theirishtimes--2020-09-02--Unfinished business: The case for a nationwide smoky fuel ban

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health hazard in Europe , according to the European Environment Agency .
It is estimated to cause 1,600 premature deaths a year in Ireland alone .
While gases such as carbon monoxide and ozone are hazardous at certain concentrations , the main threat is a microscopic airborne particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres – known as PM2.5 .
This silent , practically invisible killer can worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , and cause heart attacks and strokes .
There is no safe level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Prof John Wenger , director of UCC Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry .
Air pollution is made up of a complex chemical mixture of gases and particles that impact strongly on both climate and health , Wenger says .
Its insidious side is seen in research indicating exposure to air pollution is likely linked with the occurrence or severity of Covid-19 infection .
In Ireland it arises in a menacing form , he says , from how we heat our homes and what fuel we burn .
A nationwide ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says , with supports for those in fuel poverty .
He led an EPA-commissioned study ( known as Sapphire ) which starkly highlights what is at issue .
Researchers looked at particulate matter sources in Killarney , Birr and Enniscorthy – residential settings outside areas where the smoky coal ban existed at the time and where there is no natural gas available.The study focused on the contribution of residential solid fuel burning to ambient levels of wintertime PM2.5 .
Using “ chemical fingerprints ” of particles generated from combustion of different solid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the dominant source at each location , followed by wood and then coal .
Average PM2.5 concentrations in Killarney and Enniscorthy were considerably higher than those in Dublin and Cork despite having a fraction of their population .
New measures and policies “ are urgently needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning across the country ” , the report concludes .
A nationwide smoky coal ban “ is unlikely to lead to significant air quality improvements in small towns ” , though Wenger accepts it ’ s a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commits to extending the smoky coal ban to new towns “ and , over the term of government , move towards a full nationwide ban ” .
The smoky coal ban has recently been extended to 13 towns including Enniscorthy and Killarney .
Wenger ’ s blunt message , however , goes further : “ We have to stop burning stuff.
” In short , options are a nationwide ban on smoky coal ; a nationwide ban on smoky fuels or extending current low smoke zones ( LSZs ) .
Measures to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wood and coal – would be more successful in improving air quality for all urban centres including small towns , he adds .
Future efforts need to address how homes are heated , “ rather than attempting to discourage use of one specific solid fuel ” .
A nationwide smoky coal ban has been favoured by some environment ministers – but coal firms from outside the State have threatened legal action , arguing that singling out smoky coal would be anti-competitive , since peat and wet wood produce similar levels of air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Bruton acknowledged last year a nationwide ban on smoky coal “ carries a serious risk of illegality , unless peat , wet wood and turf are also addressed ” .
A report commissioned by the Asthma Society of Ireland ( ASI ) and completed by UCC Environmental Law Clinic outlines options for effective smoky fuels regulation .
A ban on smoky fuels is the most acceptable policy despite being most restrictive on trade , it finds .
It would be easiest to enforce as only smokeless coal would be allowed enter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different types of coal would no longer apply .
And it would remove from use all fuel types which produce high levels of PM2.5 .
A nationwide ban on bituminous coal alone is likely to increase demand for peat , wood and biomass .
Given peatlands ability to act as a natural carbon sink , such a policy “ would exacerbate the climate and biodiversity crises ” , the report cautions .
Because those on lowest income and those most rurally isolated are most dependent on smoky fuels , they are disproportionately exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it adds .
The ASI report also warns that smoky coal suppliers are likely to mount a challenge against the imposition of a nationwide smoky coal ban under EU competition law , “ specifically in relation to the Government imposing unfair trading conditions on one sector of the smoky fuel market ” .
In protecting human health and life , only a ban on all smoky fuels can be justified in restricting free movement of goods ; whereas prohibition of only one harmful fuel would be an unjustifiable distortion of EU competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report ’ s authors , believes a smoky fuel ban has not been pursued because awareness of air pollution in Ireland is poor .
“ There ’ s a ‘ we all think it ’ s fine ’ attitude , ” he says .
He cites another study which shows some smokeless fuels in circulation produce high PM2.5 levels which he says suggests “ no fires ” is the only good option .
Harrington says the introduction of a smoky fuel ban would end a complex and confusing regulatory regime .
A national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later this year , according to the Department of Climate Action and Environment .
It will be “ a strategic policy framework ” seeking to identify and promote additional integrated measures to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air .
It will adopt a regional approach to air quality enforcement and clamp down on sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK .
It will also invest in the network of monitoring stations and “ move towards a full nationwide solid fuel regulation ” .
On prohibiting smoky fuels , the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive impact on air quality in low smoke zones .
“ However , as more research emerges and as we gather increasingly detailed data from our expanded National Ambient Air Monitoring Network , it is clear that a more comprehensive approach is required to reduce air pollution emissions attributed to the use of a range of solid fuels in the residential sector , ” it said in a statement .
Fuels such as peat briquettes , turf and wet wood , as well as bituminous coal , contribute to air pollution to varying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , it is not considered likely that a ‘ one size ’ regulatory approach would be suitable for the regulation of all such fuels , particularly given how other fuels are produced and distributed in different ways.
” The department says supports have been increased for those in energy poverty while an initiative aims to have 500,000 homes retrofitted and 400,000 heat pumps installed in existing buildings over the next decade .
“ Improvements to air quality in Ireland are inextricably linked to actions on climate .
In particular , assisting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily dependent on solid fuels for heating their homes is an important step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality , ” the department added .
Wenger believes this transition will take years , entail significant costs as many can not afford to change to cleaner home heating even with current grants , and ultimately will require an end to use of all wood , even though kiln-dried timber used in a eco-efficient stove is less problematic .
Dr Jurgita Ovadnevaite of NUIG Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies ( CCAPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuels is needed , “ but not only on fuels currently defined as smoky , all solid fuels , especially the ones used in open fires ( like peat , wood and ‘ smokeless ’ coal ) ” – currently , peat is not classified as a smoky fuel .
“ In Dublin , emissions from solid fuels add to 70 per cent of particulate matter during winter and the situation is even worse in smaller towns that do not benefit from the smoky fuel ban , ” she adds .
Top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , she believes , should be home renovations to ensure these polluting fuels are not a necessity , along with banning all solid fuels .
“ Next would be tackling emissions from transport , especially heavy diesel vehicles , like public busses , ” she adds .
“ Public transport should not lag behind , but set an example for privately-owned cars , while currently , we see opposite – one old diesel bus can match the PM emissions from 50 or more newer private vehicles , and recommendation to use a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypocritical.
” Her CCAPS colleague Dr Clare Noone puts this against the backdrop of Covid-19 .
While air quality may have improved during the pandemic bringing considerable benefits for health and climate , notably in transport-related air pollution ; “ the picture hasn ’ t been as clear for other dangerous pollutants , PM2.5 for example , whose primary source in Ireland is household fires ” .
“ The smoky coal ban will see a reduction in this harmful pollutant , and it is imperative that it is extended nationwide if we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you live in an area with poor air quality you ’ re already vulnerable to many health effects , and the associated lung damage from air pollution may worsen those infected with Covid-19.
” The constitutional rights to life and bodily integrity places policymakers under significant obligations to implement effective air quality measures , the Asthma Society of Ireland report argues .
Banning smoky fuels would be the most legally-robust option and most conducive to achieving health benefits for those vulnerable to air pollution and have greatest impact in reducing greenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air pollution research behind him , Wenger says it ’ s about being creative , and “ moving away from our love of the open fire ” .
There are issues about pollutants arising from traffic and agriculture , but tackling PM2.5 first is the way to go “ because it ’ s the largest source of air pollution ” .

