theirishtimes--2020-05-22--Solar panel limit-lifting key part of government formation talks

Restrictions on the amount of solar panels which can be placed on the roofs of homes and businesses will be significantly eased under plans to increase energy efficiency being discussed in government formation talks .
Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael and the Greens are continuing their coalition talks and all sides hope a draft programme for government can be concluded by the end of next week .
A two-hour session on climate change on Thursday mostly discussed energy and governance issues around the implementation of climate change policies .
Reducing Ireland ’ s carbon emissions by an average of 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal of the Greens in coalition talks .
Sources said the focus on Thursday was largely on renewable energy , such as how to achieve an ambition to go further than the current government pledge that 70 per cent of the State ’ s electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2030 .
Other areas seen as key to achieving the 7 per cent reduction in carbon emissions , such as transport and agriculture , have not yet been the subject of detailed policy negotiations .
It is understood that most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes in regulations or legislation .
It is expected a new Marine Bill will be a priority for a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green Party government aimed at encouraging more offshore wind energy generation .
There was also an emphasis on how to encourage a greater use of solar energy in homes and businesses , and creating a mechanism for allowing people to sell energy back to the national grid .
The Green Party general election manifesto committed to “ removing the current limits of 50 per cent/12sq m roof space for solar panels ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be empowered “ to install 700,000 rooftop solar PV [ photovoltaic ] systems in Irish homes and on 55,000 commercial premises by 2030 ” .
It said : “ This will provide for 5 per cent of our electricity needs .
It will be achieved by direct installation on public buildings and by changing building regulations to promote the installation of PV panels during any major renovation.
” A national ban on the burning of smoky coal was also discussed on Thursday .
This policy is favoured by the Greens and Fianna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gael-Independent minority government in the last Dáil but ran into legal difficulties .
Meanwhile , Green Party senator Pauline O ’ Reilly has said the “ promising ” government formation talks calls into question why the Greens should change leader now .
Party deputy leader Catherine Martin continued her work as the Greens ’ lead negotiator in the talks a day after she said she was giving “ serious consideration ” to standing against Eamon Ryan for the position of leader .
Ms Martin and Mr Ryan continued their work as usual on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Martin has said , however , that any leadership contest in the Greens should wait until after the conclusion of the government formation talks .
Ms O ’ Reilly said the Greens had seen a significant increase in their numbers of TDs , councillors and senators , adding that this was “ not the time ” for a change of leader .
Some Green sources said Mr Ryan had received huge support since the leadership issue arose earlier this week and claimed some people had been making soundings across the party on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Green rules stipulate that a leadership contest must be held within six months of a general election .
The election took place on February 8th .
Green Party chair Hazel Chu , a councillor for the Pembroke Ward on Dublin City Council , said it was an “ open contest ” .
“ It is democratic organisation .
We don ’ t prevent anyone who wants to run from running .
”

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan: Some Green sources say he has had huge support since an issue around leadership arose. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Restrictions on the amount of solar panels which can be placed on the roofs of homes and businesses will be significantly eased under plans to increase energy efficiency being discussed in government formation talks.
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens are continuing their coalition talks and all sides hope a draft programme for government can be concluded by the end of next week
A two-hour session on climate change on Thursday mostly discussed energy and governance issues around the implementation of climate change policies.
Reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions by an average of 7 per cent annually is the key policy goal of the Greens in coalition talks.
READ MORE
Sources said the focus on Thursday was largely on renewable energy, such as how to achieve an ambition to go further than the current government pledge that 70 per cent of the State’s electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2030.
Other areas seen as key to achieving the 7 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, such as transport and agriculture, have not yet been the subject of detailed policy negotiations.
It is understood that most of the proposals discussed on Thursday were regarding changes in regulations or legislation. It is expected a new Marine Bill will be a priority for a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Green Party government aimed at encouraging more offshore wind energy generation.
Rooftop systems
There was also an emphasis on how to encourage a greater use of solar energy in homes and businesses, and creating a mechanism for allowing people to sell energy back to the national grid.
The Green Party general election manifesto committed to “removing the current limits of 50 per cent/12sq m roof space for solar panels”.
It also said communities and households should be empowered “to install 700,000 rooftop solar PV [photovoltaic] systems in Irish homes and on 55,000 commercial premises by 2030”.
It said: “This will provide for 5 per cent of our electricity needs. It will be achieved by direct installation on public buildings and by changing building regulations to promote the installation of PV panels during any major renovation.”
A national ban on the burning of smoky coal was also discussed on Thursday. This policy is favoured by the Greens and Fianna Fáil and was pursued by the Fine Gael-Independent minority government in the last Dáil but ran into legal difficulties.
Meanwhile, Green Party senator Pauline O’Reilly has said the “promising” government formation talks calls into question why the Greens should change leader now.
Leadership contest
Party deputy leader Catherine Martin continued her work as the Greens' lead negotiator in the talks a day after she said she was giving "serious consideration" to standing against Eamon Ryan for the position of leader.
Ms Martin and Mr Ryan continued their work as usual on Thursday, according to party sources. Ms Martin has said, however, that any leadership contest in the Greens should wait until after the conclusion of the government formation talks.
Ms O’Reilly said the Greens had seen a significant increase in their numbers of TDs, councillors and senators, adding that this was “not the time” for a change of leader.
Some Green sources said Mr Ryan had received huge support since the leadership issue arose earlier this week and claimed some people had been making soundings across the party on behalf of Ms Martin in recent weeks.
Green rules stipulate that a leadership contest must be held within six months of a general election. The election took place on February 8th.
Green Party chair Hazel Chu, a councillor for the Pembroke Ward on Dublin City Council, said it was an "open contest".
“It is democratic organisation. We don’t prevent anyone who wants to run from running.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Sharp drop in numbers attending hospital emergency departments

The number of people attending hospital emergency departments for “ urgent ” medical treatment fell by 27 per cent in March following the coronavirus outbreak , new research shows .
The number of people attending emergency departments fell by 45 per cent between the first and last week of March , according to the Economic and Social Research Institute ( ESRI ) .
The drop in hospital attendances has been flagged by the Health Service Executive , with senior officials consistently urging people not to delay seeking medical help .
There was a drop of nearly a third in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , compared to the same period in 2019 .
The research , published on Friday , attributed the drop to a fear among the public that they may contract coronavirus while in hospital , or that they did not wish to add to the pressure on the health service .
People may also have been less likely to attend their general practitioners for similar reasons , which had led to a drop in GP referrals to hospitals , the research said .
Another factor in the drop could be that people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illnesses during the lockdown , due to the lack of travel , sport , and social contact , the researchers said .
The average number of daily attendances in emergency departments in the first week of March was 3,503 .
It had fallen to 1,912 by the last week of March .
The drop in attendances was particularly pronounced among younger age cohorts and children , according to the study , which was based on emergency department attendance data from all Irish public hospitals .
The number of people attending emergency departments with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent , similar to a 32 per cent drop in attendances over less urgent medical issues .
Aoife Brick , one of the ESRI researchers , said the figures suggested people opted against attending emergency departments following the Covid-19 outbreak , “ when under normal circumstances they would have ” .
“ The public must be encouraged not to ignore symptoms and attend EDs when they need to , ” she said .

The number of people attending emergency departments fell by 45 per cent between the first and last week of March, according to the research. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
The number of people attending hospital emergency departments for “urgent” medical treatment fell by 27 per cent in March following the coronavirus outbreak, new research shows.
The number of people attending emergency departments fell by 45 per cent between the first and last week of March, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
The drop in hospital attendances has been flagged by the Health Service Executive, with senior officials consistently urging people not to delay seeking medical help.
There was a drop of nearly a third in the number of people attending emergency departments in March, compared to the same period in 2019.
READ MORE
The research, published on Friday, attributed the drop to a fear among the public that they may contract coronavirus while in hospital, or that they did not wish to add to the pressure on the health service.
People may also have been less likely to attend their general practitioners for similar reasons, which had led to a drop in GP referrals to hospitals, the research said.
Another factor in the drop could be that people were less likely to pick up injuries or illnesses during the lockdown, due to the lack of travel, sport, and social contact, the researchers said.
The average number of daily attendances in emergency departments in the first week of March was 3,503. It had fallen to 1,912 by the last week of March.
The drop in attendances was particularly pronounced among younger age cohorts and children, according to the study, which was based on emergency department attendance data from all Irish public hospitals.
The number of people attending emergency departments with “urgent” issues fell by 27 per cent, similar to a 32 per cent drop in attendances over less urgent medical issues.
Aoife Brick, one of the ESRI researchers, said the figures suggested people opted against attending emergency departments following the Covid-19 outbreak, "when under normal circumstances they would have".
“The public must be encouraged not to ignore symptoms and attend EDs when they need to,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Man shot at armed Garda checkpoint in Cork

