A round-up of today's other regional news stories in brief
Pig population free of MRSA superbug
The Irish pig population is free from the drug-resistant superbug MRSA, according to an EU-wide survey by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), writes Paul Cullen.
Colonisation of pigs with MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) has been identified as an occupational health risk for farmers, veterinarians and their families.
MRSA, which has become a serious problem in hospital, can also be passed from pigs to humans and was found in a quarter of pig farms in 17 countries covered by the survey.
Seven other countries, including Ireland, reported no cases of infection by the superbug in their pig populations.
Over 1,400 holdings housing and selling breeding pigs and 3,176 production holdings selling pigs for fattening or slaughter from 24 EU states and two non-member states were included in the survey.
Appeal for help in tracing missing man (33)
Gardaí are appealing for the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a man who went missing after receiving an eye injury at work two days ago.
Michael Cox (33), Burrin Road, Carlow town, has not been seen since he left work in Ballickmoyler, Co Laois, after receiving an injury to his eye on Monday morning.
Mr Cox, who is 188cm with short black hair, was referred to the eye unit at Waterford Regional Hospital by his doctor but did not turn up.
When last seen, Mr Cox was wearing a black jumper with a Mercedes logo, dark jeans and work boots. He was driving a wine Mercedes car with the registration number 96 MH 4896.
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí in Carlow on (059)913 1505.
Clare wind farm ‘could damage peatland’
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) has claimed that a €12 million wind farm in northeast Clare could damage the landscape if the proper stress tests are not conducted.
Last month, Clare County Council gave SWS Energy Ltd planning permission to construct an eight-turbine wind farm to the south of the Maghera mountain range near the village of Tulla.
In its appeal to An Bord Pleanála the conservation body said: “If the proper stress tests specific to peat soils are not conducted . . . construction could lead to a bog burst. With the aim of protecting the rare . . . blanket bog habitat and the birds of international concern, the above proposed development should not be permitted to go ahead.” A decision from An Bord Pleanála is not expected until March.