theirishtimes--2020-12-31--So Brexit got done. Now for the hard part: border checks

At 5.30am on New Year ’ s Day a handful of lorries will roll off the Irish Ferries ship Ulysses after it arrives at Dublin Port following a three-hour crossing from Holyhead in Wales .
On previous Fridays , lorries would have driven clear of the port through the Dublin Port Tunnel out onto the M50 and then towards their distribution centres and delivery destinations unimpeded .
This Friday , these arrivals will be treated very differently .
The Ulysses will be the first roll-on , roll-off ferry to cross the EU-UK border after the end of the Brexit transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stena Estrid will arrive in Dublin from Holyhead at 11.45pm on Thursday , but no customs procedures will apply to British goods on board , as it departed the UK before 11pm on Thursday , and thus Brexit had yet to take effect at the time of the departure .
The Ulysses will be the first ship into Dublin with lorries falling subject to checks not seen in a generation thanks to the EU single market that made trade seamless between these islands .
State officials talk about policing the new border of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s exit from it , and Dublin Port is ground zero for the Republic in this regard , and will be the State ’ s single busiest outpost for checks and inspections when Brexit takes effect .
Nowhere else in the EU will there be the same volume of roll-on , roll-off ferry traffic subject to the scale of checking that will be required as there will be for Irish Sea road freight from Friday .
It will be a huge challenge for businesses , Government departments , and State agencies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run smoothly , if importers , their logistics companies and their customs agents ( if they use any ) have been following the advice of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture on preparing for customs , agricultural or food safety checks on goods arriving in from Britain .
There is an alphabet soup of acronyms covering the red tape and systems they will have to navigate to ensure lorry drivers have secured the all-important pre-board notification number ( PBN ) to allow them to board their ferry in Holyhead .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 30 minutes of the three-hour boat journey from Holyhead , the lorry drivers will have to check their “ customs channel ” to find out whether they are “ green routed ” or “ red routed ” – the latter is a dreaded colour that will make lorry drivers ’ journeys even longer .
Lorry drivers will be able to check this on Revenue ’ s website .
If green routed , they can simply exit the port on arrival .
If red routed , they could be directed to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large building within Dublin Port , or to customs at Terminal 7 for a transit or seal check on their goods .
If they are carrying live animals , they will be directed to the border control post at Yard 2 at Dublin Port , where Department of Agriculture inspectors will be there to check the animals .
Consignments of animal and plant products or plants could be directed for a number of checks , including physical inspections , at the Department of Agriculture inspections points at the port .
The big unknowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject to checks , how long will the checks take and will the checks delay ferry schedules and cause traffic to build up inside and outside the port ?
The smooth operation of the EU single market since the start of 1993 means that it is not possible to answer these questions accurately .
Since these lorries have never been subject to these exact kinds of checks before , it is not clear how many consignments will need to be checked .
Strict EU single market rules on the inspection of plant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phytosanitary ( SPS ) rules – leave little wriggle room to simply wave goods through .
All consignments must undergo documentary and identity checks , but for the highest-risk foods , such as poultry , milk , eggs and honey , the EU rules compel veterinary inspectors to conduct physical checks on half of all these consignments passing through Dublin Port .
Delays will depend , to a large degree , on the preparations taken by the importers themselves .
If they have the paperwork in order , the goods are likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and plant product consignments from “ third countries ” – which Britain will become on Thursday night – are currently rejected because of incorrect paperwork .
State agencies have hired 1,500 staff and Dublin Port has spent €30 million on new buildings , checkpoints and traffic layout to prepare for checks , based on existing levels of trade : 1.2 million trailers moving out of Dublin Port every year and about 410,000 trucks coming into the port .
Of those inbound trucks , about 170,000 every year have carried goods that might fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be required on goods landing in from Britain from January 1st .
State officials believe that the new barriers on trade with Britain will inevitably mean reduced volumes of goods as businesses choose to avoid the bureaucratic headache of new customs procedures and securing multiple health certificates from veterinary or plant inspectors for multiple loads in single lorries .
It will simply not be economically viable to transport some plant- or animal-based food into the country if the products result in additional paperwork and delays from physical inspections .
The early days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unclear gauge of how port checks might work in the long term , given the record freight volumes that moved across the Irish Sea in November and December as businesses stockpiled in advance to avoid these new border controls .
Even with the record volumes of freight that came before Christmas , traffic still flowed through Dublin Port smoothly , as the port experienced its busiest months on record .
The full pain of Brexit bureaucracy may not be felt for weeks , and truckers driving off the Ulysses on Friday may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single market and avoiding Britain altogether , if possible , by taking direct ferries to and from mainland Europe may be a longer but easier route .
James Joyce ’ s line from Ulysses could make sense to Irish importers , exporters and truckers in this new , post-Brexit world : “ Longest way round is the shortest way home .
”