Gardaí have notified the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission after a man in his 40s was shot at an armed Garda checkpoint in north Cork on Thursday night .
It is understood that the injured man suffered a non life-threatening injury to his shoulder when a garda discharged his weapon at the checkpoint in Mallow .
Initial reports suggest the driver of the car failed to stop and was driving at an officer , when a member of the Armed Support Unit discharged his weapon .
The injured man , who is from Togher in Cork city , was treated at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought by ambulance to Cork University Hospital .
It ’ s believed that a passenger in the car , a 47-year-old man originally from Gurranebraher in Cork city , fled the scene on foot and was pursued by gardaí .
But he was arrested a short time later , a short distance away and brought to Mallow Garda Station , where he is being held under drugs-trafficking legislation Gardaí seized the car which the injured man was driving and it ’ s understood that officers are carrying out a detailed and forensic search @ @ @ @

The scene of the incident in North Cork on Thursday evening
The Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission has begun an investigation after a man in his 40s was shot at a garda checkpoint in North Cork last night.
Gardaí notified Gsoc following the shooting incident which happened at the Spa on the Mitchelstown Road in Mallow at around 8.30pm last night.
It is understood that the injured man suffered a non life threatening injury to his shoulder when a garda discharged his weapon at the checkpoint in Mallow.
Initial reports from gardaí suggest the driver of the car failed to stop and was driving at an officer with a member of the Armed Support Unit discharged his weapon.
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The injured man, who is from Togher in Cork city, was treated at the scene for his injury before being brought by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
Gsoc officers travelled to Mallow on Thursday night to examine the scene of the shooting in which gardaí say that just one shot was fired by the ASU member.
It is expected that Gsoc investigators will interview the injured man as well as gardaí, including members of the ASU, who were on duty at the checkpoint.
The injured man underwent surgery in CUH where he remains under garda detention as gardaí carry out a separate investigation into drug trafficking.
Meanwhile gardaí have also arrested a 47-year-old man, who was a front seat passenger in the black VW Golf driven by the man injured in the shooting.
The passenger, who is originally from Gurranebraher in Cork city but has been living more recently in Mid-Cork, was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.
He was arrested after gardaí carried out a search of the car and found a quantity of white powder which they suspect may be heroin or cocaine and has been sent for analysis.
The man is currently detained at Mallow Garda Station under drug trafficking legislation which allows gardaí hold suspects for up to seven days.
Gardaí suspect the two men had travelled down from Dublin yesterday evening with a quantity of drugs which they had collected in the capital for sale or supply in Cork.
The scene of the shooting in the Spa remains cordoned off today to allow garda technical experts carry out a forensic examination of the scene and the car.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Gardaí in Cork seize almost €250,000 worth of drugs

Gardaí in Cork have today seized almost €250,000 worth of drugs and arrested two men for questioning following two separate operations .
Members of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad seized over €150,000 worth of drugs when they carried out a search of a warehouse in Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour at around 6pm on Thursday evening .
Detectives recovered €50,000 worth of heroin , €20,000 worth of cocaine , €15,000 worth of ecstasy .
They also seized €70,000 worth of what they believe are counterfeit Xanax tablets in the raid at Ring Port .
Officers arrested a man at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Togher Garda station where he is being held under drugs trafficking legislation .
This allows gardaí to hold suspects for up to seven days .
Gardaí believe that the drugs operation is linked to a senior Lithuanian drugs trafficker who recently left Ireland but set up an operation to continue distributing drugs in the Munster area following his departure .
Meanwhile , in an unrelated operation , members of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad seized a half kilo of heroin with a street value of €80,000 when they raided a flat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s northside at 1pm .
Detectives arrested a 48-year-old man at the flat .
He was brought for questioning to Mayfield Garda station where he is being held under drugs trafficking legislation .
Meanwhile , a 35-year-old man was jailed this month in Cork after he was caught last September with over €100,000 worth of heroin .
He had disembarked from the Dublin-Cork train at Kent Station .

Ecstasy tablets were among the drugs recovered by gardaí in Cork on Thursday. File photograph
Gardaí in Cork have today seized almost €250,000 worth of drugs and arrested two men for questioning following two separate operations.
Members of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad seized over €150,000 worth of drugs when they carried out a search of a warehouse in Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour at around 6pm on Thursday evening.
Detectives recovered €50,000 worth of heroin, €20,000 worth of cocaine, €15,000 worth of ecstasy. They also seized €70,000 worth of what they believe are counterfeit Xanax tablets in the raid at Ring Port.
Officers arrested a man at the warehouse and conveyed him for questioning to Togher Garda station where he is being held under drugs trafficking legislation. This allows gardaí to hold suspects for up to seven days.
READ MORE
Gardaí believe that the drugs operation is linked to a senior Lithuanian drugs trafficker who recently left Ireland but set up an operation to continue distributing drugs in the Munster area following his departure.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated operation, members of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Squad seized a half kilo of heroin with a street value of €80,000 when they raided a flat in the St Luke’s area of the city’s northside at 1pm.
Detectives arrested a 48-year-old man at the flat. He was brought for questioning to Mayfield Garda station where he is being held under drugs trafficking legislation.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man was jailed this month in Cork after he was caught last September with over €100,000 worth of heroin. He had disembarked from the Dublin-Cork train at Kent Station.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Former Lusitania owner, who transferred ownership of wreck to Cork group, dies

Warm tributes have been paid to the former owner of the wreck of the Lusitiania , Greg Bemis who died at his home in America – just over a year after transferring ownership of the wreck to a local community group in West Cork .
Con Hayes , of the Old Head of Kinsale Museum Committee , said Mr Bemis , who would have been 92 next week , was a remarkable man .
His generosity in transferring ownership of the wreck to the group would not be forgotten , he said .
He recalled how he first contacted Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a relationship .
This led to Mr Bemis coming to Ireland in May 2019 to formally transfer ownership of the wreck to the Old Head of Kinsale Museum .
“ Greg has been ill for a number of years but he was quite determined to come to Ireland last year to formally hand over the ownership of wreck to us and that ’ s something for which we will be eternally grateful , ” said Mr Hayes .
A venture capitalist , Mr Bemis acquired joint ownership of the wreck in 1968 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 ( US dollar ) .
But he had to fight a long legal battle to prove his ownership including going to court in the UK , the US and Ireland .
Mr Hayes said they were “ really bowled over ” by Mr Bemis ’ s decision to transfer ownership though it “ wasn ’ t completely out of the blue ” .
“ He clearly realised he could not go on forever and his family weren ’ t interested in continuing directly as it was too difficult for them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went down on May 7th , 1915 with the loss of 1,201 lives .
It had been torpedoed some 18kms off the Old Head of Kinsale by the German submarine , U20 while en route from New York to Liverpool .
Mr Hayes said Mr Bemis , who first dived on the wreck at the age of 76 , was determined to find out what exactly caused the ship to sink so quickly .
“ He devoted the last 50 years of his life trying to find out why exactly the Lusitania sank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 minutes and what caused the second explosion given the German submarine fired only one torpedoed , ” he said .
Speaking at a ceremony at the Old Head of Kinsale on May 7th , 2019 , Mr Bemis explained his decision to transfer ownership of the wreck , which lies in 93 metres of water .
“ I ’ ve come to realize that at almost 91 years old there is only so much more I can do to further this project and I think because of the Lusitania ’ s part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important that it be done properly and we get all the artefacts we can from the wreck to put in the museum planned for here.
” He said he now felt it was time for him to step aside from his work to remember those who perished on board the ship .
He was happy to leave that in the hands of locals who had done such a fine job in remembering the victims with the Lusitania Memorial Garden , he said .

Greg Bemis signed over legal ownership of the wreck of the Lusitania to the Old Head of Kinsale Museum on May 7th, 2019. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
Warm tributes have been paid to the former owner of the wreck of the Lusitiania, Greg Bemis who died at his home in America – just over a year after transferring ownership of the wreck to a local community group in West Cork.
Con Hayes, of the Old Head of Kinsale Museum Committee, said Mr Bemis, who would have been 92 next week, was a remarkable man. His generosity in transferring ownership of the wreck to the group would not be forgotten, he said.
He recalled how he first contacted Mr Bemis in 2011 and how they built up a relationship. This led to Mr Bemis coming to Ireland in May 2019 to formally transfer ownership of the wreck to the Old Head of Kinsale Museum.
“Greg has been ill for a number of years but he was quite determined to come to Ireland last year to formally hand over the ownership of wreck to us and that’s something for which we will be eternally grateful,” said Mr Hayes.
READ MORE
A venture capitalist, Mr Bemis acquired joint ownership of the wreck in 1968 and he later bought it outright for $1 (US dollar). But he had to fight a long legal battle to prove his ownership including going to court in the UK, the US and Ireland.
Mr Hayes said they were “ really bowled over” by Mr Bemis’s decision to transfer ownership though it “ wasn’t completely out of the blue”.
“He clearly realised he could not go on forever and his family weren’t interested in continuing directly as it was too difficult for them,” Mr Hayes said.
Torpedoed
The Lusitania went down on May 7th, 1915 with the loss of 1,201 lives. It had been torpedoed some 18kms off the Old Head of Kinsale by the German submarine, U20 while en route from New York to Liverpool.
Mr Hayes said Mr Bemis, who first dived on the wreck at the age of 76, was determined to find out what exactly caused the ship to sink so quickly.
“He devoted the last 50 years of his life trying to find out why exactly the Lusitania sank so quickly – she went down in 18 minutes and what caused the second explosion given the German submarine fired only one torpedoed,” he said.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Old Head of Kinsale on May 7th, 2019, Mr Bemis explained his decision to transfer ownership of the wreck, which lies in 93 metres of water.
“I’ve come to realize that at almost 91 years old there is only so much more I can do to further this project and I think because of the Lusitania’s part in history, it’s very important that it be done properly and we get all the artefacts we can from the wreck to put in the museum planned for here.”
He said he now felt it was time for him to step aside from his work to remember those who perished on board the ship. He was happy to leave that in the hands of locals who had done such a fine job in remembering the victims with the Lusitania Memorial Garden, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Dublin: Car restrictions and bus diversions part of Covid-19 strategy

