News - Athlone

The case was mentioned in a remote sitting of the High Court this morning before Mr Justice Richard Humphries as part of the Planning and Environment list.

The challenge was brought over claims the Minister failed to adequately screen the project for potential environmental impacts following his signing of an order earlier this year.

Frankie Keena says the use of the site as refugee accommodation would have had wide ranging effects on local development plans.

The proposed height of the hotel has also caused worry among residents about privacy in the nearby dwellings.

He has received two nominations from so-called ‘outside’ bodies, ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

The Department of Integration wants to accommodate the refugees in Lissywollen - initially in tents and later in modular units, with the first group arriving late last week.

Judge Keenan Johnson described Peter Keaney as being "like a man possessed" during the incident at the Sonas retirement home, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on the April 29.

The judge praised the "massive" and "painstaking" investigation by an Garda Siochána that led to their arrest.

Cllrs Frankie Keena, Aengus O'Rourke, John Dolan, Paul Hogan and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran released a joint statement yesterday stating their case is based on environmental grounds.

The councillors have also launched a fundraising appeal to help with legal costs.

The Department of Integration wants to accommodate the refugees in Lissywollen - initially in tents and later in modular units.

The copy of Christy Brown's Down All The Days was in perfect condition when it returned home 53 years late.

MCG Planning on behalf of Athlone Boxing Club is applying for permission for the facility at Cloghanboy on the Ballymahon Road in the town.

Cinema Properties Limited are seeking an expansion to the IMC Cinema at the Golden Island Shopping Centre in the town.