Authorities investigate Galway landslide

Ireland's second landslide in a month was being investigated by local authority officials today.

The latest incident happened near Loughrea, Co Galway, when a substantial section of bogland shifted down a local mountainside.

No-one was hurt and damage was limited to an unoccupied house and farm buildings in the area.

A number of trees were also destroyed and a minor road was closed.

The landslip followed a more serious but similar incident in Co Mayo last month, when more than 40 families were forced out of their homes in the village of Pollathomas.

Then, a number of houses were damaged and graves in a local cemetery were disturbed.

Last night’s landslide happened on a 70-acre site close to an area currently being developed as a wind-generated power plant.

Fine Gael Senator Ulick Burke, who lives in the area, said: “Luckily this happened in an area where there are no houses and no residents.

“There was no warning. This has not happened in this part of the world before and there had been no inclement weather conditions that might have triggered it off.

“This was an isolated case and is unlikely to occur again. But I am sure the local authority will take whatever steps are necessary to prevent a repeat.”