Large-scale bus diversions , restrictions on cars and a widespread reallocation of road space to pedestrians and cyclists are planned under a new Covid-19 strategy for Dublin city centre .
A joint National Transport Authority ( NTA ) and Dublin City Council Covid-19 “ mobility intervention programme ” seeks to turn the heart of Dublin city from St Stephen ’ s Green to Mountjoy Square , and the Custom House to Stoneybatter into a “ pedestrian , cyclist , public transport priority zone ” .
However , this will necessitate significant changes to the bus network , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outskirts of the city .
Once activity returns to the city , bicycle-use is expected to triple and walking to double .
Car-use is expected to fall by 30 per cent , but public transport is due to take a far bigger hit , with usage down by 80 per cent , largely due to social distancing requirements .
The mobility programme identifies 14 key routes into the city centre where significant traffic changes will be implemented , in addition to the creation of the city centre priority zone .
On all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyclists and pedestrians .
In many cases this will involve the removal of on-street parking and reduction of the number of traffic lanes .
In some cases it may involve “ car-free ” areas and the use of “ bus gates ” in places such as the Rathmines Road .
The report concedes “ more people will wish to travel by car ” .
However , it said while city centre car parks could remain open , alternatives to driving directly into the “ core ” were needed .
This could include the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from where people could walk or cycle .
In some cases streets could be car-free if businesses on the street were to request it to use the space for queueing and tables .
Bus-users are likely to see the biggest change , with buses diverted away from College Green .
Bus stops will also be distributed over a wider area , with some “ removed completely ” if social distancing can not be achieved .
“ It is likely that passengers will be required , in some instances , to walk further to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bus loading /unloading.
” The “ emphasis is on rapid and temporary types of intervention ” , with additions and adjustments expected over the coming months as measures are implemented .

Bus-users are likely to see the biggest change, with buses diverted away from College Green.
Large-scale bus diversions, restrictions on cars and a widespread reallocation of road space to pedestrians and cyclists are planned under a new Covid-19 strategy for Dublin city centre.
A joint National Transport Authority (NTA) and Dublin City Council Covid-19 "mobility intervention programme" seeks to turn the heart of Dublin city from St Stephen's Green to Mountjoy Square, and the Custom House to Stoneybatter into a "pedestrian, cyclist, public transport priority zone".
However, this will necessitate significant changes to the bus network, as well as the opening of off-street car parks on the outskirts of the city.
Once activity returns to the city, bicycle-use is expected to triple and walking to double.
READ MORE
Car-use is expected to fall by 30 per cent, but public transport is due to take a far bigger hit, with usage down by 80 per cent, largely due to social distancing requirements.
The mobility programme identifies 14 key routes into the city centre where significant traffic changes will be implemented, in addition to the creation of the city centre priority zone.
On all routes more space will be given to cyclists and pedestrians. In many cases this will involve the removal of on-street parking and reduction of the number of traffic lanes. In some cases it may involve “car-free” areas and the use of “bus gates” in places such as the Rathmines Road.
Alternatives
The report concedes “more people will wish to travel by car”. However, it said while city centre car parks could remain open, alternatives to driving directly into the “core” were needed. This could include the establishment of car parks on the periphery from where people could walk or cycle.
In some cases streets could be car-free if businesses on the street were to request it to use the space for queueing and tables.
Bus-users are likely to see the biggest change, with buses diverted away from College Green.
Bus stops will also be distributed over a wider area, with some “removed completely” if social distancing cannot be achieved.
“It is likely that passengers will be required, in some instances, to walk further to bus stops to ensure a safer spread of bus loading /unloading.”
The “emphasis is on rapid and temporary types of intervention”, with additions and adjustments expected over the coming months as measures are implemented.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Air Corps helicopter door falls from sky into Clondalkin school grounds

An investigation is under way after the rear door of an Air Corps helicopter detached and fell more than 250m into the grounds of a Dublin secondary school .
The crew of the AW139 aircraft had successfully completed a life-saving mission to a Dublin hospital and were returning to Baldonnel Aerodrome for fuel when the incident took place at 5.52pm on Thursday evening .
The door fell into the grounds of Moyle Park School , a boys ’ secondary school in Clondalkin .
The incident was witnessed by several people on the ground though nobody was hurt .
A Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grounds within five minutes along with members of An Garda Síochána .
An investigation team were on scene within 30 minutes .
Once the area was analysed , the door was removed and transported to Baldonnel .
The emergency aeromedical service will recommence on Friday , as normal , with a replacement aircraft and crew .
A full investigation will be conducted into the cause of this incident .
Gardaí said they were alerted to an item falling from the sky at approximately 6.20pm .
A number of witnesses contacted gardaí in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the grounds of Moyle Park College .
The incident was not the first time a door from an Air Corp helicopter was lost .
In 2009 , the door on the Air Corps AW 139 army helicopter fell off while ferrying then minister Martin Cullen over Killarney Golf Club in March 2009 .
The door was found in the nearby Killarney National Park .

Inspectors examine an Air Corps AW 139 army helicopter in 2009 after its door fell off while carrying then minister Martin Cullen in March 2009. The door was found in the nearby Killarney National Park. Photograph: Don MacMonagle
An investigation is under way after the rear door of an Air Corps helicopter detached and fell more than 250m into the grounds of a Dublin secondary school.
The crew of the AW139 aircraft had successfully completed a life-saving mission to a Dublin hospital and were returning to Baldonnel Aerodrome for fuel when the incident took place at 5.52pm on Thursday evening.
The door fell into the grounds of Moyle Park School, a boys' secondary school in Clondalkin.
Locals in Clondalkin, Dublin, find a helicopter door in Corkagh Park after it had fallen off an Air Corps helicopter flying overhead this evening pic.twitter.com/Mf2eNjMuJ5 — Conor Lally (@conormlally) May 21, 2020
The incident was witnessed by several people on the ground though nobody was hurt.
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A Defence Forces spokesman said its personnel were on the grounds within five minutes along with members of An Garda Síochána.
An investigation team were on scene within 30 minutes. Once the area was analysed, the door was removed and transported to Baldonnel.
The emergency aeromedical service will recommence on Friday, as normal, with a replacement aircraft and crew.
A full investigation will be conducted into the cause of this incident.
Gardaí said they were alerted to an item falling from the sky at approximately 6.20pm.
A number of witnesses contacted gardaí in Clondalkin to confirm a large item landed in the grounds of Moyle Park College.
The incident was not the first time a door from an Air Corp helicopter was lost. In 2009, the door on the Air Corps AW 139 army helicopter fell off while ferrying then minister Martin Cullen over Killarney Golf Club in March 2009. The door was found in the nearby Killarney National Park.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal over finding CAB can appoint receiver to property

The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal about the appointment of a receiver over a Dublin property deemed to have been acquired with proceeds of crime .
Following an application by the Criminal Assets Bureau ( Cab ) , the High Court held in 2019 that assets , including a house at 83 Casement Drive , Finglas , were the proceeds of crime .
The court held the house , as well as other items including a quantity of cash , were beneficially owned by alleged illegal drug-trafficker Jason Boyle , was registered in the names of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyle of Coolebrook Cottages , Finglas West , to conceal their son ’ s involvement .
The Boyles had opposed the application and rejected Cab ’ s claims the assets were acquired in part or in full by monies derived from Jason Boyle , who denies he is involved in trafficking drugs .
Cab , represented by Michael Binchy BL , secured freezing orders in 2016 under the Proceeds of Crime Act against the Boyles in respect of various assets including the three-bedroom house located at Casement Drive .
Cab claimed Jason Boyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated worth of €250,000 , and extensively renovated it after it was purchased in 2013 .
One of the bedrooms converted into a walk-in closet , with a jacuzzi and sauna installed , and there were high-end electronics including a 65-inch TV , and a surround sound system .
The kitchen had been extended and bulletproof glass was installed , Cab alleged .
Representing themselves , the Boyles had claimed the property at Casement Drive was acquired for €70,000 in 2013 with a €60,000 loan from Mrs Boyle ’ s father .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims and , having deemed the property and other items the proceeds of crime , appointed Cab ’ s legal officer , as receiver of the house .
That decision was appealed to the Court of Appeal , which in January last dismissed the appeal .
The Boyles then sought a further appeal to the Supreme Court .
In a written determination published this week , three Supreme Court judges - Mr Justice Donal O ’ Donnell , Mr Justice Peter Charleton and Ms Justice Mary Irvine , refused permission to bring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyles had not raised any issue to meet the criteria for an appeal before the Supreme Court .
The court was satisfied there was sufficient evidence before the High Court , particularly in relation to the insurance status of the premises , which would justify the appointment of a receiver .

