THE Government has been criticised for failing to take appropriate action to stop potentially catastrophic floods, which could hit this country early next month.

THOUSANDS of motorists got the opportunity to fly over the so-called ‘magic roundabout’ yesterday, thus avoiding one of the country’s most notorious bottlenecks.

ONE hour will be taken off the journey between Dublin and Cork by 2010, according to the chairman of the National Roads Authority (NRA).

IT COULD be at least 2021 before the National Roads Authority (NRA) starts to recoup money from Munster’s first toll road.

ANGRY Cork county councillors have claimed the ESB is failing in its duty to repair public lighting in reasonable time and have demanded that the local authority seek contracts with an alternative energy-provider.

A BARRAGE, similar to one on London’s Thames, may have to be built in Cork harbour to protect the city from flooding as a result of global warming.

A MAJOR push is on to get rid of a stench which virtually destroyed a beauty spot last summer and which is a constant cause of upset to people living near the village of Kilbrittain.

THE Health and Safety Authority has conducted an investigation into multi-million euro works on a flyover at one of the country’s busiest roundabouts amid concern that an accident at the site is waiting to happen.

YOUGHAL rounded off 2004 with an inaugural award ceremony at the track recently.

CORK County Council officials are to proceed with buying land to build a west-bound slip road connecting the Curraheen interchange with the Ballincollig bypass, despite the fact the National Roads Authority doesn’t think it is necessary at this time.

PLANS for a €300 million tunnel, up to five kilometres long, are to be lodged with the National Roads Authority as part of the proposed northern ring road around Cork city.

A TWO-HOUR meeting yesterday between senior Cork County Council officials and Michael Flatley could lead to a resolution of difficulties concerning his €30 million restoration of Castlehyde House.

A TOTAL of 126 farmers have been notified of Cork County Council’s intention to buy their land for a tolled €150 million super highway, which could be built by a company heavily involved in the reconstruction of Iraq.

A DAIRY farmer claimed yesterday that his business could be ruined if Cork County Council is allowed, over the next 20 years, bury 5.3 million tonnes of waste at a proposed landfill in Bottlehill.