theirishtimes--2020-08-07--‘We need action now’: Staycations cause surge in illegal dumping

A Government campaign to stop Ireland ’ s beauty spots becoming litter “ hot spots ” is under way in response to the surge in illegal dumping during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some of the country ’ s most scenic locations have recently become magnets for illegal dumping , according to the campaign – particularly national parks , nature reserves , forest parks , national heritage sites , rivers , beaches , forests and special areas of conservation .
Of particular concern was the use of disposable barbecues , which are not permitted in any Office of Public Works ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are contributing to forest fires as well as litter .
Maura Kiely , chief executive of Leave No Trace Ireland , said restrictions on the ability to socialise indoors meant more people were making use of outdoor amenities .
“ We have had reports of huge increases in littering all over the country .
Wicklow and Dublin are hot spots because they have highest footfall , but it is becoming a huge problem everywhere , caused by people of all ages , from youths gathering to socialise to families having picnics.
” Guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of beauty spots she said .
“ We need to take action now to halt the scourge of litter in our beautiful countryside .
Everyone needs to take responsibility .
Littering is a threat to our fragile ecosystems and a moment of laziness can have long-term effects .
An aluminium can takes 400 to 500 years to break down , a plastic bag can take up to 20 years .
A discarded plastic bottle , meanwhile , will last for a million years.
” Disposable barbecues were becoming a “ major problem ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces Wesley Atkinson regional manager of the National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) , said .
“ They not only pose a huge fire threat which divert emergency services , but they endanger our wildlife , their habitat , destroying large swathes of special areas of conservation and place firefighting personnel at great risk to extinguish them .
They also contain charcoal which is usually unsustainably sourced and can not be recycled or composted.
” Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan said beauty spots had seen “ unprecedented levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our parks offer a lifeline space to support our physical and mental health providing a safe place where people can seek fresh air , exercise , and practice mindfulness while still adhering to physical distancing protocols .
Unfortunately , as increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation , our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes also increases , ” he said .
“ Litter , disturbance to vegetation , water pollution , wildlife , livestock and other people are all indicators of the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both natural and cultural heritage .
I would encourage everyone to treat our natural heritage with the respect it deserves and to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
” The campaign is a joint initiative of the NPWS , Waterways Ireland , Inland Fisheries Ireland , Fáilte Ireland , Sport Ireland , the Department of Community and Rural Development , the OPW , Coillte and Leave No Trace Ireland .

Some of the country’s most scenic locations have attracted illegal dumping. File photograph: The Irish Times
A Government campaign to stop Ireland’s beauty spots becoming litter “hot spots” is under way in response to the surge in illegal dumping during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the country’s most scenic locations have recently become magnets for illegal dumping, according to the campaign – particularly national parks, nature reserves, forest parks, national heritage sites, rivers, beaches, forests and special areas of conservation.
Of particular concern was the use of disposable barbecues, which are not permitted in any Office of Public Works (OPW) sites or national parks and are contributing to forest fires as well as litter.
Maura Kiely, chief executive of Leave No Trace Ireland, said restrictions on the ability to socialise indoors meant more people were making use of outdoor amenities.
READ MORE
“We have had reports of huge increases in littering all over the country. Wicklow and Dublin are hot spots because they have highest footfall, but it is becoming a huge problem everywhere, caused by people of all ages, from youths gathering to socialise to families having picnics.”
Guidelines are available at leavenotraceireland.org on responsible use of beauty spots she said.
“We need to take action now to halt the scourge of litter in our beautiful countryside. Everyone needs to take responsibility. Littering is a threat to our fragile ecosystems and a moment of laziness can have long-term effects. An aluminium can takes 400 to 500 years to break down, a plastic bag can take up to 20 years. A discarded plastic bottle, meanwhile, will last for a million years.”
Disposable barbecues were becoming a "major problem" and are increasingly discarded carelessly in public spaces Wesley Atkinson regional manager of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), said.
“They not only pose a huge fire threat which divert emergency services, but they endanger our wildlife, their habitat, destroying large swathes of special areas of conservation and place firefighting personnel at great risk to extinguish them. They also contain charcoal which is usually unsustainably sourced and cannot be recycled or composted.”
Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan said beauty spots had seen "unprecedented levels of domestic visitors" during the pandemic.
“Our parks offer a lifeline space to support our physical and mental health providing a safe place where people can seek fresh air, exercise, and practice mindfulness while still adhering to physical distancing protocols. Unfortunately, as increasing numbers of people seek the beauty and exhilaration of outdoor recreation, our collective mark on the environment and its natural processes also increases,” he said.
“Litter, disturbance to vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, livestock and other people are all indicators of the need to develop a national ethic that protects both natural and cultural heritage. I would encourage everyone to treat our natural heritage with the respect it deserves and to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.”
The campaign is a joint initiative of the NPWS, Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, the Department of Community and Rural Development, the OPW, Coillte and Leave No Trace Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Ireland's 'R number' of almost 2 a 'serious concern' as number of new cases jumps

People in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly have been warned to “ double down ” on public health guidelines following a “ significant increase ” in the number of cases of Covid-19 in those areas in recent weeks , as well as the emergence of two new clusters .
The warning came as the Department of Health said five more people have died from Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases have been confirmed .
Four of the deaths confirmed on Thursday were delayed notifications .
There has now been a total of 1,768 deaths from the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases stands at 26,372 .
In relation to the locations , 22 of the new cases are in Offaly , 19 in Kildare , 8 in Laois , 6 in Dublin , and 14 are spread across eight other counties ( Clare , Cork , Donegal , Galway , Limerick , Louth , Meath and Wexford ) .
At a briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Thursday , Dr Ronan Glynn , acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health , said the rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause for concern .
“ NPHET has been made aware of a significant number of additional cases in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly , ” he said .
“ These cases have been notified today and will form part of the case numbers tomorrow .
“ While contact tracing in relation to these cases is ongoing , they come on the back of an already significant number of cases in clusters in these counties .
Over the past 14 days , 226 cases have arisen in those counties .
That represents 48 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
“ GPs in these counties have been written to this afternoon to highlight these concerns .
Everyone in these counties needs to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have .
“ People in these regions need to double down on the public health guidelines that are in place .
It is strongly recommended that those over 70 in these regions limit the number of people they meet , remain physically distanced , and avoid public transport where possible.
” Dr Glynn said there were two more meat-processing factories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in Kildare Town while the other is in Timahoe , Co Kildare , ” he said .
“ The locations of the factories are one thing , but clearly the people working in these factories commute from communities all around these areas , so there is a need for vigilance in all surrounding communities.
” Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said the reproduction number for the virus is now estimated to be 1.8 .
This number reflects the number of people each person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A number below 1 means the virus is being controlled and will eventually die out , whereas a number over 1 means it is continuing to grow .
“ A reproduction number of almost 2 is a serious concern , ” said Prof Nolan .
“ Although we have not yet seen a significant increase in community transmission , there is a significant risk this could develop over the coming days and weeks.
” Dr Glynn also said there was a “ need to keep community transmission low in order to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ If people choose to have house parties , they ’ re going to have house parties , despite what we say , ” he said .
“ We ’ re pleading with people , particularly in the context of what we ’ re saying this evening , that now is not the time .
Now is the time to limit your contacts and act as you did back in February and March.
” Of the cases notified on Thursday , about two-thirds are under 45 years of age .
Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Colm Henry , chief clinical officer with the HSE .
“ We have seen serious illness among young people .
“ But the more important point is that if it runs rampant among younger people , that will lead to uncontrolled transmission , which inevitably will affect those who have high morbidity from this illness .
This is the big risk for society .
We ’ re relying on social solidarity to protect the most vulnerable .
“ We know what happens if there is uncontrolled community transmission .
Even in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , difficult decisions are made in relation to admission to intensive care and intensive care is provided outside of intensive care settings.
” There have been five further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases confirmed , according to figures released on Thursday evening by the Department of Health .
That means the overall death toll during the pandemic now stands at 1,768 .
Northern Ireland has now gone 24 days without recording any Covid-19 deaths but , according to the latest figures from the North ’ s Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notable increase in the number of cases .
On Thursday afternoon the department reported that there were 43 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 6,049 .
That compares with the 10 new cases recorded on Wednesday and the eight cases on Tuesday .
So far 150,953 people have been tested for the virus in the North .
Figures calculated by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) using information from death certificates , shows the total number of Covid-19-related deaths registered in the region to July 24th was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on patients having previously tested positive for the virus .