The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal about the appointment of a receiver over a Dublin property deemed to have been acquired with proceeds of crime.
Following an application by the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab), the High Court held in 2019 that assets, including a house at 83 Casement Drive, Finglas, were the proceeds of crime.
The court held the house, as well as other items including a quantity of cash, were beneficially owned by alleged illegal drug-trafficker Jason Boyle, was registered in the names of his parents Laurence (Larry) and Rosaleen Boyle of Coolebrook Cottages, Finglas West, to conceal their son’s involvement.
The Boyles had opposed the application and rejected Cab’s claims the assets were acquired in part or in full by monies derived from Jason Boyle, who denies he is involved in trafficking drugs.
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Cab, represented by Michael Binchy BL, secured freezing orders in 2016 under the Proceeds of Crime Act against the Boyles in respect of various assets including the three-bedroom house located at Casement Drive. Cab claimed Jason Boyle lived at the property, with an estimated worth of €250,000, and extensively renovated it after it was purchased in 2013.
One of the bedrooms converted into a walk-in closet, with a jacuzzi and sauna installed, and there were high-end electronics including a 65-inch TV, and a surround sound system. The kitchen had been extended and bulletproof glass was installed, Cab alleged.
Representing themselves, the Boyles had claimed the property at Casement Drive was acquired for €70,000 in 2013 with a €60,000 loan from Mrs Boyle’s father.
Ms Justice Carmel Stewart rejected the Boyles’ claims and, having deemed the property and other items the proceeds of crime, appointed Cab’s legal officer, as receiver of the house. That decision was appealed to the Court of Appeal, which in January last dismissed the appeal. The Boyles then sought a further appeal to the Supreme Court.
In a written determination published this week, three Supreme Court judges - Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell, Mr Justice Peter Charleton and Ms Justice Mary Irvine, refused permission to bring a further appeal.
The court said the Boyles had not raised any issue to meet the criteria for an appeal before the Supreme Court. The court was satisfied there was sufficient evidence before the High Court, particularly in relation to the insurance status of the premises, which would justify the appointment of a receiver.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Male motorcyclist killed following collision with truck in Dublin

A male motorcyclist was killed following a fatal road traffic collision with a truck in Swords .
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at approximately 3pm on the Naul Road .
The motorcyclist in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene .
His body has been removed to the Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall where a postmortem will take place .
The coroner has been notified .
The driver of the truck was uninjured .
Forensic collision investigators are at the scene and the road is closed in both directions .
Local diversions are in place .
Gardaí in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera footage ( including dash-cam ) who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to make it available to gardaí .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda station on 01-6664700 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station .
To date this year 57 people have been killed on Irish roads .
That is six more than in 2019 despite the fact that the country has been on lockdown for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraction of what it used to be .

The Naul Road is closed in both directions. Local diversions are in place. Photograph: Google Street View
A male motorcyclist was killed following a fatal road traffic collision with a truck in Swords.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at approximately 3pm on the Naul Road.
The motorcyclist in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been removed to the Dublin City Mortuary in Whitehall where a postmortem will take place.
The coroner has been notified. The driver of the truck was uninjured.
READ MORE
Forensic collision investigators are at the scene and the road is closed in both directions. Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí in Swords are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to make it available to gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda station on 01-6664700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any Garda station.
To date this year 57 people have been killed on Irish roads. That is six more than in 2019 despite the fact that the country has been on lockdown for two months and traffic has been a fraction of what it used to be.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Two pro-Israel websites in Ireland hacked in suspected Iranian cyberattack

Two Israeli-Ireland websites were hacked as part of a worldwide cyberattack on websites with Israeli themes .
The Ireland Israel Alliance and the Ireland Israel Business Network were both replaced on Friday morning by a message which read “ the countdown of Israel destruction has begun since a long time back ” .
It included links to websites which showed the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa being bombed .
The cyberattack was claimed by a group called Hackers of Saviour .
It targeted websites hosted by uPress servers , allowing it to replace their content with the anti-Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director Jackie Goodall said she has been informed by uPress that the hackers were Iranian .
She said the timing may be to coincide with Quds Day , officially called International Quds Day , which was set up by Iran in 1979 to express support for Palestinians and oppose Zionism and Israel .
It is held on the last Friday of Ramadan .
“ We are associated with the website , and it was a pretty nasty one .
When you logged on to our site there was a message that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was pretty scary and pretty weird that they should be targeting sites in Ireland .
We have been pretty shock up about it all day.
” The site was restored to normal after 15 hours .
The Ireland Israel Business Network commented on its Facebook page after being targeted .
“ And we ’ re back !
Our website was hacked this morning , caught up in a massive ( apparently Iranian ) cyber attack on Israeli and Israeli-themed websites .
How do you say ‘ that ’ s very naughty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Israel were also the target of this Iranian cyberattack .
Hackers of Saviour ’ s YouTube channel describes them as hackers set on avenging Israel ’ s treatment of Palestinians .
The Israel National Cyber Bureau confirmed that thousands of websites in the country were attacked .

The cyberattack was claimed by a group called Hackers of Saviour. It targeted websites hosted by uPress servers, allowing it to replace their content with anti-Israeli videos and links. Photograph: Getty Images
Two Israeli-Ireland websites were hacked as part of a worldwide cyberattack on websites with Israeli themes.
The Ireland Israel Alliance and the Ireland Israel Business Network were both replaced on Friday morning by a message which read "the countdown of Israel destruction has begun since a long time back".
It included links to websites which showed the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa being bombed.
The cyberattack was claimed by a group called Hackers of Saviour. It targeted websites hosted by uPress servers, allowing it to replace their content with the anti-Israeli videos and links.
READ MORE
Ireland Israel Alliance executive director Jackie Goodall said she has been informed by uPress that the hackers were Iranian.
She said the timing may be to coincide with Quds Day, officially called International Quds Day, which was set up by Iran in 1979 to express support for Palestinians and oppose Zionism and Israel. It is held on the last Friday of Ramadan.
“We are associated with the website, and it was a pretty nasty one. When you logged on to our site there was a message that we should be ready for a big surprise. It was pretty scary and pretty weird that they should be targeting sites in Ireland. We have been pretty shock up about it all day.”
The site was restored to normal after 15 hours.
The Ireland Israel Business Network commented on its Facebook page after being targeted. "And we're back! Our website was hacked this morning, caught up in a massive (apparently Iranian) cyber attack on Israeli and Israeli-themed websites. How do you say 'that's very naughty' in Farsi?"
Multiple websites in Israel were also the target of this Iranian cyberattack.
Hackers of Saviour's YouTube channel describes them as hackers set on avenging Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
The Israel National Cyber Bureau confirmed that thousands of websites in the country were attacked.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Teenager arrested for allegedly claiming six €350 Covid-19 payments

A man has been arrested over allegedly claiming six €350 Covid-19 unemployment payments that were being paid his bank account every week .
The payments appeared to have been paid to fictitious people .
During a search of the man ’ s property gardaí seized cash and counterfeit currency .
The suspect , who is in his late teens , has been arrested in Mullingar , Co Westmeath , after a search operation there on Thursday .
The investigation was being carried out by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau ( GNECB ) with assistance from gardaí on secondment at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection .
The search was conducted after intelligence about the suspect and the payments being made to him was supplied to the Garda by the Department .
“ During the course of the search operation , a sum of cash and counterfeit cash was seized , ” gardaí said .
“ The man was arrested at the scene and taken to Mullingar Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act .
Investigations are continuing.
” The suspect can be held for questioning for up to 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a series of investigations into people abusing the Covid-19 payment system .
Two weeks ago when gardaí raided a number of properties in west Dublin targeting an international gang involved in widespread money laundering they found evidence of Covid-19 payment fraud .
On that occasions two houses were searched and at both addresses evidence was found showing six people were claiming Covid-19 employment assistance payments , though they were not entitled to do so .

