More news in brief.
Ex-TD defends objection to new hospital
The former Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins, who has lodged an objection with An Bord Pleanála over planning permission for a private hospital in the grounds of Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, said last evening he had no intention of withdrawing it despite criticism, Eithne Donnellan writes.
The 232-bed hospital was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council last month but Mr Higgins has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála. He was the sole appellant.
His decision has been criticised by Michael Cullen, chief executive of the Beacon Hospital Group which is due to build the new hospital, and by Dublin North Central Independent TD Finian McGrath, in whose constituency Beaumont is located. Mr Cullen said the development could be delayed by six to nine months, along with the 500 jobs due to have been created in the construction phase.
Mr McGrath said he was "furious" with Mr Higgins for delaying the hospital. Mr Higgins said this was "rich coming from" Mr McGrath who had been denouncing the two-tier health system for years. "Now he is criticising me for standing up against it. That is hardly consistent, is it?" he asked.Mr McGrath said he agreed with an equitable health system "but the reality is there are no public funds available now and the Beacon group is putting forward a project that's going to assist the public hospital in Beaumont".
Oxegen event is 'carbon neutral'
Organisers of the Oxegen music festival, to be held at Punchestown racecourse in Naas next month, are providing environmentally friendly cups and accommodation and are funding renewable energy initiatives to cancel out its carbon emissions. MCD said they intend to make the event "carbon neutral." Drinks sold at the festival will only be served in Eco-Cups. These reusable, recyclable cups will be distributed for a €3 deposit on purchase of a drink and are then exchanged each time the purchaser buys a drink.
Concert goers can also stay in a Podpad, which is heated by solar panels, or a MyHab made from recycled plastic and cardboard at a cost of €60 to €240. Fans are also urged to use public transport or park and ride facilities to reach the concert.
Environmentally-friendly travel is also being encouraged for the Radiohead concerts to be held in Malahide Castle this weekend. A bicycle park has been set up with 1,000 spaces to encourage fans to cycle to the concerts.
Boy (6) gravely ill after car crash
A six-year-old boy was gravely ill in hospital last night after a two-car collision in north Clare yesterday in which his mother was also seriously injured.
The crash occurred near Bellharbour on the main road to Ballyvaughan. It is understood that the car in which the mother and child were travelling lost control at a bad bend and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The woman and her son are believed to be from Craughwell, Co Galway.The single occupant of the second car had only minor injuries.
Counselling services boosted
Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin has announced an extra €1 million for marriage, child and bereavement counselling and support services. This brings to €10.9 million the amount to be allocated to 600 voluntary and community groups.Ms Hanafin said more than 50 groups will receive grants in excess of €40,000.
Bus Éireann cuts pilgrim site route
The Lough Derg Centre in Co Donegal has criticised Bus Éireann for cancelling a service to the centre because it was no longer profitable.
Deborah Maxwell said the decision had severed a "major artery" and that Bus Éireann had not provided adequate notice.