At 5.30am on New Year's Day a handful of lorries will roll off the Irish Ferries ship Ulysses after it arrives at Dublin Port following a three-hour crossing from Holyhead in Wales.
On previous Fridays, lorries would have driven clear of the port through the Dublin Port Tunnel out onto the M50 and then towards their distribution centres and delivery destinations unimpeded.
This Friday, these arrivals will be treated very differently.
The Ulysses will be the first roll-on, roll-off ferry to cross the EU-UK border after the end of the Brexit transition period at 11pm on Thursday.
READ MORE
The Stena Estrid will arrive in Dublin from Holyhead at 11.45pm on Thursday, but no customs procedures will apply to British goods on board, as it departed the UK before 11pm on Thursday, and thus Brexit had yet to take effect at the time of the departure.
The Ulysses will be the first ship into Dublin with lorries falling subject to checks not seen in a generation thanks to the EU single market that made trade seamless between these islands.
State officials talk about policing the new border of the EU single market created by Britain’s exit from it, and Dublin Port is ground zero for the Republic in this regard, and will be the State’s single busiest outpost for checks and inspections when Brexit takes effect.
Nowhere else in the EU will there be the same volume of roll-on, roll-off ferry traffic subject to the scale of checking that will be required as there will be for Irish Sea road freight from Friday. It will be a huge challenge for businesses, Government departments, and State agencies and regulators.
Following advice
On paper, things should run smoothly, if importers, their logistics companies and their customs agents (if they use any) have been following the advice of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Agriculture on preparing for customs, agricultural or food safety checks on goods arriving in from Britain.
There is an alphabet soup of acronyms covering the red tape and systems they will have to navigate to ensure lorry drivers have secured the all-important pre-board notification number (PBN) to allow them to board their ferry in Holyhead. No PBN, no ferry journey.
During the last 30 minutes of the three-hour boat journey from Holyhead, the lorry drivers will have to check their “customs channel” to find out whether they are “green routed” or “red routed” – the latter is a dreaded colour that will make lorry drivers’ journeys even longer.
Lorry drivers will be able to check this on Revenue’s website. If green routed, they can simply exit the port on arrival. If red routed, they could be directed to call to customs at Terminal 11, a large building within Dublin Port, or to customs at Terminal 7 for a transit or seal check on their goods.
If they are carrying live animals, they will be directed to the border control post at Yard 2 at Dublin Port, where Department of Agriculture inspectors will be there to check the animals.
Consignments of animal and plant products or plants could be directed for a number of checks, including physical inspections, at the Department of Agriculture inspections points at the port.
The big unknowns are: how many lorries will be subject to checks, how long will the checks take and will the checks delay ferry schedules and cause traffic to build up inside and outside the port?
Unprecedented checks
The smooth operation of the EU single market since the start of 1993 means that it is not possible to answer these questions accurately. Since these lorries have never been subject to these exact kinds of checks before, it is not clear how many consignments will need to be checked.
Strict EU single market rules on the inspection of plant and animal products – under complex sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules – leave little wriggle room to simply wave goods through.
All consignments must undergo documentary and identity checks, but for the highest-risk foods, such as poultry, milk, eggs and honey, the EU rules compel veterinary inspectors to conduct physical checks on half of all these consignments passing through Dublin Port.
Delays will depend, to a large degree, on the preparations taken by the importers themselves. If they have the paperwork in order, the goods are likely to flow more freely.
Two-thirds of agrifood and plant product consignments from “third countries” – which Britain will become on Thursday night – are currently rejected because of incorrect paperwork.
State agencies have hired 1,500 staff and Dublin Port has spent €30 million on new buildings, checkpoints and traffic layout to prepare for checks, based on existing levels of trade: 1.2 million trailers moving out of Dublin Port every year and about 410,000 trucks coming into the port.
Of those inbound trucks, about 170,000 every year have carried goods that might fall foul of the SPS checks that will be required on goods landing in from Britain from January 1st.
Reduced volumes
State officials believe that the new barriers on trade with Britain will inevitably mean reduced volumes of goods as businesses choose to avoid the bureaucratic headache of new customs procedures and securing multiple health certificates from veterinary or plant inspectors for multiple loads in single lorries.
It will simply not be economically viable to transport some plant- or animal-based food into the country if the products result in additional paperwork and delays from physical inspections.
The early days of January are expected to be quiet and an unclear gauge of how port checks might work in the long term, given the record freight volumes that moved across the Irish Sea in November and December as businesses stockpiled in advance to avoid these new border controls.
Even with the record volumes of freight that came before Christmas, traffic still flowed through Dublin Port smoothly, as the port experienced its busiest months on record.
The full pain of Brexit bureaucracy may not be felt for weeks, and truckers driving off the Ulysses on Friday may later decide that moving goods within the single market and avoiding Britain altogether, if possible, by taking direct ferries to and from mainland Europe may be a longer but easier route.
James Joyce’s line from Ulysses could make sense to Irish importers, exporters and truckers in this new, post-Brexit world: “Longest way round is the shortest way home.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--George Nkencho death: ‘I just want justice for my brother’

Around 200 people gathered outside Blanchardstown Garda Station on Thursday morning calling for “ justice ” following the shooting of George Nkencho outside his home in Clonee in West Dublin on Wednesday .
The 27-year-old was shot at least three times by members of the Blanchardstown Garda Armed Support Unit ( ASU ) while allegedly brandishing a knife and threatening gardaí .
A video shot by a passerby , which showed a man in a blue jumper surrounded by ASU members , captured the sound of one initial gunshot followed by four more shots .
The man appears to stumble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth shot .
At least three of the shots hit Mr Nkencho who received first aid at the scene and was taken by ambulance to James Connolly memorial hospital where he was later pronounced dead .
Chants of “ justice for George ” echoed around Blanchardstown station on Thursday as a number of speakers took to a makeshift stage calling for “ transparency ” from the Garda Ombudsman Commission ( Gsoc ) investigation into the shooting .
Attendees also committed to continuing their protest outside the Blanchardstown station for the next 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful aside from a small scuffle which broke out outside the station ’ s entrance during the speeches .
Emmanuel Nkencho , Mr Nkencho ’ s younger brother who briefly spoke to the crowd , told The Irish Times his family was “ traumatised ” by the shooting .
“ The past 24 hours have been hell , ” said Mr Nkencho , who watched the incident unfold from inside his home .
“ I have no brother now , he was the eldest in the family .
I have to take care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want justice for my brother.
” He said his bother had a “ kind heart ” but had “ suffered from mental health issues ” in recent years .
“ He didn ’ t really go outside , just to the shop and back .
He has his little friend group and that ’ s it .
My brother never bothered anybody , he just got on with his own life.
” Mr Nkencho said he would like to speak directly to gardaí to ask them questions about Wednesday ’ s shooting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 gardaí disarm one man ?
, ” he asked .
“ Until I know why , I will not be at peace.
” Princess Toyin Ogunwusi , a family friend , said Mr Nkencho ’ s mother Blessing was doing “ horribly ” and still would not accept the news of her son ’ s death .
“ The shock is too much for her .
The shooting happened right in the family ’ s presence , they actually have a recording of it .
It will be in their memories for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ibanu , who played soccer with George at the Insaka Glentoran Football Academy for four years , described his friend as a “ quiet and reserved ” young man who was “ dedicated to football ” .
He said Mr Nkencho started to drift from his football group after his close friend Toyosi Shittabey was stabbed to death in 2010 .
“ There were no supports for him and he started to fade away from our group .
He didn ’ t have anyone to speak to about what he saw happen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news of Mr Nkencho ’ s death as “ surreal ” .
“ It was the last thing I would imagine would happen to George , that he would be shot by a garda .
“ It feels impossible that this happened in Ireland .
We see the shootings in America and say thank god for this peaceful country that we live in , that would never happen here .
But now it ’ s happened and it ’ s the worst feeling.
” Obi Odemena , leader of the Igbo union of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to come to terms with the shooting .
“ We just can ’ t make sense of what happened yesterday .
I ’ ve been in this country more than 21 years and this is the first time we ’ ve had an incidence of one of our people being killed at the hands of the police .
When people heard about the shooting their first reaction was ‘ in Ireland ’ ?
” Young people affected by George ’ s death should be given time and space to grieve , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be achieved through violence and we will be calling on the youth ensure everything is done peacefully towards obtaining justice for George.
” Sunny Okague , a member of Clonee ’ s Irish-Nigerian community and whose sons live in the same estate as the Nkencho family , said he echoed the protest ’ s calls for the “ immediate suspension ” of the Garda who led Wednesday ’ s operation and the Garda who carried out the shooting .
“ We would also like transparency in the investigation and for the community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Wednesday , the Garda said in a statement it implemented “ a graduated policing response ” after being threatened with a knife .
It is understood this involved the use of pepper spray followed by the firing of two Taser guns .
Gardaí also verbally ordered the deceased to drop the knife several times before using force , one source said .
The incident began just after midday when , according to eyewitnesses , Mr Nkencho entered the Eurospar supermarket in Hartstown were he punched a manager in the face , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Nkencho then produced a large knife from his pocket and brandished it towards staff .
He then walked into the post office section of the supermarket as unarmed gardaí began to arrive .
The supermarket manager was taken to hospital for treatment .
At least 12 unarmed gardaí followed Mr Nkencho out of the shop and through several housing estates while instructing him to drop the knife .
By the time Mr Nkencho arrived in his front garden at 12.30pm , the ASU had arrived from Blanchardstown Garda station and took over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatal shots were fired .
Gardaí have obtained a video taken of the shooting which will be passed on to investigators from the Garda Ombudsman Commission ( Gsoc ) .

