Other News In Brief

Labour Urge Taoiseach To Apologise To Waterford Pathologists

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin has called on the Taoiseach to apologise to the four consultant pathologists for calling into question the truthfulness of their internal letter about conditions at the mortuary in Waterford University Hospital.

Deputy Howlin said: "I was taken aback by the comment yesterday of the Taoiseach about the letter sent last year by four consultant pathologists in Waterford University Hospital and I think he should apologise. By implying there is a dispute about the 'true facts' the Taoiseach has resorted to Trump style tactics to undermine unpalatable revelations that have shocked people.

"The Taoiseach seems to know a lot about what was happening locally, saying the coroner was unaware, that funeral homes were unaware and that there were no incident reports.

"However, why would four senior consultants write a false letter? The comments by the Taoiseach that he wasn't sure if 'the claims were true' and that there was 'no evidence' is simply shocking and unacceptable. The implication that the letter contains untruths is a step too far.

"The Taoiseach should apologise to the pathologists, and accept the professional consensus that this facility is not fit for purposes and should have been replaced years ago.

"If there wasn't a problem with the mortuary the HSE and Minister for Health would not have reacted so quickly to put in place a temporary facility, and commit to construction work starting on a new mortuary before the end of the year."

Irish Water To Deliver Mains Upgrades Across Co Laois

A series of water mains improvements projects are set to take place across Co Laois over the next few months, addressing the issue of leakage in the region.

Irish Water will commence work on five separate projects in mid-May, which will see ageing water mains replaced with modern high density polyethylene plastic pipes.

Work will take place in St Fintain's Terrace and Shannon Street in Mountrath, St Joseph's Terrace, Mountmellick and Erkindale Drive, Durrow.

Once complete, the benefits of these projects for the local community will include a more reliable water supply for all customers. This means reduced leakage on the network which will improve water pressure to homes and businesses. Operational and maintenance costs will also be reduced as the network operation will require less maintenance.

The work is part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme which will see €500 million invested over four years to reduce the level of leakage across the country by fixing and replacing ageing water mains.

Arrest In Connection With Serious Assault In Dublin's Temple Bar

A man has been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Dublin's Temple Bar area.

A 44-year-old man suffered serious injuries after the incident on April 26 on Price's Lane.

When appealing for information, Gardaí said the suspect made his way on Aston Quay near the junction with Bedford Row where he removed items of his clothing and appeared to lie down in the street. Officers hoped the man's behaviour may have attracted public attention.

The suspect is detained at Pearse Street Garda Station while the investigation continued.



(JG/CM)