theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Could local lockdowns work in Ireland?

Could local lockdowns work in Ireland?

Across the world , in countries wrestling with a resurgence in Covid-19 cases , local lockdowns are increasingly forming part of the response by governments .
In Ireland , too , there have been calls for a regionalisation of approaches so that the pain involved in continuing with , or even reimposing , restrictions would be felt by fewer people .
This might allow pubs in Dingle to open , for example , but not in Donnybrook ; or it might impose a curfew in one county , but not its neighbour .
But could such an approach work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good internal travel links that are heavily used ( particularly in holiday time during the summer ) ?
And even if it would work , is it the appropriate response when up to now the job of suppressing the virus has been a collective effort based on community spirit and an understanding that the pain involved was being shared ?
In Australia , lockdown restrictions – known there as phase four – were imposed on Melbourne last Sunday .
Residents are permitted to go outside only for essential trips such as food shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all public settings and an 8pm curfew has been imposed .
Stage three restrictions , the next most severe category of measures , are being imposed in the wider state of Victoria from Thursday .
In the UK , meanwhile , restrictions were reimposed on millions of people in northern England in recent days following a spike in cases , while Aberdeen in Scotland has also been put back into lockdown .
In most cases , administrators have justified the lockdowns by saying harsher medicine now will work better than a gentler response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , said the alternative to stage four restrictions for six weeks was stage three measures for six months .
Here in Ireland , public health officials have considered introducing local measures at various points over the past six months , but have on each occasion backed off such a move .
Their reasons varied at different stages of the pandemic .
There was no need for local measures during the lockdown , which was national and enjoyed widespread public support .
Aside perhaps from Dublin , there doesn ’ t seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidence of the disease in different areas of the country , though the data published is incomplete .
Ultimately , Co Cavan has ended up with a higher cumulative incidence of Covid-19 than Dublin , due possibly to outbreaks in local nursing homes and the local hospital .
The total number of cases in an area , whether cumulative or in the previous 14 days , is less important , arguably , than the proportion of cases which involve community transmission .
Co Kildare , for example , is recording the highest incidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its new caseload relates to two outbreaks in local factories .
The figures don ’ t tell us what the relative risk is of walking down the main street of Naas compared to , say , Newbridge .
Irish scientists calling for a zero-Covid national policy have suggested that “ internal green zones ” could be created out of counties that have effectively suppressed community transmission .
These counties would benefit from lighter restrictions while other counties with higher rates of infection would be subject to greater restrictions until their figures improved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocates this approach , acknowledges that Dublin poses a challenge – should it be limited to the county boundary or should it cover the greater metropolitan area ?
The World Health Organisation says there is a role for regionalised approaches to limit the spread of the virus while allowing for economic activity to continue as much as possible .
However , it says , you first have to look at the amount of mobility between areas , as well as the availability of localised data and response capacity .
It hardly needs stating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a highly mobile population internally and that county boundaries , while important on the GAA field , count for little in terms of people ’ s movement .
And that ’ s before you even start to consider the national Border on the island .
Singling out a particular county , or even HSE region , for restrictions could also undermine the spirit of national solidarity that has sustained the country through the pandemic .
For these reasons , this approach is likely to be one of the last measures adopted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said , “ in a small country , where people are moving across boundaries , it ’ s not as simple ” .

Prof Anthony Staines of DCU says Dublin poses a challenge to a local approach – should it be limited to the county boundary or should it cover the greater metropolitan area? Photograph: Collins
Across the world, in countries wrestling with a resurgence in Covid-19 cases, local lockdowns are increasingly forming part of the response by governments.
In Ireland, too, there have been calls for a regionalisation of approaches so that the pain involved in continuing with, or even reimposing, restrictions would be felt by fewer people.
This might allow pubs in Dingle to open, for example, but not in Donnybrook; or it might impose a curfew in one county, but not its neighbour.
But could such an approach work in the Republic, a small state with good internal travel links that are heavily used (particularly in holiday time during the summer)? And even if it would work, is it the appropriate response when up to now the job of suppressing the virus has been a collective effort based on community spirit and an understanding that the pain involved was being shared?
READ MORE
In Australia, lockdown restrictions – known there as phase four – were imposed on Melbourne last Sunday. Residents are permitted to go outside only for essential trips such as food shopping or exercise, mask-wearing is mandatory in all public settings and an 8pm curfew has been imposed.
Stage three restrictions, the next most severe category of measures, are being imposed in the wider state of Victoria from Thursday.
In the UK, meanwhile, restrictions were reimposed on millions of people in northern England in recent days following a spike in cases, while Aberdeen in Scotland has also been put back into lockdown.
In most cases, administrators have justified the lockdowns by saying harsher medicine now will work better than a gentler response over time. The Victorian premier, for example, said the alternative to stage four restrictions for six weeks was stage three measures for six months.
Here in Ireland, public health officials have considered introducing local measures at various points over the past six months, but have on each occasion backed off such a move.
Their reasons varied at different stages of the pandemic. There was no need for local measures during the lockdown, which was national and enjoyed widespread public support.
Aside perhaps from Dublin, there doesn’t seem to have been huge variations in the incidence of the disease in different areas of the country, though the data published is incomplete.
Ultimately, Co Cavan has ended up with a higher cumulative incidence of Covid-19 than Dublin, due possibly to outbreaks in local nursing homes and the local hospital.
The total number of cases in an area, whether cumulative or in the previous 14 days, is less important, arguably, than the proportion of cases which involve community transmission.
Co Kildare, for example, is recording the highest incidence in the country, but most of its new caseload relates to two outbreaks in local factories. The figures don't tell us what the relative risk is of walking down the main street of Naas compared to, say, Newbridge.
‘Internal green zones’
Irish scientists calling for a zero-Covid national policy have suggested that “internal green zones” could be created out of counties that have effectively suppressed community transmission. These counties would benefit from lighter restrictions while other counties with higher rates of infection would be subject to greater restrictions until their figures improved.
Prof Anthony Staines of DCU, who advocates this approach, acknowledges that Dublin poses a challenge – should it be limited to the county boundary or should it cover the greater metropolitan area?
The World Health Organisation says there is a role for regionalised approaches to limit the spread of the virus while allowing for economic activity to continue as much as possible. However, it says, you first have to look at the amount of mobility between areas, as well as the availability of localised data and response capacity.
It hardly needs stating that Ireland is a small country, with a highly mobile population internally and that county boundaries, while important on the GAA field, count for little in terms of people’s movement. And that’s before you even start to consider the national Border on the island.
Singling out a particular county, or even HSE region, for restrictions could also undermine the spirit of national solidarity that has sustained the country through the pandemic. For these reasons, this approach is likely to be one of the last measures adopted to tackle any specific outbreak.
Or, as acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said, "in a small country, where people are moving across boundaries, it's not as simple".


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Covid and Brexit could pose risk to medicines supply, says pharma sector

The impact of Covid-19 and Brexit could pose a risk of a shortage of medicines in the months ahead , representatives of key parts of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland have warned the Government .
In a letter to Ministers , Medicines for Ireland ( MFI ) , the pharmaceutical trade association representing companies that supply generic , off-patent and bio-similar drugs to the HSE and patients , highlighted that stocks were being eroded .
The letter warned that there was a serious concern that the medicine reserves of Irish suppliers “ have been seriously depleted because of the unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the added pressure this has put on the global supply chain of medicines ” .
“ Reserves in store have been seriously eroded , and there is now a real danger that a ‘ no-deal ’ Brexit will further impact medicine supplies in Ireland .
“ The combination of stockpiles being depleted during the Covid-19 pandemic , the disruption to international production of generic medicines in Asia , and the risks of a second wave interrupting global supplies this year has raised huge concerns with our members.
” The association also maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a much higher cost of delivering medicines to Irish patients .
“ A further shock , such as a ‘ no-deal ’ Brexit , will severely impact on the ability of our members to deliver large quantities of lower-cost medicines to the HSE and to patients.
” The association on Wednesday said it had put proposals to Government to deal with the potential situation , and while there was a risk of shortages it was confident that these could be averted .
MFI is looking for new procurement arrangements which would “ give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of drugs and medicines which the HSE would take each month , as well as “ risk-sharing ” arrangements .
The organisation said governments in the UK and elsewhere in European had put in place new arrangements for the provision of drugs and medicines .
In the UK a Covid procurement resilience plan sought supplies of over 50 medicines between September and December , with companies paid in advance of shipping and with higher prices for early delivery .
MFI suggested that as an alternative to joint procurement there could either be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” established .
Under such a system either the HSE , in an Irish system , or the European Commission , in an EU-wide arrangement , would buy medicine for a worst-case scenario , which would be maintained by the industry .
The sector is also seeking that the EU and the UK conclude at least a mutual recognition agreement , or another similar solution , on regulatory processes and standards to come into effect after Brexit .
MFI said Irish patients did not experience shortages of drugs and medicines as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pharmaceutical sector had already been preparing for the challenges of Brexit and to deal with the problems of Covid .
Innovative solutions and flexible arrangements were agreed with regulators and agencies such as the introduction of “ pharma green lanes ” for products passing through ports and airports .
MFI urged the Government to maintain “ essential worker status ” for pharmaceutical industry staff and suppliers during any future Covid challenges , and for the “ green lanes ” at ports and airports to continue .
“ We should take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland .
Whilst the average price of a packet of medicine has fallen from €18 ( 2012 ) to €6 ( 2018 ) and our members have been key to delivering these savings of €2 billion to the Irish State in recent years , our ingredient and transport costs have risen significantly during Covid , ” it said .