A group of demonstrators have gathered at Blanchardstown Garda station to protest following the fatal shooting of George Nkencho (27) in Clonee, Dublin. Video: Collins
Around 200 people gathered outside Blanchardstown Garda Station on Thursday morning calling for "justice" following the shooting of George Nkencho outside his home in Clonee in West Dublin on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old was shot at least three times by members of the Blanchardstown Garda Armed Support Unit (ASU) while allegedly brandishing a knife and threatening gardaí. A video shot by a passerby, which showed a man in a blue jumper surrounded by ASU members, captured the sound of one initial gunshot followed by four more shots.
The man appears to stumble before falling to the ground on the fifth shot. At least three of the shots hit Mr Nkencho who received first aid at the scene and was taken by ambulance to James Connolly memorial hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Chants of “justice for George” echoed around Blanchardstown station on Thursday as a number of speakers took to a makeshift stage calling for “transparency” from the Garda Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) investigation into the shooting. Attendees also committed to continuing their protest outside the Blanchardstown station for the next 14 days. Thursday’s protest was mainly peaceful aside from a small scuffle which broke out outside the station’s entrance during the speeches.
READ MORE
Emmanuel Nkencho, Mr Nkencho’s younger brother who briefly spoke to the crowd, told The Irish Times his family was “traumatised” by the shooting. “The past 24 hours have been hell,” said Mr Nkencho, who watched the incident unfold from inside his home.
“I have no brother now, he was the eldest in the family. I have to take care of my mum now. I just want justice for my brother.”
Protestors gathered at Blanchardstown Garda Station on THursday morning after the shooting dead by gardaí of George Nkencho (27). Photograph Nick Bradshaw
He said his bother had a “kind heart” but had “suffered from mental health issues” in recent years. “He didn’t really go outside, just to the shop and back. He has his little friend group and that’s it. My brother never bothered anybody, he just got on with his own life.”
Mr Nkencho said he would like to speak directly to gardaí to ask them questions about Wednesday’s shooting. “Why couldn’t more than 15 gardaí disarm one man?,” he asked. “Until I know why, I will not be at peace.”
Princess Toyin Ogunwusi, a family friend, said Mr Nkencho’s mother Blessing was doing “horribly” and still would not accept the news of her son’s death. “The shock is too much for her. The shooting happened right in the family’s presence, they actually have a recording of it. It will be in their memories for the rest of their lives.”
Israel Ibanu, who played soccer with George at the Insaka Glentoran Football Academy for four years, described his friend as a "quiet and reserved" young man who was "dedicated to football". He said Mr Nkencho started to drift from his football group after his close friend Toyosi Shittabey was stabbed to death in 2010. "There were no supports for him and he started to fade away from our group. He didn't have anyone to speak to about what he saw happen to his friend."
Mr Ibanu described the news of Mr Nkencho’s death as “surreal”. “It was the last thing I would imagine would happen to George, that he would be shot by a garda.
"It feels impossible that this happened in Ireland. We see the shootings in America and say thank god for this peaceful country that we live in, that would never happen here. But now it's happened and it's the worst feeling."
Obi Odemena, leader of the Igbo union of Dublin, said the local community was struggling to come to terms with the shooting. “We just can’t make sense of what happened yesterday. I’ve been in this country more than 21 years and this is the first time we’ve had an incidence of one of our people being killed at the hands of the police. When people heard about the shooting their first reaction was ‘in Ireland’?”
Young people affected by George’s death should be given time and space to grieve, he said. “We know nothing can be achieved through violence and we will be calling on the youth ensure everything is done peacefully towards obtaining justice for George.”
Sunny Okague, a member of Clonee’s Irish-Nigerian community and whose sons live in the same estate as the Nkencho family, said he echoed the protest’s calls for the “immediate suspension” of the Garda who led Wednesday’s operation and the Garda who carried out the shooting. “We would also like transparency in the investigation and for the community to be carried alone,” he added.
Taser guns
On Wednesday, the Garda said in a statement it implemented “a graduated policing response” after being threatened with a knife. It is understood this involved the use of pepper spray followed by the firing of two Taser guns. Gardaí also verbally ordered the deceased to drop the knife several times before using force, one source said.
The incident began just after midday when, according to eyewitnesses, Mr Nkencho entered the Eurospar supermarket in Hartstown were he punched a manager in the face, injuring the victim’s nose. Mr Nkencho then produced a large knife from his pocket and brandished it towards staff.
He then walked into the post office section of the supermarket as unarmed gardaí began to arrive. The supermarket manager was taken to hospital for treatment.
At least 12 unarmed gardaí followed Mr Nkencho out of the shop and through several housing estates while instructing him to drop the knife.
By the time Mr Nkencho arrived in his front garden at 12.30pm, the ASU had arrived from Blanchardstown Garda station and took over the operation. This is when the fatal shots were fired.
Gardaí have obtained a video taken of the shooting which will be passed on to investigators from the Garda Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc).


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Church leaders differ over North’s centenary but commit to common future

Ireland ’ s church leaders have acknowledged their different perspectives on Northern Ireland ’ s centenary next year but committed themselves “ to building a future together in which historic mistrust and division becomes a thing of the past ” .
They recognised “ that people will approach the centenary from a variety of perspectives – for some this is a cause for celebration , others will look upon the last century with a sense of loss and separation , ” they said in a joint New Year statement .
“ For us , as Church Leaders , the centenary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other , for further healing and reconciliation between our communities.
” It also provided “ the opportunity for us to reflect together on the failings of relationships and use of violence across the whole island which have marred our past and which in some ways continue to cast a shadow on the present.
” On the pandemic they said “ events of 2020 have served to remind us of our interconnectedness as human beings ” and that “ political leaders in both jurisdictions have faced huge challenges .
We continue to pray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together towards the building of political stability in which the whole community can prosper.
” Clergy , ministers , priests and lay people of faith had responded “ with compassion and imagination to the challenges of the pandemic , with online services , pastoral support and provision of opportunities for prayer , ” they said .
The new context following Brexit “ demands a commitment to working together in constructive ways ” they said , and that “ as Church Leaders , we continue to encourage the building of relationships across and between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin , Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell , Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce , President of the Methodist Church Rev Dr Thomas McKnight , and President of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Dr Ivan Patterson .

