A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Inquiry into burglary at Louth pharmacy
Gardaí are investigating a burglary which took place at a pharmacy in Castlebellingham, Co Louth, at 4.45am yesterday. A safe containing an undisclosed amount of cash and a variety of controlled drugs were taken. The majority of the drugs taken were packaged in blister pack units.
Gardaí say they are controlled drugs and could be harmful. Anyone with information in relation to the burglary is asked to contact Castlebellingham Garda station on 042-937 2205 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
Modified chemist rescue plan allowed
A High Court judge says he will approve a rescue plan for a group of companies operating a number of pharmacies employing 46 people in Galway – once certain modifications are made.
Mr Justice Frank Clarke said yesterday he would approve the plan for Michael McLoughlin Pharmacy Ltd and Sundrive Pharmacy Ltd if it was modified to reflect the Revenue Commissioners’ concerns over money taken out by its directors on which tax was due.
Revenue had opposed the rescue scheme, on grounds its position would be prejudiced.
TV3 puts 'Cocaine Wars' on hold
TV3 will not broadcast any more episodes of its Cocaine Wars series pending the disposal of drugs charges against a prisoner who claims the programme breaches his right to a fair trial, the High Court was told yesterday.
Brian Rattigan (29), Cooley Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, is facing trial next October on charges involving the supply of €1 million worth of heroin and with having two mobile phones in his prison cell.
Earlier this week, he got permission to notify TV3 of his application to prevent the airing of Tuesday’s episode.
New firearms charges against three held on terrorist charges
New charges have been brought at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin against three Louth men, who already face charges in connection with dissident terrorist activity.
Des Ryan (53), Donore, Drogheda, Co Louth, and Barry O’Brien (38), Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth, were each charged with the unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun and two shotgun cartridges at Ecco Road, Dundalk, on August 8th last year. Paul Maguire (24), Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was charged with possession of two shotgun cartridges in Dundalk and possession of a component part for an explosive device at Castleblayney on August 8th last.
Mr Ryan and Mr O’Brien were charged last August with IRA membership and Mr Maguire was also charged then with possession of a shotgun in Dundalk on August 8th.