MFI says Irish patients did not experience shortages of drugs and medicines as a result of the pandemic. Photograph: Getty Images
The impact of Covid-19 and Brexit could pose a risk of a shortage of medicines in the months ahead, representatives of key parts of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland have warned the Government.
In a letter to Ministers, Medicines for Ireland (MFI), the pharmaceutical trade association representing companies that supply generic, off-patent and bio-similar drugs to the HSE and patients, highlighted that stocks were being eroded.
The letter warned that there was a serious concern that the medicine reserves of Irish suppliers “have been seriously depleted because of the unprecedented surge in demand from the Covid-19 pandemic and the added pressure this has put on the global supply chain of medicines”.
“Reserves in store have been seriously eroded, and there is now a real danger that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit will further impact medicine supplies in Ireland.
READ MORE
"The combination of stockpiles being depleted during the Covid-19 pandemic, the disruption to international production of generic medicines in Asia, and the risks of a second wave interrupting global supplies this year has raised huge concerns with our members."
The association also maintained that its member companies were now facing a much higher cost of delivering medicines to Irish patients.
“A further shock, such as a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, will severely impact on the ability of our members to deliver large quantities of lower-cost medicines to the HSE and to patients.”
The association on Wednesday said it had put proposals to Government to deal with the potential situation, and while there was a risk of shortages it was confident that these could be averted.
Certainty
MFI is looking for new procurement arrangements which would “give certainty” to suppliers about the amount of drugs and medicines which the HSE would take each month, as well as “ risk-sharing” arrangements.
The organisation said governments in the UK and elsewhere in European had put in place new arrangements for the provision of drugs and medicines.
In the UK a Covid procurement resilience plan sought supplies of over 50 medicines between September and December, with companies paid in advance of shipping and with higher prices for early delivery.
MFI suggested that as an alternative to joint procurement there could either be a European or an Irish “medicines reserve” established.
Under such a system either the HSE, in an Irish system, or the European Commission, in an EU-wide arrangement, would buy medicine for a worst-case scenario, which would be maintained by the industry.
The sector is also seeking that the EU and the UK conclude at least a mutual recognition agreement, or another similar solution, on regulatory processes and standards to come into effect after Brexit.
MFI said Irish patients did not experience shortages of drugs and medicines as a result of the first phase of the pandemic.
The pharmaceutical sector had already been preparing for the challenges of Brexit and to deal with the problems of Covid.
Innovative solutions and flexible arrangements were agreed with regulators and agencies such as the introduction of “pharma green lanes” for products passing through ports and airports.
Essential worker status
MFI urged the Government to maintain “essential worker status” for pharmaceutical industry staff and suppliers during any future Covid challenges, and for the “green lanes” at ports and airports to continue.
“We should take a balanced view on pricing modulation of medicines in Ireland. Whilst the average price of a packet of medicine has fallen from €18 (2012) to €6 (2018) and our members have been key to delivering these savings of €2 billion to the Irish State in recent years, our ingredient and transport costs have risen significantly during Covid,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--We have been intrigued by infinity’s enigma for . . . forever

A paradox is a statement that appears to contradict itself , or that is counter-intuitive .
The analysis of paradoxes has led to profound developments in mathematics and logic .
One of the richest sources of paradox is the concept of infinity .
Hermann Weyl , one of the most brilliant mathematicians of the 20th century , defined mathematics as “ the science of the infinite ” .
Ever since there has been time to wonder , humankind has been intrigued by the enigma of infinity .
The idea has perplexed philosophers and mystified mathematicians for millennia .
The Greeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pythagoras .
Head-on confrontation of infinity led to contradictory conclusions ; the paradoxes of Zeno are among the most noted of these .
In one of Zeno ’ s paradoxes , Achilles must complete a race of a fixed distance .
To do this , he must first reach the half-way point .
Before this , he must reach the midpoint of the first half , and so on without limit .
Since he must arrive at an infinite number of midpoints , Zeno concludes that Achilles can not even begin to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Zeno ’ s ideas as “ immeasurably subtle and profound ” .
The Greeks could not imagine that the sum of an infinite number of distances could be finite .
It was not until 1821 that French mathematician Augustin Cauchy defined mathematical limits in a rigorous way , and showed what it means to say that the sum of an infinite number of terms is finite .
Although we have been aware for millennia that it is possible to continue counting without limit , everyone until Georg Cantor stopped before reaching infinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued far , far beyond .
He created a theory of infinite quantities .
He was the first person ever to see beyond the limit of the counting numbers .
Cantor showed that there is not one infinity , but an unlimited hierarchy of them .
Infinite sets do not all have the same size : some are more infinite than others .
Cantor ’ s discovery of a whole galaxy of infinities had an enormous impact on mathematics and on philosophy .
Probability theory is a rich source of counter-intuitive results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a better than 50 per cent chance that two people in a room have the same birthday , it is sufficient to have just 23 people .
Another familiar example is the Monty Hall problem : a game-show host invites the participant to choose one of three doors : behind one is a sports car , behind the other two are goats .
When the player has chosen , the host opens another door to reveal a goat , and then allows the player to change to the third door .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , but analysis shows that the odds of winning are substantially increased by changing .
An even more surprising example is the two-child paradox .
“ In a two-child family , given that there is at least one boy , what is the probability that there are two ?
” We assume that boys and girls are born with equal frequency and that the sex of each child is independent of that of the other .
These assumptions can be challenged , but we are not concerned here with genetic niceties or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 per cent .
More careful investigation leads us to a one-in-three chance of a second boy .
The mystery is resolved by considering the “ sample space ” ; the set of all possibilities .
While many of these paradoxes appear to be curiosities , their clarification has enhanced the preciseness of human thought .
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD school of mathematics and statistics , University College Dublin .
He blogs at thatsmaths.com

In a two-child family, given that there is at least one boy, what is the probability that there are two?
A paradox is a statement that appears to contradict itself, or that is counter-intuitive. The analysis of paradoxes has led to profound developments in mathematics and logic. One of the richest sources of paradox is the concept of infinity. Hermann Weyl, one of the most brilliant mathematicians of the 20th century, defined mathematics as "the science of the infinite".
Ever since there has been time to wonder, humankind has been intrigued by the enigma of infinity. The idea has perplexed philosophers and mystified mathematicians for millennia. The Greeks were contemplating infinity from the time of Pythagoras. Head-on confrontation of infinity led to contradictory conclusions; the paradoxes of Zeno are among the most noted of these.
In one of Zeno's paradoxes, Achilles must complete a race of a fixed distance. To do this, he must first reach the half-way point. Before this, he must reach the midpoint of the first half, and so on without limit. Since he must arrive at an infinite number of midpoints, Zeno concludes that Achilles cannot even begin to move: motion is impossible! Bertrand Russell described Zeno's ideas as "immeasurably subtle and profound".
The Greeks could not imagine that the sum of an infinite number of distances could be finite. It was not until 1821 that French mathematician Augustin Cauchy defined mathematical limits in a rigorous way, and showed what it means to say that the sum of an infinite number of terms is finite.
READ MORE
Cantor counts
Although we have been aware for millennia that it is possible to continue counting without limit, everyone until Georg Cantor stopped before reaching infinity. Cantor got to this point and continued far, far beyond. He created a theory of infinite quantities. He was the first person ever to see beyond the limit of the counting numbers.
Cantor showed that there is not one infinity, but an unlimited hierarchy of them. Infinite sets do not all have the same size: some are more infinite than others. Cantor’s discovery of a whole galaxy of infinities had an enormous impact on mathematics and on philosophy.
Paradoxes of probability
Probability theory is a rich source of counter-intuitive results. Well-known is the birthday paradox: to have a better than 50 per cent chance that two people in a room have the same birthday, it is sufficient to have just 23 people. Another familiar example is the Monty Hall problem: a game-show host invites the participant to choose one of three doors: behind one is a sports car, behind the other two are goats.
When the player has chosen, the host opens another door to reveal a goat, and then allows the player to change to the third door. It is hard to imagine any advantage in this, but analysis shows that the odds of winning are substantially increased by changing.
An even more surprising example is the two-child paradox. “In a two-child family, given that there is at least one boy, what is the probability that there are two?” We assume that boys and girls are born with equal frequency and that the sex of each child is independent of that of the other.
These assumptions can be challenged, but we are not concerned here with genetic niceties or calendrical quirks. The intuitive answer is 50 per cent. More careful investigation leads us to a one-in-three chance of a second boy. The mystery is resolved by considering the “sample space”; the set of all possibilities.
While many of these paradoxes appear to be curiosities, their clarification has enhanced the preciseness of human thought.
Peter Lynch is emeritus professor at UCD school of mathematics and statistics, University College Dublin. He blogs at thatsmaths.com


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Theft and drugs top list of offences dealt with by Probation Service