The arrest was the latest in a series of investigations into people abusing the Covid-19 payment system.
A man has been arrested over allegedly claiming six €350 Covid-19 unemployment payments that were being paid his bank account every week.
The payments appeared to have been paid to fictitious people. During a search of the man’s property gardaí seized cash and counterfeit currency.
The suspect, who is in his late teens, has been arrested in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, after a search operation there on Thursday.
The investigation was being carried out by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) with assistance from gardaí on secondment at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
READ MORE
The search was conducted after intelligence about the suspect and the payments being made to him was supplied to the Garda by the Department.
“During the course of the search operation, a sum of cash and counterfeit cash was seized,” gardaí said.
“The man was arrested at the scene and taken to Mullingar Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. Investigations are continuing.”
The suspect can be held for questioning for up to 24 hours. His arrest was the latest in a series of investigations into people abusing the Covid-19 payment system.
Two weeks ago when gardaí raided a number of properties in west Dublin targeting an international gang involved in widespread money laundering they found evidence of Covid-19 payment fraud.
On that occasions two houses were searched and at both addresses evidence was found showing six people were claiming Covid-19 employment assistance payments, though they were not entitled to do so.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Elderly priest made subject of court orders over Covid-19 safety concerns

An elderly retired priest with dementia is to remain subject to High Court orders aimed at keeping him , and others in his community , safe in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic .
The orders were sought last month because the priest , arising from his dementia , continued , despite the Covid-19 lockdown , to seek to visit elderly parishioners and was not adhering to social distancing rules when moving about in the community .
This prompted concerns among clergy and friends in his diocese and a solicitor holding a registered power of attorney concerning the priest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the context of an intended wardship , for orders requiring the priest to remain in his home with carers attending and supervising him on a daily basis .
Those orders were granted and a guardian ad litem was appointed to represent the priest ’ s interests .
When the matter returned before High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly this week , David Leahy BL , for the solicitor , said the priest ’ s welfare situation has stabilised .
There were reports concerning provision of some form of long term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not improving but he had not previously accepted a proposed nursing home placement , counsel said .
Mr Leahy said his side had concerns about the mounting costs of the court application and may seek to get the HSE involved as the court ’ s intervention had been sought for protection of both the priest and the public .
There may have been an issue whether the application could have been brought under emergency public health laws introduced in response to Covid-19 , he added .
A solicitor appointed as the priest ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not comprehended written instructions from his diocese concerning behaviour around Covid-19 .
She said there was a “ huge improvement ” in his physical condition when she saw him earlier this week .
He was “ in good form ” and now working well with his carers concerning personal hygiene .
There were no issues about his returning to his home from his daily walk and it was hoped he would be able to attend daily Mass if plans to resume that at his local church proceeded .
When she asked about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be guided by his bishop and , when asked about a possible nursing home move , indicated he wished to stay where he was , the guardian added .
In his ruling , Mr Justice Kelly said it appeared , from all the medical evidence , the priest no longer had capacity .
He said the wardship jurisdiction was invoked in unusual circumstances because the priest ’ s very good friends had some months previously , because of his developing dementia , encouraged him to appoint an enduring power of attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being registered when the Covid-19 emergency arose and it was then necessary to invoke the wardship jurisdiction to protect the priest and protect public health .
This was for reasons including the priest continued to try and visit elderly parishioners during the Covid-19 emergency , which was detrimental for his health and theirs , and a number “ quite rightly ” refused to admit him into their homes .
The level of support the priest has received from his diocese is “ commendable ” and he is also “ very well served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close friend who had devoted much time and attention to his welfare , the judge noted .
He directed a hearing next week to determine whether the priest should be taken into wardship and to address costs issues .
The guardian might explore whether an intervention from the bishop might assist with the priest ’ s approach to wardship and with long-term care options , the judge said .

An elderly retired priest with dementia is to remain subject to High Court orders aimed at keeping him, and others in his community, safe in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The orders were sought last month because the priest, arising from his dementia, continued, despite the Covid-19 lockdown, to seek to visit elderly parishioners and was not adhering to social distancing rules when moving about in the community.
This prompted concerns among clergy and friends in his diocese and a solicitor holding a registered power of attorney concerning the priest.
The solicitor applied to the High Court, in the context of an intended wardship, for orders requiring the priest to remain in his home with carers attending and supervising him on a daily basis. Those orders were granted and a guardian ad litem was appointed to represent the priest’s interests.
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When the matter returned before High Court president Mr Justice Peter Kelly this week, David Leahy BL, for the solicitor, said the priest’s welfare situation has stabilised. There were reports concerning provision of some form of long term support for him as his cognition is not improving but he had not previously accepted a proposed nursing home placement, counsel said.
Mr Leahy said his side had concerns about the mounting costs of the court application and may seek to get the HSE involved as the court’s intervention had been sought for protection of both the priest and the public. There may have been an issue whether the application could have been brought under emergency public health laws introduced in response to Covid-19, he added.
A solicitor appointed as the priest’s guardian ad litem said he had not comprehended written instructions from his diocese concerning behaviour around Covid-19. She said there was a “huge improvement” in his physical condition when she saw him earlier this week.
He was “in good form” and now working well with his carers concerning personal hygiene. There were no issues about his returning to his home from his daily walk and it was hoped he would be able to attend daily Mass if plans to resume that at his local church proceeded.
When she asked about his view on wardship, he had said he would be guided by his bishop and, when asked about a possible nursing home move, indicated he wished to stay where he was, the guardian added.
In his ruling, Mr Justice Kelly said it appeared, from all the medical evidence, the priest no longer had capacity. He said the wardship jurisdiction was invoked in unusual circumstances because the priest’s very good friends had some months previously, because of his developing dementia, encouraged him to appoint an enduring power of attorney.
That power was in the process of being registered when the Covid-19 emergency arose and it was then necessary to invoke the wardship jurisdiction to protect the priest and protect public health. This was for reasons including the priest continued to try and visit elderly parishioners during the Covid-19 emergency, which was detrimental for his health and theirs, and a number “quite rightly” refused to admit him into their homes.
The level of support the priest has received from his diocese is “commendable” and he is also “very well served” by his nominated attorney, a close friend who had devoted much time and attention to his welfare, the judge noted.
He directed a hearing next week to determine whether the priest should be taken into wardship and to address costs issues.
The guardian might explore whether an intervention from the bishop might assist with the priest’s approach to wardship and with long-term care options, the judge said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: ‘There is no immunity out there’, NPHET briefing told

The level of exposure of the Irish population to Coronavirus could be as low as one per cent , with public health officials warning on Thursday that “ there is no immunity out there ” .
Professor Philip Nolan , who is in charge of modelling the spread of the virus in Ireland , said on Thursday evening that his “ best guess ” is that around one per cent of the population had been exposed , although the figure could be as high as five per cent .
“ If the virus begins to transmit again in the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Prof Nolan , who chairs the epidemiological modelling advisory group of the National Public Health Advisory Team ( NPHET ) , said his view is informed by studies done on testing in populations .
“ For every hundred people out there , there ’ s at least 95 who have never been exposed to this virus , ” he said .
“ If we start to transmit it because of the way we act , there is no protection against the virus.
” He was speaking as the NPHET published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 had died in the State , bringing the total to 1,583 .
Another 76 cases were confirmed , with a total of 24,391 people now diagnosed with the disease .
Prof Nolan said that efforts to suppress the disease had largely been successful , with the Reproduction number estimated to be between 0.45 and 0.63 .
This is a mathematical estimate of how many people an infected person will pass the virus onto .
“ Indicators of the disease are very good , with all major indicators either declining or stable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he warned that an increase in the R number would see a rapid escalation of cases .
If it were to rise to 1.2 , between 400 and 600 cases would be likely by early July , whereas an increase to 1.8 would likely see 800 per day towards the end of this month and into early June .
He said the average number of new cases per day had fallen from 559 on April 16th to 72 on Thursday , while the numbers in hospital , averaged over the previous five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Admissions to hospital followed a similar pattern , falling from 54 to 18 on average over the same period .
Asked about comments by the Taoiseach , Leo Varadkar , that some measures could be fast tracked if the data supported such a decision , Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said such a move was possible but added : “ I ’ m not seeing anything in particular that would lead me to believe that we would markedly change from the general direction of that roadmap.
” He said if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ there is always a risk that things could go in the opposite direction .
.
.
it is very important people do not become complacent .
The R number is very finely balanced at any point in time .
It would not take much at all to go from 0.5 to 1.5 and have us right back where we were two weeks ago.
” Dr Glynn said NPHET would on Friday discuss measures to help children and parents , but would not be drawn on the detail of the schemes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential to change testing strategies , including potential new approaches to nursing homes , healthcare workers and other vulnerable groups .
Asked about the application of two-hour limits to contact between people , Dr Glynn said there is “ no rule that says you can not be in a room for two hours with somebody else ” .
He said two hours in the same room as a confirmed case is the point at which public health doctors determine someone to be a close contact of that case , and advise them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies like the Oireachtas and the Courts Service to plan accordingly so that positive cases do not have a significant impact on their capacity to carry out their functions due to self-isolation .
Dr Glynn said there were no additional clusters in nursing homes to report , and only five new cases in nursing homes across the country .
The last 24 hours has seen 15 new admissions to hospital and two new admissions to ICU , Dr Glynn said .
He said 862 deaths are associated with residents of nursing homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare workers , and seven people working in healthcare have died .
Nurses accounted for 31.7 per cent of cases , and doctors accounted for 5.9 per cent , with other healthcare workers and porters and other professionals making up the remainder .

