A round up of today's other stories from around the country in brief.
Polluted water in Ennis to last further year
A solution to the contaminated Ennis public water supply will not be reached until next October, according to the Minister of State for the Environment.
Batt O'Keeffe said yesterday that the Department of the Environment would provide any help it could to Clare County Council with interim remedial measures.
He did not wish to see the people of Ennis living with boil-water notices until the new treatment plant became operational in October 2007, three months later than the original estimate.
School bus protest to slow traffic
Traffic gridlock is expected on the outskirts of Limerick city this morning as parents stage a "go-slow" protest to highlight a school bus crisis.
Up to 45 students, who were told they live outside the catchment area of the Salesian College in Pallaskenry, have been forced to make their own arrangements to travel up to 10 miles from the outskirts of Limerick.
Parents will today stage a "go-slow" protest along the N69 route to the school. Parents talked to gardaí about details of the protest but they plan to drive in convoy at 5 mph ahead of the school bus.
Hospice to resume admissions
The North West Hospice in Sligo which has been closed to inpatients since January will reopen as soon as medical staff are appointed following agreement between its board and the Health Service Executive on staffing arrangements.
Hopes are growing that the facility will shortly reopen to inpatients following an announcement from the board that it will accept in their entirety detailed proposals from the HSE on staffing matters.
Interviews for two doctors and a consultant in palliative care will take place next month.
Limerick music festival launched
Riverdance composer Bill Whelan was back in his native city of Limerick this week to launch the fifth Sionna Festival of Music and Dance which takes place in November.
He was accompanied at the launch by Paddy Maloney of The Chieftains who are among the many attractions at this year's festival, organised by the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
The festival takes place from November 10th-20th. Highlights include performances by Sean-Nós/Nua Nós, which brings together internationally renowned artists and Irish dancers such as Jean Butler, Colin Dunne, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Lillis Ó Laoire.
These performers will improvise at a series of public workshops, culminating in a concert at the Daghdha Dance Space in St John's Square on November 17th.
On November 15th, the Anáil Dé/Breath of God concert of World Sacred Music takes place in St Mary's Cathedral Limerick, with the Tran Quang Hai Ensemble from Vietnam and Northern Harmony, a US group specialising in Appalachian harmonies and American shape-note singing.
Tickets for all festival events can be booked on 1890 616161.