The number of offenders dealt with by the Probation Service rose marginally last year with more than a fifth of cases related to theft .
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee released the Probation Service Annual Report 2019 on Wednesday .
The Probation Service is an agency within the Department of Justice which is aimed at helping offenders desist from committing more crime .
The report shows that the service dealt with 16,607 in the community last year , which was up from 15,777 and 15,269 the year before .
It also dealt with 2,689 offenders in prison .
A breakdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were theft ( 21.1 per cent ) ; drugs ( 17.6 per cent ) ; assault ( 14.5 per cent ) ; public order ( 10.9 per cent ) ; road traffic ( 10.8 per cent ) ; burglary ( 6.8 per cent ) ; dangerous acts ( 4.2 per cent ) ; and property offences ( 3.7 per cent ) More than 12,500 probation reports and over 3,500 community service assessments were completed .
The 2,791 community service orders for 2019 totals 379,815 hours work in lieu of 1,247 years in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of unpaid work for the benefit of communities nationwide .
The report notes that 16.2 per cent ( 1,716 ) of new referrals were female in 2019 .
Separately , it supervised 581 young people .
Ms McEntee welcomed publication of the report .
“ The Probation Service is an important agency of the Department of Justice and Equality , committed to achieving the high-level goals of the department in working to reduce crime levels through offender rehabilitation , with a view to creating safer communities and fewer victims , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the Probation Service and other criminal justice partners has made a significant contribution in 2019 in making our streets , homes , businesses and communities more secure .
”

Former Probation Service director Vivian Guerin, who retired during the year. Photograph Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times
The number of offenders dealt with by the Probation Service rose marginally last year with more than a fifth of cases related to theft.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee released the Probation Service Annual Report 2019 on Wednesday. The Probation Service is an agency within the Department of Justice which is aimed at helping offenders desist from committing more crime.
The report shows that the service dealt with 16,607 in the community last year, which was up from 15,777 and 15,269 the year before. It also dealt with 2,689 offenders in prison.
A breakdown of all referrals shows the top offences were theft (21.1 per cent); drugs (17.6 per cent); assault (14.5 per cent); public order (10.9 per cent); road traffic (10.8 per cent); burglary (6.8 per cent); dangerous acts (4.2 per cent); and property offences (3.7 per cent)
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More than 12,500 probation reports and over 3,500 community service assessments were completed. The 2,791 community service orders for 2019 totals 379,815 hours work in lieu of 1,247 years in prison.
This equates to over €3.5 million worth of unpaid work for the benefit of communities nationwide.
The report notes that 16.2 per cent (1,716) of new referrals were female in 2019. Separately, it supervised 581 young people.
Ms McEntee welcomed publication of the report. “The Probation Service is an important agency of the Department of Justice and Equality, committed to achieving the high-level goals of the department in working to reduce crime levels through offender rehabilitation, with a view to creating safer communities and fewer victims,” she said.
“Interagency co-operation and collaboration between the Probation Service and other criminal justice partners has made a significant contribution in 2019 in making our streets, homes, businesses and communities more secure.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Teenage boy dies at Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow

A teenage boy has died after a fall at Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow on Wednesday .
Gardaí attended the scene of the fatal incident in the Powerscourt Estate , House and Gardens .
The incident occurred at approximately 2.30pm .
“ A male teenage youth was pronounced dead at the scene , ” said a Garda spokesman .
“ His body has been removed to the mortuary at St Columcille ’ s Hospital , Loughlinstown , where a post-mortem will be carried out.
” The spokesman confirmed that investigations are ongoing , although it is understood the incident is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incident was also attended by the fire services , ambulance personnel , the Coastguard , as well as volunteers from the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team .
A second individual was rescued near the top of the waterfall by the Coastguard ’ s Rescue 116 helicopter .
“ We were called in by the fire service , ” said a spokesman .
“ A helicopter was requested in relation to a suspected faller .
Rescue 116 was tasked and attended the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He did not require medical assistance.
” Powerscourt Waterfall is 6km from the main estate and is 121 metres high .
The area is popular with climbers , although there are numerous signs at the amenity warning people not to climb the rocks above a certain level .
The area is also popular with picnickers and families , many of whom hold barbeques there .
Minister for Higher Education and local TD Simon Harris paid tribute to the coastguard for its efforts in saving the second individual .
“ Such sad news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powerscourt this evening , ” he said on Twitter .
“ Thoughts of all our community are with the family and friends of the teenager .
Thank you to the @ IrishCoastGuard for all their efforts .
”

A teenage boy has died after a fall at Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow on Wednesday.
Gardaí attended the scene of the fatal incident in the Powerscourt Estate, House and Gardens. The incident occurred at approximately 2.30pm.
“A male teenage youth was pronounced dead at the scene,” said a Garda spokesman.
“His body has been removed to the mortuary at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, where a post-mortem will be carried out.”
READ MORE
The spokesman confirmed that investigations are ongoing, although it is understood the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.
The incident was also attended by the fire services, ambulance personnel, the Coastguard, as well as volunteers from the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team.
A second individual was rescued near the top of the waterfall by the Coastguard’s Rescue 116 helicopter.
“We were called in by the fire service,” said a spokesman. “A helicopter was requested in relation to a suspected faller. Rescue 116 was tasked and attended the scene. A second casualty was airlifted to safety. He did not require medical assistance.”
Powerscourt Waterfall is 6km from the main estate and is 121 metres high. The area is popular with climbers, although there are numerous signs at the amenity warning people not to climb the rocks above a certain level.
The area is also popular with picnickers and families, many of whom hold barbeques there.
Minister for Higher Education and local TD Simon Harris paid tribute to the coastguard for its efforts in saving the second individual.
“Such sad news emerging in County Wicklow from our beautiful Powerscourt this evening,” he said on Twitter. “Thoughts of all our community are with the family and friends of the teenager. Thank you to the @IrishCoastGuard for all their efforts.”
Local Sinn Féin TD John Brady tweeted: “Terrible news this afternoon from Powerscourt waterfall. RIP.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--‘John Hume came out for us that often, Derry needed to come out for him’

The scent of incense hangs in the air .
The first few notes can be heard ; Phil Coulter is on the piano , playing The Town I Loved So Well – one of John Hume ’ s favourite songs – as the coffin is brought from the church for burial .
Watching outside the railings , the crowd begins to applaud .
“ Thank you , John , ” someone shouts .
“ Thank you.
” They could not go inside , but they came anyway .
Several hours before the funeral was due to begin at St Eugene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began arriving ; they stood at the cathedral railings , on the footpaths and along the route they knew the cortege would travel to the cemetery .
Many pointed out that , had it not been for the coronavirus regulations , Hume ’ s would have been one of the largest funerals the city had ever seen .
Instead , the cathedral grounds were closed to the public – who were encouraged to instead watch the service online on or television – and the number inside for Requiem Mass was limited to about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and surely he deserved a State funeral with all the bells and whistles , but there is something just more honest about this , ” said Coulter .
“ This is a Derry funeral and the real point of it is for Derry people to say goodbye to John.
” “ John never forgot where he was from , ” said Cathy O ’ Donnell .
“ I knew John , and he was a true Derry man .
He stood by us and he fought for us .
He never doubted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Una Morrison agreed .
“ Derry is a small place .
Pat Hume taught me , and I was at school with their daughter Áine , and my dad was involved with the SDLP .
The circles here are small , and they were completely solid people , generous in their outlook and about doing right.
” “ When they think of all the hassle they got and what they had to put up with during the Troubles , and the sacrifices they made ... the tough part is that they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy life at the end .
They sacrificed so much for the greater good.
” She gestures towards the cathedral doors .
“ He was a big figure .
This is history in the making.
” Ned Furlong and John Moore drove “ nearly 300 miles ” from Adamstown , Co Wexford , to be in Derry for the funeral .
“ I always thought he was a great man , ” said Moore .
“ He was always against violence , and he sorted everything out the way it should have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched the documentary about John Hume on RTÉ , and I was bawling like a child , ” said Furlong .
“ He ’ s a man who persevered , for so many years .
He wasn ’ t a man of violence , he was a man of principle , and that ’ s why we came , because he was so passionate about what he was doing .
“ It ’ s a very sad day for everyone in Derry .
They ’ re losing a great stalwart.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Gallagher .
“ John Hume came out for us that often , Derry needed to come out for him .
“ I didn ’ t know him personally , but I think everyone in Derry knows John Hume , ” Gallagher added .
“ Everybody here knows what he was all about , and he never lost that .
A lot of people would have walked away , but he stuck with it , he never changed , and he made Derry what it is today.
” “ I ’ m here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albert Thompson .
“ He was a very nice person to speak to .
If it wasn ’ t for coronavirus , there would be far more people here .
”

