State agency’s lavish 50th birthday bash cancelled over cost rethink

AMID the Dell bloodbath of 1,900 job losses, a state job creation and tourism agency was planning a lavish “anniversary celebration” banquet — at the taxpayers’ expense.

And Tánaiste Mary Coughlan had accepted an invite to Shannon Development’s 50th birthday bash.

Hundreds of guests had been invited to Knappogue Castle in Quin, Co Clare, on February 2 for the party which was, effectively, funded from the public purse.