Air pollution is the single largest environmental health hazard in Europe, according to the European Environment Agency. It is estimated to cause 1,600 premature deaths a year in Ireland alone.
While gases such as carbon monoxide and ozone are hazardous at certain concentrations, the main threat is a microscopic airborne particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres – known as PM2.5. This silent, practically invisible killer can worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cause heart attacks and strokes.
There is no safe level of exposure to these microscopic particles, according to Prof John Wenger, director of UCC Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry.
Air pollution is made up of a complex chemical mixture of gases and particles that impact strongly on both climate and health, Wenger says. Its insidious side is seen in research indicating exposure to air pollution is likely linked with the occurrence or severity of Covid-19 infection.
READ MORE
In Ireland it arises in a menacing form, he says, from how we heat our homes and what fuel we burn. A nationwide ban on all smoky fuels is now needed, he says, with supports for those in fuel poverty.
He led an EPA-commissioned study (known as Sapphire) which starkly highlights what is at issue. Researchers looked at particulate matter sources in Killarney, Birr and Enniscorthy – residential settings outside areas where the smoky coal ban existed at the time and where there is no natural gas available.The study focused on the contribution of residential solid fuel burning to ambient levels of wintertime PM2.5. Using "chemical fingerprints" of particles generated from combustion of different solid fuels, it revealed burning of peat was the dominant source at each location, followed by wood and then coal.
“So it’s a solid fuel problem; not a coal problem,” Wenger notes.
Average PM2.5 concentrations in Killarney and Enniscorthy were considerably higher than those in Dublin and Cork despite having a fraction of their population.
New measures and policies “are urgently needed to reduce harmful emissions from residential solid fuel burning across the country”, the report concludes. A nationwide smoky coal ban “is unlikely to lead to significant air quality improvements in small towns”, though Wenger accepts it’s a good first step.
The programme for government commits to extending the smoky coal ban to new towns “and, over the term of government, move towards a full nationwide ban”. The smoky coal ban has recently been extended to 13 towns including Enniscorthy and Killarney.
Wenger’s blunt message, however, goes further: “We have to stop burning stuff.”
In short, options are a nationwide ban on smoky coal; a nationwide ban on smoky fuels or extending current low smoke zones (LSZs).
Measures to reduce emissions from all solid fuels – peat, wood and coal – would be more successful in improving air quality for all urban centres including small towns, he adds. Future efforts need to address how homes are heated, “rather than attempting to discourage use of one specific solid fuel”.
A nationwide smoky coal ban has been favoured by some environment ministers – but coal firms from outside the State have threatened legal action, arguing that singling out smoky coal would be anti-competitive, since peat and wet wood produce similar levels of air pollution. Then minister for the environment Richard Bruton acknowledged last year a nationwide ban on smoky coal "carries a serious risk of illegality, unless peat, wet wood and turf are also addressed".
A report commissioned by the Asthma Society of Ireland (ASI) and completed by UCC Environmental Law Clinic outlines options for effective smoky fuels regulation.
A ban on smoky fuels is the most acceptable policy despite being most restrictive on trade, it finds. It would be easiest to enforce as only smokeless coal would be allowed enter the country and the current issue of monitoring different types of coal would no longer apply. And it would remove from use all fuel types which produce high levels of PM2.5.
A nationwide ban on bituminous coal alone is likely to increase demand for peat, wood and biomass. Given peatlands ability to act as a natural carbon sink, such a policy “would exacerbate the climate and biodiversity crises”, the report cautions. Because those on lowest income and those most rurally isolated are most dependent on smoky fuels, they are disproportionately exposed to the health impacts of those fuels, it adds.
The ASI report also warns that smoky coal suppliers are likely to mount a challenge against the imposition of a nationwide smoky coal ban under EU competition law, “specifically in relation to the Government imposing unfair trading conditions on one sector of the smoky fuel market”.
In protecting human health and life, only a ban on all smoky fuels can be justified in restricting free movement of goods; whereas prohibition of only one harmful fuel would be an unjustifiable distortion of EU competition.
Ben Harrington, one of the report's authors, believes a smoky fuel ban has not been pursued because awareness of air pollution in Ireland is poor. "There's a 'we all think it's fine' attitude," he says.
He cites another study which shows some smokeless fuels in circulation produce high PM2.5 levels which he says suggests “no fires” is the only good option. Harrington says the introduction of a smoky fuel ban would end a complex and confusing regulatory regime.
A national clean air strategy is to be published later this year, according to the Department of Climate Action and Environment. It will be “a strategic policy framework” seeking to identify and promote additional integrated measures to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air.
It will adopt a regional approach to air quality enforcement and clamp down on sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK. It will also invest in the network of monitoring stations and “move towards a full nationwide solid fuel regulation”.
On prohibiting smoky fuels, the department said existing regulations had ensured a significant positive impact on air quality in low smoke zones.
"However, as more research emerges and as we gather increasingly detailed data from our expanded National Ambient Air Monitoring Network, it is clear that a more comprehensive approach is required to reduce air pollution emissions attributed to the use of a range of solid fuels in the residential sector," it said in a statement.
Fuels such as peat briquettes, turf and wet wood, as well as bituminous coal, contribute to air pollution to varying degrees, the department added. “However, it is not considered likely that a ‘one size’ regulatory approach would be suitable for the regulation of all such fuels, particularly given how other fuels are produced and distributed in different ways.”
The department says supports have been increased for those in energy poverty while an initiative aims to have 500,000 homes retrofitted and 400,000 heat pumps installed in existing buildings over the next decade.
“Improvements to air quality in Ireland are inextricably linked to actions on climate. In particular, assisting those in energy poverty or who are more heavily dependent on solid fuels for heating their homes is an important step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality,” the department added.
Wenger believes this transition will take years, entail significant costs as many cannot afford to change to cleaner home heating even with current grants, and ultimately will require an end to use of all wood, even though kiln-dried timber used in a eco-efficient stove is less problematic.
Dr Jurgita Ovadnevaite of NUIG Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (CCAPS) agrees a nationwide ban on smoky fuels is needed, "but not only on fuels currently defined as smoky, all solid fuels, especially the ones used in open fires (like peat, wood and 'smokeless' coal)" – currently, peat is not classified as a smoky fuel.
“In Dublin, emissions from solid fuels add to 70 per cent of particulate matter during winter and the situation is even worse in smaller towns that do not benefit from the smoky fuel ban,” she adds.
Top of the clean air strategy’s priority list, she believes, should be home renovations to ensure these polluting fuels are not a necessity, along with banning all solid fuels. “Next would be tackling emissions from transport, especially heavy diesel vehicles, like public busses,” she adds. “Public transport should not lag behind, but set an example for privately-owned cars, while currently, we see opposite – one old diesel bus can match the PM emissions from 50 or more newer private vehicles, and recommendation to use a public transport might, thus, seem hypocritical.”
Her CCAPS colleague Dr Clare Noone puts this against the backdrop of Covid-19. While air quality may have improved during the pandemic bringing considerable benefits for health and climate, notably in transport-related air pollution; "the picture hasn't been as clear for other dangerous pollutants, PM2.5 for example, whose primary source in Ireland is household fires".
“The smoky coal ban will see a reduction in this harmful pollutant, and it is imperative that it is extended nationwide if we are to protect lives during this global pandemic. If you live in an area with poor air quality you’re already vulnerable to many health effects, and the associated lung damage from air pollution may worsen those infected with Covid-19.”
The constitutional rights to life and bodily integrity places policymakers under significant obligations to implement effective air quality measures, the Asthma Society of Ireland report argues. Banning smoky fuels would be the most legally-robust option and most conducive to achieving health benefits for those vulnerable to air pollution and have greatest impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
With 25 years of air pollution research behind him, Wenger says it’s about being creative, and “moving away from our love of the open fire”. There are issues about pollutants arising from traffic and agriculture, but tackling PM2.5 first is the way to go “because it’s the largest source of air pollution”.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Garda HQ corrects claim about €7.5m HSE ventilator deal

Garda Headquarters has corrected a description of what it had claimed was a suspected attempt to defraud the HSE of €7.5 million as it was buying ventilators in the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Reports compiled by the Garda for the Policing Authority stated the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau had started a criminal investigation after the HSE reported its suspicions around a planned €7.5 million transaction .
The ventilators were being purchased from Asia via Dublin-based company Narooma Limited .
The claims in the reports , which were published by The Irish Times , stated the monies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment was blocked after a court injunction was sought .
However , the information in the Garda report to the authority was incorrect .
No monies had been paid and no injunction had been sought by the HSE or the Garda .
Indeed , Narooma Limited had gone to the High Court seeking an injunction against the HSE over the non-payment of the monies .
The Garda has corrected the information in its reports to the Policing Authority and it has also published a notice in Thursday ’ s Irish Times accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
Narooma Ltd said its directors were pleased that the publication of the notice by the Garda “ will go some way towards correcting the public record ” and repairing its reputation .
It added “ questions have to be asked ” about how such misinformation entered the public domain .
“ Narooma Limited ’ s substantive case against the HSE is proceeding to arbitration under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce , ” it said .

The Garda has corrected the information in its reports to the Policing Authority and it has also published a notice in Thursday’s Irish Times accepting the information was wrong and correcting the record. File photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
Garda Headquarters has corrected a description of what it had claimed was a suspected attempt to defraud the HSE of €7.5 million as it was buying ventilators in the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reports compiled by the Garda for the Policing Authority stated the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau had started a criminal investigation after the HSE reported its suspicions around a planned €7.5 million transaction. The ventilators were being purchased from Asia via Dublin-based company Narooma Limited.
The claims in the reports, which were published by The Irish Times, stated the monies had been paid by the HSE but the payment was blocked after a court injunction was sought.
Incorrect
However, the information in the Garda report to the authority was incorrect. No monies had been paid and no injunction had been sought by the HSE or the Garda. Indeed, Narooma Limited had gone to the High Court seeking an injunction against the HSE over the non-payment of the monies.
READ MORE
The Garda has corrected the information in its reports to the Policing Authority and it has also published a notice in Thursday’s Irish Times accepting the information was wrong and correcting the record.
Narooma Ltd said its directors were pleased that the publication of the notice by the Garda “will go some way towards correcting the public record” and repairing its reputation. It added “questions have to be asked” about how such misinformation entered the public domain.
“Narooma Limited’s substantive case against the HSE is proceeding to arbitration under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Footfall in State’s main cities remains far below usual levels