The statement was by Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell, Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce, President of the Methodist Church Rev Dr Thomas McKnight, and President of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Dr Ivan Patterson. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
Ireland’s church leaders have acknowledged their different perspectives on Northern Ireland’s centenary next year but committed themselves “to building a future together in which historic mistrust and division becomes a thing of the past”.
They recognised “that people will approach the centenary from a variety of perspectives – for some this is a cause for celebration, others will look upon the last century with a sense of loss and separation,” they said in a joint New Year statement.
“For us, as Church Leaders, the centenary opens up opportunities for greater understanding of each other, for further healing and reconciliation between our communities.”
It also provided “the opportunity for us to reflect together on the failings of relationships and use of violence across the whole island which have marred our past and which in some ways continue to cast a shadow on the present.”
READ MORE
On the pandemic they said “events of 2020 have served to remind us of our interconnectedness as human beings” and that “political leaders in both jurisdictions have faced huge challenges. We continue to pray for them and encourage them to work together towards the building of political stability in which the whole community can prosper.”
Clergy, ministers, priests and lay people of faith had responded “with compassion and imagination to the challenges of the pandemic, with online services, pastoral support and provision of opportunities for prayer,” they said.
The new context following Brexit “demands a commitment to working together in constructive ways” they said, and that “as Church Leaders, we continue to encourage the building of relationships across and between these islands.”
The statement was by Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell, Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce, President of the Methodist Church Rev Dr Thomas McKnight, and President of the Irish Council of Churches Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Rev Victor Stacey, former Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, dies aged 76

The former Dean of St Patrick ’ s Cathedral in Dublin Rev Victor Stacey ( 76 ) died on Wednesday following lengthy chronic illness at Brabazon House , nursing home in Sandymount , Dublin .
Dean at St Patrick ’ s from 2012 to 2016 he had previously served as rector at Christ Church Dun Laoghaire for 17 years and Santry with Glasnevin for eight years .
From Bunclody , Co Wexford , he was son of the late George and Nora .
Born in 1944 , he was educated at Kilkenny College , the National University of Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Belfast .
He was ordained a priest in 1973 and he served curacies in Derriaghy and Knock .
In 1979 , he became rector of Ballymacarrett , near Belfast in Co Down moving to Glasnevin in 1986 and Dun Laoghaire in 1995 where he remained until his election as Dean of St Patrick ’ s in 2012 .
Paying tribute to him Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said the late Dean would be remembered “ for his careful custodianship of the Cathedral in both its civic and liturgical life and in welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also remember with great affection , his gentle manner and his instinct for friendship .
In recent times he has borne chronic ailment with great dignity.
” He noted also how ; “ Victor served the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough both pastorally and as Provincial and Diocesan Registrar prior to his election as Dean of St Patrick ’ s Cathedral.
” Survived by his sister Joy , brothers–in–law , nephews , nieces , godchildren and friends his funeral service on Saturday will be private due to pandemic restrictions .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , January 2nd .
A memorial service will take place at a later date .

The former Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin Rev Victor Stacey (76) died on Wednesday following lengthy chronic illness at Brabazon House, nursing home in Sandymount, Dublin. Dean at St Patrick's from 2012 to 2016 he had previously served as rector at Christ Church Dun Laoghaire for 17 years and Santry with Glasnevin for eight years.
From Bunclody, Co Wexford, he was son of the late George and Nora. Born in 1944, he was educated at Kilkenny College, the National University of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast. He was ordained a priest in 1973 and he served curacies in Derriaghy and Knock.
In 1979, he became rector of Ballymacarrett, near Belfast in Co Down moving to Glasnevin in 1986 and Dun Laoghaire in 1995 where he remained until his election as Dean of St Patrick's in 2012.
Paying tribute to him Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said the late Dean would be remembered "for his careful custodianship of the Cathedral in both its civic and liturgical life and in welcoming visitor and pilgrim alike. Many will also remember with great affection, his gentle manner and his instinct for friendship. In recent times he has borne chronic ailment with great dignity."
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He noted also how; "Victor served the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough both pastorally and as Provincial and Diocesan Registrar prior to his election as Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral."
Survived by his sister Joy, brothers–in–law, nephews, nieces, godchildren and friends his funeral service on Saturday will be private due to pandemic restrictions. It will be livestreamed at vimeo.com at 4pm on Saturday, January 2nd. A memorial service will take place at a later date.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--JP McManus’s daughter-in-law dies suddenly aged 40

The families of former Irish tennis star and retired businessman Peter Ledbetter , and horse racing magnate JP McManus , have been rocked by the sudden death of Mr Ledbetter ’ s daughter Emma , who was married to Mr McManus ’ s son , John McManus .
Ms McManus ( 40 ) died on Wednesday morning after falling ill at a private villa on the grounds of the luxury Sandy Lane resort , Barbados , purchased in the late 1990s by JP McManus , financier Dermot Desmond , and horse breeder John Magnier .
Members of the McManus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caribbean island to celebrate Christmas and New Year ’ s Eve together , in what has been a long-standing family tradition .
Informed sources said Ms McManus , originally from Blackrock , Co Dublin , awoke in her room in the early hours of Wednesday and complained of “ feeling unwell ” .
Sources said Ms McManus was brought to a local medical centre where she was pronounced dead a short time later .
A Royal Barbados Police spokesman said they had ruled out foul play and were treating it as a sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carried out on Ms McManus ’ s body to help find a cause of death , which will ultimately determine the police investigation .
A police spokesman said that it was expected that “ after the post mortem the investigation will be finished ” .
He explained that local autopsies can take “ up to a week ” , however this would be “ up to the pathologist and the coroner ” .
Sources described Emma and John as “ a very private couple ” who have three children under the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luxury property in Chelsea , London .
“ It ’ s terrible , as far as is known Emma had no serious health issues .
No one knows what exactly caused her death , there was no warning .
Everyone is obviously devastated , it ’ s massively shocking , ” one source said .
“ Emma was a vibrant , outgoing person and she was very well liked by everyone ; despite their obvious wealth they are two of the most down to earth people you could meet.
” The source added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for John and the children , what ’ s happened is every family ’ s worst nightmare .
John is a really compassionate guy , our hearts go out to him.
” Ms McManus is a graduate of Trinity College , Dublin , while her husband John , a former student at private school Glenstal Abbey private school , Murroe , Co Limerick , has built a successful career trading in antiques , sculpture and art .
The couple , who were childhood sweethearts , wed in Portugal in October , 2010 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businessman and philanthropist , reportedly pulled all nine of his horses who were due to race on Thursday in light of the bereavement .
Ms McManus ’ s father Peter Ledbetter , a graduate of TCD , UCD , and Harvard Business School , Boston , Massachusetts , represented Ireland at tennis , and helped build up the late Tony Ryan ’ s commercial aircraft sales and leasing company Guinness Peat Aviation in the 1970s .
It ’ s understood Emma , John and their three children were in Limerick to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JP McManus has been a long-term sponsor , win their second All Ireland hurling championship in three years , on December 13th , before they flew out to Barbados with family .
Informed sources said the two families were seeking advice on how best to proceed with funeral arrangements , in light of public health guidelines around the coronavirus pandemic and international travel .

