Customs seize 3m cigarettes
Tuesday May 26 2009
Customs officers seized over three million cigarettes in a 40-foot container at Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford, yesterday. The officers found the cigarettes, hidden in a shipment marked 'bananas' on a ferry that had arrived from France.
The cigarettes, including the brand names L&B, Regal and Superkings, would have represented a €1.2m loss to the exchequer. The lorry driver, who is from the North, was released after questioning.
Elderly woman killed at crossing
AN elderly woman was killed last night when she was hit by an articulated truck at a pedestrian crossing. It happened at Old Cross Square in Monaghan town at about 6.25pm. The victim was in her 80s.
It is understood the victim was alone at the time. Gardai were last night trying to establish exactly what happened. The scene was sealed off for forensic examination.
Parenting courses launched online
AN online database detailing over 60 parenting courses was launched yesterday to help parents cope with rearing their children.
"Bringing up a child is the most rewarding but responsible role that any parent can undertake," Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin said on launching the service. The website can be accessed at www.barnardos.ie/parentingcourses and is funded by the Family Support Agency.
Gardai called to picket stand-off
GARDAI had to intervene yesterday in a stand-off between 50 picketing employees at a waste depot and the replacement workers who were ferried in by management.
The incident occurred at the Mr Binman headquarters in Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, after staff began their picket as part of a campaign to improve pay and conditions. The strike got under way at about 6am and, within a short time, replacement workers arrived to take the place of the permanent employees.
Tourists rescued from rising tide
TWO tourists suffering from hypothermia were rescued yesterday after incoming tides took them by surprise while they were out for an afternoon walk.
The pair, believed to be on holiday from England, were winched off rocks in Loughros Beg Bay, near the village of Maghera, west Donegal, after they managed to alert the emergency services using a mobile phone.
