A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Cork wholesaler to create 100-plus jobs
More than 100 jobs are set to be created after one of Ireland’s leading wholesale distribution companies, the Barry Group, announced details of a €5.5 million expansion plan for its Mallow-based business in addition to plans to open four new superstores nationwide, with 60 jobs by the end of the year.
The company is seeking planning permission for an expansion of its warehouse facilities in Mallow. The expansion will increase the Barry Group’s warehouse by 55,000sq ft, giving the company’s distribution centre a 200,000sq ft facility over a five-acre site.
Construction is due to begin in the first quarter of 2011, subject to planning. Some 50 jobs are expected to be created over a three-year period.
Priests criticise economic measures
It is unfair to expect ordinary citizens to pay the price for the damage inflicted by reckless bankers, light touch regulation and lack of political oversight, the Association of Catholic Priests has said.
The recently formed group said priests were “painfully aware” of the hardship that was being visited on so many by the economic downturn. “We wish to raise our voice in favour of those who are suffering greatly at this time,” it said yesterday. The association said many of the solutions being proposed to rescue the economy were draconian and the needs of the market were given precedence over everything else. It said proposals put forward by Social Justice Ireland were a more humane and just attempt at dealing with the problems.
Events to celebrate social inclusion
Local authorities throughout the State will mark Social Inclusion Week, which runs from 16th to 23rd October, with a variety of events to highlight work done by the authorities to bring communities together.
Social Inclusion Week is being held as part of the European Year to Combat Poverty and Social Inclusion and is supported by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Environment and Local Government.
Wicklow County Council has an extensive programme for the week with events looking at poverty, Traveller issues, employment issues and youth interests. Details of events taking place in Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown announced last night include a family open day with An Garda Síochána.
Bishop favours national government
The Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, yesterday said he would favour a national government and has long believed the parties should come together “five years out of every 20” to implement decisions difficult for one party to do alone.
He also directly appealed to parents to “simplify” Christmas, Holy Communion and Confirmation which he said had become focused on meals, gifts and clothes.
Dr Murphy’s support for a national government was made during an interview on Radio Kerry yesterday where he outlined his views of the recession and its effect on the people of the diocese which includes west and north Cork.
Families were now coming to the doors of presbyteries for assistance who would never have done so in the past.