In brief
Council leaves well known band without a home
There is much anger and frustration amongst members of the renowned St. John’s Brass Band after Limerick city council failed to find them a new home, despite demolition workers commencing work on their old bandroom.
A compulsary Purchase Order was served on the band in 2007, but late last month workmen moved onto the site. The statement on the situation (see below) states that workmen were under the impression that the hall was abandonned, however, property, including musical instruments, stands, and their collection of sheet music were still inside.
Now the band have been given two weeks to move out. It is unclear as yet if they have found a home.
RSF member confronts health minister over treatment of elderly
Helth Minister Mary Harney was confronted on Friday by former election candidate and Republican Sinn Féin member Sean O’Neill in relation to the effects government policy were having on the elderly.
Minister Harney was on a private visit to the city when the encounter took place.
In a statement on the meeting, he said “It is all very well for the Minister to defend the policies of the HSE but the fact is these policies directly affect the old, the ill and the deprived.
”
“The only people who suffer and those caught between the power groups in Irish society and the date it has been the ill and the elderly.”
“The Minister may not like being confronted on the street but if more people did it instead of the bowing that goes on in public it would bring home to the politicians that there are difficulties that must be tackled.”