WHEELIE bins were on the way for 1996, Drogheda Corporation revealed. But it was still unsure if householders would have to pay up for the service.

Councillors rejected privatising the refuse collection service in 1995, the corporation then gearing up to introduce it in January 1996, using existing staff.

Who would actually pay for the service remained up in the air, with the corporation stating that it would be a matter for the estimates meeting. Deputy Michael Bell said it would be a matter for the county manager, John Quinlivan, to come up with proposals but he had yet to do so.

Drogheda Corporation advertised for tenders for the supply or hire of 7,435 of the bins and refuge freighter. In another section, suggestions from companies for alternative ideas were welcomed.

However, a corporation spokesperson said this would not amount to private companies taking over the service. SIPTU secretary Michael Walsh said the union was fiercely opposed to the privatisation of the service.

The divisional headquarters of the Garda Siochana was being brought back to Drogheda, six years after it was shifted to Dundalk.

Confirmation of the transfer was given by Chief Supt. John O'Brien, at whose request the move is being made. The move was welcomed by Michael Bell TD and Alderman Fergus O'Dowd.

The Chief Supt. hoped the move would correspond with the opening of the new garda station.If it didn't, the profile would still be raised with the Chief Supt and administrative staff moving to the existing station.

Meanwhile, the Drogheda St Patrick's Day parade was definitely on. A row had erupted about the organisation of the event and mediation talks had begun, organised by Pat Carr, Gerry Daly and Dermot Kierans. As part of the agreement, the committee elected the previous year, under Thomas Moore, would organise the event. The Irish Week window competition would be organised by the Glor na nGael.

The group that had originally organised the event said it was delighted that the impass had been resolved. Drogheda mayor, Frank Godfrey, who is director and PRO for the parade, thanked the mediators for their time and effort.

The Louth v Kildare Leinster Championship match in Newbridge on May 28th could be televised live on RTE, the paper reported. The match would be all-ticket and the TV issue was discussed at Leinster Council level. Secretary Michael Delaney said it would be a perfect way to promote the game and would not impact on the gate.

Negotiations between the government and the Medical Missionaries of Mary on the transfer of ownership of the Lourdes Hospital had not yet been completed, Ald. Fergus O'Dowd had asked the question and Health Minister Michael Noonan stated that agreement in principle had been in existance since September 1st 1994. He confirmed that negotiations had not yet been concluded.

Slane firm Grassland Fertilizers had been awarded the ISO 9002 certification by the NSAI (National Standards Association of Ireland). Production Manager Tom Young accepted the award from John Bruton TD. The Grasslands factory was built in 1979.