kilcornan, Ennistymon pleaded guilty to robbing €15,200 from Clare County Council at the Cliffs of Moher between February and November 2005.
The court was heard that during his 15 years working as a car-park attendant and ranger, Mr O’Connor had been “very helpful” to gardaí in investigating the tragedies, including up to 50 suicides and accidental deaths.
Removal of Waterford bishop
HUNDREDS converged on the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford city last night for the removal of the remains of Dr Michael Russell, the former bishop of Waterford and Lismore, who died on Monday.
Bishop William Lee led the reception of Bishop Russell’s remains and was joined by the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray and the Bishop Emeritus of Ossory, Laurence Forristal.
Bishop Russell’s remains will repose in the Cathedral from 9am until 9pm today before Concelebrated Requiem Mass at noon tomorrow. He will be laid to rest in the Cathedral grounds.
Woman hit by bus in Dublin
A WOMAN received serious head injuries last night when she was hit by a double-decker bus in Dublin city centre.The pedestrian was knocked down by the Dublin Bus vehicle as it travelled from College Green at Trinity College on to Dame Street at 6.50pm.
Emergency services were called to the scene and the woman, understood to be aged under 40, was brought to St James’ Hospital. Her condition was last night described as “serious”.
The number 123 bus was in operation with passengers on board when the crash took place. Both the Garda and Dublin Bus are investigating the crash.