Business leaders in Cork have warned a government minister to follow up on a pledge to tackle the insurance industry after insurance companies claimed planned flood defences in the city were not adequate.

The recent closure of the former Cork Savings Bank on Lapps Quay marks the end of a long era of banking in one of Cork’s first buildings, opposite Cork City Hall.

The Government will today outline plans for dozens of new schools as part of a €1.5bn construction programme.

VHI say they cannot afford to provide cover for the Cork Medical Centre, or any other new private hospital development.

THE average age of Cork’s Dáil representation has dropped by eight years since the last general election in a reflection of the changed face of politics after last Friday’s ballot.

MICHEÁL MARTIN was first out of the blocks after the Fianna Fáil leadership became vacant — announcing his candidacy for the position and then watching as a steady stream of TDs declared support for him.

CORK’S county manager Martin Riordan is in favour of sealing and capping a toxic waste dump after being told he can’t develop Cork harbour “as a major tourism mecca with a potential Sellafield” in the middle of it.

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan will ultimately decide what is to be done with the former Irish Steel site in Haulbowline, Co Cork, the Department of the Environment said last night.

The Minister for Transport will appoint a new Chairman for the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) “as soon as possible”.

A Fianna Fáil has backed down on his calls to reduce Cork airport’s debt by €20 million.

The Minister for Transport Martin Cullen is stressing that it is reasonable for Cork Airport to take on a €100m debt burden.

A SENIOR Ryanair executive told a group of Cork TDs and senators yesterday that the airline may have to reduce its services from Cork Airport because of high landing charges.

THE Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has warned the proposed separation of Cork and Shannon could be jeopardised unless it is allowed to increase airport charges.

FINE GAEL TD Bernard Allen has again accused the Government of attempting to renege on the commitment to unburden Cork Airport of its €200 million debt.

IT’S not often that the exchanges in the Dáil resembles a dressing room in Saipan or in Old Trafford. But yesterday the deputies from Cork showed why they come from a place called the Rebel County.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday said final approval had been given for two major cancer facilities in Cork in the wake of a damning letter by a leading consultant.

EIGHT politicians have flown to the Philippines to attend a global conference this week, costing the taxpayer €31,384.

THE long-awaited redevelopment of the Cork School of Music will not go ahead unless European finance rules are changed, Education Minister Noel Dempsey insisted yesterday.

CONSTRUCTION of new schools and hospitals may be delayed following fresh Government accounting guidelines for projects built in partnership with private firms.