December 2015 Issue 13 - Volume 16
WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR LOYAL READERS & ADVERTISERS A VERY PEACEFUL
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
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SLIGO SAMARITANS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
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Some members of the St. Muredach’s Cathedral Choir pictured before their Winter Classics Concert in Ballina last week: L to R: Anne-Marie Forkin, Karen Padden, Therese Gaughan, Caroline Jackson and Debbie McCole. Photo: John O’Grady.
WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS to PVC - Aluminium, TImber Handles, Locking Mechanisms, Door Locks, Cylinders, Door Handles, Sliding Door Wheels, etc. Also Dry Lining, Plastering and Tiling
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T is, perhaps, ironic that the landmark world conference on climate change is taking place in a week when the north-west of Ireland is experiencing its worst weather in 52 years. While it is agreed that something positive has to emerge from the Paris talks it is also imperative that lessons are learned here from the devastation following Storm Desmond. Towns and villages like Crossmolina, Ballylahan, Cong, The Neale, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, and Ballinasloe appear to be the worst hit, and there are road closures in Collooney/Ballisodare and between Ballymote and Gurteen in Sligo. As we go to press, with further rainfall expected later in the week and high tides on the way, Ballina is also under threat, particularly along Clare Street and Bachelor’s Walk. If the worst happens it appears, unfortunately, little can be done except to bring out the sandbags and work together to clear up the mess. The community spirit demonstrated in Crossmolina and other places over the weekend has been aptly described as heroic. But for how long can they keep doing it? They deserve some help, particularly from those charged with installing systems and infrastructure to protect them. Public representatives and community leaders pulled no punches in criticising the OPW for not taking some appropriate action to at least minimise the risks, particularly in areas with such a history of flooding. It is not acceptable that people in Crossmolina should be expected to run their businesses at such a risk in locations where they can’t get insurance. A row is also looming between business people and fishing interests in the area. Continued on Page 2
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