More news in brief
Experts confer on mine area restoration
A number of European experts in the restoration of areas where mining has taken place are attending a Green Mines Project conference in Nenagh, Co Tipperary this week, writes JAMES HAYDEN.
The conference takes place today and tomorrow just miles from one of the most toxic mining sites in Europe, the Gortmore mine tailings facility in the shadow of the Silvermines mountains.
"Green Mines" is a consortium of partners from Spain, Portugal, Wales and Ireland, who are jointly collaborating, with financial support from the EU's so-called INTERREG IIIB Atlantic Area programme, to advance environmental restoration of abandoned mine areas and their conversion into economically sustainable tourism and economic resources.
"The conference presents a great opportunity for the public and professionals alike to gain a comprehensive insight into the environmental impact of mining activities and will look at remediation and conservation of these mines over time," said Áine McCarthy, Environmental Awareness Officer with North Tipperary County Council.
"The legacy of historic mining activities is a mixed bequest, a legacy which is both rich in social and cultural values, as well as a less welcome adverse impact upon local environments," she added.
Clare man to be sentenced in May
The sentencing of a Co Clare man who killed his brother was adjourned at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.
Patrick McDonagh (27), of Bridge Court, Roslevan, Ennis, Co Clare, was found not guilty of the murder of his brother Charlie (30) but guilty of his manslaughter on January 28th, 2007.
Mr Justice Paul Carney adjourned sentencing until May 26th.
Jury in child rape case sworn in
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of a Waterford man charged with raping a child about 15 years ago.
The 55-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, oral rape and sexual assault of the then 11 to 13 year-old girl on dates unknown from January 11th, 1994 and December 31st, 1996.
The hearing is scheduled to start tomorrow before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy at the Central Criminal Court.
Woodland grants to increase
Extra funding is being made available for the NeighbourWood Scheme and Native Woodland Scheme which create amenity woodland for communities, writes Sean MacConnell.
The scheme, which has been very successful in places like Ballyseedy Wood, Co Kerry, Rathwood, Co Carlow, Balrath, Co Meath, and Beleek Wood, Ballina, Co Mayo, will be significantly enhanced.
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Mary Wallace said two elements of the scheme were being increased.
The enhancement grant is being increased to €5,000 per hectare while the grant rate for the facilities element is being increased to €4,500 per hectare for the first 10 hectares of forest area submitted and €3,000 per hectare for all subsequent area submitted, up to a maximum area of 40 hectares.
The Native Woodland Scheme, which helps landowners protect and enhance existing native woodlands and to develop new ones, will also increase.
The grant for conservation of existing native woodland element of this scheme is being increased to €5,000 per hectare while the native woodland conservation premium is being increased to €350 per hectare per annum payable for seven years.