Patricia Hume (centre in grey jacket) walks behind her husband’s casket as it is carried from St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry, following his funeral service on Wednesday. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The scent of incense hangs in the air. The first few notes can be heard; Phil Coulter is on the piano, playing The Town I Loved So Well – one of John Hume’s favourite songs – as the coffin is brought from the church for burial.
Watching outside the railings, the crowd begins to applaud. “Thank you, John,” someone shouts. “Thank you.”
They could not go inside, but they came anyway. Several hours before the funeral was due to begin at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry, people began arriving; they stood at the cathedral railings, on the footpaths and along the route they knew the cortege would travel to the cemetery.
He was a big figure. This is history in the making
Many pointed out that, had it not been for the coronavirus regulations, Hume’s would have been one of the largest funerals the city had ever seen. Instead, the cathedral grounds were closed to the public – who were encouraged to instead watch the service online on or television – and the number inside for Requiem Mass was limited to about 120 people.
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“It is sad, and surely he deserved a State funeral with all the bells and whistles, but there is something just more honest about this,” said Coulter. “This is a Derry funeral and the real point of it is for Derry people to say goodbye to John.”
“John never forgot where he was from,” said Cathy O’Donnell. “I knew John, and he was a true Derry man. He stood by us and he fought for us. He never doubted us, and we never doubted him.”
‘Solid people’
Una Morrison agreed. “Derry is a small place. Pat Hume taught me, and I was at school with their daughter Áine, and my dad was involved with the SDLP. The circles here are small, and they were completely solid people, generous in their outlook and about doing right.”
“When they think of all the hassle they got and what they had to put up with during the Troubles, and the sacrifices they made...the tough part is that they didn’t get the time together to enjoy life at the end. They sacrificed so much for the greater good.”
She gestures towards the cathedral doors. “He was a big figure. This is history in the making.”
Áine Hume, a daughter of the late John Hume, thanks mourners for their applause as the funeral cortege leaves St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
John Moore and Ned Furlong, who came from Adamstown, Co Wexford, to be in Derry for the funeral. Photograph: Freya McClements
Taoiseach Micheál Martin (right) alongside SDLP leader Colum Eastwood. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Ned Furlong and John Moore drove “nearly 300 miles” from Adamstown, Co Wexford, to be in Derry for the funeral. “I always thought he was a great man,” said Moore. “He was always against violence, and he sorted everything out the way it should have been done, without violence.”
"I watched the documentary about John Hume on RTÉ, and I was bawling like a child," said Furlong. "He's a man who persevered, for so many years. He wasn't a man of violence, he was a man of principle, and that's why we came, because he was so passionate about what he was doing.
‘A great stalwart’
“It’s a very sad day for everyone in Derry. They’re losing a great stalwart.”
“I felt compelled to come,” said John Gallagher. “John Hume came out for us that often, Derry needed to come out for him.
“I didn’t know him personally, but I think everyone in Derry knows John Hume,” Gallagher added. “Everybody here knows what he was all about, and he never lost that. A lot of people would have walked away, but he stuck with it, he never changed, and he made Derry what it is today.”
“I’m here because I knew him,” said Albert Thompson. “He was a very nice person to speak to. If it wasn’t for coronavirus, there would be far more people here.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--John Hume’s socially distanced send-off a fitting end to the life of a ‘great servant’

On first thoughts it all seemed so wrong that so few were in St Eugene ’ s Cathedral in Derry for John Hume ’ s funeral .
Yet on just a little bit more reflection it was clearly right .
This was always the way that John and his wife , Pat , and the family did business ; it was about respecting your neighbour , about self-denial and prioritising the needs of others above your own .
That was John Hume ’ s life in a nutshell .
This was a time of Covid-19 and that threat must and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line taken by Pat .
No exception was made even for one of her own sons , Aidan , living and working in Boston , although his reflection about his father , read by his sister Mo , carried a transatlantic impact .
It was a day for the Hume family and also for the SDLP , particularly for some of its veterans from the late 1960s and 1970s .
There was something poignant about the likes of Bríd Rodgers , Joe Hendron , Alban Maginness , Gerry Cosgrove , Austin Currie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farren reminiscing outside the cathedral about past battles on the long road to political resolution .
They and Hume created the idea of how to escape from what seemed to be an endless cycle of bloodshed and violence , and in the end succeeded in their ambition , only to see the political prize handed to Sinn Féin .
Denis Haughey , who is retired now but for years worked in Europe with Hume when the latter was an MEP , and who himself served for a period as a junior minister at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F Kennedy containing an anecdote about someone saying at his funeral , “ I don ’ t think I will ever laugh again.
” A colleague responded , “ Oh yes , we will laugh again but it is sad to think we will never be young again.
” For Haughey it was the loss of a great friend , the end of an era , a sense of vibrant , exciting days fading into the past .
“ He was the big figure in all our young lives , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought it oddly comforting that the funeral was taking place the day after Ireland had a sensational one-day cricket victory over England , both teams wearing black armbands in Hume ’ s honour .
“ John would have enjoyed that ; he was a mean left-hand spin bowler , you know , ” said Farren .
And then adjusting their face coverings , they all trooped into the cathedral behind the Hume family , the President , the Taoiseach , First Minister , Deputy First Minister and other political leaders .
Hume would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelle O ’ Neill , who have had their differences over Bobby Storey ’ s funeral and other issues , sat together , socially distanced , in the same pew , and left the cathedral together .
On the altar were chief celebrant Fr Paul Farren ; Fr Dinny McGettigan , a cousin of Pat ; Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin ; and Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown .
Hume , a bridge builder and reconciler , would have been glad too that in the sanctuary of the cathedral were Church of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Andrew Forster .
The Hume children and grandchildren participated in the readings and prayers of the faithful , with Pat looking on proudly .
In his tribute John Hume jnr was mindful to say how “ eternally grateful ” the family were for how people looked out for his father when his great intellect was taken over by dementia .
“ The kindness shown to him by the people of Derry and Donegal , who stopped to talk to him in the street every day , guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received him with gentleness if he was agitated , was a profound gift to all of us.
” And had his dad been alive and in the fullness of his health , and considering the tensions of the world , John jnr knew how “ he wouldn ’ t waste the opportunity to say a few words ” .
“ He ’ d talk about our common humanity , the need to respect diversity and difference , to protect and deepen democracy , to value education and to place non-violence at the absolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father ’ s social justice concerns , he added : “ He might also stress the right to a living wage and a roof over your head , to decent healthcare and education .
If he were here now , he might quote his friend , Congressman John Lewis , who sadly passed away a few weeks ago , appealing to the ‘ goodness of every human being and never giving up ’ .
” John jnr provided a glimpse too of how Hume engaged with his fellow residents when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Derry two years ago .
“ He continued to sing songs every day , to teach them all a wee bit of French , to tell his jokes , to demand more buns , and to question everyone daily about where they came from , their origins and their families.
” He also spoke about how his dad “ kept the Irish chocolate industry in healthy profits for many years ” and how he made the family “ laugh , dream , think , and sometimes look at him and scratch our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions bewilderment ” .
Tributes were read from Pope Francis , the Dalai Lama , Bill Clinton , Boris Johnson and Bono , who more than 22 years ago campaigned with Hume and David Trimble to get the Belfast Agreement referendum over the line in 1998 .
“ We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins ... and that peace is the only victory , ” wrote the U2 frontman .
“ We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his missus even more .
We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant .
We found John Hume .
” Mo Hume read her brother Aidan ’ s poem To Da , which outlined in reference to his great friend Seamus Heaney how Hume managed to make “ hope and history rhyme ” .
She held it together but her voice quavered with emotion when she came to the last four most personal lines , I don ’ t ever think I have said aloud How you made us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted was to make the world a better place And in that goal you found your ace .
At the end of the Mass , Phil Coulter played The Town I Loved So Well .
As the family cortege left the cathedral grounds for Derry City Cemetery , there was loud applause from the few hundred people who had gathered quietly outside the cathedral .
“ You could feel it as well as hear it , ” one colleague said of the applause .
Bishop McKeown put it well when he said of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can face the future ” , but probably the strongest lines of the day came from Fr Farren , who in his homily captured both the power and the latter-stage vulnerability of the Nobel laureate .
He described how the cathedral was something of a haven for Hume towards the end of his life , how he would attend , often arriving late , daily evening Mass , sitting and praying quietly at the back of the cathedral .
Fr Farren told the congregation how the Gospel reading of the Good Samaritan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brigands , as others passed by , was Hume ’ s favourite reading .
Neither did Hume pass by , said Fr Farren .
“ Even in the darkest moments , when people would have been forgiven for having no hope , John made peace visible for others , ” he said .
He had a message too for the academics : “ When the history of Ireland is written , if Pat Hume ’ s name is not beside John ’ s , it will be an incomplete history.
” And Fr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to see a man who gave his life for his country , and his health , that man is John Hume .
The world knows it .
”

