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15th May 2012 • Volume 19, Issue 16 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Shock Announcement Of Redundancies At Dublin Airport There was some bad news on the employment front at Dublin Airport, with the news that the Dublin Airport Authority are set to reduce staff numbers by up to 150, as part of cost-cutting measures. This comes hot on the heels of news that capacity at Dublin Airport is up four per cent for the summer season, with more than half a million extra seats available this year. It seems strange to think that staff reductions are on the agenda, in view of the steady progress made in the past five years. During this time, Dublin Airport has moved from being bottom of the pile to joint third amongst their European peers. Staff have been informed of the plans, which involve a limited voluntary severance scheme and an early retirement scheme. It’s understood the redundancies will be sought in a limited number of areas at the airport, including retail services. Siobhán Moore, DAA External Communications Manager told the County Leader, that the company is currently engaged in a restructuring programme aimed at reducing the cost base at its Irish airports. “Due to the ongoing economic downturn, the company’s airport operations continue to face significant commercial challenges. Consumer sentiment remains weak in Ireland and the UK, which is a key destination for air travel to and
By Jennifer McShane from DAA airports, is in recession. “The 2010 Cost Recovery Programme helped stabilise the DAA’s financial position, but the external economic environment has not improved and it is necessary for the company to take further steps to make its business even more efficient.” She continued, “A restructuring process is currently underway in several specific business units within the company and to facilitate this process, a limited voluntary severance scheme and voluntary early retirement scheme has been Siobhán Moore, DAA introduced. DAA External Communications expects that 100-150 Manager people could leave the business as part of the current restructuring programme.” “The company has communicated with staff representatives in relation to the restructuring plans in recent days and remains committed to maintaining good quality sustainable employment levels consistent with market demand. However, it has to continue to take steps to
Wall Of Discontent In Swords By Kieran Dunne Residents of two Swords housing estates separated by a Swords Manor Residents two and a half metre high wall Association (SMRA) has hit out have hit out at the County at the proposal, claiming that Council’s plans to such a move would create a pedestrian worsen the footpath through problem of teen the structure. The loitering. SMRA Council claims that chairwoman, Karen the proposal would Gorrey added: “It’s put an end to the a thorn in all of our anti-social behavsides, even if they iour problem in the closed off the vicinity around the parcels of land wall, which sepawhere the problem rates the Swords Cllr. Darragh Butler with anti-social Manor Crescent, behaviour is...this Valley View, and Lios Cian would solve the problem.” estates. Speaking to the County Leader, However, Resident councillor Darragh Butler (FF) Associations within the area said: “Whenever other issues have rejected such claims. The related to the wall are raised,
for example, that young people are climbing onto private garden walls to get over this wall, the Council give their stock answer that in their opinion ‘ideally the creation of a link between the two estates and the removal of the wall in its entirety would resolve the problem’. A spokeswoman for the Valley View Residents Association “The residents were very concerned regarding this partial removal of wall because it was suggested that a walkway be put there to join the two estates, instead of railings. Our residents do not want this. They fought for that wall to be there and they do not want it removed.”
address specific issues within its overall cost base,” she concluded. Meanwhile, local TD and former airport worker and shop steward, Clare Daly (SP) criticised the move. Speaking to the County Leader, Daly said: “150 jobs have been lost to the community of North Dublin and the idea that this isn’t a huge blow is disappointing. In the present economic climate employers are undermining
jobs and using the current situation to make changes and savings. I think this is an example of that.” The news comes just a day after the Government announced plans to cut Shannon Airport from the DAA. Shannon’s €100m debt will stay with the DAA, which includes Dublin and Cork airports, but sources claimed the two issues were unconnected.
Pictured at the ‘Coffee and Cupcakes’ fundraiser event for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which took place in Ollies Bar in Skerries on 6th May last, are, Deidre McGarth, Steven McGarth Jr, Steven McGarth Sr, Wendy McGarth and Brenda Morrison.
Ryan Set For Glittering Career Skerries lad, Ryan O’Shaughnessy was the toast of the entire country at the weekend, when he reached the final of the popular reality TV show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ The 19 year old, who previously performed in the Voice of Ireland show, sang his own composition ‘No Name’, which had the judges swooning in their seats. Head judge, Simon Cowell said that the Voice of Ireland’s loss was their gain. Alesha Dixon said, “Ryan, you are so special. We’ve had two songs from you which I believe will be big hits,” she said. His emotional rendition received a standing ovation from all four judges, Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. The ex-Fair City star was overwhelmed by the reaction to his success. “Having a million people listen to my songs... it’s just incredible. Never once did I think I’d be in the live final,” said the likeable young star. “I have an album ready to go and also some unfinished songs. I’ll spend the next few days locked up, finishing these songs. The song he wrote was for former school pal, Katie Keegan. “It didn’t quite work out with Katie and I haven’t met anyone since and I’m not looking for anyone either, However, I have had quite a lot of female attention and I’m not complaining ; it’s cool. I’ve even had a few marriage proposal since, but I haven’t followed up on them,” he said cheekily. The overall winner of the show was a dog duo, Ashleigh and Pudsey. One thing for certain is that Ryan O’Shaughnessy is set to have a glittering career Ryan O'Shaughnessy ahead of him and we wish him all the best in his career.