Top stories in the papers this week 11 – 18 November 2011

Saying ‘no’ to Tesco ‘saved 276 local jobs’ say researchers; Newspaper trial for 'look-alike' cover adjourned; Swoop on smugglers sees 15 arrested

News

17 November 2011

Share this post:

1. Saying ‘no’ to Tesco ‘saved 276 local jobs’ say researchers

The loss of a possible Tesco store in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, has saved 276 local jobs, say campaigners. The Donegal Daily reports the retail giant had promised to create up to 100 jobs , until planners said no to the new store. When the paper first reported on Tesco’s failure to gain planning permission, it was inundated with comments – the majority against the new supermarket – and these can be viewed online on its website.

2. Newspaper trial for ‘look-alike’ cover adjourned

After publishing an allegedly misleading ‘look-alike’ version of the defunct Sunday Tribune, Associated Newspapers Ireland, owner of the Irish Mail on Sunday, is being trialled at Dublin District Court for breaching consumer protection laws. The Evening Echo reports the group has pleaded not guilty to six charges but if found guilty, could be fined up €18,000 and have to pay the NCA’s legal costs. Judge Conal Gibbons has adjourned the case until 16 December .

3. Swoop on cigarette smugglers sees 15 arrested

Over 100 gardaí as well as officials from Revenue and the Criminal Assets Bureau were involved in a major early morning operation earlier this week which led to 15 arrests and the discovery of 100,000 contraband cigarettes. The Irish Examiner reports the search and arrest swoop took place at 27 locations in Leinster and east Munster and the 13 men and two women detained were held under anti-gang legislation.

4. Cigarette sales fall as smokers cut back

Sales of cigarettes have slumped yet again, with experts pointing to a rise in smuggling and smokers puffing less. The Irish Independent reports Revenue figures show excise was paid on just over 4.1 billion cigarettes in Ireland last year, down by more than 10% from a year earlier. Sales quantities are now down by a quarter from 2006, yet demand for rolling tobacco has soared, with sales running at record highs.

5. Pettitt’s celebrates 65 years in grocery business

Wexford businessman Des Pettitt is feeling nostalgic as his family celebrates 65 years in the grocery business. The Enniscorthy Guardian has printed a comprehensive history of the supermarket group which has Pettitts Supervalu stores in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Arklow and Athy. The story begins with Des’ father Jackie, who was working with the L&N, opening a shop at 75 South Main Street, Wexford, in 1946.