RADIO KILKENNY
Lunchtime news Sept 5
Government pay talks
Efforts to resume talks on a new national pay deal are to get underway today when unions and employers meet the Taoiseach at Government Buildings in a bid to break the deadlock between the social partners. The talks collapsed at the beginning of last month when unions refused to accept a pay freeze, which employers say is crucial to maintain competitiveness in the economy. Meanwhile, the employers' group IBEC has warned that there is no room for further public sector pay rises in the coming year. Speaking on Morning Ireland, Turlough O'Sullivan proposed a pay pause for a minimum of one year in the public sector and six months in the private sector.
Irish citizen killed in Afghanistan
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that an Irish citizen serving with the British army's Royal Irish Regiment has been killed in Afghanistan. According to reports, the soldier was killed in an explosion while on a routine foot patrol near Sangin, in the south of the country. A spokesman for the British Ministry of Defence said it will not be confirming any details, as the soldier's relatives had requested more time to inform the wider family circle.
Oxfam re-opens
The newly refurbished Oxfam shop on High street will re-open its doors today. Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment 'John McGuinness' will be there to reopen the store. Oxfam campaigns for government and global institutions to Make Trade Fair. They are urging people of Kilkenny to support them in this venture.
Over 130 killed by Hanna
Tropical Storm Hanna roared past the edge of the Bahamas today before a possible hurricane hit on the Carolinas, leaving behind at least 137 dead in Haiti. A senior UN official in Haiti has said over 500,000 people need help because of flooding caused by the storm.
Midland's Prision protest
The Irish Prison Service has confirmed that what they are calling a 'minor' protest has taken place in the Midlands Prison. The incident happened at around 4pm yesterday inside the prison, when a group of 18 prisoners climbed over the bars around a landing. It is understood that their action was a protest against the new security measures in place at the prison.
Prochem opening
Kilkenny engineering consultants Prochem Engineering officially opened it's new 1.2 million euro headquarters at Danville Park yesterday with a gathering that reflected the friendly rivalry and competitiveness behind the weekends All Ireland final. The event was attended by Prochem business associates and former Waterford and Kilkenny hurlers Fergal Hartley and Bill Hennessy.
Cois Fharraige
Cois Fharraige will begin today in Killkee Co. Clare. The sea side event runs til Sunday with an international music line up of Travis, Supergrass and The Zutons.
Elvis alive and well in Kilkenny
Kilkenny town man, Myles Kavanagh has appeared in todays Star newspaper. Pictured sporting his two great passions an Elvis suit and the Kilkenny jersey. He was interviewed in relation to his specially designed front yard. People are encouraged to take a trip through the Butts to witness the local colours and pride on show.
In traffic news...
The N76 Kilkenny/Callan road is reduced to one lane between Grange & Ballymack Cross from 7.30am to 8 pm daily. This is in place until the 13th of September