Footfall in the State ’ s four main cities fell by up to 90 per cent at the height of Covid-19 lockdown , and despite a range of measures designed to reverse the decline , some centres ’ recoveries remain tentative , new figures show .
The data , provided this week to The Irish Times by Dublin , Galway , Cork and Limerick city councils , show how devastating the pandemic has been for their main shopping and business districts .
Specialised “ counters ” deployed at key locations reported pedestrian numbers collapsing by 90 per cent in Limerick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 83 per cent in Dublin and 76 per cent in Cork , during the first weeks of movement restrictions in March and April .
Across Dublin pedestrian numbers have “ fallen dramatically ” according to the city council .
Counters in the “ core area ” between Stephen ’ s Green and Henry Street reported about 475,000 pedestrians a day in the first week of March , falling to about 80,000 at the start of April .
Footfall in this key area “ is back to just 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre , “ the numbers commuting by foot in the morning peak was only at 20 per cent of pre-Covid ” in early July .
The main shopping thoroughfares continue to struggle .
Henry Street is recovering better than Grafton Street despite measures from the council to boost visitor numbers to the area – including the weekend pedestrianisation of surrounding streets and seven-day permissions for cafes and restaurants for outdoor tables and chairs .
“ [ Footfall ] levels are currently at approximately 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels on Grafton Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Sunday on Henry Street , ” the council said .
In Cork , footfall on the main Patrick Street fell by 76 per cent in April , compared with the same month last year .
It has been recovering since , according to a city council spokeswoman , but by the end of last month was still down 29 per cent on 2019 volumes .
Incentives to attract shoppers back to the city , introduced at the end of July , included the pedestrianisation of 14 streets , two-hour free-parking slots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the existing cycling infrastructure .
Galway city saw its pedestrian numbers tumble from 394,412 in the first week of March , to 48,798 in the first week of April – an 88 per cent drop .
They have improved since , and by mid-August were at 238,226 – albeit still 39.5 per cent below the pre-Covid high .
However , this footfall is 60 per cent below the same period last year , when the city welcomed 580,000 pedestrians .
Galway ’ s worst week comparatively was the last of July – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Festival and Races – when 80 per cent fewer ( 160,000 ) pedestrians were in the city than last year ( 800,000 ) .
In Limerick , pedestrians at the junction of O ’ Connell Street and William Street fell from 13,991 on Saturday , March 7th , to a low of 764 on Sunday , April 12th – a 94.5 per cent collapse .
The lowest Saturday figure was on March 28th , when 1,538 people passed the junction - 90.4 per cent below the March .
People came in higher numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,656 were counted – 90 per cent of the early March figure .
In Dublin , cyclist counts at the busiest morning hours of 7am to 10am were still at about 30 per cent of their pre-lockdown levels .
“ Comparing February to August of this year , to last year , we can see that morning commuter cycling numbers remain significantly reduced , ” says the council .
In contrast , off-peak cyclist numbers held steady , and even surpassed 2019 rates .
While numbers recorded between 10am and 3pm , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 2,000 a day to under 1,000 between March 11th and April 8th – compared with about 2,500 in the same period in 2019 – they climbed to more than 4,000 in mid-June , compared with about 2,300 in mid-June last year .
Bus commuter numbers in Dublin “ show continuing gradual recovery ” , now at 40 per cent of their pre-Covid weekday levels , while “ traffic volumes are still flat and have not shown any growth over recent weeks with some locations still well below pre-Covid levels .
”

An empty Grafton Street in April. Footfall levels are currently at about 50% of pre-Covid levels on Grafton Street, accordking to Dublin City Council. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Footfall in the State’s four main cities fell by up to 90 per cent at the height of Covid-19 lockdown, and despite a range of measures designed to reverse the decline, some centres’ recoveries remain tentative, new figures show.
The data, provided this week to The Irish Times by Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick city councils, show how devastating the pandemic has been for their main shopping and business districts.
Specialised “counters” deployed at key locations reported pedestrian numbers collapsing by 90 per cent in Limerick, 88 per cent in Galway, 83 per cent in Dublin and 76 per cent in Cork, during the first weeks of movement restrictions in March and April.
An empty Burgh Quay in Dublin city in April. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Across Dublin pedestrian numbers have “fallen dramatically” according to the city council. Counters in the “core area” between Stephen’s Green and Henry Street reported about 475,000 pedestrians a day in the first week of March, falling to about 80,000 at the start of April.
READ MORE
Footfall in this key area “is back to just 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels” but at key locations into the city centre, “the numbers commuting by foot in the morning peak was only at 20 per cent of pre-Covid” in early July.
The main shopping thoroughfares continue to struggle. Henry Street is recovering better than Grafton Street despite measures from the council to boost visitor numbers to the area – including the weekend pedestrianisation of surrounding streets and seven-day permissions for cafes and restaurants for outdoor tables and chairs.
“[Footfall] levels are currently at approximately 50 per cent of pre-Covid levels on Grafton Street and up to 80 per cent on a Sunday on Henry Street,” the council said.
In Cork, footfall on the main Patrick Street fell by 76 per cent in April, compared with the same month last year. It has been recovering since, according to a city council spokeswoman, but by the end of last month was still down 29 per cent on 2019 volumes.
Incentives to attract shoppers back to the city, introduced at the end of July, included the pedestrianisation of 14 streets, two-hour free-parking slots in council-owned car-parks and a €2 million investment in the existing cycling infrastructure.
Galway city saw its pedestrian numbers tumble from 394,412 in the first week of March, to 48,798 in the first week of April – an 88 per cent drop. They have improved since, and by mid-August were at 238,226 – albeit still 39.5 per cent below the pre-Covid high.
However, this footfall is 60 per cent below the same period last year, when the city welcomed 580,000 pedestrians. Galway's worst week comparatively was the last of July – traditionally the start of the Galway Arts Festival and Races – when 80 per cent fewer (160,000) pedestrians were in the city than last year (800,000).
In Limerick, pedestrians at the junction of O’Connell Street and William Street fell from 13,991 on Saturday, March 7th, to a low of 764 on Sunday, April 12th – a 94.5 per cent collapse. The lowest Saturday figure was on March 28th, when 1,538 people passed the junction - 90.4 per cent below the March.
People came in higher numbers from mid-June and by August 28th, 12,656 were counted – 90 per cent of the early March figure.
In Dublin, cyclist counts at the busiest morning hours of 7am to 10am were still at about 30 per cent of their pre-lockdown levels.
“Comparing February to August of this year, to last year, we can see that morning commuter cycling numbers remain significantly reduced,” says the council.
In contrast, off-peak cyclist numbers held steady, and even surpassed 2019 rates. While numbers recorded between 10am and 3pm, and between 7pm and 11pm fell from just over 2,000 a day to under 1,000 between March 11th and April 8th – compared with about 2,500 in the same period in 2019 – they climbed to more than 4,000 in mid-June, compared with about 2,300 in mid-June last year.
Bus commuter numbers in Dublin “show continuing gradual recovery”, now at 40 per cent of their pre-Covid weekday levels, while “traffic volumes are still flat and have not shown any growth over recent weeks with some locations still well below pre-Covid levels.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Christmas shopping frenzy to kick off later due to Covid-19

While Christmas 2020 has not been cancelled – at least not yet – Covid-19 has significantly curtailed the festive spending season in two of Dublin ’ s leading department stores .
For the first time in more than a decade , Brown Thomas held off on opening its Christmas Shop in August , with a spokeswoman saying its halls – or at least its Grafton Street top floor – will not now be decked with boughs of holly until the middle of September .
The season to be jolly will start even later on the north side of the Liffey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Christmas Shop opening until the start of October , as the country continues to grapple with an unprecedented public health crisis which has significantly tempered the appetite for spending on frivolity in bricks and mortar shops .
The absence of the ho-ho-hos at arguably the least wonderful time of the year should silence the chorus of no-no-nos traditionally heard towards the end of summer as people take to social media platforms to give out about the department stores selling snow globes and winter baubles while the country bakes in late summer sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of disapproval about Christmas shops sitting cheek by jowl with the back-to-school goods and picnic items has grown louder , the retailers have stood their ground , pointing out that they are merely responding to demand and are not actually forcing consumers to buy fake plastic fir trees or Advent calendars .
While Christmas shopping will come late to Ireland , it has been a different story across the water .
In the UK a spike in interest in Christmas in the time of coronavirus has seen some retailers moving earlier than normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop last week , saying searches for festive products had nearly quadrupled when compared with 2019 .
It suggested that shoppers , tired of lockdown , had moved on in their minds to musing about how they might to decorate their homes come December .