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn has said that Ireland has experienced six consecutive days of having under 100 new confirmed coronavirus cases. Video: RTE
The level of exposure of the Irish population to Coronavirus could be as low as one per cent, with public health officials warning on Thursday that "there is no immunity out there".
Professor Philip Nolan, who is in charge of modelling the spread of the virus in Ireland, said on Thursday evening that his “best guess” is that around one per cent of the population had been exposed, although the figure could be as high as five per cent.
“If the virus begins to transmit again in the population, it will transmit freely,” he said. Prof Nolan, who chairs the epidemiological modelling advisory group of the National Public Health Advisory Team (NPHET), said his view is informed by studies done on testing in populations.
“For every hundred people out there, there’s at least 95 who have never been exposed to this virus,” he said. “If we start to transmit it because of the way we act, there is no protection against the virus.”
READ MORE
He was speaking as the NPHET published new figures showing another 12 people with Covid-19 had died in the State, bringing the total to 1,583. Another 76 cases were confirmed, with a total of 24,391 people now diagnosed with the disease.
Reproduction number
Prof Nolan said efforts to suppress the disease had largely been successful, with the Reproduction number estimated to be between 0.45 and 0.63. This is an estimate of how many people an infected person will pass the virus onto.
“Indicators of the disease are very good, with all major indicators either declining or stable,” Prof Nolan said. However, he warned that an increase in the R number would see a rapid escalation of cases. He said the average number of new cases per day had fallen from 559 on April 16th to 72 on Thursday, while the numbers in hospital, averaged over the previous five days, had fallen from 865 to 380.
Asked about comments by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, that some measures could be fast tracked if the data supported such a decision, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said such a move was possible but added: “I’m not seeing anything in particular that would lead me to believe that we would markedly change from the general direction of that roadmap.”
He said if people stop adhering to public health advice, “there is always a risk that things could go in the opposite direction . . . it is very important people do not become complacent.The R number is very finely balanced at any point in time. It would not take much at all to go from 0.5 to 1.5 and have us right back where we were two weeks ago.””
Children and parents
Dr Glynn said NPHET would on Friday discuss measures to help children and parents, but would not be drawn on the detail of the schemes.
Meanwhile ome Northern Ireland pupils could return to school in late August with a phased return for other students starting in September, the North’s education Minister Peter Weir said on Thursday. The North’s Department of Health reported on Thursday that seven more people have died from Covid-19 bringing the total number of fatalities in the North to 501, The department also reported 42 news cases of coronavirus .


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Unionists criticise £106,000 legal-aid payment to Gerry Adams

A decision to provide Gerry Adams with more than £106,000 ( €118,000 ) in legal aid has been defended as legally sound and based on normal criminal appeal court procedures .
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister was informed in a freedom of information request that the former Sinn Féin leader received £106,476.49 plus VAT in legal aid to cover his costs in an unsuccessful case in the UK court of appeal two years ago .
On Thursday Mr Allister described this payment as a “ legal kick in the teeth for victims ” .
Mr Adams ’ s solicitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ client received legal aid because of the “ merits of his case ” and that in such criminal appeals a person ’ s financial means very seldom applied .
In February 2018 the court of appeal rejected Mr Adams ’ s claim that his convictions for – in 1973 and 1974 – attempting to escape from the Maze Prison , where he was interned without trial , were unlawful .
Mr Adams appealed that decision to the London supreme court which last week quashed the convictions because his detention was not “ personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister , as was legally required .
This prompted Mr Allister to contact the North ’ s Legal Services Agency which informed him that Mr Adams ’ s costs in the court of appeal case were met through legal aid .
Mr Allister had queried “ how on earth was [ Mr Adams ] deemed eligible given his apparent financial means , including a generous pay-off from the Irish taxpayer when he retired as a TD .
While many innocent victims have never had their day in court , Adams has been happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only that but the tax payer has footed the very substantial bill to allow him to do so ” .
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Doug Beattie asked “ just how and why someone with the expansive means of Gerry Adams – through book sales and pensions from Westminster , Stormont and the Dáil , plus property owned – be entitled to legal aid when so many victims are told they are not entitled to it ?
” But Mr Collins of PJ McGrory solicitors in Belfast said there is a separate legal-aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlike every other type of legal aid in criminal appeal cases it is the court that decides whether someone gets legal aid , ” he said .
In other cases , applications were made to the legal aid department which examined issues such as the financial means of the applicant .
Mr Collins added that in criminal appeal cases the chief focus was on whether the case had merit and in this instance the court of appeal , while rejecting Mr Adams ’ s case , “ certified there was a point of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Because of that it was considered entirely appropriate to take this case to the supreme court , a decision that was vindicated by the supreme court ruling , ” said Mr Collins .
Overall bill set to go higher The solicitor also explained that because Mr Adams was convicted in a non-jury Diplock court in the mid-1970s he had an automatic right to appeal to the court of appeal .
That appeal did not happen until more than 40 years later because of new information that emerged in 2009 supporting Mr Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to the former Sinn Féin leader will be considerably higher than £106,000 .
Because Mr Adams won his appeal the supreme court this week ruled that his legal costs for the supreme court hearing should be met by the Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis .
That cost has yet to be estimated .
If Mr Adams pursues a compensation case he could be in line for a six-figure payment .
Moreover , his successful appeal could lead to other former internees taking cases for compensation .

If Gerry Adams pursues a compensation case he could be in line for a six-figure payment.
A decision to provide Gerry Adams with more than £106,000 (€118,000) in legal aid has been defended as legally sound and based on normal criminal appeal court procedures.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister was informed in a freedom of information request that the former Sinn Féin leader received £106,476.49 plus VAT in legal aid to cover his costs in an unsuccessful case in the UK court of appeal two years ago.
On Thursday Mr Allister described this payment as a “legal kick in the teeth for victims”.
Mr Adams’s solicitor Séamus Collins said, however, his client received legal aid because of the “merits of his case” and that in such criminal appeals a person’s financial means very seldom applied.
READ MORE
In February 2018 the court of appeal rejected Mr Adams’s claim that his convictions for – in 1973 and 1974 – attempting to escape from the Maze Prison, where he was interned without trial, were unlawful.
Mr Adams appealed that decision to the London supreme court which last week quashed the convictions because his detention was not “personally considered” by a senior British government minister, as was legally required.
This prompted Mr Allister to contact the North's Legal Services Agency which informed him that Mr Adams's costs in the court of appeal case were met through legal aid.
Mr Allister had queried “how on earth was [Mr Adams] deemed eligible given his apparent financial means, including a generous pay-off from the Irish taxpayer when he retired as a TD. While many innocent victims have never had their day in court, Adams has been happy to use the British legal system. Not only that but the tax payer has footed the very substantial bill to allow him to do so”.
Ulster Unionist Party MLA Doug Beattie asked "just how and why someone with the expansive means of Gerry Adams – through book sales and pensions from Westminster, Stormont and the Dáil, plus property owned – be entitled to legal aid when so many victims are told they are not entitled to it?"
But Mr Collins of PJ McGrory solicitors in Belfast said there is a separate legal-aid system in criminal appeal cases. "Unlike every other type of legal aid in criminal appeal cases it is the court that decides whether someone gets legal aid," he said.
In other cases, applications were made to the legal aid department which examined issues such as the financial means of the applicant.
Mr Collins added that in criminal appeal cases the chief focus was on whether the case had merit and in this instance the court of appeal, while rejecting Mr Adams’s case, “certified there was a point of law of general public importance”.
“Because of that it was considered entirely appropriate to take this case to the supreme court, a decision that was vindicated by the supreme court ruling,” said Mr Collins.
Overall bill set to go higher
The solicitor also explained that because Mr Adams was convicted in a non-jury Diplock court in the mid-1970s he had an automatic right to appeal to the court of appeal. That appeal did not happen until more than 40 years later because of new information that emerged in 2009 supporting Mr Adams’s case.
The overall bill in relation to the former Sinn Féin leader will be considerably higher than £106,000. Because Mr Adams won his appeal the supreme court this week ruled that his legal costs for the supreme court hearing should be met by the Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis. That cost has yet to be estimated.
If Mr Adams pursues a compensation case he could be in line for a six-figure payment. Moreover, his successful appeal could lead to other former internees taking cases for compensation.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Garda civilian staff member arrested for alleged links to criminal gangs

A Garda employee has been arrested as part of an inquiry into her alleged links to criminals in the Leinster area .
Gardaí are investigating if the woman shared information that she had access to during her work in the force .
The woman , who holds a civilian desk job , was arrested on Tuesday after gardaí became concerned she knew a number of criminals from the Leinster area .
However , while intelligence from the criminal fraternity suggested she had been sharing information , including about Garda operations that may help criminals avoid encountering gardaí on duty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Irish Times understands gardaí are investigating a specific allegation that she had access to information setting out the times and locations of Covid-19 checkpoints and passed on that information to people involved in the drugs trade .
She was arrested in the Leinster area on Tuesday and questioned about the alleged leaking of information .
However , she was released without charge and as the investigation continues she has not been suspended from her post .
In reply to queries , Garda Headquarters said the woman was “ arrested yesterday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an ongoing criminal investigation .
An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.
” News of the woman ’ s arrest first emerged in The Star newspaper on Thursday .

