ONE of the country’s leading regional newspapers, the Limerick Leader, has informed staff that it was closing down its pre-press department with the loss of 19 jobs.

PRE-TAX profits at the company that runs the Limerick and Leinster Leader newspapers fell by more than half, accounts just filed at the companies office show.

THE Leinster Leader newspaper group will double in size after completing the purchase of the Limerick Leader for close to €23 million.

THE Leinster Leader has beaten off Irish Independent owners, Independent News and Media to secure the purchase of the Limerick Leader for close to €23 million.

STAFF at the Limerick Leader are looking for a share of the €50 million which Scottish Radio Holdings is expected to pay for the family-owned newspaper business.