A round-up of today's other stories in brief
'Serious concern' at energy review
Ocean and wind energy interests and An Taisce have expressed "serious concern" over aspects of the Economic and Social Research Institute's review of energy policy, writes
LORNA SIGGINS.
The review this week advised against market supports for offshore wind, wave or tidal power, while recommending supports for onshore wind be maintained.
Prof John FitzGerald’s report termed “premature” such incentives for offshore renewables, recommending State funds be diverted to research in these areas. The report warned development of the Corrib gas field was “vital” for the future energy security and should be brought to production as quickly as possible.
Marine Renewables Industry Association chairman Peter Coyle said Ireland had the most “energy intensive” wave resources in the world. “Ocean energy is the first significant indigenous economic opportunity since the food industry developed,” he said.
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budsman studies case of man who fell seriously ill in custody
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is investigating an incident in which a man fell seriously ill in Garda custody.
The man arrived at Whitehall Garda station, Dublin, at about 9pm on Wednesday. He was brought there in a taxi.
The 37-year-old man appeared to be drunk when arrested by gardaí at the station and placed in a cell.
He later fell ill while in Garda custody and was taken by ambulance to the Mater hospital, Dublin.
He has since been moved to Beaumont hospital, where his condition is described as serious.
The commission has appealed for information. It particularly wants to speak to the taxi driver who brought the man to Whitehall Garda station to contact it on 1890 600 800.
Milliner's feathers destroyed by fire
The habitat in the west of Ireland where Britain’s royal milliner Philip Treacy has sourced feathers for his work has been destroyed.
Gorse fires have destroyed hundreds of acres of bog near his home in north Galway.
Local councillor Michael Connolly said: “It was a well known fact here that the feathers used in Camilla Parker Bowles’s hat came from the bogs around Mountbellew.”
Visiting curtailed by hospital bug
The HSE is asking people not to visit the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, as a number of cases of the winter vomiting bug have been confirmed there.
In particular, it said children should not visit. Infection-control procedures will remain in place until further notice, it said. Any member of the public with symptoms, including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, should go to their GP.