D Thursday, January 14, 2010 News Jobs at risk as taps run critically low JOBS were under threat last night at one of the countrys best known food manufacturers as water supplies ran critically low. Batchelors warned 40 workers face redundancy at its Dublin plant because it was running out of water needed to can peas, beans and fruit juices. The factory at Bannow Road, Cabra, is believed to be the second biggest user of public water supplies in the capital, after Guinness. The company, which employs 235 people, said the threat was directly re- lated to the crisis in reservoir levels, as householders continue to run taps to stop pipes freezing and mains burst. A spokeswoman promised the pro- tective notice on jobs would be lifted when supplies return to normal. A Guinness spokeswoman was una- ble to immediately confirm if the wa- ter shortage was having an impact on production at St Jamess Gate. Environment Minister John Gorm- ley, leading the National Emergency Response team, insisted conditions across the country were improving. But further frost is expected as spot flooding and power outages continue to inflict misery, while the low level of public water supplies remains critical. Melting ice and snow along with heavy rainfall causing flooding in parts of the south west, and Cork in particu- lar, and roads covered by snow, black ice or slush remained treacherous. Bus services were affected in Cork and Limerick, while six bus routes were restricted in Dublin. High winds caused trees to strike overhead cables, cutting off power in several counties. Teams of ESB engineers worked into Tuesday night to restore electricity to about 1,500 homes in Wicklow, Wex- ford, Carlow, Cork, Kerry and Sligo. Despite the almost month-long coun- trywide disruption, Mr Gormley said local authorities had done everything they could during the very unusual cold snap. By Brian Hutton Dillie the deer really is one of the family. Four-year-old Dillie was abandoned by her mother and weighqaed just 1.8kg (4lbs) when vet Dr Melanie Butera from Canal Fulton, Ohio, rescued her. Dillies favourite treat is pasta followed by ice cream and coffee, topped off with frozen ice shavings. We just love her to bits, said Dr Butera, 48 Feeling at home, deer? Court: Gerry McCann at the Lisbon hearing Our Maddie is still alive, says father GERRY McCann angrily dismissed Portuguese detectives claims that his daughter Madeleine is dead as he arrived at court yesterday. Senior officers involved in the case told a hearing in Lisbon of their belief that the little girl died in her familys holiday flat and that her parents faked her abduction. Lisbons main civil court is hearing an attempt by former police chief Goncalo Amaral to overturn a ban on his book questioning the McCanns account of what happened to Madeleine. Mr McCann dismissed the claims. The most important thing is what the prosecutor said: there is absolutely no evidence that Madeleine is dead and there is absolutely no evidence that we were involved in her disappearance, he said. index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html