Dr Ronan Glynn has asked people living in Kildare, Laois and Offaly to "double down" on basic public health behaviours following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region. Video: RTÉ
People in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly have been warned to “double down” on public health guidelines following a “significant increase” in the number of cases of Covid-19 in those areas in recent weeks, as well as the emergence of two new clusters.
The warning came as the Department of Health said five more people have died from Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases have been confirmed.
Four of the deaths confirmed on Thursday were delayed notifications.
There has now been a total of 1,768 deaths from the pandemic in the Republic, while the number of cases stands at 26,372.
READ MORE
In relation to the locations, 22 of the new cases are in Offaly, 19 in Kildare, 8 in Laois, 6 in Dublin, and 14 are spread across eight other counties (Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Louth, Meath and Wexford).
At a briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Thursday, Dr Ronan Glynn, acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said the rate of new cases in the midlands was a cause for concern.
“NPHET has been made aware of a significant number of additional cases in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly,” he said. “These cases have been notified today and will form part of the case numbers tomorrow.
“While contact tracing in relation to these cases is ongoing, they come on the back of an already significant number of cases in clusters in these counties. Over the past 14 days, 226 cases have arisen in those counties. That represents 48 per cent of all cases over that period.
“GPs in these counties have been written to this afternoon to highlight these concerns. Everyone in these counties needs to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have.
“People in these regions need to double down on the public health guidelines that are in place. It is strongly recommended that those over 70 in these regions limit the number of people they meet, remain physically distanced, and avoid public transport where possible.”
Meat-processing factories
Dr Glynn said there were two more meat-processing factories where clusters have emerged. “One is in Kildare Town while the other is in Timahoe, Co Kildare,” he said.
“The locations of the factories are one thing, but clearly the people working in these factories commute from communities all around these areas, so there is a need for vigilance in all surrounding communities.”
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the reproduction number for the virus is now estimated to be 1.8. This number reflects the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to.
A number below 1 means the virus is being controlled and will eventually die out, whereas a number over 1 means it is continuing to grow.
“A reproduction number of almost 2 is a serious concern,” said Prof Nolan. “Although we have not yet seen a significant increase in community transmission, there is a significant risk this could develop over the coming days and weeks.”
Dr Glynn also said there was a “need to keep community transmission low in order to ensure that schools reopen to the fullest extent”.
“If people choose to have house parties, they’re going to have house parties, despite what we say,” he said.
“We’re pleading with people, particularly in the context of what we’re saying this evening, that now is not the time. Now is the time to limit your contacts and act as you did back in February and March.”
Of the cases notified on Thursday, about two-thirds are under 45 years of age. Young people are not immune,” said Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer with the HSE. “We have seen serious illness among young people.
“But the more important point is that if it runs rampant among younger people, that will lead to uncontrolled transmission, which inevitably will affect those who have high morbidity from this illness. This is the big risk for society. We’re relying on social solidarity to protect the most vulnerable.
“We know what happens if there is uncontrolled community transmission. Even in the most developed hospital systems in Western Europe, difficult decisions are made in relation to admission to intensive care and intensive care is provided outside of intensive care settings.”
There have been five further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases confirmed, according to figures released on Thursday evening by the Department of Health.
That means the overall death toll during the pandemic now stands at 1,768.
North
Northern Ireland has now gone 24 days without recording any Covid-19 deaths but, according to the latest figures from the North's Department of Health, there has been a notable increase in the number of cases.
On Thursday afternoon the department reported that there were 43 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 6,049. That compares with the 10 new cases recorded on Wednesday and the eight cases on Tuesday. So far 150,953 people have been tested for the virus in the North.
Figures calculated by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) using information from death certificates, shows the total number of Covid-19-related deaths registered in the region to July 24th was 853. The departmental figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Sand-hued cyclepaths changing the face of south Dublin coast

Robert Burns is barely a wet weekend as director of infrastructure with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and already he is changing the face of the area .
In just a couple of months he has introduced a one-way system in Blackrock , created a new segregated cycleway from Blackrock to the Forty Foot via Dún Laoghaire and Sandycove , and dramatically reduced traffic levels that for years blighted the south Dublin coastline .
“ We started this project at the end of June and we announced it two weeks beforehand .
Six weeks , or seven weeks , ago it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says of the sand-coloured cyclepaths that have replaced the southbound traffic lanes along the coast .
“ I ’ m director about four months so this is my first big project.
” The cycle lanes , which are due to be fully completed in about a week ’ s time , but are already heavily used , are central to the council ’ s Covid-19 mobility measures , Burns says .
“ People started off with Covid-19 thinking we need more space for physical distancing but actually the more you think of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects on communities .
We have more people who are working remotely , more people spending time in their communities , people who are shopping in their own communities , they need to move around in their communities , ” he says .
“ These measures are not only necessary for safety but for us to respond as a society.
” The coastal cycle route has an obvious attraction for holidaymakers and day trippers , but Burns emphasises it is a local route for local people .
“ This isn ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What we ’ re doing here is to make like easier , make life safer , make life better for local people .
Fine if other people want to come and visit and take advantage of it , but our primary aim is to look after the people who are in this area.
” The one-way system on Marine Parade , the coastal road in front of Sandycove beach , has particularly benefited the local community he says .
“ Beforehand this was pretty much a route for day trippers .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forty Foot and do a lap , and probably weren ’ t doing a whole lot here except trying to find parking , and taking up parking on the residents and probably blocking the road too.
” There is no doubt motorists are discommoded , but he says , they are not the priority now .
“ The instruction and guidance that has come to us from Government is we are supposed to follow the user hierarchy to prioritise first the pedestrian , second the cyclist , third public transport and fourth the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that road deaths increased at a time when traffic was at 25-30 per cent of its normal levels .
While motorists may feel discommoded , Burns stresses the council has worked with local residents to ensure vehicular access has been maintained .
“ Where people had concerns we would try and work with them .
This is a new layout and we would be very sympathetic to them , we know it happened quickly .
It is in our interest to work with people.
” Unlike the new Dublin city cycle paths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent motorists from encroaching on cyclists ’ space , the Dún Laoghaire scheme largely uses low-level , though robust , wooden kerbing and a distinctive surface to create its separation .
“ It needs to look good , ” Burns says .
“ One of the key principles of cycleway design is it needs to look attractive .
A lot of those flexible bollards and wands don ’ t look very good .
We would be very mindful we have a lot of heritage villages – Blackrock , Dalkey , Dundrum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something is temporary doesn ’ t mean it can ’ t look quite good .
With the specialist surface , bespoke wooden kerbing , planting and seating , the scheme has a definite permanent feel about it .
However , Burns is adamant these measures are temporary , although what he can ’ t say is how long “ temporary ” is .
“ If somebody can tell me how long we will be living with Covid-19 , I could give you that answer .
”

Dun Laoghaire saw a 100% increase of cyclists in the month of May compared to figures last year and the council responded by delivering a new four kilometre cycle lane from Sandycove to Blackrock. Video: Enda O'Dowd
Robert Burns is barely a wet weekend as director of infrastructure with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and already he is changing the face of the area.
In just a couple of months he has introduced a one-way system in Blackrock, created a new segregated cycleway from Blackrock to the Forty Foot via Dún Laoghaire and Sandycove, and dramatically reduced traffic levels that for years blighted the south Dublin coastline.
“We started this project at the end of June and we announced it two weeks beforehand. Six weeks, or seven weeks, ago it was only an idea,” he says of the sand-coloured cyclepaths that have replaced the southbound traffic lanes along the coast. “I’m director about four months so this is my first big project.”
The segregated cycleway from Blackrock to Sandycove is due to be completed in about a week’s time. Photograph: Tom Honan
The cycle lanes, which are due to be fully completed in about a week’s time, but are already heavily used, are central to the council’s Covid-19 mobility measures, Burns says.
READ MORE
“People started off with Covid-19 thinking we need more space for physical distancing but actually the more you think of it, the effects of Covid-19 are the effects on communities. We have more people who are working remotely, more people spending time in their communities, people who are shopping in their own communities, they need to move around in their communities,” he says.
“These measures are not only necessary for safety but for us to respond as a society.”
In just over six weeks Robert Burns and a team at Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council have built a temporary four-kilometre cycle lane from Blackrock to Sandycove. Photograph: Enda O’Dowd
The coastal cycle route has an obvious attraction for holidaymakers and day trippers, but Burns emphasises it is a local route for local people.
“This isn’t a tourist project. This is for locals. What we’re doing here is to make like easier, make life safer, make life better for local people. Fine if other people want to come and visit and take advantage of it, but our primary aim is to look after the people who are in this area.”
Sandycove one-way system
The one-way system on Marine Parade, the coastal road in front of Sandycove beach, has particularly benefited the local community he says.
“Beforehand this was pretty much a route for day trippers. They would drive all the way to the Forty Foot and do a lap, and probably weren’t doing a whole lot here except trying to find parking, and taking up parking on the residents and probably blocking the road too.”
There is no doubt motorists are discommoded, but he says, they are not the priority now.
“The instruction and guidance that has come to us from Government is we are supposed to follow the user hierarchy to prioritise first the pedestrian, second the cyclist, third public transport and fourth the private motor vehicle.”
He points out that road deaths increased at a time when traffic was at 25-30 per cent of its normal levels.
While motorists may feel discommoded, Burns stresses the council has worked with local residents to ensure vehicular access has been maintained.
“Where people had concerns we would try and work with them. This is a new layout and we would be very sympathetic to them, we know it happened quickly. It is in our interest to work with people.”
Unlike the new Dublin city cycle paths, which rely heavily on wands and bollards to prevent motorists from encroaching on cyclists’ space, the Dún Laoghaire scheme largely uses low-level, though robust, wooden kerbing and a distinctive surface to create its separation.
"It needs to look good," Burns says. "One of the key principles of cycleway design is it needs to look attractive. A lot of those flexible bollards and wands don't look very good. We would be very mindful we have a lot of heritage villages – Blackrock, Dalkey, Dundrum, " he says. "Just because something is temporary doesn't mean it can't look quite good.
With the specialist surface, bespoke wooden kerbing, planting and seating, the scheme has a definite permanent feel about it. However, Burns is adamant these measures are temporary, although what he can’t say is how long “temporary” is. “If somebody can tell me how long we will be living with Covid-19, I could give you that answer.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Midlands lockdown: ‘Why shut down Offaly and leave Dublin open?’