On first thoughts it all seemed so wrong that so few were in St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry for John Hume’s funeral.
Yet on just a little bit more reflection it was clearly right. This was always the way that John and his wife, Pat, and the family did business; it was about respecting your neighbour, about self-denial and prioritising the needs of others above your own.
That was John Hume’s life in a nutshell.
This was a time of Covid-19 and that threat must and would be respected, was the insistent line taken by Pat. No exception was made even for one of her own sons, Aidan, living and working in Boston, although his reflection about his father, read by his sister Mo, carried a transatlantic impact.
READ MORE
It was a day for the Hume family and also for the SDLP, particularly for some of its veterans from the late 1960s and 1970s.
There was something poignant about the likes of Bríd Rodgers, Joe Hendron, Alban Maginness, Gerry Cosgrove, Austin Currie, Tommy Gallagher, Joe Byrne and Sean Farren reminiscing outside the cathedral about past battles on the long road to political resolution.
They and Hume created the idea of how to escape from what seemed to be an endless cycle of bloodshed and violence, and in the end succeeded in their ambition, only to see the political prize handed to Sinn Féin.
Denis Haughey, who is retired now but for years worked in Europe with Hume when the latter was an MEP, and who himself served for a period as a junior minister at Stormont, recalled a book about John F Kennedy containing an anecdote about someone saying at his funeral, "I don't think I will ever laugh again."
A colleague responded, “Oh yes, we will laugh again but it is sad to think we will never be young again.”
Hume would have been happy that Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill sat together, socially distanced, in the same pew, and left the cathedral together
For Haughey it was the loss of a great friend, the end of an era, a sense of vibrant, exciting days fading into the past. “He was the big figure in all our young lives,” he said.
More cheerfully Sean Farren beside him thought it oddly comforting that the funeral was taking place the day after Ireland had a sensational one-day cricket victory over England, both teams wearing black armbands in Hume's honour.
“John would have enjoyed that; he was a mean left-hand spin bowler, you know,” said Farren.
And then adjusting their face coverings, they all trooped into the cathedral behind the Hume family, the President, the Taoiseach, First Minister, Deputy First Minister and other political leaders.
Hume would have been happy that Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill, who have had their differences over Bobby Storey's funeral and other issues, sat together, socially distanced, in the same pew, and left the cathedral together.
Bridge builder
On the altar were chief celebrant Fr Paul Farren; Fr Dinny McGettigan, a cousin of Pat; Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin; and Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown. Hume, a bridge builder and reconciler, would have been glad too that in the sanctuary of the cathedral were Church of Ireland representatives, Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell and Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Andrew Forster.
The Hume children and grandchildren participated in the readings and prayers of the faithful, with Pat looking on proudly.
In his tribute John Hume jnr was mindful to say how "eternally grateful" the family were for how people looked out for his father when his great intellect was taken over by dementia. "The kindness shown to him by the people of Derry and Donegal, who stopped to talk to him in the street every day, guided him to protect his independence, and received him with gentleness if he was agitated, was a profound gift to all of us."
And had his dad been alive and in the fullness of his health, and considering the tensions of the world, John jnr knew how “he wouldn’t waste the opportunity to say a few words”.
“He’d talk about our common humanity, the need to respect diversity and difference, to protect and deepen democracy, to value education and to place non-violence at the absolute centre.”
John jnr provided a glimpse too of how Hume engaged with his fellow residents when he was admitted to the Owen Mor nursing home in Derry two years ago
And, inheriting some of his father’s social justice concerns, he added: “He might also stress the right to a living wage and a roof over your head, to decent healthcare and education. If he were here now, he might quote his friend, Congressman John Lewis, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago, appealing to the ‘goodness of every human being and never giving up’.”
John jnr provided a glimpse too of how Hume engaged with his fellow residents when he was admitted to the Owen Mor nursing home in Derry two years ago. “He continued to sing songs every day, to teach them all a wee bit of French, to tell his jokes, to demand more buns, and to question everyone daily about where they came from, their origins and their families.”
He also spoke about how his dad “kept the Irish chocolate industry in healthy profits for many years” and how he made the family “laugh, dream, think, and sometimes look at him and scratch our heads in amazement, and on rare occasions bewilderment”.
Trembling voice
Tributes were read from Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, Boris Johnson and Bono, who more than 22 years ago campaigned with Hume and David Trimble to get the Belfast Agreement referendum over the line in 1998.
“We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins ... and that peace is the only victory,” wrote the U2 frontman.
"We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more. We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant. We found John Hume. "
Mo Hume read her brother Aidan's poem To Da, which outlined in reference to his great friend Seamus Heaney how Hume managed to make "hope and history rhyme".
She held it together but her voice quavered with emotion when she came to the last four most personal lines,
I don't ever think I have said aloud
How you made us all so incredibly proud
All you ever wanted was to make the world a better place
And in that goal you found your ace.
At the end of the Mass, Phil Coulter played The Town I Loved So Well. As the family cortege left the cathedral grounds for Derry City Cemetery, there was loud applause from the few hundred people who had gathered quietly outside the cathedral. "You could feel it as well as hear it," one colleague said of the applause.
Bishop McKeown put it well when he said of Hume, “because of his past we can face the future”, but probably the strongest lines of the day came from Fr Farren, who in his homily captured both the power and the latter-stage vulnerability of the Nobel laureate.
He described how the cathedral was something of a haven for Hume towards the end of his life, how he would attend, often arriving late, daily evening Mass, sitting and praying quietly at the back of the cathedral.
"When the history of Ireland is written, if Pat Hume's name is not beside John's, it will be an incomplete history"
Fr Farren told the congregation how the Gospel reading of the Good Samaritan stopping to assist the man attacked by brigands, as others passed by, was Hume’s favourite reading.
Neither did Hume pass by, said Fr Farren. “Even in the darkest moments, when people would have been forgiven for having no hope, John made peace visible for others,” he said.
He had a message too for the academics: “When the history of Ireland is written, if Pat Hume’s name is not beside John’s, it will be an incomplete history.”
And Fr Farren added: “If ever you want to see a man who gave his life for his country, and his health, that man is John Hume. The world knows it.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Dignitaries send tributes to Hume funeral from around the world

Under normal circumstances , thousands would have been expected to attend the funeral of John Hume in Derry on Wednesday , both local people and dignitaries from around the world .
However , the coronavirus regulations meant the numbers inside the church were limited to about 120 , and nobody – including one of Mr Hume ’ s sons , Aidan , who lives in the US – travelled from abroad .
Instead , the Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown , read tributes sent by prominent figures .
Bill and Hillary Clinton : “ We were deeply saddened by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fought his long war for peace in Northern Ireland , his chosen weapons an unshakeable commitment to non-violence , persistence , kindness and love .
“ With his enduring sense of honour he kept marching on against all odds towards a brighter future .
Pope Francis : “ Mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume ’ s untiring efforts to promote dialogue , reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland , His Holiness commends his noble soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God .
“ To those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope of resurrection , the Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in Christ the Lord.
” Boris Johnston : “ Last night a candle was lit and placed in the door of Downing Street to pay respects to John Hume , the symbol of the peace he worked so tirelessly to build .
“ The world has lost a giant of a politician who was recognised the world over for the immense contribution he made to Northern Ireland .
“ We should never forget the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have on Northern Ireland .
His unending determination and courage paved the way for peace and , because of all he did then , Northern Ireland is a safer , stronger and better place .
This will be his legacy.
” Dalai Lama : John Hume ’ s “ deep conviction in the power of dialogue and negotiations in resolving the problem in his homeland has been an example of non-violent resolution of issues .
“ It was his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reached .
His steady persistence set an example for all of us to follow .
“ His message about peace and non-violence in the resolution of conflict , no matter how protracted or difficult it may seem to be , will long survive him .
He lived a truly meaningful life.
” Bono : “ We were looking for a giant and found a man whose life made all our lives bigger .
“ We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins ... and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more .
“ We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant .

Under normal circumstances, thousands would have been expected to attend the funeral of John Hume in Derry on Wednesday, both local people and dignitaries from around the world.
However, the coronavirus regulations meant the numbers inside the church were limited to about 120, and nobody – including one of Mr Hume’s sons, Aidan, who lives in the US – travelled from abroad. Instead, the Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown, read tributes sent by prominent figures.
Bill and Hillary Clinton: “We were deeply saddened by the passing of our friend John Hume, who fought his long war for peace in Northern Ireland, his chosen weapons an unshakeable commitment to non-violence, persistence, kindness and love.
“With his enduring sense of honour he kept marching on against all odds towards a brighter future.
READ MORE
“He was Ireland’s Martin Luther King.”
Pope Francis: “Mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume’s untiring efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland, His Holiness commends his noble soul to the loving mercy of Almighty God.
“To those who mourn his passing in the sure hope of resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in Christ the Lord.”
Boris Johnston: “Last night a candle was lit and placed in the door of Downing Street to pay respects to John Hume, the symbol of the peace he worked so tirelessly to build.
“The world has lost a giant of a politician who was recognised the world over for the immense contribution he made to Northern Ireland.
“We should never forget the lasting impact he made and will continue to have on Northern Ireland. His unending determination and courage paved the way for peace and, because of all he did then, Northern Ireland is a safer, stronger and better place. This will be his legacy.”
Dalai Lama: John Hume’s “deep conviction in the power of dialogue and negotiations in resolving the problem in his homeland has been an example of non-violent resolution of issues.
“It was his leadership and his faith in the power of negotiations that enabled the 1998 Good Friday Agreement [Belfast] to be reached. His steady persistence set an example for all of us to follow.
“His message about peace and non-violence in the resolution of conflict, no matter how protracted or difficult it may seem to be, will long survive him. He lived a truly meaningful life.”
Bono: “We were looking for a giant and found a man whose life made all our lives bigger.
“We were looking for a negotiator who understood that no one wins unless everyone wins...and that peace is the only victory.
“We were looking for joy and heard it in the song of a man who loved his town so well and his missus even more.
“We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant.
“We found John Hume.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Parents encouraged to ditch the car for ‘cycle bus’