Gardaí arrested a woman in the Leinster area on Tuesday and questioned her about the alleged leaking of information. File photograph: Getty Images
A Garda employee has been arrested as part of an inquiry into her alleged links to criminals in the Leinster area. Gardaí are investigating if the woman shared information that she had access to during her work in the force.
The woman, who holds a civilian desk job, was arrested on Tuesday after gardaí became concerned she knew a number of criminals from the Leinster area.
However, while intelligence from the criminal fraternity suggested she had been sharing information, including about Garda operations that may help criminals avoid encountering gardaí on duty, no findings have been made against her.
The Irish Times understands gardaí are investigating a specific allegation that she had access to information setting out the times and locations of Covid-19 checkpoints and passed on that information to people involved in the drugs trade.
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She was arrested in the Leinster area on Tuesday and questioned about the alleged leaking of information. However, she was released without charge and as the investigation continues she has not been suspended from her post.
In reply to queries, Garda Headquarters said the woman was “arrested yesterday, Tuesday 19th May, 2020 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”
News of the woman’s arrest first emerged in The Star newspaper on Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Lotto winner makes contact after scooping more than €4m

The winning ticket in the lottery jackpot worth €4,041,306 , which was sold in Co Clare , has made contact with National Lottery offices .
The winning Quick Pick ticket was bought in Talty ’ s Mace Circle K in Lisseycasey , Co Clare , a village with a population of approximately 400 people .
According to the Lottery the winner , who has decided to remain anonymous , is in discussions about formally making the claim once the Covid -19 restrictions are lifted to allow travel to Dublin .
“ We can not wait to welcome the fifth Lotto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Lottery Winner ’ s Room when it is safer to do so ” said a Lottery spokesman .
Cathal Talty , owner of the store which sold the winning ticket said the majority of his trade is from the local community , particularly since the public health emergency .
“ Whoever the lucky person is , I ’ m sure the €4 million will find a good home , ” he said .
This was the fifth Lotto jackpot winner of 2020 .
Since the Lotto game began in 1988 there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shared more than €64 million in prizes .

The winning ticket in the lottery jackpot worth €4,041,306, which was sold in Co Clare, has made contact with National Lottery offices.
The winning Quick Pick ticket was bought in Talty’s Mace Circle K in Lisseycasey, Co Clare, a village with a population of approximately 400 people.
According to the Lottery the winner, who has decided to remain anonymous, is in discussions about formally making the claim once the Covid -19 restrictions are lifted to allow travel to Dublin.
“ We cannot wait to welcome the fifth Lotto jackpot winner of the year to the National Lottery Winner’s Room when it is safer to do so” said a Lottery spokesman.
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Cathal Talty, owner of the store which sold the winning ticket said the majority of his trade is from the local community, particularly since the public health emergency.
“Whoever the lucky person is, I’m sure the €4 million will find a good home,” he said.
This was the fifth Lotto jackpot winner of 2020. Since the Lotto game began in 1988 there have been 42 jackpot winners from Clare who have shared more than €64 million in prizes.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Woman loses appeal over dismissal of ‘thrill ride’ damages claim

A woman has lost her appeal over the dismissal of her damages action for elbow injuries suffered during a “ White Knuckle Jet Boat Thrill Ride ” , involving 360-degree turns in the ocean .
In judgments on Thursday , a three judge Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by Siobhán Kellett over the High Court ’ s rejection of her case .
Mr Justice Seamus Noonan said , at the end of the day , as stated by the High Court judge who dismissed the case , this was unfortunately an injury that simply occurred during the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be suggested Ms Kellett ’ s experience was other than what she signed up to , he said .
“ Even a cursory viewing of the promotion material for this boat ride showed that the passengers could expect to be subjected to significant forces and impacts which might result in bumps and bruises .
It would be entirely unreasonable to suggest that such without more , could give rise to liability on the part of the operator , ” he added .
Ms Kellett , a dancing teacher , had sued after fracturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excursion from a seven-night €3,674 Caribbean cruise to celebrate her 50th birthday and silver wedding anniversary .
She said she was thrown out of her seat and banged her elbow against the metal side of the jet boat during two 360-degree manoeuvres of the White Knuckle Boat Ride , a pre-booked excursion taken by herself and her husband after their cruise ship docked at St Maarten in the West Indies .
Ms Kellett ( 53 ) , Rockfield Green , Maynooth , Co Kildare , had sued British company RCL Cruises Ltd of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cruise ship Freedom of the Seas and with alleged responsibility for the excursion called “ The White Knuckle Boat Ride ” .
She also sued Panther Associates Ltd , trading as Tour America , Middle Abbey Street , Dublin , where she booked the April 2016 holiday .
In the High Court , Mr Justice Anthony Barr said he could not find Ms Kellett ’ s injury happened as a result of any negligence on the part of the excursion operators in relation to the condition of the boat and he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the defendants .
Ms Kellett was not able to keep herself seated as she had been instructed to do and as a result she injured herself .
Unfortunately , it was simply an injury which occurred in the course of a vigorous activity , he said .
In his COA judgment dismissing Ms Kellett ’ s appeal , Mr Justice Noonan said he could not accept Ms Kellett ’ s argument the onus fell on the cruise operator and travel company to demonstrate compliance with local regulations as that would mean reversing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court correctly found Ms Kellett had failed to discharge the requisite onus of proving that the service had been provided without reasonable skill and care when judged against applicable local standards , he said .
The High Court also correctly held , by any relevant Irish standard , he still could not find a breach of duty by the cruise operators and travel company .
Mr Justice Noonan agreed with the trial judge his was unfortunately an injury that simply occurred during the course of a vigorous activity .
The trial judge had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied it to the facts of the case , he held .
Mr Justice Robert Haughton and Mr Justice Maurice Collins , in separate judgments , agreed the appeal should be dismissed .

A woman has lost her appeal over the dismissal of her damages action for elbow injuries suffered during a “White Knuckle Jet Boat Thrill Ride”, involving 360-degree turns in the ocean.
In judgments on Thursday, a three judge Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by Siobhán Kellett over the High Court’s rejection of her case.
Mr Justice Seamus Noonan said, at the end of the day, as stated by the High Court judge who dismissed the case, this was unfortunately an injury that simply occurred during the course of a vigorous activity.
It could not be suggested Ms Kellett’s experience was other than what she signed up to, he said.
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“Even a cursory viewing of the promotion material for this boat ride showed that the passengers could expect to be subjected to significant forces and impacts which might result in bumps and bruises. It would be entirely unreasonable to suggest that such without more, could give rise to liability on the part of the operator,” he added.
Ms Kellett, a dancing teacher, had sued after fracturing her elbow during the jet boat shore excursion from a seven-night €3,674 Caribbean cruise to celebrate her 50th birthday and silver wedding anniversary.
She said she was thrown out of her seat and banged her elbow against the metal side of the jet boat during two 360-degree manoeuvres of the White Knuckle Boat Ride, a pre-booked excursion taken by herself and her husband after their cruise ship docked at St Maarten in the West Indies.
Ms Kellett (53), Rockfield Green, Maynooth, Co Kildare, had sued British company RCL Cruises Ltd of Weybridge, Surrey, as operator of the cruise ship Freedom of the Seas and with alleged responsibility for the excursion called “The White Knuckle Boat Ride”.
She also sued Panther Associates Ltd, trading as Tour America, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin, where she booked the April 2016 holiday.
No liability
In the High Court , Mr Justice Anthony Barr said he could not find Ms Kellett’s injury happened as a result of any negligence on the part of the excursion operators in relation to the condition of the boat and he could not find any liability on the part of the defendants.
Ms Kellett was not able to keep herself seated as she had been instructed to do and as a result she injured herself. Unfortunately, it was simply an injury which occurred in the course of a vigorous activity, he said.
In his COA judgment dismissing Ms Kellett’s appeal, Mr Justice Noonan said he could not accept Ms Kellett’s argument the onus fell on the cruise operator and travel company to demonstrate compliance with local regulations as that would mean reversing the burden of proof.
The High Court correctly found Ms Kellett had failed to discharge the requisite onus of proving that the service had been provided without reasonable skill and care when judged against applicable local standards, he said.
The High Court also correctly held, by any relevant Irish standard, he still could not find a breach of duty by the cruise operators and travel company.
Mr Justice Noonan agreed with the trial judge his was unfortunately an injury that simply occurred during the course of a vigorous activity.
The trial judge had identified the appropriate legal test and correctly applied it to the facts of the case, he held.
Mr Justice Robert Haughton and Mr Justice Maurice Collins, in separate judgments, agreed the appeal should be dismissed.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Guidelines needed to give creches chance of opening on time – representative group

