A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Refining of grass could provide fuel of the future, research shows
Irish grass could become a new fuel of the future when farmers would see surplus grass being refined into energy and chemicals, research being carried out here has shown, writes Seán MacConnell.
The process of green bio-refinery (GBR) is well advanced on the Continent, but Irish researchers working with colleagues abroad have now looked at how it might work in an Irish context, and devised a blueprint.
“The basic principles of a green bio-refinery are similar to an oil refinery but, instead of oil, grass or silage is used as the raw material for the production of a variety of products,” explained Dr Padraig O’Kiely of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.
O'Donoghue libel action adjourned
The High Court has adjourned to the next law term a libel action brought by Wayne O’Donoghue, the killer of Robert Holohan in Co Cork, because he is taking final exams next week and would be unable to attend for the hearing.
Mr O'Donoghue, who pleaded guilty in 2005 to the manslaughter of the 11-year-old boy and was sentenced to four years for manslaughter, is suing the Sunday Worldover its coverage of the hearing.
Mr O’Donoghue has built a new life for himself in the UK since he was released from prison in 2008.
Declan Doyle, for Mr O’Donoghue, told the High Court yesterday his side wanted an adjournment of next week’s libel action because his client was due to sit final exams.
Last week, Mr O’Donoghue settled libel proceedings against TV3 also arising out of coverage of his sentencing for manslaughter.
VEC to be patron of new Gorey school
Co Wexford VEC is to be the patron of the new post-primary school in Gorey, Co Wexford, writes Seán Flynn, Education Editor.
The decision is certain to be controversial as multidenominational group Educate Together had also applied for the patronage.
Educate Together is expected to seek a meeting with the Department of Education to discuss the decision. The department found the VEC and Educate Together had the capacity to run the school but was swayed by a survey which showed 65 per cent of parents favoured the VEC.
Top chefs sample Achill farm turbot
Leading chefs from all over Ireland sampled first produce from the Republic's only turbot farm at a lunch in Westport's An Port Mór restaurant, writes Áine Ryan.
The leading chefs from the Euro-toques association also visited the onland seawater farm yesterday for the launch of the first harvest of Achill Island Turbot of Bunacurry.
The initiative has involved an investment of €2.5 million. Supported by Udarás na Gaeltachta, the farm is land- based with fish reared in tanks in a closed seawater recirculation system, the first of its type in Ireland. Five people are employed there.