Other News In Briefs

Off Licence Restriction Passed By Councillors

Dublin city councillors have passed a motion restricting the number of off-licences as part of a new development plan. The motion to prohibit further expansion of alcohol outlets was proposed by Independent Cllr Cieran Perry. It will ban any more off-licences 'except where a compelling case can be made'. It would also require any such application to include a map showing all existing off-licences within a 1km radius. City officials had argued against the restriction, saying they had received a submission that it would slow down or inhibit the roll out of Tesco stores in the city area.

€13,000 Award After Bungee Shock

The family of a five-year-old girl who collapsed in shock after seeing her father almost killed in freak accident at a fair ground, has been awarded €13,000 at a Dublin Court on Tuesday. Chloe McDonagh, of Reask Court, Commons Road, Navan, Co Meath, fainted after seeing her father thrown around in a transparent bungee ball during a visit to a fairground with her parents at Blackrock, Co Dublin, in September 2003. Manchester-based Funpark Nederlands directors had offered her a €13,000 settlement for the nervous shock she suffered at the time and for up to a year after the incident. Barrister Michael Egan told Circuit Civil Court Presiding Judge Matthew Deery, that Chloe had become hysterical and had fainted with fear. Mr McDonagh, his wife and Chloe had been treated in hospital for shock. Mr Egan said Chloe had suffered from nightmares for months after the event but was now, at the age of 12, fully recovered. Judge Deery, approving the settlement, said it must have been a "terrifying experience".

Fianna Fail TD Says Cowen Will Go After Budget

Kildare South Fianna Fáil TD Seán Power has said he understands that Brian Cowen will resign shortly after the Budget is delivered in December. Speaking on local radio station KFM this morning, Kildare South Fianna Fáil TD Seán Power said he understands Taoiseach Brian Cowen will resign shortly after the Budget is delivered in December. However, Mr Cowen has since denied he will leave, saying he had "given no such indication to anyone, including Deputy Power", during a Dáil question after the broadcast.

(DW/GK)