Today's other regional news in brief
Four farm deaths out of a total of seven work-related fatalities
The death of a 13-year-old boy in a farm accident in Co Longford on Tuesday has brought the number of deaths on farms so far this year to four out of a total of seven work-related deaths since January 1st.
Sympathising with the family of the victim yesterday, Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), said the figures indicated just how dangerous a workplace farms remain.
“This is a great loss to the family and community and I would like to ask parents to talk to their children about the dangers they face on their farms,” he said.
He said the HSA had been working very hard to reduce the number of fatalities of children on farms which was as high as four or five on farms over six years ago.“In recent years it dropped to two or less, but last year three youngsters were killed and we must now concentrate and make sure we are not slipping back,” he said.
HSE midwest cuts will see 45 jobs lost
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that cutbacks of €15 million in its acute hospital network in the midwest this year will result in the redundancy of 45 employees. The HSE has warned that if the planned cost-cutting measures are not achieved this year, it will inevitably result in further reductions in staffing. The redundancy of 45 employees is to save the HSE €3 million this year. According to a report by the HSE: “Every effort will be made to protect frontline services and permanent employment but inevitably employment of temporary, locum and agency staff will be significantly reduced.” The HSE is also seeking to save a further €7.7 million in further cost savings and efficiency measures.
€18.8m farmer ordered to pay bill
A 73-year-old bachelor farmer who received an €18.8 million windfall in the biggest land deal in Co Clare during the property boom has been ordered by a judge to pay an outstanding bill of €19,057 relating to the deal. At Ennis Circuit Court yesterday, Judge James O’Donohoe ordered
JJ McCabe to pay Carmody Kelly Associates the outstanding bill for computing the capital gains tax of €3.6 million from the deal and the costs relating to the court case. Mr McCabe of Skehanagh, Clarecastle, had refused to pay the bill resulting in the company issuing court proceedings. Judge O’Donohoe said that the fee charged by the reputable firm reflects the level of responsibility and the amount of work carried out in computing the capital gains tax.