An initiative to get Dublin children out of cars and on to bicycles for the return to school next month is being trialled in Clontarf .
The Clontarf “ cycle bus ” will see up to 260 primary school children cycling to Greenlanes National School on Seafield Avenue in September .
The initiative follows advice from the Department of Education that children should cycle or walk to school if possible to minimise coronavirus risks .
The cycle bus works on a bus stop system , with parents given maps of locations where their children can join in , Green Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooney explains .
“ We have looked at the post codes of the people who have signed up and put together three or four routes that children can join .
Some people will be at the start of each route and then there will be ‘ bus stops ’ along the way where children can join in.
” So far 70 per cent of parents in the school have decided their children will participate with another 13 per cent considering the scheme , she said .
“ If that 13 per cent came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling to the school.
” A similar scheme was set up in Galway two years ago , having borrowed the idea from the Netherlands , and the reduced traffic volume on the roads due to the current crisis is being seen as an opportunity to give it further promotion .
Children of any age can participate in the Clontarf scheme but up to second class they must be accompanied by a parent or minder .
The youngest children will cycle at the front with a “ leader parent ” , Ms Cooney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic side of the children .
All the parents involved so far have been Garda vetted and a number have undergone specialist cycling training , she said .
Ms Cooney said she hoped there would be a city-wide take-up of similar schemes .
“ This has already worked in rural areas , but we are the pilot in the city .
Dublin City Council will be publicising this initiative , so we hope it will become widespread .
The Department of Education ’ s road map for school reopening encourages children to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus will run every school day , “ hail rain or shine ” , she said .
“ Obviously if there ’ s an orange rain warning we might walk , but as long as everyone dresses appropriately there is no problem cycling in the rain.
” Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is also encouraging children to cycle to school and will shortly publish an interactive web map , showing walking and cycling routes , and other sustainable transport routes .
“ This tool can be used to inform back-to-school travel plans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cycling to school , ” the council said .
Local schools are being asked to identify local travel and transport issues , which the council can provide assistance and support in overcoming .
“ These issues and hazards include the need for cycle parking , deteriorated footpaths , traffic pinch points , pedestrian crossing etc .
”

An initiative to get Dublin children out of cars and on to bicycles for the return to school next month is being trialled in Clontarf.
The Clontarf "cycle bus" will see up to 260 primary school children cycling to Greenlanes National School on Seafield Avenue in September. The initiative follows advice from the Department of Education that children should cycle or walk to school if possible to minimise coronavirus risks.
The cycle bus works on a bus stop system, with parents given maps of locations where their children can join in, Green Party councillor and co-ordinator of the scheme Donna Cooney explains.
“We have looked at the post codes of the people who have signed up and put together three or four routes that children can join. Some people will be at the start of each route and then there will be ‘bus stops’ along the way where children can join in.”
READ MORE
So far 70 per cent of parents in the school have decided their children will participate with another 13 per cent considering the scheme, she said. “If that 13 per cent came on board that would be 260 children cycling to the school.”
Traffic volume
A similar scheme was set up in Galway two years ago, having borrowed the idea from the Netherlands, and the reduced traffic volume on the roads due to the current crisis is being seen as an opportunity to give it further promotion.
Children of any age can participate in the Clontarf scheme but up to second class they must be accompanied by a parent or minder. The youngest children will cycle at the front with a “leader parent”, Ms Cooney said, with other parents cycling at the traffic side of the children. All the parents involved so far have been Garda vetted and a number have undergone specialist cycling training, she said.
Ms Cooney said she hoped there would be a city-wide take-up of similar schemes.
"This has already worked in rural areas, but we are the pilot in the city. Dublin City Council will be publicising this initiative, so we hope it will become widespread. The Department of Education's road map for school reopening encourages children to walk to cycle to school."
The cycle bus will run every school day, “hail rain or shine”, she said. “Obviously if there’s an orange rain warning we might walk, but as long as everyone dresses appropriately there is no problem cycling in the rain.”
Web app
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is also encouraging children to cycle to school and will shortly publish an interactive web map, showing walking and cycling routes, and other sustainable transport routes.
“This tool can be used to inform back-to-school travel plans and help inform local choices, in walking and cycling to school,” the council said.
Local schools are being asked to identify local travel and transport issues, which the council can provide assistance and support in overcoming. “These issues and hazards include the need for cycle parking, deteriorated footpaths, traffic pinch points, pedestrian crossing etc.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Students to wear face coverings in lectures where two metre distance not possible

Third level students will have to wear face coverings during lectures if they are sitting between one and two metres apart , new guidance has recommended .
Recommendations which seek to ensure the safe resumption of on-campus activity in the Autumn , the Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in HEIs ( Higher Education Institutes ) , were published byMinister for Higher Education Simon Harris on Wednesday .
The guidance , which was drawn up by senior public health experts within the sector and endorsed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , suggests a number of methods to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It recommends that a physical distance of two metres during lectures should be maintained where possible .
However , it acknowledges there are situations where tuition can only be “ realistically ” delivered with less than two metres - but no less than one metre - distancing between students .
In those instances , face coverings should be worn , the guidance states .
In the event that tuition requires the staff member to be less than two metres from students , the staff member should wear face shields , visors or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the college or university .
The maximum number of people allowed in a class will be 50 , under the current public health advice relating to indoor gatherings .
However , the guidance states this may change in accordance with the evolving Covid-19 situation nationally .
The guidance has also recommended that colleges develop one-way systems to enter and exit indoor spaces and that additional time should be allocated for this to prevent congestion .
HEIs are also advised to control access to student accommodation .
Students should not visit buildings other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not invite guests to the residences .
Students who are not residents in college accommodation should not access the buildings , the guidance states .
The document also suggests that alternative residential space for students who develop Covid-19 symptoms may be required to prevent the spread of the virus in communal accommodation complexes .
The public health guidelines does not put any maximum time limit on the length of a teaching session , however it does highlight that if people spend two or more hours in a shared space together , they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event that someone present subsequently tests positive .
After each group leaves a teaching space , high-contact surfaces , such as desk tops and computer keyboard should be cleaned with water and detergent .
Disinfectant should not generally be used , the guidance adds .
The monitoring of temperatures to access campuses is not required and gloves should not be worn unless required for other reasons , such as in a research laboratory .
Colleges and universities have welcomed the publication of the guidelines and are now working to finalise plans for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and student representatives .

The guidance has also recommended that colleges develop one-way systems to enter and exit indoor spaces. Photograph: iStock
Third level students will have to wear face coverings during lectures if they are sitting between one and two metres apart, new guidance has recommended.
Recommendations which seek to ensure the safe resumption of on-campus activity in the Autumn, the Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in HEIs (Higher Education Institutes), were published byMinister for Higher Education Simon Harris on Wednesday .
The guidance, which was drawn up by senior public health experts within the sector and endorsed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, suggests a number of methods to prevent the spread of Covid-19 on education campuses.
It recommends that a physical distance of two metres during lectures should be maintained where possible. However, it acknowledges there are situations where tuition can only be “realistically” delivered with less than two metres - but no less than one metre - distancing between students. In those instances, face coverings should be worn, the guidance states.
READ MORE
In the event that tuition requires the staff member to be less than two metres from students, the staff member should wear face shields, visors or other protective equipment which will be provided by the college or university.
The maximum number of people allowed in a class will be 50, under the current public health advice relating to indoor gatherings. However, the guidance states this may change in accordance with the evolving Covid-19 situation nationally.
The guidance has also recommended that colleges develop one-way systems to enter and exit indoor spaces and that additional time should be allocated for this to prevent congestion.
HEIs are also advised to control access to student accommodation. Students should not visit buildings other than the one where they live and should not invite guests to the residences. Students who are not residents in college accommodation should not access the buildings, the guidance states.
The document also suggests that alternative residential space for students who develop Covid-19 symptoms may be required to prevent the spread of the virus in communal accommodation complexes.
The public health guidelines does not put any maximum time limit on the length of a teaching session, however it does highlight that if people spend two or more hours in a shared space together, they may be regarded as Covid-19 contacts in the event that someone present subsequently tests positive.
After each group leaves a teaching space, high-contact surfaces, such as desk tops and computer keyboard should be cleaned with water and detergent. Disinfectant should not generally be used, the guidance adds.
The monitoring of temperatures to access campuses is not required and gloves should not be worn unless required for other reasons, such as in a research laboratory.
Colleges and universities have welcomed the publication of the guidelines and are now working to finalise plans for the next academic year, in collaboration with staff and student representatives.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Man charged with murder of woman (20) in Newry

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman in Newry .
Polish native Patrycja Wyrebek ( 20 @ @ @ @ @ her home in Drumalane Park on Sunday morning .
Detectives from the Police Service of @ @ @ @ @ investigating her death charged a 23-year-old man with murder on Wednesday .
He is due @ @ @ @ @ ’ Court on Thursday via video link .
As is normal procedure , all charges @ @ @ @ @ Public Prosecution Service .
–PA

Patrycja Wyrebek, 20, was found dead at her home in Drumalane Park, Newry on Sunday morning. Photograph: PSNI/PA Wire
A man has been charged with the murder of a woman in Newry.
Polish native Patrycja Wyrebek (20) was found dead at her home in Drumalane Park on Sunday morning.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigating her death charged a 23-year-old man with murder on Wednesday.
He is due to appear before Newry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday via video link.
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As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. –PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Covid-19 resulted in decrease of child welfare referrals to Tusla