While Christmas 2020 has not been cancelled – at least not yet – Covid-19 has significantly curtailed the festive spending season in two of Dublin’s leading department stores.
For the first time in more than a decade, Brown Thomas held off on opening its Christmas Shop in August, with a spokeswoman saying its halls – or at least its Grafton Street top floor – will not now be decked with boughs of holly until the middle of September.
The season to be jolly will start even later on the north side of the Liffey, with Arnotts having decided to delay its Christmas Shop opening until the start of October, as the country continues to grapple with an unprecedented public health crisis which has significantly tempered the appetite for spending on frivolity in bricks and mortar shops.
The absence of the ho-ho-hos at arguably the least wonderful time of the year should silence the chorus of no-no-nos traditionally heard towards the end of summer as people take to social media platforms to give out about the department stores selling snow globes and winter baubles while the country bakes in late summer sun.
READ MORE
Disapproval
Every year, as the chorus of disapproval about Christmas shops sitting cheek by jowl with the back-to-school goods and picnic items has grown louder, the retailers have stood their ground, pointing out that they are merely responding to demand and are not actually forcing consumers to buy fake plastic fir trees or Advent calendars.
While Christmas shopping will come late to Ireland, it has been a different story across the water. In the UK a spike in interest in Christmas in the time of coronavirus has seen some retailers moving earlier than normal.
John Lewis opened its online Christmas shop last week, saying searches for festive products had nearly quadrupled when compared with 2019. It suggested that shoppers, tired of lockdown, had moved on in their minds to musing about how they might to decorate their homes come December.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--‘We didn’t know’ BoI boss put Roy Barrett forward for FAI job – Shane Ross

Former minister for sport Shane Ross has said he did not know FAI chairman Roy Barrett was proposed for the job by the chairman of Bank of Ireland , the organisation ’ s main lender .
Mr Barrett was appointed as the association ’ s independent chairman in January , after being identified by Amrop , an independent search firm .
However , it recently emerged that Mr Barrett was recommended for the role to Amrop by Patrick Kennedy , Bank of Ireland ’ s chairman .
Bank of Ireland is owed tens of millions of euro by the FAI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million State-backed bailout earlier this year .
Asked about the recommendation , Mr Ross told The Irish Times : “ We didn ’ t know about it when he was appointed , ” adding that Mr Barrett has “ done a good job in leading and implementing the reforms we imposed as a condition of funding ” .
Mr Barrett , who is the managing director of Goodbody Stockbrokers , has denied that the issue created a conflict of interest for him .
On Monday he said it was a “ nonsense ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that my getting approached by Amrop on the recommendation of a number of people in any way impacted me in my role to try and secure the best funding package for the association , ” he said .
Mr Barrett is understood to have told a board meeting of the FAI on Tuesday night that he had no conflict of interest , and that there was nothing further about the matter that would come into the public domain .
Elsewhere , the Government was told in July that Covid-19 had had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s overall financial position ” .
A briefing paper prepared by Sport Ireland for the Department of Sport in July , seen by The Irish Times , states the FAI had “ highlighted a funding support requirement of €10.45 million ” .
In a section labelled “ Covid-19 impact ” , it states this was composed of €3.45 million to “ return to original business plan position ” , €2 million to allow for the resumption of the League of Ireland , and €5 million to “ allow settlement with a lender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate ” .
When asked about the note , and for details on whether money had been requested to repay a lender as part of a Covid-19 support package , Sport Ireland said no application for funding from the FAI had been submitted .
It said the document was “ for information purposes ” and “ related to a very cautious , worst-case scenario planning exercise ” carried out in May and early June of this year , and that figures quoted were “ high-level estimates ” .
“ The circumstances have changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted contained significant contingencies and buffers as envisaged at the time .
“ The document in no way constitutes an application for funding or any sort of confirmation of funding .
The estimates in the document are considered completely out of date and obsolete by Sport Ireland.
” Sport Ireland also said the document and estimates “ predate the establishment of robust criteria ” for the €70 million fund announced by the Government to assist sporting organisations in responding to the pandemic .
The FAI said it had no comment when contacted about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or questions on the process around Mr Barrett ’ s appointment .
Bank of Ireland and Amrop had no comment .

Former minister for sport Shane Ross has said he did not know FAI chairman Roy Barrett was proposed for the job by the chairman of Bank of Ireland, the organisation's main lender.
Mr Barrett was appointed as the association's independent chairman in January, after being identified by Amrop, an independent search firm.
However, it recently emerged that Mr Barrett was recommended for the role to Amrop by Patrick Kennedy, Bank of Ireland's chairman. Bank of Ireland is owed tens of millions of euro by the FAI, which was saved by a €30 million State-backed bailout earlier this year.
Asked about the recommendation, Mr Ross told The Irish Times: “We didn’t know about it when he was appointed,” adding that Mr Barrett has “done a good job in leading and implementing the reforms we imposed as a condition of funding”.
READ MORE
Mr Barrett, who is the managing director of Goodbody Stockbrokers, has denied that the issue created a conflict of interest for him. On Monday he said it was a “nonsense”.
“It is misleading if people believe that my getting approached by Amrop on the recommendation of a number of people in any way impacted me in my role to try and secure the best funding package for the association,” he said.
Mr Barrett is understood to have told a board meeting of the FAI on Tuesday night that he had no conflict of interest, and that there was nothing further about the matter that would come into the public domain.
Briefing paper
Elsewhere, the Government was told in July that Covid-19 had had a “serious negative effect on the FAI’s overall financial position”. A briefing paper prepared by Sport Ireland for the Department of Sport in July, seen by The Irish Times, states the FAI had “highlighted a funding support requirement of €10.45 million”.
In a section labelled “Covid-19 impact”, it states this was composed of €3.45 million to “return to original business plan position”, €2 million to allow for the resumption of the League of Ireland, and €5 million to “allow settlement with a lender and the related 5 per cent interest rate”.
When asked about the note, and for details on whether money had been requested to repay a lender as part of a Covid-19 support package, Sport Ireland said no application for funding from the FAI had been submitted. It said the document was “for information purposes” and “related to a very cautious, worst-case scenario planning exercise” carried out in May and early June of this year, and that figures quoted were “high-level estimates”.
‘Contingencies’
“The circumstances have changed markedly since May/early June. The estimates quoted contained significant contingencies and buffers as envisaged at the time.
“The document in no way constitutes an application for funding or any sort of confirmation of funding. The estimates in the document are considered completely out of date and obsolete by Sport Ireland.”
Sport Ireland also said the document and estimates “predate the establishment of robust criteria” for the €70 million fund announced by the Government to assist sporting organisations in responding to the pandemic.
The FAI said it had no comment when contacted about the contents of the briefing note, or questions on the process around Mr Barrett’s appointment. Bank of Ireland and Amrop had no comment.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Dublin council set to cancel traditional Halloween events due to coronavirus

Dublin ’ s Halloween “ Spooktacular ” events are set to be cancelled or significantly curtailed due to concerns over an inability to enforce coronavirus public health guidelines .
While Halloween is still two months away , Dublin City Council has already decided traditional organised gatherings will not be feasible and will have to be replaced by “ environmental initiatives ” , community engagement projects , and “ virtual ” festivals .
However , the council management and councillors have acknowledged that illegal bonfires are likely to return without organised festivities .
The council has for several years organised parades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city and suburbs such as Ballymun , Finglas , the Docklands and Ballyfermot , which have been successful in reducing the number of illegal bonfires held .
Assistant chief executive Brendan Kenny said it was difficult to see how these large organised events could be held this year under Covid-19 public health guidelines .
“ These events were hugely successful in weaning people away from bonfires , but unless there is a major improvement with Covid-19 , it doesn ’ t look like we can go ahead with these events , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place.
” However , Mr Kenny conceded it was likely there would be a return of illegal bonfires if these events are cancelled .
“ It ’ s like the pubs being closed and people having house parties .
The reality is there will be disorganised events and they will be worse .
At the same time it would be really difficult to for the city council to have an organised event , and if something were to happen as a result , to have to take responsibility for that.
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop some activities which would not involve crowds gathering .
Independent Ballymun councillor Noeleen Reilly said the Ballymun Otherworld Festival had resulted in a “ huge decrease in bonfires ” in recent years .
“ Last year was the quietest Halloween in Ballymun I can remember .
The festival has have a huge impact and there has been a steady decrease in bonfires , ” she said .
“ There will be that knock-on effect of the return of bonfires , but there were about 5,000 people at the festival in Ballymun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see how it could safely go ahead this year .
I think taking the decision to cancel these events now is the right thing to do.
” Finglas Social Democrats councillor Mary Callaghan said Finglas Fright Night has also been extremely successful .
“ It is really disappointing that it is likely to be cancelled .
The fireworks in particularly were really popular and really well organised .
Having said that , the most important thing at the moment is that we get over this virus .
This decision wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin councillor Daithí Doolan , who represents Ballyfermot and Drimnagh said he was opposed to cancelling Halloween festivals .
“ If you cancel what is a positive diversionary activity you create a vacuum that will be filled with negative dangerous activities that will put lives at risk.
” While it might be difficult , it should be possible to organise an “ enjoyable and safe ” festival , depending on the health restrictions at the time , he said .
He was also concerned that Covid-19 was being used as a “ smokescreen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events .