As rumours swirl around much of the midlands on Friday regarding Covid-19 lockdowns , Brian Cloonan takes delivery of nine pallets of Christmas decorations for his hardware shops on William Street in Tullamore .
“ We have to keep the lights on , ” says Cloonan , whose family has run the shop for 70 years , “ We have to get the balance right , to do it safely , to the best of our ability , ” he says .
Customers have been careful since the first lockdown was eased : “ Businesses are careful too , [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into eternal lockdown for years to come , ” Cloonan says .
Nearby , on Kilbride Street , Ken Grennan of Grennan ’ s Butchers predicts a few bleak months lie ahead for business and for the town .
“ One way or the other , it ’ s going to be hard .
The Government can ’ t continue the supports indefinitely.
” During the height of the pandemic , Grennan sold more fresh meat cuts to people who were , unusually , cooking at home all the time , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely wiped out ” .
“ I ’ m trying hard to find a silver lining , but the silver is pretty thin , ” he says .
“ I can see a lot of unemployment in the months ahead .
A lot of jobs are going to have to go because demand isn ’ t there.
” In The Brewery Tap pub on O ’ Connor Square , Paul Bell and his wife , Cathy-Anne , nervously wait for news .
“ Locally , the feeling is that the biggest numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul .
“ Why shut down Offaly now and leave Dublin open ?
” The couple have had strict rules in place since they reopened .
Besides taking temperatures and names , customers are asked to place their own mask in a provided envelope during meals so it does not contaminate the table .
“ I think they should go back to the 5km restriction .
I ’ m not anti-Dubs , but last weekend Tullamore was full of Dublin people in the hotels .
There ’ s cases all over Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of containment rather than shutting us down again , ” he says .
A second lockdown will hit Offaly hard .
“ We ’ ve been working so hard to do things right .
If there is a lockdown , I hope it will be short term .
In fairness there is a great sense of community spirit in the town.
” Abdul Hafiz , proprietor and chef at Cafe India , worries that new restrictions would damage confidence at a time when “ people are barely gaining their confidence about sitting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky that we remained open all through the lockdown , unlike some of our friends who did not have a takeaway trade .
The transition from restaurant to takeaway was harder for them.
” However , Hafiz is hopeful that the town ’ s community spirit will remain intact .
“ It ’ s a small town so every body knows everybody and we support each other.
” On High Street , Anthony Kearns of Guy Clothing complains of an anti-rural bias .
“ There are serious issues in Laois , Offaly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in Dublin six weeks ago .
Nobody has locked down Dublin or Cork or Limerick .
” If everyone practises safe hygiene and keeps their distance , the virus can be contained , says Kearns , who owns three shops , employing 26 people : “ It ’ s not as if it ’ s all over Tullamore or Edenderry or Birr , ” he says .
John Ryan of Midland Books , the sole local supplier for school books , says people have got used to living with masks , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt we were on top of it , ” he says .
“ So , it would be a big blow to us now if any restrictions were to come in .
We don ’ t feel we are high-risk , we feel we are able to keep our customers and ourselves safe .
We ’ re crossing our fingers.
” Margaret Edgill , who runs Mount Briscoe Organic Farm between Tullamore and Edenderry , lost glamping and farm house accommodation bookings immediately after news spread of a Covid-19 outbreak at Carroll Meats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked into our accommodation cancel .
The situation was not helped by Oliver Callan ’ s negative comments [ on 2FM ’ s Ryan Tubridy Show ] about the damp midlands .
“ I am a responsible businessperson .
I turned down one woman who wanted to book for 11 days , but she was coming from Switzerland and her partner was coming from the USA , ” she says .
Offaly people need to talk up their county , she argues .
“ We feel that people consider us a place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to offer .
We don ’ t need the message to go out that we ’ re not open for business .
”

As rumours swirl around much of the midlands on Friday regarding Covid-19 lockdowns, Brian Cloonan takes delivery of nine pallets of Christmas decorations for his hardware shops on William Street in Tullamore.
“We have to keep the lights on,” says Cloonan, whose family has run the shop for 70 years, “We have to get the balance right, to do it safely, to the best of our ability,” he says.
Customers have been careful since the first lockdown was eased: “Businesses are careful too, [but] we can’t go into eternal lockdown for years to come,” Cloonan says.
Nearby, on Kilbride Street, Ken Grennan of Grennan's Butchers predicts a few bleak months lie ahead for business and for the town. "One way or the other, it's going to be hard. The Government can't continue the supports indefinitely."
READ MORE
During the height of the pandemic, Grennan sold more fresh meat cuts to people who were, unusually, cooking at home all the time, but the butcher’s ready-meal business was “completely wiped out”.
“I’m trying hard to find a silver lining, but the silver is pretty thin,” he says. “I can see a lot of unemployment in the months ahead. A lot of jobs are going to have to go because demand isn’t there.”
In The Brewery Tap pub on O'Connor Square, Paul Bell and his wife, Cathy-Anne, nervously wait for news. "Locally, the feeling is that the biggest numbers are in Dublin and Kildare, " says Paul. "Why shut down Offaly now and leave Dublin open?"
The couple have had strict rules in place since they reopened. Besides taking temperatures and names, customers are asked to place their own mask in a provided envelope during meals so it does not contaminate the table.
Brian Cloonan of Cloonan’s Hardware, Tullamore. Photograph: Tom O’Hanlon
"I think they should go back to the 5km restriction. I'm not anti-Dubs, but last weekend Tullamore was full of Dublin people in the hotels. There's cases all over Ireland, I think there's other ways of containment rather than shutting us down again," he says.
A second lockdown will hit Offaly hard. “We’ve been working so hard to do things right. If there is a lockdown, I hope it will be short term. In fairness there is a great sense of community spirit in the town.”
Community spirit
Abdul Hafiz, proprietor and chef at Cafe India, worries that new restrictions would damage confidence at a time when “people are barely gaining their confidence about sitting in a restaurant”.
“We were lucky that we remained open all through the lockdown, unlike some of our friends who did not have a takeaway trade. The transition from restaurant to takeaway was harder for them.”
However, Hafiz is hopeful that the town’s community spirit will remain intact. “It’s a small town so every body knows everybody and we support each other.”
On High Street, Anthony Kearns of Guy Clothing complains of an anti-rural bias. "There are serious issues in Laois, Offaly and Kildare, but no more than there was in Dublin six weeks ago. Nobody has locked down Dublin or Cork or Limerick. "
If everyone practises safe hygiene and keeps their distance, the virus can be contained, says Kearns, who owns three shops, employing 26 people: "It's not as if it's all over Tullamore or Edenderry or Birr, " he says.
John Ryan of Midland Books, the sole local supplier for school books, says people have got used to living with masks, social distancing and hand sanitisers. "We felt we were on top of it," he says. "So, it would be a big blow to us now if any restrictions were to come in. We don't feel we are high-risk, we feel we are able to keep our customers and ourselves safe. We're crossing our fingers."
Margaret Edgill, who runs Mount Briscoe Organic Farm between Tullamore and Edenderry, lost glamping and farm house accommodation bookings immediately after news spread of a Covid-19 outbreak at Carroll Meats.
“I had people who were booked into our accommodation cancel. The situation was not helped by Oliver Callan’s negative comments [on 2FM’s Ryan Tubridy Show] about the damp midlands.
"I am a responsible businessperson. I turned down one woman who wanted to book for 11 days, but she was coming from Switzerland and her partner was coming from the USA," she says.
Offaly people need to talk up their county, she argues. “We feel that people consider us a place to pass through, but we have a lot to offer. We don’t need the message to go out that we’re not open for business.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Cars to give way for Sandymount cycle path

