Other Irish news stories in brief
Strike at Naas food plant
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) has said that 40 of its members at Green Isle Foods in Naas, Co Kildare, are to go on strike today over the sacking of seven members for alleged misconduct.
The plant, which is owned by British-based Northern Foods, employs over 600 people.
The union said that the dispute centred on a row over staff having had access to a confidential file containing sensitive information on restructuring plans at the food firm.
The company said the action followed the dismissal of only three workers following an investigation into improper use of the company’s IT system.
Cyclists roll out for Kelly tour
Over 3,000 cyclists braved inclement weather yesterday to test themselves over challenging terrain in the 2009 Seán Kelly Tour of Waterford.
Starting in the Square in Dungarvan at 8am, 3,440 cyclists took to the roads in counties Waterford and Tipperary for the event, which had three routes designed for cyclists of varying abilities.
Entrant Michael Quinn, spent four hours participating in the 100km route. “There were a lot of people in the Comeraghs; the scenery was fantastic – it encourages people to get out there.
“Cycling is soaring in Ireland lately,” he said. “Seán Kelly and Stephen Roche put it on the map for Ireland.”
Girl critical after falling from cliff
A 16-year-old girl was in a critical condition in hospital last night after falling down a cliff face on Belfast's Cavehill in the early hours of yesterday morning. She had been camping with friends in the area when the fall occurred just before 2am.