Dublin’s traditional Halloween events are to be severely curtailed due to concerns over an inability to enforce coronavirus public health guidelines. Photograph: Alan Betson
Dublin’s Halloween “Spooktacular” events are set to be cancelled or significantly curtailed due to concerns over an inability to enforce coronavirus public health guidelines.
While Halloween is still two months away, Dublin City Council has already decided traditional organised gatherings will not be feasible and will have to be replaced by "environmental initiatives", community engagement projects, and "virtual" festivals.
However, the council management and councillors have acknowledged that illegal bonfires are likely to return without organised festivities.
The council has for several years organised parades, funfairs, and fireworks displays in the city and suburbs such as Ballymun, Finglas, the Docklands and Ballyfermot, which have been successful in reducing the number of illegal bonfires held.
READ MORE
Assistant chief executive Brendan Kenny said it was difficult to see how these large organised events could be held this year under Covid-19 public health guidelines.
“These events were hugely successful in weaning people away from bonfires, but unless there is a major improvement with Covid-19, it doesn’t look like we can go ahead with these events, particularly if the two metre rule is still in place.”
However, Mr Kenny conceded it was likely there would be a return of illegal bonfires if these events are cancelled.
“It’s like the pubs being closed and people having house parties. The reality is there will be disorganised events and they will be worse. At the same time it would be really difficult to for the city council to have an organised event, and if something were to happen as a result, to have to take responsibility for that.”
Mr Kenny said the council would be working to develop some activities which would not involve crowds gathering.
Independent Ballymun councillor Noeleen Reilly said the Ballymun Otherworld Festival had resulted in a "huge decrease in bonfires" in recent years.
“Last year was the quietest Halloween in Ballymun I can remember. The festival has have a huge impact and there has been a steady decrease in bonfires,” she said.
Really disappointing
“There will be that knock-on effect of the return of bonfires, but there were about 5,000 people at the festival in Ballymun last years and I just don’t see how it could safely go ahead this year. I think taking the decision to cancel these events now is the right thing to do.”
Finglas Social Democrats councillor Mary Callaghan said Finglas Fright Night has also been extremely successful.
“It is really disappointing that it is likely to be cancelled. The fireworks in particularly were really popular and really well organised. Having said that, the most important thing at the moment is that we get over this virus. This decision wouldn’t be taken lightly.”
However, Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, who represents Ballyfermot and Drimnagh said he was opposed to cancelling Halloween festivals.
“If you cancel what is a positive diversionary activity you create a vacuum that will be filled with negative dangerous activities that will put lives at risk.”
While it might be difficult, it should be possible to organise an “enjoyable and safe” festival, depending on the health restrictions at the time, he said. He was also concerned that Covid-19 was being used as a “smokescreen” to avoid spending money on community events.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Teachers lobby to restrict student access to ‘highly sensitive’ class ranking data

Teachers ’ unions are lobbying to prevent Leaving Cert students being automatically provided with “ highly sensitive ” details of their class ranking under the new calculated grades process .
Secondary schools were required to provide an estimated mark for each student for every subject , along with where students ranked in their class overall .
All Leaving Cert students are due to see this information on September 14th , a week after receiving their calculated grades .
However , teachers ’ unions have expressed alarm that the move could damage relationships with students and impact on pupils ’ morale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , are worried about how the information would be received by neighbours , relations or friends in their classes .
Minister for Education Norma Foley said that while students were entitled to their personal data , she confirmed that a query had been raised around the issue .
“ We are currently taking advice on that .
That ’ s where it stands at this time , ” she said .
One education source pointed to the omission of any reference to class rankings in a briefing document released earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin Marjoram , president of the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland , said the information was “ extraordinarily sensitive ” and members had a “ clear understanding ” it would only be revealed under an appeal process or data request .
“ Our members co-operated on something that was almost anathema to them , to put such rankings down on paper and to put down on paper the position of children they had supported and kept in school and whose morale they had boosted , ” Mr Marjoram said .
Kieran Christie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teachers Ireland , said the union has also made strong representations to the department .
“ It came as a shock to us when plans were brought forward .
Members are not happy and we are going to do something about it , ” he said .

Minister for Education Norma Foley said that while students were entitled to their personal data, she confirmed that a query had been raised around the issue. Photograph: Julien Behal Photography
Leaving Cert students will not be able to access “highly sensitive” details of their class ranking when their calculated grades are released following lobbying by teachers’ unions.
Secondary schools were required to provide an estimated mark for each student, along with a rank order of students for each class, and send this information to the Department of Education.
All Leaving Cert students had been due to be able to see this information online from September 14th, a week after receiving their calculated grades, in the interests of transparency over the grading process.
However, a department spokeswoman confirmed late last night that students will not now get access to their class ranking on this date.
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Instead, they will only have access to their estimated percentage marks provided by their schools.
“The department is seeking legal advice on the matter of providing class rank order to candidates. This position has been advised to the advisory group of stakeholders and a further update will be provided to them as soon as possible,” the spokeswoman said.
It follows alarm among teachers’ unions that the move could damage relationships with students and impact on pupils’morale.
Some teachers in rural areas, in particular, are worried about how the information would be received by neighbours, relations or friends in their classes.
Calculated grades
Speaking during an Oireachtas committee meeting on Wednesday evening, prior to the department's late-night announcement, Minister for Education Norma Foley said there had been an agreed process and students were entitled to their personal data.
However, she confirmed that a query had been raised around the issue.
“We are currently taking advice on that. That’s where it stands at this time,” she said.
Martin Marjoram, president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland, said the information was "extraordinarily sensitive" and members had a "clear understanding" it would only be revealed under an appeal process or data application request.
“We were dismayed to hear differently and that it was being made available through a portal.
“Our members co-operated on something that was almost anathema to them, to put such rankings down on paper and to put down on paper the position of children they had supported and kept in school and whose morale they had boosted,” Mr Marjoram said.
Kieran Christie, general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, said the union has also made strong representations to the department.
In comments made prior to the department’s announcement, he said: “We are jointly beating that drum with the department hope to get resolution sooner than later. We are working hard on that. It came as a shock to us when plans were brought forward. Members are not happy and we are going to do something about it.”
It is understood that the two secondary teachers’ unions held a number of meetings with the department in recent weeks, after The Irish Times reported earlier this month that students would have access to their class ranking data.


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Most meat plant inspections in August unannounced

All but one of the coronavirus-related health and safety inspections carried out at meat plants during the month of August were unannounced , breaking with a practice of prearranging most visits .
The Health and Safety Authority ( HSA ) said there were 26 meat plant inspections carried out last month , of which 25 were unannounced .
Up to the middle of August , only nine inspections of 39 carried out since lockdown measures started to be eased in May were unannounced .
The increased surveillance of meat plants last month came in response to a surge in Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lockdowns of Kildare , Laois and Offaly .
The trade union movement last month called on the HSA to conduct random and unannounced inspections of all meat processing plants given the resurgence in Covid-19 cases at the plants .
HSA chief executive Sharon McGuinness has said that inspections with known outbreaks were “ pre-advised ” at short notice to ensure managers were available to facilitate thorough inspections .
The HSA has conducted 64 inspections of meat plants , including processing factories with coronavirus outbreaks , since May , of which 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it has not had to issue enforcement notices beyond a report of inspection as compliance with Covid-19 health and safety regulations was “ satisfactory ” .
“ In relation to meat processing plants , the authority has received a high level of co-operation from management , staff and contractors in plants inspected and has noted an overall responsiveness to guidance and advice issued both on-site and subsequently , ” the HSA said .
There have been 4,341 inspections or investigations carried out by the HSA since May when public restrictions to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some 3,215 of these inspections and investigations related to the Return to Work Safety Protocol guidelines for reopening workplaces during the pandemic .
The authority said that where workplaces were not fully compliant with the protocol , these were given advice and guidance on how to put further measures in place .
“ In addition , they would have also been provided with a written report of inspection , setting out the breaches identified and areas were improvement are required , ” the HSA said .
“ It is an offence for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of inspection .
”

Masked shoppers in Naas, Co Kildare on Tuesday as the county emerged from lockdown. A surge in Covid-19 infections at four meat factories had contributed to the lockdowns in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
All but one of the coronavirus-related health and safety inspections carried out at meat plants during the month of August were unannounced, breaking with a practice of prearranging most visits.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said there were 26 meat plant inspections carried out last month, of which 25 were unannounced.
Up to the middle of August, only nine inspections of 39 carried out since lockdown measures started to be eased in May were unannounced.
The increased surveillance of meat plants last month came in response to a surge in Covid-19 infections at four meat factories that contributed to the lockdowns of Kildare, Laois and Offaly.
READ MORE
The trade union movement last month called on the HSA to conduct random and unannounced inspections of all meat processing plants given the resurgence in Covid-19 cases at the plants.
HSA chief executive Sharon McGuinness has said that inspections with known outbreaks were “pre-advised” at short notice to ensure managers were available to facilitate thorough inspections.
The HSA has conducted 64 inspections of meat plants, including processing factories with coronavirus outbreaks, since May, of which 11 were revisits.
The workplace safety watchdog said it has not had to issue enforcement notices beyond a report of inspection as compliance with Covid-19 health and safety regulations was “satisfactory”.
“In relation to meat processing plants, the authority has received a high level of co-operation from management, staff and contractors in plants inspected and has noted an overall responsiveness to guidance and advice issued both on-site and subsequently,” the HSA said.
There have been 4,341 inspections or investigations carried out by the HSA since May when public restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 were eased. Some 3,215 of these inspections and investigations related to the Return to Work Safety Protocol guidelines for reopening workplaces during the pandemic.
The authority said that where workplaces were not fully compliant with the protocol, these were given advice and guidance on how to put further measures in place.
“In addition, they would have also been provided with a written report of inspection, setting out the breaches identified and areas were improvement are required,” the HSA said.
“It is an offence for an employer not to comply with a report of inspection.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Low levels of wellbeing among this year’s school leavers – survey