A one-way car ban is to be implemented on Strand Road , the scenic coast road in Sandymount , to accommodate a two-way cycle track along Dublin Bay .
In the latest in series of measures to requisition road space for cyclists , Dublin City Council is to turn the Dublin 4 road into a one-way street for more than 2.5km , from Sean Moore Road to the Merrion Gates .
The move follows the recent installation of segregated cycle paths in the city , including on the Liffey Quays , and the creation of one-way traffic systems by Dun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle path from Blackrock to Sandycove , as part of Coronavirus mobility measures .
It will also bring the ambition of having a continuous Dublin Bay cycle path from Sutton to Sandycove , the S2S project , one step closer .
City Council chief executive Owen Keegan said traffic would be reduced to one lane on Strand Road , but the direction of the one-way system had yet to be determined .
“ The preference might be for it to be one way heading out of town , but that might not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we might do is have a series of one-way sections in either direction , ” he said .
“ There is a bus service on part of it that has to be taken into account .
We will work it out in the detailed designs to make sure that what we choose makes sense.
” Mr Keegan said it was not considered feasible to reallocate part of the footpath or the park along Sandymount Strand for the cycleway instead of taking away a traffic lane .
“ There are parts of the footpath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park is part of the designated protected area , so from a planning point of view it would be very complicated to intrude on that.
” The reallocation of the road space would be implemented under temporary Covid-19 mobility measures , so would not involve going through the planning process .
Preliminary designs will be circulated to councillors in the south-east area over the next two weeks together with an outline plan for its implementation .
Mr Keegan said he intends to have the path in place “ very quickly ” afterwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandymount have not been consulted about the plan , but Mr Keegan said he hopes it will be a popular measure .
“ Reducing vehicular traffic is a measure I would hope might be seen as beneficial , ” he said “ I expect significant support for it in the south-east area .
”

Dun Laoghaire saw a 100% increase of cyclists in the month of May compared to figures last year and the council responded by delivering a new four kilometre cycle lane from Sandycove to Blackrock. Video: Enda O'Dowd
A one-way car ban is to be implemented on Strand Road, the scenic coast road in Sandymount, to accommodate a two-way cycle track along Dublin Bay.
In the latest in series of measures to requisition road space for cyclists, Dublin City Council is to turn the Dublin 4 road into a one-way street for more than 2.5km, from Sean Moore Road to the Merrion Gates.
The move follows the recent installation of segregated cycle paths in the city, including on the Liffey Quays, and the creation of one-way traffic systems by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to facilitate a cycle path from Blackrock to Sandycove, as part of Coronavirus mobility measures.
It will also bring the ambition of having a continuous Dublin Bay cycle path from Sutton to Sandycove, the S2S project, one step closer.
READ MORE
City Council chief executive Owen Keegan said traffic would be reduced to one lane on Strand Road, but the direction of the one-way system had yet to be determined.
“The preference might be for it to be one way heading out of town, but that might not be feasible for the full length. What we might do is have a series of one-way sections in either direction,” he said.
“There is a bus service on part of it that has to be taken into account. We will work it out in the detailed designs to make sure that what we choose makes sense.”
Mr Keegan said it was not considered feasible to reallocate part of the footpath or the park along Sandymount Strand for the cycleway instead of taking away a traffic lane.
“There are parts of the footpath that aren’t wide enough and the park is part of the designated protected area, so from a planning point of view it would be very complicated to intrude on that.”
The reallocation of the road space would be implemented under temporary Covid-19 mobility measures, so would not involve going through the planning process.
Preliminary designs will be circulated to councillors in the south-east area over the next two weeks together with an outline plan for its implementation. Mr Keegan said he intends to have the path in place “very quickly” afterwards.
Residents on Strand Road or in Sandymount have not been consulted about the plan, but Mr Keegan said he hopes it will be a popular measure.
“Reducing vehicular traffic is a measure I would hope might be seen as beneficial,” he said “I expect significant support for it in the south-east area.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Meat plant clusters may be down to softly-softly approach

There is more than a touch of groundhog day about the news of serious outbreaks of Covid-19 in a number of food processing plants in the midlands .
Clusters of the disease in these fertile environments for transmitting the virus were a feature of the crisis phase of our pandemic , several months ago .
It seemed the problem had been dealt with , but now this .
Have we learned anything ?
It is disquieting , too , given the mass of existing international evidence pointing to meat factories as one of the most dangerous places for the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example , more than 1,500 workers at Tönnies , Germany ’ s biggest pig slaughterer , tested positive .
Have we not learned from the experience of other countries ?
Is this similar to our failure to pick up on the danger signs coming from nursing homes in other countries last February , a lack of alertness that had such a disastrous outcome ?
While Ireland is experiencing a surge in clusters in meat factories , the German plant has reopened after its owners installed new ventilation systems , implemented weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to risky employment practices such as the subcontracting of labour .
Would we be experiencing these outbreaks if similar changes had been made pre-emptively across the sector here ?
It ’ s difficult to be certain , but it ’ s hard not to suspect that Ireland ’ s softly-softly approach to surveillance and enforcement is contributing to the problem .
Almost six months since we started grappling with the pandemic , we know we have done some things well ; the lockdown stopped the virus in its tracks and the health service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in cases .
We didn ’ t manage to protect the vulnerable and so possibly hundreds of older people in nursing home died unnecessarily , and horribly .
We weren ’ t alone there in international terms , but that ’ s hardly a comfort to grieving families .
Being just outside the top 10 globally for Covid-19 deaths relative to population is nothing to boast about , but at least we eventually got a firm grip of the pandemic and new cases fell to a trickle for several months .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breath , to work out what works in fighting the virus and to prepare for what is to come as society opens up and winter approaches .
That cases are rising again is no surprise to public health officials , who are better informed and better armed to deal with this threat than they were six months ago .
It may be simpler in infection control terms to impose blanket restrictions but it is economically ruinous .
No amount of money-printing and subventions can hide the zombification of much of the economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be that public health officials don ’ t trust people to continue to comply as much as they have up to now .
Or it may be because they don ’ t have the teeth to enforce specific rules .
Either way , we ’ re relying too heavily on the sledgehammer when the chisel is needed .
Throughout the summer , circular arguments about travel restrictions and green lists have dominated debate , while the elephants in the room , the Common Travel Area with the UK and the ease with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been ignored .
The US and the UK are two of our closest partners and they have both had a terrible pandemic .
Their potential contribution to the importation of cases is greater than most other countries .
Yet citizens of both countries are free to wander into the Republic , without even having to self-isolate if they cross from Northern Ireland .
Ironically , travel has played no major role in the resurgence of Covid-19 , with home-grown cases mostly responsible .
Testing and contact tracing are the key weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We don ’ t know whether our current 15,000-a-day capacity is sufficient because by the time it was built up , the number of new cases had fallen away .
It ’ s now said to be a next-day service for the delivery of results after the test is carried out , but there are still anecdotal reports of longer waits .
The average time to complete all calls when tracing contacts of a case is 1.2 days .
Yet up to a quarter of contacts fail to show for a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to half don ’ t show for a further test seven days later .
The words “ leaky sieve ” come to mind .
A new approach to testing might see more pooled testing , where samples from an entire neighbourhood , or factory , or school , are collected .
If the pooled sample is clear , good ; if it isn ’ t , the virus is present and individual testing is required .
Many rapid tests have been developed and could have a role , in spite of doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a one-hour test , for example , could be sent forward for the more comprehensive PCR test , while self-isolating .
Despite the precariousness of the current situation , there is no going back to the full lockdown of last March .
We know now what works to stop the virus : distance , hand hygiene , masks .
We know where the risky environments are : crowded indoor spaces , meat plants , shared accommodation .
We need now to continue to protect the vulnerable , and to develop targeted strategies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current outbreaks .
However , there is as yet no reason not to keep moving towards the restoration of a low-risk society where people can try to restore their economic fortunes while staying healthy .