Covid-19 restrictions resulted in a decrease in the number of referrals for child protection and welfare services , the Child and Family Agency has said , after it was revealed that the number of referrals in 2019 reached a record high .
During 2019 , Tusla managed 56,561 referrals to child protection and welfare services , an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year , and an increase of 30 per cent since its establishment in 2014 , according to its annual report .
However , the coronavirus pandemic has significantly reduced the number of referrals the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
During the first 11 weeks of the year , Tusla received an average of 1,491 referrals per week .
This dropped to an average of 963 referrals per week during the first four weeks of school closure .
As restrictions began to lift , the number of referrals increased again to an average of 1,285 per week , which Tusla described as consistent with school closure time .
“ The pandemic also had a noticeable impact on our ability to visit children at home and also to facilitate contact for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these substantially returning to normal levels , ” a spokeswoman said .
“ We do anticipate a backlog in welfare referrals as we continue with the recovery phase.
” Meanwhile , the annual report states that the number of children in care in 2019 was the lowest number recorded since Tusla ’ s establishment , with 5,985 children in care last year , down from 6,041 in 2018 and 6,196 in 2017 .
A further 24,828 children received a family support service from Tusla in 2019 .
The annual report also highlighted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the demand for services as a result of the growing population and the increase in demographic groups requiring additional supports suchs as asylum seekers , homeless , Traveller/Roma and people living with a disability .
“ As Ireland becomes increasingly multicultural , the broader mix of nationalities and cultures will likely result in increased service demands for Tusla and a requirement to develop new skills to respond appropriately to the emerging needs of service users , ” the report states Tusla also stated that the delivery of its services within its financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency .
Last year , it required an additional €23.6 million and “ strict financial governance was required to bring the agency in on budget ” .
Following the report ’ s publication , Tusla chairman Pat Rabbitte said the recruitment and retention of social workers “ continued to be an area of concern ” for the agency last year .
“ Tusla sought to develop new initiatives to attract social work graduates in 2019 and is investing in strategies to improve staff retention .
In particular , the conversion of 408 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant achievement in 2019 , ” he said .
“ Overall , Tusla must continue to improve and innovate , be prepared to admit its mistakes and to evolve a culture not hidebound by the past .
The Board and the CEO are committed to a major programme of continuous improvement for which we require support from many quarters .
”

‘We do anticipate a backlog in welfare referrals as we continue with the recovery phase,’Tuslsa says. Photograph: iStock
Covid-19 restrictions resulted in a decrease in the number of referrals for child protection and welfare services, the Child and Family Agency has said, after it was revealed that the number of referrals in 2019 reached a record high.
During 2019, Tusla managed 56,561 referrals to child protection and welfare services, an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year, and an increase of 30 per cent since its establishment in 2014, according to its annual report.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has significantly reduced the number of referrals the agency has received in the first half of this year.
During the first 11 weeks of the year, Tusla received an average of 1,491 referrals per week. This dropped to an average of 963 referrals per week during the first four weeks of school closure.
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As restrictions began to lift, the number of referrals increased again to an average of 1,285 per week, which Tusla described as consistent with school closure time.
“The pandemic also had a noticeable impact on our ability to visit children at home and also to facilitate contact for children in care, with both of these substantially returning to normal levels,” a spokeswoman said.
“We do anticipate a backlog in welfare referrals as we continue with the recovery phase.”
Meanwhile, the annual report states that the number of children in care in 2019 was the lowest number recorded since Tusla’s establishment, with 5,985 children in care last year, down from 6,041 in 2018 and 6,196 in 2017.
A further 24,828 children received a family support service from Tusla in 2019.
The annual report also highlighted a number of challenges facing the agency, including the demand for services as a result of the growing population and the increase in demographic groups requiring additional supports suchs as asylum seekers, homeless, Traveller/Roma and people living with a disability.
"As Ireland becomes increasingly multicultural, the broader mix of nationalities and cultures will likely result in increased service demands for Tusla and a requirement to develop new skills to respond appropriately to the emerging needs of service users," the report states
Tusla also stated that the delivery of its services within its financial allocation is “challenging” for the agency. Last year, it required an additional €23.6 million and “strict financial governance was required to bring the agency in on budget”.
Following the report's publication, Tusla chairman Pat Rabbitte said the recruitment and retention of social workers "continued to be an area of concern" for the agency last year.
“Tusla sought to develop new initiatives to attract social work graduates in 2019 and is investing in strategies to improve staff retention. In particular, the conversion of 408 of agency staff to direct employment contracts was a significant achievement in 2019,” he said.
“Overall, Tusla must continue to improve and innovate, be prepared to admit its mistakes and to evolve a culture not hidebound by the past. The Board and the CEO are committed to a major programme of continuous improvement for which we require support from many quarters.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Gardaí find potential breaches of Covid-19 rules in 24 pubs

Gardaí found potential breaches of the health regulations and/or licensing laws in 24 pubs last week .
Inspections were carried out from July 27th to August 3rd inclusive as part of Operation Navigation .
In the previous week breaches were found in 22 pubs and in the week before that 20 pubs .
The majority of the breaches related to no evidence of food being served or consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold .
Since the commencement of Operation Navigation on July 3rd , gardaí conducting visits to licensed premises have found the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with licensing laws and public health regulations , with a total of 105 found to be in breach .
Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in each of these cases .
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said : “ We are continuing to see high levels of compliance by licensed premises to the public health regulations and this was especially evident across the bank holiday weekend .
“ However , there are still a minority of licensed premises that are failing to adhere to the regulations .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their customers continue to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and protect the community.
” The regulations , which set out certain penal provisions , are currently in effect until August 10th .
Social distancing and other similar public health guidelines are not penal provisions .
In addition , under liquor licensing laws , a licensed premises requires a declaration of suitability from a member of the Garda in order for its liquor licence to be renewed .

Majority of breaches related to no evidence of food being served or consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold. Photograph: iStock
Gardaí found potential breaches of the health regulations and/or licensing laws in 24 pubs last week.
Inspections were carried out from July 27th to August 3rd inclusive as part of Operation Navigation.
In the previous week breaches were found in 22 pubs and in the week before that 20 pubs.
The majority of the breaches related to no evidence of food being served or consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold.
READ MORE
Since the commencement of Operation Navigation on July 3rd, gardaí conducting visits to licensed premises have found the vast majority to be acting in compliance with licensing laws and public health regulations, with a total of 105 found to be in breach.
Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in each of these cases.
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said: "We are continuing to see high levels of compliance by licensed premises to the public health regulations and this was especially evident across the bank holiday weekend.
“However, there are still a minority of licensed premises that are failing to adhere to the regulations. An Garda Síochána is asking that licensed premises and their customers continue to play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and protect the community.”
The regulations, which set out certain penal provisions, are currently in effect until August 10th. Social distancing and other similar public health guidelines are not penal provisions.
In addition, under liquor licensing laws, a licensed premises requires a declaration of suitability from a member of the Garda in order for its liquor licence to be renewed.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Irishman in Malta not surprised by green list change

Shaun McCarthy should have flown into Ireland to visit family and friends on Wednesday morning .
He should also have been at the weddings of his son and daughter over the weekend but , in the end , everything was postponed .
Originally from Walkinstown in Dublin but now living in Malta , any return trip home seems unlikely for some time to come .
Added to general Covid-19 frustrations , Malta was one of five countries removed from the Irish “ green list ” from where travellers do not have to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now if you had to spend 14 days quarantining , ” Mr McCarthy said just a few hours after his Aer Lingus flight would have touched down in Dublin .
“ My own personal view is that you don ’ t travel unless you have to.
” Mr McCarthy ( 77 ) said he was half expecting the removal of Malta from the list and , following the news on Tuesday evening , it came to pass .
“ The general reaction was : there you go .
We are not going [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ A lot of our members [ in Malta ’ s Irish Emerald Society ] would be always going to Ireland , some two or three times a year .
I still like to go minimum once a year.
” As an Irishman abroad , he hopes to return home in 2021 instead .
On Saturday his son Stephen was due to marry , followed by his daughter Tara on Monday .
Both weddings in Manchester were postponed until next summer .
As for life on the Mediterranean island , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently they felt they had things under control , Covid cases had shot up to more than 200 , fuelled by an increase in crowded events .
Asked about the removal of Malta from the green list , the country ’ s ambassador to Ireland Leonard Sacco said the matter was “ a sovereign decision of the Irish Government , which Malta respects ” .
Gibraltar , another of the five countries removed from the list alongside Cyprus , Monaco and San Marino , pointed to its low infection rate .
A Gibraltar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents are infected .
However , it is not currently possible to get from Gibraltar by air to Ireland without going through the UK or Spain , which would require a quarantine anyway ” .
Official statistics from the country show a total of 189 confirmed cases of Covid-19 from 22,601 tests , representing a 0.8 per cent positivity rate .
Active cases in the country are made up of four residents and two visitors .
Meanwhile , the Irish Travel Agents Association ( ITAA ) said the removal of the five countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sector as there was little demand for international travel amid low levels of consumer confidence .
It noted that bookings to Malta and Cyprus in particular were “ not significant ” .
“ Although consumer confidence in international travel is expected to remain low for the rest of the year , there is evidence to suggest a large pent-up demand for travel in 2021 which could work to repair some of the damage suffered by the Irish travel industry as a result of the worldwide pandemic , ” it said .

