RADIO KILKENNY
6pm news Sept 3rd
Chernobyl Children Ban
The Chernobyl Children’s Project International has just received the shocking news that the Belarusian Government has declared a worldwide ban on Chernobyl children travelling abroad. This embargo will affect children who need to travel to Ireland for medical assessment, treatment and ‘Rest and Recuperation’. CCPI to date have brought over 17,000 children to Ireland for treatment and recuperation. Children from the contaminated areas of Belarus have been coming here since 1991. Adi Roche is appealing to the Irish Government, specifically Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, to intervene in the name of the children. A delegation from the Chernobyl Children’s Project International will be meeting Minister Martin early next week. The delegation will highlight that children taken from the contaminated zones and brought to Ireland allows their immune system to recover by being in our clean environment and eating uncontaminated food. There are currently 500,000 children categorised as ‘high risk’ in Belarus alone.
Budget brought forward
The Government is to present a new Budget next month, almost two months ahead of schedule. Following a review of the “economic situation” by the Government today, it was announced that the 2009 Budget will be presented next month. A government statement issued today stated that The Government have decided that the Minister for Finance will present his Budget for 2009 on Tuesday, October 14. It also said that The aim of the change of timing is to give clarity and confidence to investors and taxpayers alike, and provide a sound basis for economic recovery.
Highest unemployment figures
The number of people receiving unemployment related benefits rose by 73,200 in the 12 months to the end of August. According to the Central Statistics Office, this is the largest annual increase in unemployment ever recorded in this country. It brings the rate of unemployment up to 6.1% - the highest for ten years.
Kilkenny shop selling deadly drug
A Kilkenny city shop is reported to be selling a potentially deadly drug. Reported in today's Kilkenny People, The Hemporium on Kieran Street is selling BZP, a drug producing similar effects to ecstascy. The European Union drugs agency introduced control measures and criminal provisions for users of the pill which are due to come into affect this coming March. The over 18s shop has vowed that it will be BZP free well before the March deadline.
IMC findings on IRA
The Independent Monitoring Commission has found that the IRA army council is 'no longer operational or functional'. In its report this afternoon, the IMC declared that the IRA has disbanded its terrorist structures and relinquished 'the leadership necessary to wage war'. The watchdog's declaration today that the IRA campaign is 'well and truly over' comes ahead of crucial talks aimed at securing the future of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government.
Kilkenny's cycling routes
Kilkenny's cycling routes are to receive a major boost of up to 52,000 euro under Failte Ireland's Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Close to 68 miles of new cycling track will be added to the counties landscape.
Newpark newsletter launch
Newpark family resource centre are launching their cross community news letter tonight between 7.30 and 9pm at the centre. The Newsletter has been compiled by young people from the Newpark Centre, Bishop Birch and Hebron. It's the first launch of the newsletter and all are welcome to attend.
Grandparent awards
Kilkenny grandchildren are being encouraged to vote for Ireland's greatest grandparent. Nominations for the best grandparent in the country close on Septemebr 21st. The following Sunday, September 28 is National Grandparent day and the winner of the competition will be announced. Run by the friends of the elderly organisation, they are also looking for Ireland's fittest grandparent. If you know an active elderly person or want to nominate your grandparents then visit the website on www.friends-of-the elderly.ie