METRO Tuesday, November 24, 2009 D HACKERS who stole e-mails from a leading climate research unit and posted extracts of them online claim the centre manipulated data on global warming. But Professor Phil Jones, centre director of Englands University of East Anglias Climatic Research Unit whose e-mails are at the centre of the row, said it was ludicrous to suggest anything untoward took place during the research, saying the e-mails were taken completely out of context. Hackers dispute climate research Ski and casino complex will create 1,500 jobs By Ed Carty ambitious: an artists impression of the proposed ski and casino complex near dundalk Picture: PA AMBITIOUS plans for a 430million ski, casino and all-weather tourism complex near the border were unveiled yesterday. Developers claim about 1,500 jobs will be created at the Altitude snow sports and lei- sure centre just outside Dundalk over the next seven years. Investors are also banking on the Govern- ment loosening gambling laws, clearing the way for a casino with the entire complex po- tentially attracting 6million people a year. Developer Sam Curran said the centre will be built in phases with the ski facility one of the first to open. We are completely satisfied that the mix of different elements we propose will prove a compelling attraction, not only to the regional and national market across the island of Ire- land but also to overseas visitors, he said. The elements we will provide are not avail- able at any other single site in Ireland or the UK while many of the individual parts also have no direct comparison here at present. The development is planned for a 29 acre site just off the M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway at Dowdallshill, Dundalk. It will include ski and nursery slopes, a 100- plus bed family hostel, a 110,000sq ft indoor concert arena, cinema, Tenpin bowling and childrens zone, as well as a 40,000sq ft surf and swim centre, sports and leisure stores, restaurants and bars. Later phases will include additional hotel accommodation and the international casino. Developers claim it will create 1,200 full- time positions, as well as 400 casual jobs. It is hoped work can begin early next year with the first attractions due to open in the first half of 2011 and other phases to be intro- duced over the next five years. People are willing to travel to enjoy this type of attraction once it is hitting the right price range and what is on offer is regularly refreshed and added to, Mr Curran said. While the current economic climate is clearly not ideal, it does present some cost advantages in the construction phase, he said, adding: We foresee considerable eco- nomic recovery during the seven-year time scale for delivering all elements of Altitude which will also not rely exclusively on the domestic market. The project will be privately funded without support from Irish banks and Mr Curran said it has the potential to help boost the economy. BOOKING WWW.GATETHEATRE.IE (01) 874 4045 / 874 6042 Tickets from 15 (Student Discount) PREVIEWS FROM THURS 20 FAMILY SPECIAL: 5 TICKETS FOR 100 Tues Thurs eve, minimum 2 children, subject to availability Charles Dickens A CHRISTMAS CAROLadapted by JOHN MORTIMER cast includes Barbara Brennan Stephen Brennan John Kavanagh Barry McGovern Mark ORegan I defy even a latter day Scrooge not to be enchanted by this production S. Ind. A COUPLE who didnt leave a tip after waiting an hour for their meal were hauled away in handcuffs and charged with theft. Leslie Pope and John Wagner thought the service so bad at the eaterie that it didnt warrant the mandatory service charge. But the manager thought otherwise and called police. You cant give us terrible, terrible service and expect a tip, said Ms Pope, 22. The pair, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, are due in court next month. Heres a tip... be sure to leave one index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html