Emma McManus, daughter-in-law of JP McManus who died on Wednesday morning after falling ill in Barbados. Photograph supplied by family.
The families of former Irish tennis star and retired businessman Peter Ledbetter, and horse racing magnate JP McManus, have been rocked by the sudden death of Mr Ledbetter's daughter Emma, who was married to Mr McManus's son, John McManus.
Ms McManus (40) died on Wednesday morning after falling ill at a private villa on the grounds of the luxury Sandy Lane resort, Barbados, purchased in the late 1990s by JP McManus, financier Dermot Desmond, and horse breeder John Magnier.
Members of the McManus and Ledbetter families had flown to the eastern Caribbean island to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve together, in what has been a long-standing family tradition.
Members of the McManus and Ledbetter families had flown to the eastern Caribbean island to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve together, in what has been a long-standing family tradition. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimmons
Informed sources said Ms McManus, originally from Blackrock, Co Dublin, awoke in her room in the early hours of Wednesday and complained of “feeling unwell”.
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Sources said Ms McManus was brought to a local medical centre where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
A Royal Barbados Police spokesman said they had ruled out foul play and were treating it as a sudden death.
A post mortem is to be carried out on Ms McManus’s body to help find a cause of death, which will ultimately determine the police investigation.
A police spokesman said that it was expected that “after the post mortem the investigation will be finished”.
He explained that local autopsies can take “up to a week”, however this would be “up to the pathologist and the coroner”.
‘Massively shocking’
Sources described Emma and John as "a very private couple" who have three children under the age of nine, and reside at a luxury property in Chelsea, London.
“It’s terrible, as far as is known Emma had no serious health issues. No one knows what exactly caused her death, there was no warning. Everyone is obviously devastated, it’s massively shocking,” one source said.
“Emma was a vibrant, outgoing person and she was very well liked by everyone; despite their obvious wealth they are two of the most down to earth people you could meet.”
The source added: “We’re especially heartbroken for John and the children, what’s happened is every family’s worst nightmare. John is a really compassionate guy, our hearts go out to him.”
Ms McManus is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, while her husband John, a former student at private school Glenstal Abbey private school, Murroe, Co Limerick, has built a successful career trading in antiques, sculpture and art.
The couple, who were childhood sweethearts, wed in Portugal in October, 2010.
JP McManus, a billionaire horse owner, businessman and philanthropist, reportedly pulled all nine of his horses who were due to race on Thursday in light of the bereavement.
Ms McManus's father Peter Ledbetter, a graduate of TCD, UCD, and Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, represented Ireland at tennis, and helped build up the late Tony Ryan's commercial aircraft sales and leasing company Guinness Peat Aviation in the 1970s.
It’s understood Emma, John and their three children were in Limerick to watch the Shannonside hurling team, of which JP McManus has been a long-term sponsor, win their second All Ireland hurling championship in three years, on December 13th, before they flew out to Barbados with family.
Informed sources said the two families were seeking advice on how best to proceed with funeral arrangements, in light of public health guidelines around the coronavirus pandemic and international travel.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Brexit: What you need to know about what changes from January 1st

What happens on January 1st ?
Well to be exact , at 11pm on December 31st – midnight Central European Time – the UK leaves the transition period it entered after its departure from the EU last January .
This cuts its ties with the EU and means it leaves the single market and customs union , the arrangements which allow goods , money , people and services to flow freely across the bloc ’ s borders .
It is a fundamental change , ending 28 years of membership of the EU single market and coming 48 years after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s exit from the EU – already happened at the end of January this year .
But in terms of the practicalities which affect businesses and consumers not much changed then , as the transition period came in to allow a deal on the future relationship between the two sides to be negotiated .
This deal was agreed – just in time – ahead of the deadline of the end of the transition period .
What does the deal mean ?
The EU and UK did a “ trade and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – so there is a deal on how a lot of things will work and a framework to go forward .
As part of this , no damaging tariffs , or import duties , will generally apply on trade .
But a lot is still going to change .
Irish companies trading with Britain will have to meet customs rules , fill out documentation and notifications , ensure VAT is paid properly and meet rules for product standards .
Particular complexities apply to trade in food and animals to safeguard consumers – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products originate and how they are regulated .
What does all this mean for Irish businesses ?
It means additional costs for importers and exporters , though it won ’ t have the kind of big and immediate impact a no-deal exit would have meant .
The UK market could become tougher in the years ahead for Irish companies – for example , beef producers could face new competition from lower-cost producers from outside the EU in the UK market .
Will there be delays getting goods around ?
There could be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some companies will have stockpiled goods .
But there could be delays in goods moving between Ireland and Britain as new customs rules bed in – and in the longer term it may all just take a bit longer .
And goods travelling between Ireland and continental EU markets could face delays on the landbridge through Britain as new controls come in at French ports .
We already saw delays before Christmas as the French closed off entry from the UK due to the new Covid strain .
The EU is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Britain immediately , while the UK has said it will phase in controls on goods entering from the EU over six months .
And there are special plans for Northern Ireland ?
Yes .
Goods will be able to flow freely to and from the Republic and on to the EU as Northern Ireland remains aligned with certain EU rules .
However , there will be new checks on goods crossing from Britain to the North .
There are some phase-in arrangements here too .
What about prices in the shops ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be tariffs , which would have added to prices , notably to those of groceries and supermarket goods .
The bad news is that customs and other bureaucracy are a cost to businesses and some of this will likely be passed on to consumers .
An ESRI report calculated that this could add up to €890 a year to average Irish shopping costs due to higher prices on UK imports .
This was on the assumption that the full cost was passed on and that consumers did not substitute the imports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen to an extent .
Even without tariffs there are big extra costs for businesses and somewhere consumers are likely to pay .
Yes it is – at least in airports when coming from Britain and when making similar journeys on ferries , subject to limits .
However , it will not apply to people travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic , as under the special arrangements for it the North will continue to follow enough EU rules to avoid a trade border on the island .
Consumers have been warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods bought online from the UK and charges will be levied by many UK online companies for returns , which are currently generally free .
VAT will also be payable as goods are imported into the Republic , which will generally be part of the price of purchase .
In some cases retailers may add charges to account for the cost of meeting customs requirements .
However , import duties will not be payable , as would have been the case had the UK exited the EU trading regime without a deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of smaller ones may emerge – but the State ’ s membership of the Common Travel Area with the UK and deals attached to this will avoid many which will apply between the UK and the rest of the EU .
Irish drivers in the UK will be able to travel with their Irish insurance discs , for example .
And the often complex rules which will now apply between the UK and other EU countries on everything from business trips to recognising professional qualifications will not be a problem between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are wrinkles – people driving in the Republic on a UK licence need to change it for an Irish one , for example .
So the Common Travel Area is protecting us from wider changes ?
Yes .
From July 1st EU citizens – except for Irish ones – will not have the right to live and work in the UK .
Citizens of Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy the right to live and work across the EU if they have an Irish passport .
What about the level playing field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the talks ?
A deal here was sorted , to meet the EU demand that UK companies could not get a competitive advantage by having regulations significantly lower than those applying in the EU , or getting aid from the UK government .
Britain does not have to follow changes in EU standards , but there is a complex mechanism where either side can object if it feels the other is gaining an unfair advantage .
To what extent this will be used remains to be seen .
The Irish fleet will lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty as the deal on fisheries comes up for review after a 5½-year phase-in period .
The Government has promised compensation .
What does it mean for services like banking , aviation and so on ?
The deal had a lot less on these that it did on goods trade .
UK banks will find it harder to operate in EU markets .
There is a special deal on aviation , including new ownership rules , and the likelihood of a data exchange deal in the short term .
Rules for hauliers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU single market is and the complexity of leaving it .
Well , kind of .
But the new future relationship deal involves a host of new committees and procedures , a range of dispute resolution processes , and , wait for it , the option to review the whole deal in 2024 .
The deal is done , but Brexit will always be with us .

