In Short

A roundup of today's other news stories in brief

98% of second-level schools have broadband

Virtually every primary and secondary school in the country has broadband, it has emerged. The Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF) announced that 98 per cent of schools now have broadband following an investment of €18 million by telecoms companies and the Government.

TIF director Tommy McCabe said the Broadband to Schools programme would greatly improve the learning experience in schools.

"That in turn will help attract the future high-level investment and skilled jobs to the country thus benefiting the wider community as well as delivering value to telecommunications and technology businesses," he added.

Galway is 'astronomy capital' for 2009

Night skies come into their own this time of year - but no more so than in Galway, which has just been confirmed as Ireland's "astronomy capital" for 2009, writes Lorna Siggins.

The city's university is to become a nucleus of the activity during International Year of Astronomy, which has been nominated by the United Nations 62nd general assembly.

Welcoming the news, Prof Mike Redfern said that NUI Galway's programme would focus on "showing the universal appeal of astronomy to the public" and encouraging more students to consider a career in science. His team would seek to provide a "modern, gender-balanced view" of science and scientists and would "highlight global co-operation for peaceful purposes".

Body of missing woman found in river

A body found in the river Robe, north of Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, has been identified as missing Mayo woman Marion Carr. The body was found in the Springvale area of the town near where the search had been concentrated. Ms Carr (53), a mother of three from Hollymount, Co Mayo - has been missing for 2½ weeks. Many local people had joined her family in the Garda search for her.

Search continues for missing Cork man

More than 100 volunteers braved heavy rain and winds over the weekend as the search continued for a man who is missing from Rosscarbery, west Cork. Edward Barry (62) was last seen in the town on the January 5th.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times