Kildare Chilling Company meat plant near Kildare town, where there has been a significant outbreak of Covid-19 among employees. Photograph: Laura Hutton
There is more than a touch of groundhog day about the news of serious outbreaks of Covid-19 in a number of food processing plants in the midlands.
Clusters of the disease in these fertile environments for transmitting the virus were a feature of the crisis phase of our pandemic, several months ago.
It seemed the problem had been dealt with, but now this. Have we learned anything?
It is disquieting, too, given the mass of existing international evidence pointing to meat factories as one of the most dangerous places for the spread of the disease. Back in June, for example, more than 1,500 workers at Tönnies, Germany’s biggest pig slaughterer, tested positive.
READ MORE
Have we not learned from the experience of other countries? Is this similar to our failure to pick up on the danger signs coming from nursing homes in other countries last February, a lack of alertness that had such a disastrous outcome?
While Ireland is experiencing a surge in clusters in meat factories, the German plant has reopened after its owners installed new ventilation systems, implemented weekly testing of staff and put an end to risky employment practices such as the subcontracting of labour.
Would we be experiencing these outbreaks if similar changes had been made pre-emptively across the sector here? It’s difficult to be certain, but it’s hard not to suspect that Ireland’s softly-softly approach to surveillance and enforcement is contributing to the problem.
Almost six months since we started grappling with the pandemic, we know we have done some things well; the lockdown stopped the virus in its tracks and the health service geared up effectively to deal with the surge in cases.
We didn’t manage to protect the vulnerable and so possibly hundreds of older people in nursing home died unnecessarily, and horribly. We weren’t alone there in international terms, but that’s hardly a comfort to grieving families.
Being just outside the top 10 globally for Covid-19 deaths relative to population is nothing to boast about, but at least we eventually got a firm grip of the pandemic and new cases fell to a trickle for several months.
That has given us time to catch our breath, to work out what works in fighting the virus and to prepare for what is to come as society opens up and winter approaches.
That cases are rising again is no surprise to public health officials, who are better informed and better armed to deal with this threat than they were six months ago.
It may be simpler in infection control terms to impose blanket restrictions but it is economically ruinous. No amount of money-printing and subventions can hide the zombification of much of the economy. A new approach is needed.
Pass the chisel
It may be that public health officials don’t trust people to continue to comply as much as they have up to now. Or it may be because they don’t have the teeth to enforce specific rules. Either way, we’re relying too heavily on the sledgehammer when the chisel is needed.
Throughout the summer, circular arguments about travel restrictions and green lists have dominated debate, while the elephants in the room, the Common Travel Area with the UK and the ease with which travellers can come from the US, have been ignored.
The US and the UK are two of our closest partners and they have both had a terrible pandemic. Their potential contribution to the importation of cases is greater than most other countries. Yet citizens of both countries are free to wander into the Republic, without even having to self-isolate if they cross from Northern Ireland.
Ironically, travel has played no major role in the resurgence of Covid-19, with home-grown cases mostly responsible.
Testing and contact tracing are the key weapons in tackling fresh surges of the virus. We don’t know whether our current 15,000-a-day capacity is sufficient because by the time it was built up, the number of new cases had fallen away.
It’s now said to be a next-day service for the delivery of results after the test is carried out, but there are still anecdotal reports of longer waits.
The average time to complete all calls when tracing contacts of a case is 1.2 days. Yet up to a quarter of contacts fail to show for a free test on “day zero” and up to half don’t show for a further test seven days later. The words “leaky sieve” come to mind.
Pooled samples
A new approach to testing might see more pooled testing, where samples from an entire neighbourhood, or factory, or school, are collected. If the pooled sample is clear, good; if it isn’t, the virus is present and individual testing is required.
Many rapid tests have been developed and could have a role, in spite of doubts about their reliability. Anyone testing positive on a one-hour test, for example, could be sent forward for the more comprehensive PCR test, while self-isolating.
Despite the precariousness of the current situation, there is no going back to the full lockdown of last March. We know now what works to stop the virus: distance, hand hygiene, masks. We know where the risky environments are: crowded indoor spaces, meat plants, shared accommodation.
We need now to continue to protect the vulnerable, and to develop targeted strategies that “build a wall” around the current outbreaks.
However, there is as yet no reason not to keep moving towards the restoration of a low-risk society where people can try to restore their economic fortunes while staying healthy.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--HSE eyeing private hospitals in the event of new Covid wave

The Government is to look at reaching deals with individual private hospitals to secure facilities in the event of another Covid-19 wave , rather than taking over the entire sector for a second time .
Private hospitals on Friday received letters from the HSE about putting in place bilateral arrangements to come into effect if there is a significant increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19 .
The HSE said on Friday that it was currently refining its requirements in relation to securing capacity and services to compensate for the shortfall in capacity in public hospitals due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPHET ’ s expert advisory group ’ s recommendations .
“ As part of a wider strategy to address this shortfall the HSE is in the process of tendering for services in the private hospitals.
” Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was told by his officials in a briefing document that there could be a shortfall of 4,700 hospital beds – in a total system with over 11,000 beds – due to the requirements for social distancing and the objective of operating hospitals at 80 per cent capacity .
Mr Donnelly was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for elective work and replacement capacity the initial assessment suggests that our requirement will exceed the full capacity of the private hospitals and therefore the HSE is also considering alternative solutions such as increases in the number of intensive care unit beds , community-care options , access to diagnostics and virtual consultations ” .
The former government took over 100 per cent capacity of 18 private hospitals at the end of March .
However , it decided in May not to extended this arrangement beyond an initial three-month period which expired at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about the €300 million cost of the deal , and that the private hospital facilities were not being fully utilised .
The Cabinet in May mandated the HSE to enter into into talks on a revised arrangement with the private hospitals .
It is understood that some members of the Cabinet expressed concern in recent days that no follow-on arrangement had been reached with private hospitals .
Ministers were told that public hospitals were running at 96 or 97 per cent capacity .
The HSE said discussions had taken place with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their facilities in the event of a Covid-19 surge .
The Private Hospitals Association said a new bilateral approach would provide greater flexibility for all concerned , and had the capacity to operate on a regional and local basis as necessary while still ensuring a high quality service delivery .

The former government took over 100% capacity of 18 private hospitals at the end of March. Photograph: Getty Images
The Government is to look at reaching deals with individual private hospitals to secure facilities in the event of another Covid-19 wave, rather than taking over the entire sector for a second time.
Private hospitals on Friday received letters from the HSE about putting in place bilateral arrangements to come into effect if there is a significant increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19.
The HSE said on Friday that it was currently refining its requirements in relation to securing capacity and services to compensate for the shortfall in capacity in public hospitals due to the safety guidelines developed in line with the NPHET’s expert advisory group’s recommendations.
“As part of a wider strategy to address this shortfall the HSE is in the process of tendering for services in the private hospitals.”
READ MORE
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was told by his officials in a briefing document that there could be a shortfall of 4,700 hospital beds – in a total system with over 11,000 beds – due to the requirements for social distancing and the objective of operating hospitals at 80 per cent capacity.
Mr Donnelly was told that “in terms of the requirement for elective work and replacement capacity the initial assessment suggests that our requirement will exceed the full capacity of the private hospitals and therefore the HSE is also considering alternative solutions such as increases in the number of intensive care unit beds, community-care options, access to diagnostics and virtual consultations”.
The former government took over 100 per cent capacity of 18 private hospitals at the end of March. However, it decided in May not to extended this arrangement beyond an initial three-month period which expired at the end of June. There had been concerned about the €300 million cost of the deal, and that the private hospital facilities were not being fully utilised.
The Cabinet in May mandated the HSE to enter into into talks on a revised arrangement with the private hospitals.
Capacity
It is understood that some members of the Cabinet expressed concern in recent days that no follow-on arrangement had been reached with private hospitals . Ministers were told that public hospitals were running at 96 or 97 per cent capacity.
The HSE said discussions had taken place with the Private Hospitals Association regarding the use of their facilities in the event of a Covid-19 surge.
The Private Hospitals Association said a new bilateral approach would provide greater flexibility for all concerned, and had the capacity to operate on a regional and local basis as necessary while still ensuring a high quality service delivery.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Man accused of murdering Garda Colm Horkan unfit to attend court

The investigation into the murder of Det Garda Colm Horkan is progressing as speedily as possible , a court has been told .
Sgt Mark Mahon told judge Deirdre Gearty at Harristown District Court on Friday that reports were being prepared and the book of evidence was being compiled as quickly as possible .
He was responding to a query from a solicitor for Stephen Silver of Aughaward , Foxford , Co Mayo , who is charged with the murder of Det Garda Horkan in Castlerea on June 17th .
The 43-year old was due to appear before the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solicitor Marina Moran , of Gearoid Geraghty & Company , said the defendant was still receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital .
It is the fourth time Mr Silver has been deemed unfit to appear by video link at Harristown District Court .
Sgt Mahon said the investigation was proceeding and was “ very active at the moment ” , with reports being awaited .
“ The book of evidence is being compiled as speedily as possible , ” he said .
The judge remanded Mr Silver in custody for two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 21st .

A file image of Stephen Silver pictured at an earlier court appearance. Photograph: Colin Keegan/ Collins
The investigation into the murder of Det Garda Colm Horkan is progressing as speedily as possible, a court has been told.
Sgt Mark Mahon told judge Deirdre Gearty at Harristown District Court on Friday that reports were being prepared and the book of evidence was being compiled as quickly as possible.
He was responding to a query from a solicitor for Stephen Silver of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, who is charged with the murder of Det Garda Horkan in Castlerea on June 17th.
The 43-year old was due to appear before the court by video link.
READ MORE
However, defence solicitor Marina Moran, of Gearoid Geraghty & Company, said the defendant was still receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital.
It is the fourth time Mr Silver has been deemed unfit to appear by video link at Harristown District Court.
Sgt Mahon said the investigation was proceeding and was “very active at the moment”, with reports being awaited.
“The book of evidence is being compiled as speedily as possible,” he said.
The judge remanded Mr Silver in custody for two weeks to appear before Harristown District Court on August 21st .


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Two men due for court over €3m heroin seizure

Two men have been charged in connection with the seizure of €3 million worth of suspected heroin in Dublin on @ @ @ @ @ arrested following a joint operation between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau ( @ @ @ @ @ s Custom Service led to the multimillion euro narcotics seizure .
They are due to @ @ @ @ @ morning .
Gardaí believe the drugs had recently entered the country .
The haul was @ @ @ @ @ arrest of the two suspects – aged 40s and 30s – in the Dublin 15 @ @ @ @ @ were questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station under section 2 of the Criminal Justice ( Drug @ @ @ @ @ arrest .
Det Chief Supt Angela Willis , head of GNDOCB , said the operation @ @ @ @ @ seizure of a significant quantity of heroin from circulation within communities that are suffering the @ @ @ @ @ .