Irishman Shaun McCarthy normally likes to travel home to Dublin at least once a year. Photograph: Courtesy Shaun McCarthy
Shaun McCarthy should have flown into Ireland to visit family and friends on Wednesday morning. He should also have been at the weddings of his son and daughter over the weekend but, in the end, everything was postponed.
Originally from Walkinstown in Dublin but now living in Malta, any return trip home seems unlikely for some time to come.
Added to general Covid-19 frustrations, Malta was one of five countries removed from the Irish “green list” from where travellers do not have to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival.
"There is no way I would go now if you had to spend 14 days quarantining," Mr McCarthy said just a few hours after his Aer Lingus flight would have touched down in Dublin. "My own personal view is that you don't travel unless you have to."
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Mr McCarthy (77) said he was half expecting the removal of Malta from the list and, following the news on Tuesday evening, it came to pass.
“The general reaction was: there you go. We are not going [home] at the moment,” he said.
“A lot of our members [in Malta’s Irish Emerald Society] would be always going to Ireland, some two or three times a year. I still like to go minimum once a year.”
As an Irishman abroad, he hopes to return home in 2021 instead. On Saturday his son Stephen was due to marry, followed by his daughter Tara on Monday. Both weddings in Manchester were postponed until next summer.
As for life on the Mediterranean island, Mr McCarthy said that while until very recently they felt they had things under control, Covid cases had shot up to more than 200, fuelled by an increase in crowded events.
Asked about the removal of Malta from the green list, the country's ambassador to Ireland Leonard Sacco said the matter was "a sovereign decision of the Irish Government, which Malta respects".
Low infection rate
Gibraltar, another of the five countries removed from the list alongside Cyprus, Monaco and San Marino, pointed to its low infection rate.
A Gibraltar government spokesman said "currently only four residents are infected. However, it is not currently possible to get from Gibraltar by air to Ireland without going through the UK or Spain, which would require a quarantine anyway".
Official statistics from the country show a total of 189 confirmed cases of Covid-19 from 22,601 tests, representing a 0.8 per cent positivity rate. Active cases in the country are made up of four residents and two visitors.
Meanwhile, the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) said the removal of the five countries would not have a material effect on the sector as there was little demand for international travel amid low levels of consumer confidence.
It noted that bookings to Malta and Cyprus in particular were “not significant”.
“Although consumer confidence in international travel is expected to remain low for the rest of the year, there is evidence to suggest a large pent-up demand for travel in 2021 which could work to repair some of the damage suffered by the Irish travel industry as a result of the worldwide pandemic,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Publicans ‘devastated’ that pubs will not open on August 10th

Michael Pearl , who has leased the Barr An Chaladh pub in Woodquay , Galway for the past 15 years , sat and listened to the radio on Tuesday when Taoiseach Micheál Martin came to the microphone in Dublin Castle .
Mr Martin ’ s decision not to open pubs on August 10th left him “ devastated ” , he said : “ It ’ s like a death .
I had publican friends ringing me who were devastated , we couldn ’ t believe it .
It ’ s a disaster , ” he said .
Unlike others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serves food , but he is not finding it easy .
A friend of 15 years told him , “ You ’ ll never see me in this pub again , ” because Mr Pearl asked him to leave when the customer ’ s permitted 105 minutes were up .
Customers , Mr Pearl said , “ get mad when asked to leave after two hours , but what am I supposed to do if there ’ s a queue outside and I have to turn tables ?
I ’ d love to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand that food-serving premises close at 11pm will cause further grief with customers .
“ If you served until 10:30pm , you still won ’ t have everyone out by 11pm .
I ’ ll be calling last orders at 10pm and that ’ s our best hour gone.
” His bar did not serve food before the Covid-19 crisis .
And he is finding it “ tough ” .
“ We ’ re pushing food on people who have already eaten across the road , ” he said .
Regulars come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not understand the food thing ” , he said .
“ You can ’ t enjoy your pint any more without someone telling you to order food.
” A large percentage of the food served is ending up in the bin as “ people have already eaten somewhere else ” .
“ Nine euros is too expensive , it doesn ’ t make any sense .
Why don ’ t we just give it to charity ?
“ The worst thing is there ’ s no atmosphere any more , everybody came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone , ” he said .
Before lockdown , the pub always had “ 100 people inside , young and old ; now we can only have about 30 ” .
Today , many do not come out until 9pm , and then expect to be left alone until closing time , while trying to maintain social distancing in the pub is like “ babysitting ” customers .
“ It ’ s hard to manage because people can ’ t go up to the bar , or even stand up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit down in a pub in my life , ” Mr Pearl said .
With the extra staff needed to greet and seat , cook food and serve , Mr Pearl said he was “ absolutely not ” making a profit .
“ We ’ re just covering costs , ” he said , while stock bought for St Patrick ’ s weekend has still to be returned .
Meanwhile , Darren Strogen , general manager of McGettigan ’ s restaurant and pub off Eyre Square , said the restaurant was cursed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked tables and then did not bother turning up .
“ People are booking multiple pubs , and the worst thing is that they don ’ t ring to cancel , it ’ s really a dagger through the heart .
We ’ re lucky that we can take walk-ins , but I feel sorry for smaller places that don ’ t have the footfall .
”

Michael Pearl, who has leased the Barr An Chaladh pub in Woodquay, Galway for the past 15 years, sat and listened to the radio on Tuesday when Taoiseach Micheál Martin came to the microphone in Dublin Castle.
Mr Martin’s decision not to open pubs on August 10th left him “devastated”, he said: “It’s like a death. I had publican friends ringing me who were devastated, we couldn’t believe it. It’s a disaster,” he said.
Unlike others, Mr Pearl is open because he now serves food, but he is not finding it easy. A friend of 15 years told him, “You’ll never see me in this pub again,” because Mr Pearl asked him to leave when the customer’s permitted 105 minutes were up.
Customers, Mr Pearl said, “get mad when asked to leave after two hours, but what am I supposed to do if there’s a queue outside and I have to turn tables? I’d love to let them stay.”
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Now, the demand that food-serving premises close at 11pm will cause further grief with customers. “If you served until 10:30pm, you still won’t have everyone out by 11pm. I’ll be calling last orders at 10pm and that’s our best hour gone.”
His bar did not serve food before the Covid-19 crisis. And he is finding it “tough”. “We’re pushing food on people who have already eaten across the road,” he said.
Regulars come in looking for a pint and “cannot understand the food thing”, he said. “You can’t enjoy your pint any more without someone telling you to order food.”
A large percentage of the food served is ending up in the bin as “people have already eaten somewhere else”.
“Nine euros is too expensive, it doesn’t make any sense. Why don’t we just give it to charity?
“The worst thing is there’s no atmosphere any more, everybody came to the pub for live music and that’s gone,” he said. Before lockdown, the pub always had “100 people inside, young and old; now we can only have about 30”.
Today, many do not come out until 9pm, and then expect to be left alone until closing time, while trying to maintain social distancing in the pub is like “babysitting” customers.
“It’s hard to manage because people can’t go up to the bar, or even stand up. I’ve never been asked to sit down in a pub in my life,” Mr Pearl said.
With the extra staff needed to greet and seat, cook food and serve, Mr Pearl said he was “absolutely not” making a profit. “We’re just covering costs,” he said, while stock bought for St Patrick’s weekend has still to be returned.
‘No shows’
Meanwhile, Darren Strogen, general manager of McGettigan's restaurant and pub off Eyre Square, said the restaurant was cursed with "no show" customers, who booked tables and then did not bother turning up.
“People are booking multiple pubs, and the worst thing is that they don’t ring to cancel, it’s really a dagger through the heart. We’re lucky that we can take walk-ins, but I feel sorry for smaller places that don’t have the footfall.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Gardaí surrender 13 people to Polish police

Gardaí have surrendered 13 people to the Polish police at Dublin Airport on foot of European arrest warrants .
These @ @ @ @ @ Police , known as Policja , in respect of a number of offences including sexual @ @ @ @ @ fraud , extortion , assault , theft , kidnap and armed robbery .
Another person @ @ @ @ @ Service of Northern Ireland to the Polish police .
Det Supt Michael J Mullen of @ @ @ @ @ the extradition highlighted the “ strong international cooperation ” enjoyed by the unit .
“ @ @ @ @ @ continued commitment of domestic stakeholders including the Department of Justice , the Defence Forces and @ @ @ @ @ all of whom work in tandem to ensure wanted fugitives are brought to justice , @ @ @ @

Gardaí have surrendered 13 people to the Polish police at Dublin Airport on foot of European arrest warrants.
Gardaí have surrendered 13 people to the Polish police at Dublin Airport on foot of European arrest warrants.
These extraditions were sought by Polish Police, known as Policja, in respect of a number of offences including sexual assault, attempted murder, fraud, extortion, assault, theft, kidnap and armed robbery.
Another person was surrendered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to the Polish police.
Det Supt Michael J Mullen of the Garda Extradition Unit said the extradition highlighted the “strong international cooperation” enjoyed by the unit.
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“This operation also highlights the continued commitment of domestic stakeholders including the Department of Justice, the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service, all of whom work in tandem to ensure wanted fugitives are brought to justice,” he added.