The Government must issue guidelines on how creches can adapt to coronavirus by early next month if the sector has any chance of opening on time , a representative organisation has said .
Early Childhood Ireland ( ECI ) , which represents 3,800 childcare providers , has also said major questions over costs will arise due to potential measures that would fundamentally change how childcare facilities function .
It follows comments by the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone on Wednesday regarding a possible “ Norwegian model ” to solving a dilemma that means thousands of children are at home with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential measures is the adoption of “ pod ” units limiting child and teacher numbers ; staggered opening hours to manage flows ; and parents handing children over at their cars rather than walking them inside .
Frances Byrne , director of policy at ECI , said given the considerable challenges posed by the pandemic , clear guidelines on how it should be approached would be needed by early June .
With preschool facilities due to begin phased services by June 29th for children of essential workers and on July 20th for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be key to allowing them adapt to the changes .
“ This sector is extremely diverse , ” she said , “ one size fits all won ’ t do ” .
Funding is also of major concern – Scandinavian models like the one referenced by the Minister have already got public financing streams in place , Ms Byrne noted , while parents who reduce the amount of time their children are in settings could not be expected to pay the same level of fees .
“ The Government needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” As the June 29th deadline approaches , some uncertainty remains around the level of expected demand .
Ms Byrne pointed out that many parents will no longer have the need , while others may have varying levels of health concerns due to the virus .
Speaking on Newstalk radio on Thursday , Ms Zappone said : “ There isn ’ t going to be the same number of children in childcare facilities as before.
” Nevertheless , the sector is likely to experience considerable demand – last year over 200,000 children used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ECI has described the idea of “ pods ” in creches as “ challenging ” – using just one teacher for a number of children may present problems where their attention is required for a task such as bringing a child to the toilet .
“ Do there need to be ‘ floating people ’ and what are the health implications of that ?
” Ms Byrne said .
The pod system is a response to the difficulties posed by getting under-sixes to adhere to social distancing requirements which , it is widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nóirín Hayes of Trinity College Dublin , a psychologist specialising in early education , said Norway spends far greater sums of money on the sector and its system is “ really responding to the child and not the virus ” .
Norway ’ s public expenditure on preschool education is over 1 per cent of GDP , whereas Ireland spends less than 0.3 per cent .
Prof Hayes said it was crucial to have three sets of guidelines – one for adults , one for older children and one for those under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give staff the confidence to provide a service that is safe but also developmentally appropriate for this age group , ” she said .
“ They won ’ t be able to socially distance .
.
.
and they will need to be hugged and touched and lifted.
” As an overall response to young children , disruption should be limited , Prof Hayes stressed – as similar an environment as possible is required and face masks are not appropriate for anybody as expressions are important in early development .

Early Childhood Ireland says major questions over costs will arise due to potential measures that would fundamentally change how childcare facilities function. Photograph: iStock
The Government must issue guidelines on how creches can adapt to coronavirus by early next month if the sector has any chance of opening on time, a representative organisation has said.
Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), which represents 3,800 childcare providers, has also said major questions over costs will arise due to potential measures that would fundamentally change how childcare facilities function.
It follows comments by the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone on Wednesday regarding a possible "Norwegian model" to solving a dilemma that means thousands of children are at home with parents often also juggling jobs.
Among potential measures is the adoption of “pod” units limiting child and teacher numbers; staggered opening hours to manage flows; and parents handing children over at their cars rather than walking them inside.
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Frances Byrne, director of policy at ECI, said given the considerable challenges posed by the pandemic, clear guidelines on how it should be approached would be needed by early June.
Major concern
With preschool facilities due to begin phased services by June 29th for children of essential workers and on July 20th for children of all workers, that time period would be key to allowing them adapt to the changes. “This sector is extremely diverse,” she said, “one size fits all won’t do”.
Funding is also of major concern – Scandinavian models like the one referenced by the Minister have already got public financing streams in place, Ms Byrne noted, while parents who reduce the amount of time their children are in settings could not be expected to pay the same level of fees. “The Government needs to be aware someone needs to pay for this.”
As the June 29th deadline approaches, some uncertainty remains around the level of expected demand. Ms Byrne pointed out that many parents will no longer have the need, while others may have varying levels of health concerns due to the virus. Speaking on Newstalk radio on Thursday, Ms Zappone said: “There isn’t going to be the same number of children in childcare facilities as before.”
Nevertheless, the sector is likely to experience considerable demand – last year over 200,000 children used preschool services, according to Pobal.
ECI has described the idea of “pods” in creches as “challenging” – using just one teacher for a number of children may present problems where their attention is required for a task such as bringing a child to the toilet. “Do there need to be ‘floating people’ and what are the health implications of that?” Ms Byrne said.
The pod system is a response to the difficulties posed by getting under-sixes to adhere to social distancing requirements which, it is widely accepted, are not realistic.
Disruption
Prof Nóirín Hayes of Trinity College Dublin, a psychologist specialising in early education, said Norway spends far greater sums of money on the sector and its system is “really responding to the child and not the virus” .
Norway’s public expenditure on preschool education is over 1 per cent of GDP, whereas Ireland spends less than 0.3 per cent.
Prof Hayes said it was crucial to have three sets of guidelines – one for adults, one for older children and one for those under the age of three.
“We need to give staff the confidence to provide a service that is safe but also developmentally appropriate for this age group,” she said. “They won’t be able to socially distance . . . and they will need to be hugged and touched and lifted.”
As an overall response to young children, disruption should be limited, Prof Hayes stressed – as similar an environment as possible is required and face masks are not appropriate for anybody as expressions are important in early development.


theirishtimes--2020-05-21--Young Reducers win overall environmentalist award

Students at Davis College , Mallow , Co Cork , who created a YouTube video on reducing plastic pollution and addressing climate change have won the main prize in the 2020 National Young Environmentalist awards .
The Young Reducers made the video to get support for a ban on single-use plastics in their school – former pupil and star in The Young Offenders , Demi Oviawe , took part in the production .
In their 21st year , the Young Environmentalist Awards hosted by Eco-Unesco recognise efforts made by young people aged 10 to 18 years old who have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record 500 entries this year .
Winners were announced on Thursday in a virtual ceremony , which included a message from former president and climate activist Mary Robinson .
She commended participants for their leadership and ability to make a difference in raising the climate-crisis issue .
With young people being at home this year , Eco-Unesco organised a week-long set of events including workshops and webinars from experts – the theme of Eco Week was “ food , fitness , fashion and your future ” .
“ We wanted to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will affect the future generation and it is young people like us that are willing to make a difference .
We have been working to create awareness and reduce ‘ Young Offenders ’ in our school that have been using single-use plastics , ” said one member of the reducer team , Aleksandra Proszkowiec .
Students from Sandymount Park Educate Together in Dublin won the junior category for creating a laundry bag that catches microplastics in the washing machine to reduce water pollution .
Brothers Evan , Alex and Dylan Nealon from Tralee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second year in a row for their efforts to reduce pollution by cleaning up Tralee shipping canal and Tralee Bay .
Category winners included : Crumlin Youthreach who created Me-Bags , “ self-care bags ” filled with eco-friendly products to tackle mental health and environmental issues ; Newpark Comprehensive School in Blackrock , Dublin , who created a biodiversity garden in their school ; and Cloghans Hill Teen Turn in Mount St Michael , Co Mayo , who developed an app – H4H – where homeless people can seek services , food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national director Elaine Nevin said that despite Covid-19 interruptions , young people continued to work on their projects at home .
“ Climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming real threats and young people this year have shown through their YEA action projects how they are tackling some of these issues .
We are blown away by the passion and motivation of this year ’ s entries and their attitude towards making a positive environmental change , ” she added .
The full list of awards is available here .

The Young Reducers made the video to get support for a ban on single-use plastics in their school
Students at Davis College, Mallow, Co Cork, who created a YouTube video on reducing plastic pollution and addressing climate change have won the main prize in the 2020 National Young Environmentalist awards.
The Young Reducers made the video to get support for a ban on single-use plastics in their school – former pupil and star in The Young Offenders, Demi Oviawe, took part in the production.
In their 21st year, the Young Environmentalist Awards hosted by Eco-Unesco recognise efforts made by young people aged 10 to 18 years old who have worked towards improving the environment – there was a record 500 entries this year.
Winners were announced on Thursday in a virtual ceremony, which included a message from former president and climate activist Mary Robinson. She commended participants for their leadership and ability to make a difference in raising the climate-crisis issue.
READ MORE
With young people being at home this year, Eco-Unesco organised a week-long set of events including workshops and webinars from experts – the theme of Eco Week was “food, fitness, fashion and your future”.
“We wanted to show climate change, waste production and pollution will affect the future generation and it is young people like us that are willing to make a difference. We have been working to create awareness and reduce ‘Young Offenders’ in our school that have been using single-use plastics,” said one member of the reducer team, Aleksandra Proszkowiec.
Students from Sandymount Park Educate Together in Dublin won the junior category for creating a laundry bag that catches microplastics in the washing machine to reduce water pollution. Brothers Evan, Alex and Dylan Nealon from Tralee won the super junior category for the second year in a row for their efforts to reduce pollution by cleaning up Tralee shipping canal and Tralee Bay.
Other winners
Category winners included: Crumlin Youthreach who created Me-Bags, "self-care bags" filled with eco-friendly products to tackle mental health and environmental issues; Newpark Comprehensive School in Blackrock, Dublin, who created a biodiversity garden in their school; and Cloghans Hill Teen Turn in Mount St Michael, Co Mayo, who developed an app – H4H – where homeless people can seek services, food, second-hand clothing and household items.
Eco-Unesco national director Elaine Nevin said that despite Covid-19 interruptions, young people continued to work on their projects at home.
"Climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming real threats and young people this year have shown through their YEA action projects how they are tackling some of these issues. We are blown away by the passion and motivation of this year's entries and their attitude towards making a positive environmental change," she added.
The full list of awards is available here.