Low levels of wellbeing among the Class of 2020 are reported in research published by Maynooth University ahead of the release of Leaving Certificate calculated grades next Monday .
The wellbeing of more than 60 per cent of school leavers surveyed is classed as “ poor ” , while 46 per cent of the students reported high levels of depression and/or anxiety .
A similar proportion ( 44 per cent ) reported they were not coping well during the Covid-19 pandemic .
The report ’ s authors warn this has clear implications for the support the students may require as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment .
Compared to the results of a wellbeing survey of Leaving Certificate students in 2015 , this year ’ s school leavers are faring “ notably worse ” , particularly regarding mental health .
“ We could have a lot of young people presenting with issues , ” said Prof Sinéad McGilloway , founder director of Maynooth University ’ s Centre for Mental Health and Community Research .
There is “ historic , chronic underfunding of the mental health system anyway , both within higher education and the community ” , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Minister for Further Education Simon Harris may not be enough , she added .
Almost three-quarters of the 1,000 participants in the survey said that , in the circumstances , predicted/calculated grades were their preferred alternative to the traditional exam .
A similar proportion were happy , to a greater or lesser degree , with the Leaving Cert exams being cancelled .
About half the students felt positive about the calculated grades ; the remainder were either ambivalent ( 32 per cent ) or negative ( 17 per cent ) .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erupted in the UK over calculated grades replacing A-levels .
“ This research is the first to give a voice to the many Leaving Certificate students who , according to our research , have been significantly impacted by Covid-19 , not only in terms of school closures , but also with regard to their overall health and wellbeing , which has clearly suffered , ” said Prof McGilloway , who wrote the study with Penny Quinn and Jolanta Burke .
The report also comments that while there is a perception that young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 cases in recent weeks , researchers had found a high level of concern among school-leavers for the health of family and friends .
“ Arguably , ” they add , “ social distancing also presents an even greater challenge for teenagers , whose lives tend to be characterised by high levels of socialising and multiple friendships .
”

Low levels of wellbeing among the Class of 2020 are reported in research published by Maynooth University ahead of the release of Leaving Certificate calculated grades next Monday.
The wellbeing of more than 60 per cent of school leavers surveyed is classed as “poor”, while 46 per cent of the students reported high levels of depression and/or anxiety. A similar proportion (44 per cent) reported they were not coping well during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report’s authors warn this has clear implications for the support the students may require as they move on to third-level education or employment. Compared to the results of a wellbeing survey of Leaving Certificate students in 2015, this year’s school leavers are faring “notably worse”, particularly regarding mental health.
“We could have a lot of young people presenting with issues,” said Prof Sinéad McGilloway, founder director of Maynooth University’s Centre for Mental Health and Community Research. There is “historic, chronic underfunding of the mental health system anyway, both within higher education and the community”, and the extra €3 million top-up announced recently by Minister for Further Education Simon Harris may not be enough, she added.
READ MORE
Calculated grades
Almost three-quarters of the 1,000 participants in the survey said that, in the circumstances, predicted/calculated grades were their preferred alternative to the traditional exam. A similar proportion were happy, to a greater or lesser degree, with the Leaving Cert exams being cancelled.
About half the students felt positive about the calculated grades; the remainder were either ambivalent (32 per cent) or negative (17 per cent). However, this survey was conducted before controversy erupted in the UK over calculated grades replacing A-levels.
“This research is the first to give a voice to the many Leaving Certificate students who, according to our research, have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, not only in terms of school closures, but also with regard to their overall health and wellbeing, which has clearly suffered,” said Prof McGilloway, who wrote the study with Penny Quinn and Jolanta Burke.
The report also comments that while there is a perception that young people have been driving the renewed increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, researchers had found a high level of concern among school-leavers for the health of family and friends.
“Arguably,” they add, “social distancing also presents an even greater challenge for teenagers, whose lives tend to be characterised by high levels of socialising and multiple friendships.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-03--Hundreds of teachers at ‘high risk’ from Covid-19 told to come to work

Almost 650 teachers who sought Covid-19 risk assessments over fears they are highly vulnerable to the disease have been told they are not sick enough to stay at home .
More than 1,240 teaching staff had by Monday asked for an assessment carried out for the Department of Education by the outsourced privately-run occupational healthcare company Medmark .
Teachers categorised as “ very high risk ” for coronavirus are allowed to continue cocooning , while those classed as “ high risk ” have been told they “ must attend the workplace , unless advised otherwise ” after the risk assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include staff with heart failure , chronic kidney disease , liver disease , cancer , weak immune systems and obesity .
The Department of Education has confirmed that 547 teachers who sought a risk assessment have been deemed “ very high risk and will be facilitated from working from home.
” But another 645 – more than half of those assessed – have been classified as “ high risk ” and have been ordered back to their schools .
Only 50 who applied were deemed to be neither high risk nor very high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland ( ASTI ) said the department ’ s advice contradicts that of the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) , which states any employee “ should work from home if you are at high risk from coronavirus ” .
Ann Piggott , president of the ASTI , said a “ considerably high number ” of those teachers ordered back to work after taking a risk assessment “ feel their lives are at serious risk , and they are now being sent into a classroom ” .
“ It is very concerning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice tells them they should be working from home , and they should maintain social distancing .
“ We are learning from schools over the last few days that classrooms are crowded , and in some classrooms there is no effort made to maintain even a one-metre distance between students .
“ We can ’ t put teachers back to work if they are at risk.
” Teachers contacting the ASTI about their worries said there had been no direct consultations , either online or by telephone , and that they were getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in a category without any discussion whatsoever ” .
In some cases letters from consultants do not appear to have been considered , said Ms Piggott .
“ Every single case needs to be individually reviewed and taken seriously , ” she added .
“ Even perfectly healthy teachers are full of fear and trepidation as they make their way back to the classroom , as are parents and their children .
“ So , to be a teacher with several illnesses at the one time , where you know you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers and health officials have said there will be outbreaks in schools , well of course they are going to be terribly worried about their situation .
”

The Department of Education will facilitate more than 500 teaching staff working from home but hundreds more deemed ‘high risk’ are being told to go to work. File photograph: Dave Thompson/PA Wire
Almost 650 teachers who sought Covid-19 risk assessments over fears they are highly vulnerable to the disease have been told they are not sick enough to stay at home.
More than 1,240 teaching staff had by Monday asked for an assessment carried out for the Department of Education by the outsourced privately-run occupational healthcare company Medmark.
Teachers categorised as “very high risk” for coronavirus are allowed to continue cocooning, while those classed as “high risk” have been told they “must attend the workplace, unless advised otherwise” after the risk assessment.
Those at “high risk” include staff with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, weak immune systems and obesity.
READ MORE
The Department of Education has confirmed that 547 teachers who sought a risk assessment have been deemed “very high risk and will be facilitated from working from home.”
But another 645 – more than half of those assessed – have been classified as “high risk” and have been ordered back to their schools. Only 50 who applied were deemed to be neither high risk nor very high risk.
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said the department’s advice contradicts that of the Health Service Executive (HSE), which states any employee “should work from home if you are at high risk from coronavirus”.
Ann Piggott, president of the ASTI, said a “considerably high number” of those teachers ordered back to work after taking a risk assessment “feel their lives are at serious risk, and they are now being sent into a classroom”.
“It is very concerning,” she said.
“The HSE advice tells them they should be working from home, and they should maintain social distancing.
“We are learning from schools over the last few days that classrooms are crowded, and in some classrooms there is no effort made to maintain even a one-metre distance between students.
“We can’t put teachers back to work if they are at risk.”
No consultations
Teachers contacting the ASTI about their worries said there had been no direct consultations, either online or by telephone, and that they were getting a “very quick email back placing them in a category without any discussion whatsoever”.
In some cases letters from consultants do not appear to have been considered, said Ms Piggott.
“Every single case needs to be individually reviewed and taken seriously,” she added.
“Even perfectly healthy teachers are full of fear and trepidation as they make their way back to the classroom, as are parents and their children.
“So, to be a teacher with several illnesses at the one time, where you know you are not going to be safe, where Ministers and health officials have said there will be outbreaks in schools, well of course they are going to be terribly worried about their situation.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-02--Teenagers in Ireland among least satisfied, Unicef survey finds