What happens on January 1st?
Well to be exact, at 11pm on December 31st – midnight Central European Time – the UK leaves the transition period it entered after its departure from the EU last January. This cuts its ties with the EU and means it leaves the single market and customs union, the arrangements which allow goods, money, people and services to flow freely across the bloc’s borders. It is a fundamental change, ending 28 years of membership of the EU single market and coming 48 years after the UK joined the EU.
Brexit – the UK's exit from the EU – already happened at the end of January this year. But in terms of the practicalities which affect businesses and consumers not much changed then, as the transition period came in to allow a deal on the future relationship between the two sides to be negotiated. This deal was agreed – just in time – ahead of the deadline of the end of the transition period.
What does the deal mean?
The EU and UK did a “trade and co-operation agreement” on their future relationship – so there is a deal on how a lot of things will work and a framework to go forward. As part of this, no damaging tariffs, or import duties, will generally apply on trade. But a lot is still going to change. Irish companies trading with Britain will have to meet customs rules, fill out documentation and notifications, ensure VAT is paid properly and meet rules for product standards. Particular complexities apply to trade in food and animals to safeguard consumers – and in some industries to rules on where products originate and how they are regulated.
What does all this mean for Irish businesses?
It means additional costs for importers and exporters, though it won’t have the kind of big and immediate impact a no-deal exit would have meant. The UK market could become tougher in the years ahead for Irish companies – for example, beef producers could face new competition from lower-cost producers from outside the EU in the UK market.
READ MORE
Will there be delays getting goods around?
There could be. Early January is often quiet for trade and some companies will have stockpiled goods. But there could be delays in goods moving between Ireland and Britain as new customs rules bed in – and in the longer term it may all just take a bit longer. And goods travelling between Ireland and continental EU markets could face delays on the landbridge through Britain as new controls come in at French ports. We already saw delays before Christmas as the French closed off entry from the UK due to the new Covid strain. The EU is to introduce new border controls on goods entering from Britain immediately, while the UK has said it will phase in controls on goods entering from the EU over six months.
And there are special plans for Northern Ireland?
Yes. Goods will be able to flow freely to and from the Republic and on to the EU as Northern Ireland remains aligned with certain EU rules. However, there will be new checks on goods crossing from Britain to the North. There are some phase-in arrangements here too.
What about prices in the shops?
The good news is that there won’t be tariffs, which would have added to prices, notably to those of groceries and supermarket goods. The bad news is that customs and other bureaucracy are a cost to businesses and some of this will likely be passed on to consumers. An ESRI report calculated that this could add up to €890 a year to average Irish shopping costs due to higher prices on UK imports. This was on the assumption that the full cost was passed on and that consumers did not substitute the imports with cheaper goods – both likely to happen to an extent. Even without tariffs there are big extra costs for businesses and somewhere consumers are likely to pay.
But duty free is back?
Yes it is – at least in airports when coming from Britain and when making similar journeys on ferries, subject to limits. However, it will not apply to people travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic, as under the special arrangements for it the North will continue to follow enough EU rules to avoid a trade border on the island.
And online shopping?
Consumers have been warned that they will lose EU consumer rights on goods bought online from the UK and charges will be levied by many UK online companies for returns, which are currently generally free. VAT will also be payable as goods are imported into the Republic, which will generally be part of the price of purchase. In some cases retailers may add charges to account for the cost of meeting customs requirements. However, import duties will not be payable, as would have been the case had the UK exited the EU trading regime without a deal.
Are there other consumer issues?
A lot of smaller ones may emerge – but the State’s membership of the Common Travel Area with the UK and deals attached to this will avoid many which will apply between the UK and the rest of the EU. Irish drivers in the UK will be able to travel with their Irish insurance discs, for example. And the often complex rules which will now apply between the UK and other EU countries on everything from business trips to recognising professional qualifications will not be a problem between the UK and the State. However, there are wrinkles – people driving in the Republic on a UK licence need to change it for an Irish one, for example.
So the Common Travel Area is protecting us from wider changes?
Yes. From July 1st EU citizens – except for Irish ones – will not have the right to live and work in the UK. Citizens of Northern Ireland can continue to enjoy the right to live and work across the EU if they have an Irish passport.
What about the level playing field we were hearing so much about during the talks?
A deal here was sorted, to meet the EU demand that UK companies could not get a competitive advantage by having regulations significantly lower than those applying in the EU, or getting aid from the UK government. Britain does not have to follow changes in EU standards, but there is a complex mechanism where either side can object if it feels the other is gaining an unfair advantage. To what extent this will be used remains to be seen.
And fish?
The Irish fleet will lose some access to UK waters and faces uncertainty as the deal on fisheries comes up for review after a 5½-year phase-in period. The Government has promised compensation.
What does it mean for services like banking, aviation and so on?
The deal had a lot less on these that it did on goods trade. UK banks will find it harder to operate in EU markets. There is a special deal on aviation, including new ownership rules, and the likelihood of a data exchange deal in the short term. Rules for hauliers will change. It all shows how complex the EU single market is and the complexity of leaving it.
So it’s over?
Well, kind of. But the new future relationship deal involves a host of new committees and procedures, a range of dispute resolution processes, and, wait for it, the option to review the whole deal in 2024. The deal is done, but Brexit will always be with us.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Creches, childcare facilities having to open this week ‘beggars belief’, sector says