Part of the consignment of heroin seized in Dublin on Wednesday. Photograph: Revenue’s Customs Service
Two men have been charged in connection with the seizure of €3 million worth of suspected heroin in Dublin on Wednesday.
The suspects were arrested following a joint operation between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue's Custom Service led to the multimillion euro narcotics seizure.
They are due to appear in court on Saturday morning.
Gardaí believe the drugs had recently entered the country. The haul was monitored, leading to the arrest of the two suspects – aged 40s and 30s – in the Dublin 15 area.
READ MORE
The arrested men were questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station under section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act after their arrest.
Det Chief Supt Angela Willis, head of GNDOCB, said the operation had "resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of heroin from circulation within communities that are suffering the consequences of drug trafficking".


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Judge critical of local authority’s response to family living at ESB substation

A High Court judge has strongly criticised a local authority ’ s response to proceedings against a family that moved onto the site of an electricity substation because they have nowhere else to go .
The remarks were made by Mr Justice Bernard Barton after he granted the ESB an injunction directing James Moorhouse , and his family vacate the ESB ’ s lands at Berryfield Lane , Fassaroe , Co Wicklow – that contain a 110KV substation .
In a ruling yesterday the judge said it was “ unacceptable ” that Wicklow Co Council , the relevant housing authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party to the proceedings , had failed to properly respond after the local authority became aware of the action .
The ESB sought the order against Mr Moorhouse after he moved a vehicle , a caravan and some animals onto the site in June .
The presence of the family on the site constituted a health and safety risk and were of serious concern to the ESB .
The ESB , represented in court on Friday by Séamus Breen , said as the substation was a critical piece of infrastructure supplying that provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South Dublin , Bray and Greystones areas with electricity .
While the ESB wanted to deal with this matter in a compassionate and sensible manner , counsel said that the site was not an appropriate or safe environment for people or animals .
The ESB had last weeks secured a temporary order requiring the defendant to leave the site , however this had not been complied with , counsel said .
Representing himself , Mr Moorhouse told the court that he , his wife and their three young children had nowhere else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caravan and animals on the site after they had been living on the side of a dangerous road , he said .
He claimed they were well away from the inner compound on the site where the substations are located .
He said he and his wife had been in contact with the housing section of Wicklow Council regarding their situation , but said nothing had been done for them .
All he wanted was a house for his three young children , who are aged 9 , 7 and 2years , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barton said he had no doubt that the Moorehouse family were “ in a desperate situation , ” and had nowhere else to go .
The judge said that this was an all too common a situation in Ireland today .
However , there was nothing the court could do in these proceedings regarding the Moorehouses ’ housing situation .
He noted Mr Moorehouse had said the local council was unresponsive to his needs .
After discovering the defendant on its property , the judge said the ESB made the council aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fact the council did not respond in any meaningful way to the ESB was “ unacceptable ” and “ lamentable ” particularly given the situation the Moorehouse family found itself in , the Judge said .
The ESB ’ s function , the judge added , is the provision of electricity and not to act as a housing association , he added .
In the circumstances the judge said he was making an order directing the family to immediately vacate the ESB ’ s lands .
He adjourned the case and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court later this month .

The fact the council did not respond in any meaningful way to the ESB was “unacceptable” and “lamentable” particularlygiven the situation the Moorehouse family found itself in, Judge Barton said.
A High Court judge has strongly criticised a local authority's response to proceedings against a family that moved onto the site of an electricity substation because they have nowhere else to go.
The remarks were made by Mr Justice Bernard Barton after he granted the ESB an injunction directing James Moorhouse, and his family vacate the ESB's lands at Berryfield Lane, Fassaroe, Co Wicklow – that contain a 110KV substation.
In a ruling yesterday the judge said it was “unacceptable” that Wicklow Co Council, the relevant housing authority for the area which was not a party to the proceedings, had failed to properly respond after the local authority became aware of the action.
The ESB sought the order against Mr Moorhouse after he moved a vehicle, a caravan and some animals onto the site in June. The presence of the family on the site constituted a health and safety risk and were of serious concern to the ESB.
READ MORE
The ESB, represented in court on Friday by Séamus Breen, said as the substation was a critical piece of infrastructure supplying that provides 25,000 homes, business and farms in the South Dublin, Bray and Greystones areas with electricity.
While the ESB wanted to deal with this matter in a compassionate and sensible manner, counsel said that the site was not an appropriate or safe environment for people or animals.
The ESB had last weeks secured a temporary order requiring the defendant to leave the site, however this had not been complied with, counsel said.
‘Desperate situation’
Representing himself, Mr Moorhouse told the court that he, his wife and their three young children had nowhere else to go. The family moved their caravan and animals on the site after they had been living on the side of a dangerous road, he said. He claimed they were well away from the inner compound on the site where the substations are located.
He said he and his wife had been in contact with the housing section of Wicklow Council regarding their situation, but said nothing had been done for them. All he wanted was a house for his three young children, who are aged 9, 7 and 2years,he added.
Granting the injunction Mr Justice Barton said he had no doubt that the Moorehouse family were “in a desperate situation,” and had nowhere else to go.
The judge said that this was an all too common a situation in Ireland today. However, there was nothing the court could do in these proceedings regarding the Moorehouses' housing situation.
He noted Mr Moorehouse had said the local council was unresponsive to his needs. After discovering the defendant on its property, the judge said the ESB made the council aware of the High Court proceedings on several occasions. The fact the council did not respond in any meaningful way to the ESB was "unacceptable" and "lamentable" particularly given the situation the Moorehouse family found itself in, the Judge said.
The ESB’s function, the judge added, is the provision of electricity and not to act as a housing association, he added.
In the circumstances the judge said he was making an order directing the family to immediately vacate the ESB’s lands. He adjourned the case and directed that it be mentioned before the court later this month.
and


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Workers diagnosed with Covid-19 or certified to self-isolate can claim special illness benefit

The Government has assured workers who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or certified by doctors to self-isolate as they are a probable source of infection , that they can receive the special €350 coronavirus illness benefit .
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said on Friday that all employees ( other than some public sector employees who pay a modified rate of social insurance ) and self-employed , including non-nationals and people living in Direct Provision , were entitled to claim and receive the special Covid-19 Illness Benefit payment .
She said that earlier this week the Government had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit scheme until March 31st next year .
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection said : “ To receive this payment an employee must : * be diagnosed with a Covid-19 infection as certified by a registered medical practitioner or , be certified by a registered medical practitioner to self-isolate ; * be aged between 18 and 66 years ; * be employed or self-employed and have worked in the four weeks preceding their ‘ declared certified from date ’ * have a contract of employment ( if an employee ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid qualifying social insurance contribution in the four weeks immediately before claiming the payment .
“ No waiting days are applied to Covid-19 claims , meaning that the payment starts on the first day that the person is medically certified as being unfit to attend work .
In normal circumstances , people who claim illness benefit are not paid for the first six days of their claim .
This requirement has been waived for enhanced illness benefit.
” The department said that the enhanced illness benefit was paid for two weeks where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for a maximum of 10 weeks where a person was medically certified as being diagnosed with Covid-19 .
Ms Humphreys said : “ I want to reassure people today that the enhanced illness benefit is available to people who need to claim this payment .
I particularly want to ensure that non-nationals and people living in direct provision are fully aware of this payment and how they should claim it.
” “ I have asked the officials in my department to work with their colleagues in the Department of Justice to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this information and for it to be communicated to everyone living in the centres without delay .
”

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that earlier this week the Government had approved the extension of the enhanced illness benefit scheme until March next year. File photograph: Julien Behal/PA
The Government has assured workers who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or certified by doctors to self-isolate as they are a probable source of infection, that they can receive the special €350 coronavirus illness benefit.
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said on Friday that all employees (other than some public sector employees who pay a modified rate of social insurance) and self-employed, including non-nationals and people living in Direct Provision, were entitled to claim and receive the special Covid-19 Illness Benefit payment.
She said that earlier this week the Government had approved the extension of the enhanced illness benefit scheme until March 31st next year.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection said: “To receive this payment an employee must:
READ MORE
* be diagnosed with a Covid-19 infection as certified by a registered medical practitioner or, be certified by a registered medical practitioner to self-isolate;
* be aged between 18 and 66 years;
* be employed or self-employed and have worked in the four weeks preceding their ‘declared certified from date’
* have a contract of employment (if an employee); and
* have at least one paid qualifying social insurance contribution in the four weeks immediately before claiming the payment.
“No waiting days are applied to Covid-19 claims, meaning that the payment starts on the first day that the person is medically certified as being unfit to attend work. In normal circumstances, people who claim illness benefit are not paid for the first six days of their claim. This requirement has been waived for enhanced illness benefit.”
The department said that the enhanced illness benefit was paid for two weeks where a person was medically certified to self-isolate, and for a maximum of 10 weeks where a person was medically certified as being diagnosed with Covid-19.
Ms Humphreys said: “I want to reassure people today that the enhanced illness benefit is available to people who need to claim this payment. I particularly want to ensure that non-nationals and people living in direct provision are fully aware of this payment and how they should claim it.”
“I have asked the officials in my department to work with their colleagues in the Department of Justice to ensure that every direct provision centre is provided with this information and for it to be communicated to everyone living in the centres without delay.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Warning of ‘economic meltdown’ in Kildare