Teenagers in Ireland are among the least satisfied with their lives compared with their peers in other wealthy countries , according to new research from Unicef .
Irish adolescents had one of the lowest rates of life satisfaction among the EU/OECD countries , at 72 per cent .
When asked to rate their satisfaction with life out of 10 , 28 per cent of Irish teenagers said it was lower than five .
Teenagers in the Netherlands were the most satisfied with life , while those in Turkey had the lowest levels of satisfaction at 53 per cent , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was ranked among the best when it came to child wellbeing in the 12th spot , with the Netherlands in the top spot , followed by Denmark and Norway .
The findings are contained in the latest report card research by Unicef , which has been running for two decades .
It uses national pre-Covid data from EU and OECD countries to compare them across several measures of childhood wellbeing and development .
When it comes to the impact of the pandemic , the report warns that areas of progress on child wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of falling back .
Unicef notes the “ catastrophic ” impact of the pandemic on children ’ s wellbeing , mental and physical health and development due to anxiety , stay-at-home restrictions , school closures and economic loss .
The agency urged the Irish Government not to let the post-pandemic economic downturn impact on progress for children .
“ We must study the lessons learned during the last recession , when children bore the brunt of austerity measures .
The Government must continue to invest in child wellbeing , during this difficult economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty and inequality , ” said Unicef Ireland executive director Peter Power .
When it came to children ’ s mental health Ireland ranked in the bottom third at 26th , and 17th in terms of physical health .
However , Irish adolescents aged between 11 and 15 were more comfortable with their bodies than average .
Some 27 per cent of Irish adolescents surveyed said they thought they were too overweight , while 14 per cent felt they were too thin .
Young people in Poland , Germany , Estonia and Greece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies , while those in Iceland were by far the most satisfied .
Some 31 per cent of Irish children were overweight or obese , putting the country in the bottom half of the table in that category .
Ireland ranked sixth in the overall table when it came to children ’ s skills , in areas such as education and socialisation .
Some 78 per cent of Irish teenagers had basic reading and maths skills , second only to Estonia .
Irish teenagers also ranked above average when it came to making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-year-olds reporting they easily made friends , the research found .
Parents in Ireland had more support networks than others in most countries , with Ireland ranked 12th highest in that category .
However , more than one-fifth of parents in Ireland with young children felt they needed more childcare support , the fifth highest rate in comparison to other countries .
Irish parents also rated their relationship with staff in their child ’ s school as the joint highest , when compared with other European countries .
Government spending on services and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below the OECD average , the Unicef research found .
Ireland had the fifth lowest child mortality rates , at 0.64 per 1,000 children aged between five and 14 , while Mexico had the highest rates .

Irish adolescents had one of the lowest rates of life satisfaction among the EU/OECD countries with 28% rating their satisfaction with life as lower than five out of 10.
Teenagers in Ireland are among the least satisfied with their lives compared with their peers in other wealthy countries, according to new research from Unicef.
Irish adolescents had one of the lowest rates of life satisfaction among the EU/OECD countries, at 72 per cent. When asked to rate their satisfaction with life out of 10, 28 per cent of Irish teenagers said it was lower than five.
Teenagers in the Netherlands were the most satisfied with life, while those in Turkey had the lowest levels of satisfaction at 53 per cent, according to the research.
Despite this Ireland was ranked among the best when it came to child wellbeing in the 12th spot, with the Netherlands in the top spot, followed by Denmark and Norway.
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The findings are contained in the latest report card research by Unicef, which has been running for two decades. It uses national pre-Covid data from EU and OECD countries to compare them across several measures of childhood wellbeing and development .
When it comes to the impact of the pandemic, the report warns that areas of progress on child wellbeing such as in education are at risk of falling back. Unicef notes the “catastrophic” impact of the pandemic on children’s wellbeing, mental and physical health and development due to anxiety, stay-at-home restrictions, school closures and economic loss.
The agency urged the Irish Government not to let the post-pandemic economic downturn impact on progress for children. “We must study the lessons learned during the last recession, when children bore the brunt of austerity measures. The Government must continue to invest in child wellbeing, during this difficult economic period, or face spikes in child poverty and inequality,” said Unicef Ireland executive director Peter Power.
When it came to children’s mental health Ireland ranked in the bottom third at 26th, and 17th in terms of physical health. However, Irish adolescents aged between 11 and 15 were more comfortable with their bodies than average. Some 27 per cent of Irish adolescents surveyed said they thought they were too overweight, while 14 per cent felt they were too thin.
Young people in Poland, Germany, Estonia and Greece were among the most uncomfortable with their bodies, while those in Iceland were by far the most satisfied.
Some 31 per cent of Irish children were overweight or obese, putting the country in the bottom half of the table in that category.
Children’s skills
Ireland ranked sixth in the overall table when it came to children’s skills, in areas such as education and socialisation. Some 78 per cent of Irish teenagers had basic reading and maths skills, second only to Estonia.
Irish teenagers also ranked above average when it came to making friends, with 76 per cent of 15-year-olds reporting they easily made friends, the research found.
Parents in Ireland had more support networks than others in most countries, with Ireland ranked 12th highest in that category. However, more than one-fifth of parents in Ireland with young children felt they needed more childcare support, the fifth highest rate in comparison to other countries.
Irish parents also rated their relationship with staff in their child’s school as the joint highest, when compared with other European countries.
Government spending on services and tax breaks for families in Ireland was below the OECD average, the Unicef research found.
Ireland had the fifth lowest child mortality rates, at 0.64 per 1,000 children aged between five and 14, while Mexico had the highest rates.


theirishtimes--2020-09-02--Clare primary school closes due to Covid-19

A primary school in Co Clare has closed due to Covid-19 , only a few days after schools re-opened following a six-month lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Parents of pupils attending the school , which is located close to the Limerick border , received a text message from the school authority informing them of the temporary closure , as a number of staff members had been identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of coronavirus .
The school , which has over 100 pupils on its roll book , had not issued any statement via its social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be reached for comment .
A local TD confirmed they had spoken to a local parent who received the text message .
The message , seen by this reporter , reads : “ Dear Parent , we have been advised by the HSE that a number of staff members have been identified as close contacts of a case of Covid 19 .
On that basis they have to be excluded from school .
It is not possible for the school to remain open without any permanent member of staff so unfortunately the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The message advises the reader , “ we hope to re-open on Wednesday 9th Sept , unless you are advised otherwise ” .
“ Currently this has no implications for students and no pupil has been identified as a close contact to date .
We regret the closure of the school but we are obliged to follow the HSE guidelines , ” the message continued .
A former teacher at the school said : “ It is very ably run by the principal and staff and I have full confidence they have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health guidelines.
” “ This is unfortunate for the teachers and the pupils , but I would say this will become a common feature in schools across the country as we live with Covid-19 , and I would expect there would be a rolling series of class closures and school closure around the country , ” they added .
In Dublin , two primary schools sent some pupils home in the last couple of days after a child in each school tested positive for the virus .

A primary school in Co Clare has closed due to Covid-19, only a few days after schools re-opened following a six-month lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Parents of pupils attending the school, which is located close to the Limerick border, received a text message from the school authority informing them of the temporary closure, as a number of staff members had been identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of coronavirus.
The school, which has over 100 pupils on its roll book, had not issued any statement via its social media accounts Wednesday night and it could not be reached for comment.
A local TD confirmed they had spoken to a local parent who received the text message.
READ MORE
The message, seen by this reporter, reads: “Dear Parent, we have been advised by the HSE that a number of staff members have been identified as close contacts of a case of Covid 19. On that basis they have to be excluded from school. It is not possible for the school to remain open without any permanent member of staff so unfortunately the school will have to close immediately.”
The message advises the reader, “we hope to re-open on Wednesday 9th Sept, unless you are advised otherwise”.
“Currently this has no implications for students and no pupil has been identified as a close contact to date. We regret the closure of the school but we are obliged to follow the HSE guidelines,” the message continued.
A former teacher at the school said: “It is very ably run by the principal and staff and I have full confidence they have done the right thing in accordance with public health guidelines.”
“This is unfortunate for the teachers and the pupils, but I would say this will become a common feature in schools across the country as we live with Covid-19, and I would expect there would be a rolling series of class closures and school closure around the country,” they added.
In Dublin, two primary schools sent some pupils home in the last couple of days after a child in each school tested positive for the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-09-02--Sky at night to reveal celestial wonders, not least lovely Luna