The decision to reopen crèches and childcare facilities next week despite keeping schools shut “ beggars belief ” and has “ no rationale ” , representatives from the sector have said .
On Wednesday , Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced primary and secondary schools would remain closed until January 11th , having been expected to reopen on January 4th or 6th , depending on the school .
The decision to delay reopening was made at a hastily convened Cabinet meeting on Wednesday following an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 , the highest number of hospitalisations since May and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in the past week .
However , the delayed reopening does not apply to early years facilities such as crèches and childcare premises – a move which has been criticised by those in the sector .
Minister for Children Roderic O ’ Gorman had a meeting with representative bodies on Thursday afternoon to discuss the issue .
Teresa Heeney , chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland , the leading organisation in the early years sector , said the meeting resulted in a “ unanimous call ” from all groups to understand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called for the decision to be reversed , and to allow crèches and childcare facilities to remain closed until January 11th , like schools .
“ This sector has been following the exact same trajectory , the same conditions , the same public health advice since Covid .
We ’ ve followed very , very strict public health guidelines , and to change that journey is bizarre , ” Ms Heeney said .
“ If it has been deemed necessary for schools to have 10 days to reopen safely , how can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school age services ?
Early Childhood Ireland is asking why the same decision has not been made for those who work in early years and childcare settings.
” Ms Heeney said Minister O ’ Gorman confirmed that if a different decision is taken on January 11th in relation to the reopening of schools , early years services would follow that same decision .
The representatives said they are expecting a communication from the department later on Thursday .
Earlier , the Siptu trade union , which also met with the Minister , called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An online petition calling on the Minister to push back the reopening date for the early years sector had more than 8,000 signatures by lunch time on Thursday .
Siptu head of organising Darragh O ’ Connor said Mr Martin told the nation that the reopening of primary and secondary schools will be delayed to allow families to minimise their contacts and allow schools implement new Covid-19 protective measures .
“ The reality is that early years educators and parents face the exact same challenges .
However as it stands the early years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 4th.
” He added : “ Siptu is demanding that the start date is pushed back to coincide with the reopening of schools and that equal treatment for early years educators is applied to ensure the same protections can be implemented and people are kept safe.
” Early years educator and Siptu member Clare Casey said people working in the sector “ should be treated with the same respect shown to other educators ” .
“ As an educator , I experience the same fears around contracting Covid-19 as my colleagues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I work in a creche doesn ’ t mean I am immune to catching this deadly virus.
” A spokeswoman for the Department of Children confirmed Minister O ’ Gorman met with representatives from the sector to discuss this matter .
“ The Minister has committed to consider their concerns and will update early learning and childcare providers and parents after further consultation , ” she said .

After a meeting with the department on Friday early-learning representatives said the closure will also be extended to early childhood education and care facilities. File photograph: Getty
Closure of the pre-school programme will be extended until January 11th in line with primary and secondary schools.
This latest move comes in an attempt to reduce the spread of coronavirus, according to the Department of Children.
On Wednesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that primary and secondary schools would remain closed until January 11th. They had been scheduled to reopen on January 4th or 6th, depending on the school.
The decision to delay reopening was made at a hastily convened Cabinet meeting on Wednesday following an increase in Covid-19 infections. It was the highest number of hospitalisations since May and there has been a massive rise in referrals of suspected cases in the past week.
READ MORE
However, the delayed reopening did not apply to early-years facilities such as creches and childcare premises – a move criticised by those in the sector who said their exclusion from the new public health rules had “no rationale”.
Following a meeting with the department on Friday representatives from the sector said this closure will also be extended to early childhood education and care facilities.
The department said representatives from the advisory group shared their concerns about full resumption of early learning and childcare from the beginning of January.
“While accepting the need to maintain early learning and childcare for priority groups, the advisory group asked that the pre-school programme [Early Childhood Care and Education] would be aligned with the reopening of schools on 11 January,” it noted.
The department also said its Minister, Roderic O’Gorman, has agreed with Cabinet colleagues that the pre-school programme can resume on January 11th.
“By postponing the return of these children to the pre-school programme, social mixing will be reduced, which will help to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the post-Christmas period,” it said.
“The pre-school programme will now resume on January 11th, in line with the reopening of schools. The Department of Children . . . will provide funding to providers for the pre-school programme for the week of 4 to 8 January.”
However the department said that under Level 5, early learning and childcare services that provide services other than, or in addition to, the pre-school programme can continue to operate.
“These services provide an essential service which supports parents to go to work. The Minister is asking these services, which are private businesses, to reopen as planned from January 4th to provide childcare, particularly to priority groups,” it said
“The department will provide guidance to services on how to prioritise demand for places in their services, if they are short staffed and unable to reopen with a full staff complement for the week of 4 to 8 January.”
Previously, Early Childhood Ireland and trade union Siptu criticised the Government's decision not to compel the early-years sector to abide by the same public health rules as schools.
Chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland Teresa Heeney said it "beggars belief" that early years were not included in the announcement, and that the decisions had "no rationale".
An online petition calling on the Minister to push back reopening for the early-years sector had more than 10,000 signatures by Friday afternoon.
Siptu head of organising Darragh O'Connor said the union is demanding "equal treatment" for early-years educators and to ensure "the same protections can be implemented" to keep those workers safe.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Covid-19: ‘Alarming escalation’ in spread of virus as 1,620 new cases and 12 more deaths reported