More than a 1,000 jobs will be lost just in Co Kildare alone , causing “ an economic meltdown ” , following the Government ’ s decision to impose restrictions on Laois , Offaly and Kildare , it has been claimed .
“ There has been absolutely no engagement or consultation from NPHET , the Health Service Executive , or anyone in Government , ” said Allan Shine , the chief executive of County Kildare Chamber .
“ We are at pains to understand why NPHET and Government could not take the stance to order a comprehensive sweep of community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Laois and Offaly.
” He said a decision about lockdown could have been taken if mass testing showed quickly that the virus was widespread , adding that people in Co Kildare currently must travel to Dublin for Covid tests because local testing was not available .
Meanwhile , O ’ Brien Fine Foods in Timahoe , Co Kildare , said six more Covid-19 cases have been found amongst workers after the testing of 42 more .
“ In all cases the level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to isolate and contacts were being traced , while operations would stay closed as a precautionary measure .
“ All staff will continue to be paid in full.
” Normal operations would not resume before August 18th , until the 14-day incubation period had passed , though warehousing and other minimal operations would “ function at significantly reduced capacity levels to manage perishable goods ” .
The company said once it does reopen O ’ Brien workers would be tested every fortnight , while measures to cuts the risks created by staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
Meanwhile , the Irish Dog Foods plant in Naas , Co Kildare , which remains shut for a second week after 30 to 40 Covid-19 cases were found , is to reopen on a “ phased ” basis on Monday after deep cleaning .
Refusing to disclose the total number of staff who have tested positive to date , a company spokesman said all employees were tested and have been provided with “ appropriate advice ” .
Workers would be given extra “ Covid awareness training ” , said the spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would meet with company doctors before going back to work .
Responding to fears in the wake of a number of outbreaks in meat and meat processing plants , industry lobby group Meat Industry Ireland ( MII ) said they acted “ as as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of Covid-19 ” .
A relentless effort and focus had to be maintained “ to keep the virus out , protect staff , while also keeping the fresh meat supply chain in operation ” , said MII , adding its members operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday met with Department of Agriculture officials , the acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn , and trade union representatives to review existing rules and consider additional actions .
“ Speed of testing results and the track-and-trace process are critical , as is continuous clear communications with staff around all aspects of dealing with the Covid threat , ” the lobby group declared .
A “ very high proportion ” of workers who tested positive were asymptomatic , so did not display any of the known symptoms of the virus , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some quarters ” .
Meat plants would “ continue to be vigilant ” against Covid-19 , the lobby group added , and they would “ continue to work with the Health Service Executive and other agencies , and will be guided by their advice ” .

The O’Brien Fine Foods factory in Timahoe, Co Kildare. Normal operations will not resume before August 18th, until the 14-day incubation period for coronavirus has passed. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
More than a 1,000 jobs will be lost just in Co Kildare alone, causing "an economic meltdown", following the Government's decision to impose restrictions on Laois, Offaly and Kildare, it has been claimed.
"There has been absolutely no engagement or consultation from NPHET, the Health Service Executive, or anyone in Government," said Allan Shine, the chief executive of County Kildare Chamber.
“We are at pains to understand why NPHET and Government could not take the stance to order a comprehensive sweep of community testing in the areas affected in Kildare, Laois and Offaly.”
He said a decision about lockdown could have been taken if mass testing showed quickly that the virus was widespread, adding that people in Co Kildare currently must travel to Dublin for Covid tests because local testing was not available.
READ MORE
Meanwhile, O'Brien Fine Foods in Timahoe, Co Kildare, said six more Covid-19 cases have been found amongst workers after the testing of 42 more. "In all cases the level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high."
The company said all affected workers have been told to isolate and contacts were being traced, while operations would stay closed as a precautionary measure. “All staff will continue to be paid in full.”
Normal operations would not resume before August 18th, until the 14-day incubation period had passed, though warehousing and other minimal operations would “function at significantly reduced capacity levels to manage perishable goods”.
The company said once it does reopen O’Brien workers would be tested every fortnight, while measures to cuts the risks created by staff travelling to work would be put in place.
Deep cleaning
Meanwhile, the Irish Dog Foods plant in Naas, Co Kildare, which remains shut for a second week after 30 to 40 Covid-19 cases were found, is to reopen on a "phased" basis on Monday after deep cleaning.
Refusing to disclose the total number of staff who have tested positive to date, a company spokesman said all employees were tested and have been provided with “appropriate advice”.
Workers would be given extra “Covid awareness training”, said the spokesperson, while those who have tested positive would meet with company doctors before going back to work.
Responding to fears in the wake of a number of outbreaks in meat and meat processing plants, industry lobby group Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said they acted "as as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of Covid-19".
A relentless effort and focus had to be maintained “to keep the virus out, protect staff, while also keeping the fresh meat supply chain in operation”, said MII, adding its members operated “robust protocols”.
MII on Friday met with Department of Agriculture officials, the acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn, and trade union representatives to review existing rules and consider additional actions.
“Speed of testing results and the track-and-trace process are critical, as is continuous clear communications with staff around all aspects of dealing with the Covid threat,” the lobby group declared.
A “very high proportion” of workers who tested positive were asymptomatic, so did not display any of the known symptoms of the virus, “contrary to what has been alleged in some quarters”.
Meat plants would “continue to be vigilant” against Covid-19, the lobby group added, and they would “continue to work with the Health Service Executive and other agencies, and will be guided by their advice”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Court upholds challenge by intellectually disabled man who wants to marry

The Court of Appeal has upheld a challenge against the refusal of the High Court to halt an inquiry into whether an intellectually disabled man who wanted to marry should be made a ward of court .
The man , who is in his 40s , had opposed being the subject of a wardship process as it prevented his planned civil legal marriage in June 2019 to a woman who has an intellectual disability , but is high functioning , with whom he has a long-term relationship .
The wardship process was supported by the man ’ s siblings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
Lawyers for the man argued his prima facie right to marry would be extinguished if he was made a ward of court without out any assessment of his capacity to marry .
The ruling of the three-judge Court of Appeal overturns the refusal of the President of the High Court , Mr Justice Peter Kelly , on February 4th , 2020 to halt the wardship inquiry in respect of the man .
In his judgement , Mr Justice Maurice Collins described the case as “ acutely difficult ” and noted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to marry was “ a matter of intense dispute ” .
He noted the commitment of the man ’ s siblings to their brother ’ s welfare was palpable and they were clearly concerned he was being exploited and incapable of making his own decisions .
Mr Justice Collins said it was clear that the family ’ s relationships had been put under severe strain as the man ’ s siblings believed their brother was not in a position to make a free and informed decision to marry .
“ On any view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of allowing the wardship proceedings to proceed , ” he observed .
Last December the man had initiated proceedings challenging the constitutionality of the wardship regime for the purpose of trying to establish that he was entitled to marry or at least have his capacity to marry assessed .
Mr Justice Collins acknowledged the question of whether people with intellectual disabilities should be able to marry raised complex issues .
However , he said societal attitudes to that question had changed significantly since the enactment of the Marriage of Lunatics Act in 1811 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015 which repeals the earlier legislation .
The judge said the 2015 Act contrasted with the existing wardship regime where a ward was treated as lacking decision-making capacity generally .
He said it was regrettable that provisions of the 2015 Act which makes capacity a statutory requirement for a valid marriage had not yet been commenced which meant the 1811 Act remains in force .
“ This is hardly a satisfactory state of affairs given the vital importance of the issues that the 2015 Act addresses , ” Mr Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ a matter of real concern ” that the institution secured an ex parte order from Mr Justice Kelly restraining the man from participating in a marriage ceremony on the eve of his wedding last year which had “ a clear and profound impact ” on the couple .
Mr Justice Collins said the lateness of the application had put the President of the High Court in a very difficult position that effectively presented him with “ an unattractive binary choice ” .
He said it was also a matter of concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man ’ s estate which was used to add significantly to the urgency of the application was “ at best incomplete and arguably materially inaccurate ” .
Subsequent interim orders by the High Court , which restrain the man from leaving the State and regulating where he lives , remain in place .
Mr Justice Collins said the evidence before the court established a very significant risk that the man ’ s admission to wardship would prevent his marriage and effectively close off any assessment of his capacity to marry as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought asserting his right to marry to a premature conclusion .
The judge said that would involve a “ manifest and serious potential injustice ” to the man and his partner .
He acknowledged that whatever ruling the Court of Appeal would make was certain to cause anguish .
Mr Justice Collins said the court ’ s ruling should not be taken as calling into question the powers of the President of the High Court to manage the wardship list .
He noted the decision under appeal was in substance the refusal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins said it appeared that the order made by Mr Justice Kelly gave rise to a serious risk of injustice to the man .
In such circumstances he said the Court of Appeal was clearly entitled and obliged to intervene .