Reading through Galileo ’ s work Sidereus Nuncius you get a sense of not just the thrill of discovery , but of a keen eye seeing Earth ’ s sculpted landscape mirrored in the moon .
We have a chance to explore the lure of lovely Luna ourselves this month when International Observe the Moon Night falls on September 26th .
The moon is full on September 2nd , at last quarter on the 10th , new on the 17th , and at first quarter on the 24th .
The harvest moon is traditionally considered to be the closest full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 22nd .
The full moon on October 1st has that distinction this year .
Our nearest neighbour in space has been part of human culture since time immemorial .
Folk tales explained its phases and dark markings , while some calendars continue to mark time based on the moon ’ s cyclical changing appearance .
Science has changed our fundamental understanding of the moon ’ s motions , origins and geology , but scanning its surface with a pair of binoculars or small telescope lets us follow where Galileo roamed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contrast of light and dark .
The bright southern part of the full moon ’ s disk is heavily cratered , whereas the smoother dark areas are basaltic outflows – these are the “ seas ” that observers 400 years ago once believed to be bodies of water .
Almost all these features were formed after bombardment by asteroids in our solar system ’ s early history .
Some of the craters such as the 86km-wide Tycho have prominent ray systems because of the impacting body spraying pristine sub-surface material around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moon are often the best time explore the lunar surface though .
That is because shadows create a dramatic scene .
Close to the terminator , or day-night dividing line , is where that contrast is best as the sunrise line slowly creeps across the disk .
At times you will see a crater ’ s towering central peak and walls catching the first rays of sunrise while its floor is still enveloped by the frigid lunar night .
Theophilus is one such crater with a prominent peak that is noticeable even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanes through its phases , you will become attuned to its changing aspect and position in the sky .
The height of the full moon each month is the complement to that of the sun for example – when the sun is high in June , the full moon that month traces a low arc across the night sky .
Other times the moon cosies up to a bright planet or star , maybe even briefly hiding them .
An occultation is a sudden event because the lack of an atmosphere means a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is covered by the moon ’ s limb .
Predictions for those occasions can be found at calsky.com Seeing a thin lunar crescent soon after or before a new moon can be breathtaking .
Around those times the rest of the disk is bathed in a faint glow called earthshine .
Sometimes called the old moon in the new moon ’ s arms , it is a phenomenon first correctly explained by Leonardo da Vinci and is due to sunlight bouncing off the day side of Earth on to the night side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows us to see the fingerprints of life on our own planet .
It is a technique astronomers ’ hope to apply to exoplanets too : by subtracting the spectrum of their parent sun we are left with the chemical composition of a planet ’ s atmosphere .
How wonderful that so romantic a phenomenon can pay dividends in our quest to discover that we are not alone in the Universe .
Moongazing , by Tom Kerrs and published by Collins ( €11 ) , introduces you to all aspects of observing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a photograph of the same area on each facing page .
A month on from the Perseid meteor shower and we revisit the constellation again to track down the Double Cluster , a 7,500 light-year distant pair of star clusters .
From a dark site with the unaided eye it appears as a hazy patch midway between the ragged W of Cassiopeia and the head of Perseus .
Standard binoculars show the Double Cluster as two adjacent condensations of light , while larger glasses reveal the brighter members .
The two swarms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years though and formed only about 12.8 million years ago when a giant cloud of gas and dust collapsed in this arm of the Milky Way .
You might also spot the looser and slightly fainter Stock 2 in the same field of view just north of the Double Cluster .
The group is nicknamed the Muscleman after the suggestion its stars trace the outline of a figure flexing its pecs .
Just like seeing shapes in the clouds , we can let our imaginations soar through the cosmos on a balmy September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ object but too deep in the twilight glow to be seen from Ireland this month .
Venus is a brilliant beacon illuminating the eastern sky in the pre-dawn hours .
The planet buzzes the Beehive star cluster ( catalogued as M44 ) in Cancer for a few days mid-month , with the waning crescent moon nearby on the 14th .
Mars is now dramatically bright and pops above the eastern horizon late evening .
Its marmalade hue is because a thin layer of dust containing ferric oxide minerals coats the Martian surface , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rusty dust carried aloft .
Such an environment will be challenging for future settlers .
The moon is paired with Mars on the 5th as they rise together after 10pm .
Jupiter and Saturn are both visible low in the south as twilight fades from the sky .
Jupiter is the brighter of the two and resumes its steady pursuit of the more sedate and distant Saturn .
The pair appear closest on December 21st when they have a one in 20 year great conjunction .
On that date they are only one-fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dramatic sight .
The moon is close to Saturn on the 25th with Jupiter a little to their right .
Now in the shops are two excellent guides to the night sky for the year ahead .
Philips publish Stargazing 2021 by Nigel Henbest and the late Heather Couper , while Collins produce Night Sky 2021 by Storm Dunlop and Dutch uranographer Wil Tirion .
Both books are priced at a bargain €10 .
It ’ s rather quiet on the human space-flight front this month but that will change in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Earth after being replaced by the next expedition members , along with welcoming an additional cadre of SpaceX astronauts .
The station itself is making a series of morning passes during the first half of September before switching to the evening sky in the latter part of the month .
Predictions for your location can be found at heavens-above.com as well as details of those ubiquitous starlinks which are being launched about once a fortnight .
A recent American Astronomical Society report looks at the impact of satellite constellations on observational astronomy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a long-time amateur astronomer with an interest in the history and lore of the sky along with astronomical phenomena observable with the unaided eye .
He is a member of the Irish Astronomical Society irishastrosoc.org

Reading through Galileo’s work Sidereus Nuncius you get a sense of not just the thrill of discovery, but of a keen eye seeing Earth’s sculpted landscape mirrored in the moon.
We have a chance to explore the lure of lovely Luna ourselves this month when International Observe the Moon Night falls on September 26th.
The moon is full on September 2nd, at last quarter on the 10th, new on the 17th, and at first quarter on the 24th.
The harvest moon is traditionally considered to be the closest full moon to the autumn equinox which occurs on September 22nd. The full moon on October 1st has that distinction this year.
READ MORE
Our nearest neighbour in space has been part of human culture since time immemorial. Folk tales explained its phases and dark markings, while some calendars continue to mark time based on the moon's cyclical changing appearance. Science has changed our fundamental understanding of the moon's motions, origins and geology, but scanning its surface with a pair of binoculars or small telescope lets us follow where Galileo roamed.
The first thing you will notice is the contrast of light and dark. The bright southern part of the full moon’s disk is heavily cratered, whereas the smoother dark areas are basaltic outflows – these are the “seas” that observers 400 years ago once believed to be bodies of water.
Almost all these features were formed after bombardment by asteroids in our solar system’s early history. Some of the craters such as the 86km-wide Tycho have prominent ray systems because of the impacting body spraying pristine sub-surface material around the general area.
Occasions other than full moon are often the best time explore the lunar surface though. That is because shadows create a dramatic scene. Close to the terminator, or day-night dividing line, is where that contrast is best as the sunrise line slowly creeps across the disk.
At times you will see a crater’s towering central peak and walls catching the first rays of sunrise while its floor is still enveloped by the frigid lunar night. Theophilus is one such crater with a prominent peak that is noticeable even in binoculars.
As the moon waxes and wanes through its phases, you will become attuned to its changing aspect and position in the sky. The height of the full moon each month is the complement to that of the sun for example – when the sun is high in June, the full moon that month traces a low arc across the night sky.
Other times the moon cosies up to a bright planet or star, maybe even briefly hiding them. An occultation is a sudden event because the lack of an atmosphere means a star suddenly winks from view as it is covered by the moon's limb. Predictions for those occasions can be found at calsky.com
Seeing a thin lunar crescent soon after or before a new moon can be breathtaking. Around those times the rest of the disk is bathed in a faint glow called earthshine. Sometimes called the old moon in the new moon’s arms, it is a phenomenon first correctly explained by Leonardo da Vinci and is due to sunlight bouncing off the day side of Earth on to the night side of the moon. Spectral analysis of earthshine allows us to see the fingerprints of life on our own planet.
It is a technique astronomers’ hope to apply to exoplanets too: by subtracting the spectrum of their parent sun we are left with the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere.
How wonderful that so romantic a phenomenon can pay dividends in our quest to discover that we are not alone in the Universe.
Moongazing, by Tom Kerrs and published by Collins (€11), introduces you to all aspects of observing the moon. It features 16 excellent charts with a photograph of the same area on each facing page.
A month on from the Perseid meteor shower and we revisit the constellation again to track down the Double Cluster, a 7,500 light-year distant pair of star clusters.
From a dark site with the unaided eye it appears as a hazy patch midway between the ragged W of Cassiopeia and the head of Perseus. Standard binoculars show the Double Cluster as two adjacent condensations of light, while larger glasses reveal the brighter members. The two swarms are separated by a few hundred light years though and formed only about 12.8 million years ago when a giant cloud of gas and dust collapsed in this arm of the Milky Way.
You might also spot the looser and slightly fainter Stock 2 in the same field of view just north of the Double Cluster. The group is nicknamed the Muscleman after the suggestion its stars trace the outline of a figure flexing its pecs. Just like seeing shapes in the clouds, we can let our imaginations soar through the cosmos on a balmy September night.
The planets for September
Mercury is an evening sky object but too deep in the twilight glow to be seen from Ireland this month.
Venus is a brilliant beacon illuminating the eastern sky in the pre-dawn hours. The planet buzzes the Beehive star cluster (catalogued as M44) in Cancer for a few days mid-month, with the waning crescent moon nearby on the 14th.
Mars is now dramatically bright and pops above the eastern horizon late evening. Its marmalade hue is because a thin layer of dust containing ferric oxide minerals coats the Martian surface, with the atmosphere permeated by that same rusty dust carried aloft. Such an environment will be challenging for future settlers. The moon is paired with Mars on the 5th as they rise together after 10pm.
Jupiter and Saturn are both visible low in the south as twilight fades from the sky. Jupiter is the brighter of the two and resumes its steady pursuit of the more sedate and distant Saturn. The pair appear closest on December 21st when they have a one in 20 year great conjunction.
On that date they are only one-fifth of a moon-width apart which will be a dramatic sight. The moon is close to Saturn on the 25th with Jupiter a little to their right.
Now in the shops are two excellent guides to the night sky for the year ahead. Philips publish Stargazing 2021 by Nigel Henbest and the late Heather Couper, while Collins produce Night Sky 2021 by Storm Dunlop and Dutch uranographer Wil Tirion. Both books are priced at a bargain €10.
It’s rather quiet on the human space-flight front this month but that will change in October when the International Space Station crew return to Earth after being replaced by the next expedition members, along with welcoming an additional cadre of SpaceX astronauts.
The station itself is making a series of morning passes during the first half of September before switching to the evening sky in the latter part of the month. Predictions for your location can be found at heavens-above.com as well as details of those ubiquitous starlinks which are being launched about once a fortnight.
A recent American Astronomical Society report looks at the impact of satellite constellations on observational astronomy and the cultural sky.
John Flannery is a long-time amateur astronomer with an interest in the history and lore of the sky along with astronomical phenomena observable with the unaided eye. He is a member of the Irish Astronomical Society irishastrosoc.org