STOPPING SPREE Man injured Aoife enjoys after hotel’s special Paris kitchen hit by engagement major blaze
Retail chiefs say weather alerts hitting footfall
Langston House A MAN was injured yesterday after a fire broke out at a hotel and nightclub.
It took hold shortly after 9am yesterday in the kitchen of Langton’s House Hotel on John’s Street in Kilkenny.
It is understood a member of staff was woken by a fire alarm.
He immediately called the fire services as he attempted to put out the flames. Three fire units and ambulances were on the scene within minutes and battled to take hold of the blaze for some time.
The injured man was transferred to St Luke’s General Hospital believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation.
No guests were staying in the family-run hotel.
Gardai, the Fire Service and the Health and Safety Authority will investigate the fire but it’s not thought to have been deliberate.
A member of the emergency services, who did not wish to be named, said: “Thankfully the fire was eventually contained and did not spread past the kitchen from what we know so far.
“There is a lot of damage in the kitchen and it is not known if the hotel will be able to open soon.
“It will cost hundreds of thousands of euros and will take time to sort” Gary pops question to Aoife Walsh in Paris FORMER Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh has announced her engagement to her longterm boyfriend Gary.
The 29-year-old model posted a photo of the happy moment under the Effiel Tower. She posted on Instagram: “I’m so excited to be marrying the love of my life. I’m engaged !!!! #Isaidyes #.”
Fans were quick to pass on their best wishes to the couple. One wrote: “Soo happy for you both xx,. Congratulations to you both!! Best news.” RETAIL bosses have claimed weather warnings are hitting their business by keeping shoppers at home.
They claim Met Eireann’s “alarmist” alerts have been negatively impacting footfall.
Retail Excellence chief executive David Fitzsimons said: “Our team has spent the past week gathering trading data from more than 300 outlets.
“The most common comment this year is the weather alert issued by Met Eireann pertaining to weather conditions last Saturday was at best alarmist.
“The last five days to Christmas Eve have traded well with the extra day an added bonus and the psychology of having three full shopping days before Christmas Day, when most people were on annual leave, did have a very positive impact on footfall and spending.”
The body claimed that while it is normal for footfall to be down by 12% on a bad weather day, the slump doubles when weather alerts are issued.
It will meet with the national forecaster in the New Year to discuss its concerns.
Retail Ireland also urged the Government to reduce business costs especially Xmas trade is vital the 23% VAT rate. It added festive trade was around the same as last year.
Mr Fitzsimons added: “However, the retail environment this Christmas has been very challenging with most sectors recording little change from the same period in 2017.”
Meanwhile, shoppers hoping to bag Stephen’s Day bargains will enjoy a largely dry day.
Met Eireann has predicted a ”predominantly cloudy day with only brief sunny interludes”.
Some parts of the country along the south and west coast will see a few patches of rain.
The spokesman said: “Mist and fog will tend to become confined to hills and windward coasts.
“Top temperatures of 9C to 12C in light to moderate southerly breezes.”
The next few days will be mild and frost-free due to high pressure systems.
Tonight will be mostly dry and cloudy with some patchy rain or drizzle in the south and northwest.
The source added: “Lowest temperatures around 6C to 9C in just light southerly breezes.”