Environment Asthma Group Seeks County Smoky Coal Ban

With a smoky coal ban in place in the city since 1998, the asthma Society of Ireland is now calling for the restriction to be extended to all Co Limerick. In anticipation of an all-island ban, the Asthma Society has also launched its campaign for clear air calling on householders across County Limerick to burn smokeless fuel or an alternative clean fuel to reduce asthma symptoms and save lives. Niamh Kelly of the Asthma Society of Ireland said that with 470,000 people affected, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma worldwide. Dr. Dermot Nolan of the Asthma Society’s Medical Advisory Group says that almost 2,000 lives could be saved each year by the implementation of an all-Island ban on the sale and the distribution of smoky coal. “Until an all-Island ban is implemented, policing these regional bans is difficult and hundreds of thousands of people still breathe pollutants from smoky coal everyday”, he said.

Age Loudly

“Age Loudly” is the title of a guidebook to ageing compiled by Limerick based Senior Care Provider Home Instead and supported by Age Action, the HSE and Nursing Homes Ireland. It encourages older people to take responsibility for their future through enhancing opportunities and features information on allowances and entitlements, elder abuse, technology, keeping safe at home, financial and legal details, dealing with bereavement, a directory of useful organisations and more. “Age Loudly” is available free from “Home Instead” and can be downloaded at www.homeinstead.ie.

Off To Cobh

West Limerick’s Knockfierna Heritage Society has flagged an outing to Cobh on Sunday May 11^th to include Mass in the Cathedral, a tour of Spike Island and a visit to the Grave of boxer Jack Doyle “The Gorgeous Gael”. As well as a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre and the mass grave of drowned victims of the Lusitania, and will witness departure of one of the world’s largest liners. “Brilliance of the Seas”.  For details contact Pat O’Donovan N.C.W.  087 9977340, Marion Hanley, Ballingarry 087 9741387 or Marg O’Keeffe, Croagh 087 6990816.

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to the Mulvihill family on the recent death of Margaret (Peg) Mulvihill (nee Lynch) Blaine Bridge, Athea. Peg was a very kind and gentle person. She will be sorely missed by her son Pat and daughter Cathleen, also her sisters Kathy and Anne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May her soul rest in peace.

West Limerick 102FM Race Night

West Limerick 102FM will hold their fourth Great Race Night on Friday May 2^nd at 8pm in Dan Cronin’s Bar, Newcastle West. A great night of fun, flutters and a fabulous raffle. Horses on sale now for €10. If you would like to sponsor a race, call us on 069 66200.

West Limerick 102FM is now on the search for Miss West Limerick 2014. Young ladies between the ages of 18 – 28 if you would like to enter and walk away with fantastic prizes. Each contestant is entered by a business or local community group. If you know of a group or business who would like to sponsor you, call West Limerick 102Fm on 069 66200.

Animal Health and Welfare Act gives Authorities more power

The Animal Health and Welfare Act replaces the protection of Animals Act 1911 and is a welcome introduction in modernising the welfare of animals in today’s society giving greater protection to the health and welfare of animals. The introduction of this modern animal welfare legislation will reduce the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon animals as the authorities now have the appropriate backing of this new legislation to enforce higher penalties. This new animal welfare act has given increased powers for authorised officers, such as the Garda, vets, Department of Agriculture representatives and trained officers from animal welfare groups to investigate complaints of cruelty and neglect in private homes. On the spot fines can be imposed and case of animal cruelty and neglect can be taken to court. New powers are also given to judges in animal cruelty cases, which allow stricter penalties on conviction. A judge can now impose a maximum of five years imprisonment and can ban a person from having any animals in their possession and also from working with animals. A fine of up to €5,000 can be imposed on summary conviction in the District Court. A fine on indictment that is in a higher court can be imposed of up to €250,000. This applies to all types of animals across the board, be it domestic, commercial or otherwise in rural and urban areas.

The Act also looks at the issue of dog fighting. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 strengthens the laws on animal baiting and dog fighting so that, for the first time, those attending dog fights will also be liable for prosecution before the courts. The new law will provide more effective tools to ensure that those who do not care for their animals properly will be dealt with appropriately and quickly before the problem escalates. The new Act is an opportunity to afford greater protection to animals and secure greater convictions and fines. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is a positive step forward for animal welfare.