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7th June 2016 • Volume 23, Issue 19 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. EirCode: K67 P5W4. • Tel: 01 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie • www.northcountyleader.ie
Major Milestone In Swords Castle Project The improvement works at Swords Castle will take a major step forward when the derelict buildings in front of the Castle at North Street are demolished. The demolition of the North Street buildings will facilitate necessary masonry consolidation works to the East Wall of the castle and will involve local traffic management on North Street, including temporary closure of the footpath. The contractors, L&M Keating Ltd, have spent the past few days preparing the buildings for demolition on 7th June. Scaffolding has been erected at the front of the buildings on North Street and the interiors are being cleared. On Wednesday last, 1st June, County Mayor, Cllr David O’Connor, Chief Executive, Paul Reid and a number of councillors visited the site to be briefed on the preparations for demolition and on the progress so far on the latest phase in the Council’s development of the Swords Cultural Quarter. Council Executive Architect, Brian O’Connor told them that work on the Gatehouse is well underway and the demolition of the North Street buildings will facilitate the commencement of consolidation work
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By Patrick Finnegan on the East Wall of the Castle. Swords Castle is a National Monument and the works are subject to Ministerial consent and oversight from Department
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of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The works are partially funded under a grant issued under the European Regional Development Fund for Swords Cultural Quarter and this phase of the project will cost just under €500,000.
Rush Rocked By Scandal There was shock in the community of Rush, with the news that suspected fraud has occurred at Rush Credit Union. While no solid information is available at the time of going to press, it appears that some €700,000 is unaccounted for at the credit union, which also covers the town of Lusk. The suspected fraud has been reported to the gardaí. There are approximately 12,000 active members of Rush Credit Union, which has savings of €25m. The fraud is now under investigation by the gardaí and accountants appointed by the board of Rush Credit Union, on the advice of the Central Bank. It is understood that external accountants, appointed by the board of Rush Credit Union have uncovered evidence that fake loans were created on the accounts of members. It has been widely accepted that Credit Unions, which were created for local people and are manned by locals, were the last bastion of honesty and trust for locals, who viewed Credit Unions as the place to store their savings. This has added to the concerns of residents. The County Leader contacted Patrick Devanney, Manager of Rush Credit Union, in an effort to portray the Credit Union’s side of the story. A statement was issued, which
some members may find a little short on information. The statement read, “In February 2016, the Board of Rush Credit Union Limited appointed Grant Thornton to carry out an independent review on behalf of the Board
following the identification by the Board of a transaction requiring examination. The external review process is nearly complete and a report is being prepared for the Board. The Central Bank and the Garda Síochána were informed of the situation some time ago.” “The Credit Union continues to operate as normal and provide all usual services to its members. There is no implication for the savings of any of our account holders,” the statement concluded. It does not indicate if a full explanation will be given to its membership. Local Fine Gael senator, James Reilly, has said that he is concerned
that issues have arisen at RushLusk Credit Union. “These reports are worrying and must be fully investigated as a matter of urgency. “However, I am reassured to know that the savings of the members are not at risk and that the members’ savings are fully guaranteed by the State’s Deposit Guarantee Scheme and by the Irish League of Credit Unions Savings Protection Scheme. “Credit Unions are a vital part of every community and I look forward to seeing Rush-Lusk Credit Union continue to serve its members at its two branches in Rush and Lusk,” he said. Local councillor, Barry Martin (PBP), who is a member of the Credit Union told the County Leader, “This is shocking news and the initial concerns must be for the members and for the future of the Credit Union itself. As there hasn’t been any conclusive finding as yet, it is difficult to comment properly,” he said. The revelations come as pressure mounts on smaller credit unions from the Central Bank to merge with stronger ones. The controversy has prompted the Central Bank to insist that members’ money is safe, which will be of some consolation to savers.
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