Mr Justice Maurice Collins noted the question of the man’s capacity to marry was a matter of intense dispute. File photograph: Chris Maddaloni/Collins
The Court of Appeal has upheld a challenge against the refusal of the High Court to halt an inquiry into whether an intellectually disabled man who wanted to marry should be made a ward of court.
The man, who is in his 40s, had opposed being the subject of a wardship process as it prevented his planned civil legal marriage in June 2019 to a woman who has an intellectual disability, but is high functioning, with whom he has a long-term relationship.
The wardship process was supported by the man’s siblings and the institution which has responsibility for his care.
Lawyers for the man argued his prima facie right to marry would be extinguished if he was made a ward of court without out any assessment of his capacity to marry.
READ MORE
The ruling of the three-judge Court of Appeal overturns the refusal of the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, on February 4th, 2020 to halt the wardship inquiry in respect of the man.
In his judgement, Mr Justice Maurice Collins described the case as "acutely difficult" and noted the question of the man's capacity to marry was "a matter of intense dispute".
He noted the commitment of the man’s siblings to their brother’s welfare was palpable and they were clearly concerned he was being exploited and incapable of making his own decisions.
Mr Justice Collins said it was clear that the family’s relationships had been put under severe strain as the man’s siblings believed their brother was not in a position to make a free and informed decision to marry.
“On any view, these are powerful considerations in favour of allowing the wardship proceedings to proceed,” he observed.
Last December the man had initiated proceedings challenging the constitutionality of the wardship regime for the purpose of trying to establish that he was entitled to marry or at least have his capacity to marry assessed.
Mr Justice Collins acknowledged the question of whether people with intellectual disabilities should be able to marry raised complex issues.
However, he said societal attitudes to that question had changed significantly since the enactment of the Marriage of Lunatics Act in 1811 as demonstrated by enactment of the Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015 which repeals the earlier legislation.
The judge said the 2015 Act contrasted with the existing wardship regime where a ward was treated as lacking decision-making capacity generally.
He said it was regrettable that provisions of the 2015 Act which makes capacity a statutory requirement for a valid marriage had not yet been commenced which meant the 1811 Act remains in force.
“This is hardly a satisfactory state of affairs given the vital importance of the issues that the 2015 Act addresses,” Mr Justice Collins remarked.
The judge said it was “a matter of real concern” that the institution secured an ex parte order from Mr Justice Kelly restraining the man from participating in a marriage ceremony on the eve of his wedding last year which had “a clear and profound impact” on the couple.
Mr Justice Collins said the lateness of the application had put the President of the High Court in a very difficult position that effectively presented him with “an unattractive binary choice”.
He said it was also a matter of concern that information provided by the institution about the man’s estate which was used to add significantly to the urgency of the application was “at best incomplete and arguably materially inaccurate”.
Subsequent interim orders by the High Court, which restrain the man from leaving the State and regulating where he lives, remain in place.
Mr Justice Collins said the evidence before the court established a very significant risk that the man’s admission to wardship would prevent his marriage and effectively close off any assessment of his capacity to marry as well as bring any legal proceedings he had brought asserting his right to marry to a premature conclusion.
The judge said that would involve a “manifest and serious potential injustice” to the man and his partner.
He acknowledged that whatever ruling the Court of Appeal would make was certain to cause anguish.
Mr Justice Collins said the court’s ruling should not be taken as calling into question the powers of the President of the High Court to manage the wardship list.
He noted the decision under appeal was in substance the refusal of a stay.
However, Mr Justice Collins said it appeared that the order made by Mr Justice Kelly gave rise to a serious risk of injustice to the man. In such circumstances he said the Court of Appeal was clearly entitled and obliged to intervene.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Three Northern cheetah cubs born at Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of three Northern cheetah cubs – an endangered species .
The cubs , one male and two females , were born on June 10th and have only recently started venturing out of their cubbing den .
They have spent the last few days enjoying the mild weather playing together in the grass and on the logs of their habitat on Cheetah Hill in Fota .
Fota Wildlife Park , a conservation charity , estimates it lost €1.5 million in revenues during the 10-week closure earlier in the year due to Covid-19 .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system to safely manage the numbers entering the Park – capping the maximum amount of people at any one time within the 100-acre park at 1,500 .
The cubs ’ mother Nimpy is 10 years old and was born in Parc Zoologique de La Palmyre , France .
The father Sam is four years old and was born in Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre , Dubai .
The birth of these cubs brings the total for this endangered species born in Fota to 204 .
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern cheetah as endangered .
Lead ranger at Fota Julien Fonteneau , said they are delighted to be announcing a second litter of Northern cheetah cubs since reopening in May .
“ Without a doubt , the Northern cheetah is the most successful breeding programme here and the species has become synonymous with the Park – it ’ s even on our logo .
We put that breeding success down to the naturalistic habitats and environments that we create for the animals.
” Dublin Zoo is also celebrating following the arrival of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primate and the largest of the gibbon species .
They are black-furred apes with very long arms , much longer than their legs .
They are also the only gibbons with both opposable thumbs and toes .
They can weigh between 10 to 12 kgs and have large throat pouches which allow them to vocalise and sing .
They can often be heard singing in Dublin Zoo from 10 to 11am each day .
The baby was born overnight last Sunday to parents Cahaya ( 10 ) and Luca ( 19 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ siamang gibbons at Dublin Zoo , with Cahaya arriving in 2014 and Luca in 2018 .
It was love at first sight – or at least “ a strong connection from the very first day they met ” , according to staff who said “ the healthy baby is exceptionally welcome news for everyone involved with the zoo ” .
Ciaran McMahon , team leader at Dublin Zoo added : “ We are absolutely delighted to welcome this siamang gibbon baby to Dublin Zoo .
The species is listed as endangered so every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luca are the most loving couple , very attentive to each other ’ s needs , and we have no doubt that they will make excellent parents.
” Siamang gibbons are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List .
Their natural habitat is the canopy of semi-deciduous and evergreen forests in the Barisan Mountains of west-central Sumatra , Indonesia , the mountains of the Malay Peninsula , Malaysia , and in a small southern peninsular area of Thailand .
Dublin Zoo , a not-for-profit organisation , is also currently operating at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets must be booked online in advance .

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of three Northern cheetah cubs – an endangered species.
The cubs, one male and two females, were born on June 10th and have only recently started venturing out of their cubbing den. They have spent the last few days enjoying the mild weather playing together in the grass and on the logs of their habitat on Cheetah Hill in Fota.
Fota Wildlife Park, a conservation charity, estimates it lost €1.5 million in revenues during the 10-week closure earlier in the year due to Covid-19. Since then it has introduced an online booking system to safely manage the numbers entering the Park – capping the maximum amount of people at any one time within the 100-acre park at 1,500.
Dublin Zoo’s latest arrival, a baby siamang gibbon, clings tightly to mother Cahaya.
The cubs' mother Nimpy is 10 years old and was born in Parc Zoologique de La Palmyre, France. The father Sam is four years old and was born in Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre, Dubai. The birth of these cubs brings the total for this endangered species born in Fota to 204.
READ MORE
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has classified the subspecies status for the Northern cheetah as endangered. Lead ranger at Fota Julien Fonteneau, said they are delighted to be announcing a second litter of Northern cheetah cubs since reopening in May.
“Without a doubt, the Northern cheetah is the most successful breeding programme here and the species has become synonymous with the Park – it’s even on our logo. We put that breeding success down to the naturalistic habitats and environments that we create for the animals.”
Dublin Zoo is also celebrating following the arrival of a baby siamang gibbon. It is a primate and the largest of the gibbon species. They are black-furred apes with very long arms, much longer than their legs. They are also the only gibbons with both opposable thumbs and toes. They can weigh between 10 to 12 kgs and have large throat pouches which allow them to vocalise and sing. They can often be heard singing in Dublin Zoo from 10 to 11am each day.
The baby was born overnight last Sunday to parents Cahaya (10) and Luca (19). Before this arrival they were the only siamang gibbons at Dublin Zoo, with Cahaya arriving in 2014 and Luca in 2018.
Extremely important
It was love at first sight – or at least “ a strong connection from the very first day they met”, according to staff who said “the healthy baby is exceptionally welcome news for everyone involved with the zoo”.
Ciaran McMahon, team leader at Dublin Zoo added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome this siamang gibbon baby to Dublin Zoo. The species is listed as endangered so every birth is extremely important. Cahaya and Luca are the most loving couple, very attentive to each other’s needs, and we have no doubt that they will make excellent parents.”
Siamang gibbons are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their natural habitat is the canopy of semi-deciduous and evergreen forests in the Barisan Mountains of west-central Sumatra, Indonesia, the mountains of the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia, and in a small southern peninsular area of Thailand.
Dublin Zoo, a not-for-profit organisation, is also currently operating at a reduced capacity due to Covid-19, and tickets must be booked online in advance.