RADIO KILKENNY
6pm bulletin. Thursday 4th september.
Chernobyl children
Thousands of Irish families provide holidays for children whose health has been affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. The families have been told that future trips to Ireland have been banned. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is in talks with the Belarus authorities to establish why the ban has been imposed and to see if it can be lifted. A documentary is being aired on RTE television tonight about the subject. The documentary will be shown on RTE 1 at 10.45pm. It is is entitled “Children beyond Chernobel”. Kilkenny woman, Andrea Keogh, appears in the RTE documentary.
Budget brought forward
The Tánaiste is indicating that the Government will be taking steps in the Budget to help the ailing housing market. The Finance Minister Brian Lenihan announced the decision to bring forward Budget 2009 to October on foot of poor exchequer figures and a rise in unemployment. He says this will give Ireland a sound base for economic recovery.
Iverk show
Today saw Ireland's oldest one day agricultural show take place in Kilkenny. The Tanaiste Mary Coughlan launched the Iverk show earlier today. Events at the show included a dog show, archery and a competition for the best dressed lady. The Piltown show will come to a close later this evening.
Oxfam re-opens
The newly refurblished Oxfam shop on High street will reopen its doors tomorrow. Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment 'John McGuinness' will be there to reopen the shop. Oxfam campaigns for governments and global institutions to Make Trade Fair. They provide humanitarian aid during disasters. They also work with people affected by HIV and AIDs. They are urging Kilkenny people to support them in this venture.
Danville Park
Kilkenny's 2007 business of the year winners, Procum Engineering, officially opened its new 1.2 million headquarters at Danville Business Park today. Former Kilkenny and Waterford hurlers Bill Hennessey and Fergal Hartley were present at the event. The Engineering company have also announced a new business division, Pro-cum Recruitment.
The Simon Community
The Simon Community are to run their first ever 'Simon Week' from the end of the month to raise awareness about the causes of homelessness in the country. South East Simon Community delivers services to people homeless and at risk of homelessness throughout counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford
In Farming news
Army tanks will be parked alongside tractors and livestock at the Ploughing Championships later this month. The Defence Forces will be present for the first time at the annual agricultural show. The Ploughing Championship is one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe. A record 900 exhibitors will cover a seventy-acre trade arena at the three-day Championships in Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny.
In traffic reports: The N76 Kilkenny/Callan road is reduced to one lane between Grange & Ballymack Cross from 7.30am-8pm daily. This is in place until the 13th of September
The Iverk Show is underway at the Showgrounds in Piltown until 8pm. Wet weather is adding to delays in the area, particularly for motorists leaving the event.