A further 1,620 cases of coronavirus and 12 more deaths were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Thursday .
There have now been 91,772 cases of coronavirus reported in the Republic since the start of the pandemic last March , and 2,237 deaths .
Of the cases notified today , 794 are men and 819 are women , 65 per cent are under 45 years of age wih the median age 34 years .
A total of 498 were in Dublin , 203 in Limerick , 89 in Galway , 73 in Cork , 67 in Mayo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across all other counties .
As of 2pm today , 490 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised , of which 42 are in ICU , with 58 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours , Nphet said .
Q & A : Everything you need to know about the third lockdown Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the “ alarming escalation in the incidence of the virus in the general population gives great cause for concern .
“ This disease is now widespread in our communities and as a result we are asking everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact , ” he added .
“ To support the testing system through this surge , we are no longer advising close contacts of confirmed cases to get tested .
Testing and tracing is an exercise in containment and we are no longer in a containment phase .
However , it is imperative that if you are a close contact of a confirmed case you restrict your movements and contact your GP immediately if you develop symptoms.
” The number of positive cases of Covid-19 is under-reported by an estimated 4,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results on the system over the Christmas period , a senior public health official has said .
Professor Philip Nolan , chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said the epidemiological situation has deteriorated rapidly over the past week , and that we are “ clearly in the midst of the third wave ” .
He said the reproductive number is at least 1.6 to 1.8 , and the daily growth rate is estimated at 7 to 10 per cent , giving a doubling time of seven to 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of positive cases is higher than has been reported , due to a lag between a test coming back positive and being reported in the system .
He said this situation arose because “ very few people ” presented for tests on Christmas , Eve , Christmas Day and St Stephen ’ s Day .
However , immediately after Chrsistmas , there were very large numbers testing .
“ We know of additional positive tests that have yet to be reported on the system in recent days , ” he told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t designed to report 2,000 , 3,000 or 4,000 tests per day , ” he said .
Prof Nolan said that this lag “ in no way interferes ” with identifying cases , but acknowledged the epidemiological situation is “ somewhat worse ” than has been reported .
Dr Holohan said the average number of contacts per case had risen from 2.5 in November to an average in recent days of 6.3 .
“ This is very far from where we need to be and I am appealing to everyone at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions that the Government has introduced – stay at home , except for essential reasons , other than for exercise up to 5km.
” Prof Nolan said : “ The epidemiological situation is very serious and the virus is spreading rapidly amongst all age groups , increasing the risk to those most vulnerable to severe infection , such as the medically vulnerable and people over 60 years of age .
The reproduction number is at least 1.6-1.8 .
The daily growth rate is estimated now at 7 per cernt -10 per cent giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less .
“ We project significant further increase in cases and hospitalisations in the coming days before public health measures take effect and are likely to see over 700-1000 people in hospital with Covid-19 early in the New Year .
“ While it is difficult to face into further restrictions , it is vital that everyone plays their part by following the public health advice to protect those most vulnerable in the population.
” Eleven new deaths and 1,929 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the past 24 hours in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
Ireland began a full Level 5 lockdown at midnight with non-essential retail , gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools closing from close of business on Thursday .
The announcement of the third lockdown by Mr Martin came after rapid spread of the disease over the Christmas period .
“ The numbers will deteriorate further over the coming days , ” Mr Martin said in a televised address to the nation at 6pm on Wednesday .
“ With the disease spreading much faster , the threat of our health system being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and death among our vulnerable and older populations is obvious , ” he added .
“ The truth is , that with the presence of the new strain and the pace of growth , this is not a time for nuance in our response .
We must apply the brakes to movement and physical interaction across the country.
” He said the next month “ as we face into these strictest controls in the depth of winter , is going to be very tough for everyone.
” However he said there was light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a year of the “ most extraordinary effort by the most talented scientific minds on earth , we have safe and effective vaccines.
” Meanwhile on Wednesday , Minsiter for Health Stephen Donnelly tweeted that the HSE plans to administer 20,000 vaccines in Ireland next week .
The HSE confirmed that this round of inoculations will include nursing homes and healthcare workers .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced the return of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions for "at least one month", warning that measures to combat the spread of coronavirus are likely to continue after January 31st. Video: AFP
A further 1,620 cases of coronavirus and 12 more deaths were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Thursday.
There have now been 91,772 cases of coronavirus reported in the Republic since the start of the pandemic last March, and 2,237 deaths.
Of the cases notified today, 794 are men and 819 are women, 65 per cent are under 45 years of age wih the median age 34 years. A total of 498 were in Dublin, 203 in Limerick, 89 in Galway, 73 in Cork, 67 in Mayo and the remaining 690 cases are spread across all other counties.
Hospital Report
HSE has just confirmed to me that the plan for next week is now to vaccinate 20,000 people. This includes nursing homes & healthcare workers in all 7 hospital groups.
This week's schedule includes vaccinations right through the weekend.
Huge credit to all involved pic.twitter.com/rBfJ7AkD1C — Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 31, 2020
As of 2pm today, 490 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 42 are in ICU, with 58 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours, Nphet said.
READ MORE
[ Q&A: Everything you need to know about the third lockdown ]
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the "alarming escalation in the incidence of the virus in the general population gives great cause for concern.
“This disease is now widespread in our communities and as a result we are asking everyone to behave as if they are a close contact,” he added.
“To support the testing system through this surge, we are no longer advising close contacts of confirmed cases to get tested. Testing and tracing is an exercise in containment and we are no longer in a containment phase. However, it is imperative that if you are a close contact of a confirmed case you restrict your movements and contact your GP immediately if you develop symptoms.”
The number of positive cases is higher than has been reported, due to a lag between a test coming back positive and being reported in the system. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Under-reported cases
The number of positive cases of Covid-19 is under-reported by an estimated 4,000, due to delays in recording positive test results on the system over the Christmas period, a senior public health official has said.
Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the epidemiological situation has deteriorated rapidly over the past week, and that we are “clearly in the midst of the third wave”.
He said the reproductive number is at least 1.6 to 1.8, and the daily growth rate is estimated at 7 to 10 per cent, giving a doubling time of seven to 10 days.
However, Prof Nolan said the number of positive cases is higher than has been reported, due to a lag between a test coming back positive and being reported in the system.
He said this situation arose because “very few people” presented for tests on Christmas, Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. However, immediately after Chrsistmas, there were very large numbers testing.
“We know of additional positive tests that have yet to be reported on the system in recent days,” he told the Nphet briefing on Thursday. This system wasn’t designed to report 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 tests per day,” he said.
Prof Nolan said that this lag “in no way interferes” with identifying cases, but acknowledged the epidemiological situation is “somewhat worse” than has been reported.
Rise in contacts
Dr Holohan said the average number of contacts per case had risen from 2.5 in November to an average in recent days of 6.3. “This is very far from where we need to be and I am appealing to everyone at every age to adhere to the mandated restrictions that the Government has introduced – stay at home, except for essential reasons, other than for exercise up to 5km.”
Prof Nolan said: “The epidemiological situation is very serious and the virus is spreading rapidly amongst all age groups, increasing the risk to those most vulnerable to severe infection, such as the medically vulnerable and people over 60 years of age. The reproduction number is at least 1.6-1.8. The daily growth rate is estimated now at 7 per cernt -10 per cent giving a doubling time of 7-10 days or less.
“We project significant further increase in cases and hospitalisations in the coming days before public health measures take effect and are likely to see over 700-1000 people in hospital with Covid-19 early in the New Year.
“While it is difficult to face into further restrictions, it is vital that everyone plays their part by following the public health advice to protect those most vulnerable in the population.”
Eleven new deaths and 1,929 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in the past 24 hours in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Health there.
Ireland began a full Level 5 lockdown at midnight with non-essential retail, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools closing from close of business on Thursday.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin arriving to address the nation at Government Buildings, Dublin on Wednesday. Photograph: Julien Behal Photography/Handout
Third lockdown
The announcement of the third lockdown by Mr Martin came after rapid spread of the disease over the Christmas period.
“The numbers will deteriorate further over the coming days,” Mr Martin said in a televised address to the nation at 6pm on Wednesday.
“With the disease spreading much faster, the threat of our health system being overwhelmed and the risk of increased sickness and death among our vulnerable and older populations is obvious,” he added.
“The truth is, that with the presence of the new strain and the pace of growth, this is not a time for nuance in our response. We must apply the brakes to movement and physical interaction across the country.”
He said the next month “as we face into these strictest controls in the depth of winter, is going to be very tough for everyone.”
However he said there was light at the end of the tunnel, after a year of the “most extraordinary effort by the most talented scientific minds on earth, we have safe and effective vaccines.”
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Minsiter for Health Stephen Donnelly tweeted that the HSE plans to administer 20,000 vaccines in Ireland next week. The HSE confirmed that this round of inoculations will include nursing homes and healthcare workers.


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Coronavirus: Eleven deaths and 1,929 new cases reported in North

Eleven new deaths and 1,929 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the past 24 hours in Northern Ireland , according to the North ’ s Department of Health .
Hospital bed occupancy is running at 467 , with 34 in an intensive care unit and 27 on a ventilator .
Overall bed occupancy , including non-Covid patients , is at 100 per cent , with only six unoccupied .
A total of 107 care home Covid outbreaks are being addressed .
It comes as schools in Northern Ireland will deliver remote learning in the first week of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was delayed due to spiralling Covid-19 infection rates .
The announcement by the North ’ s Education Minister Peter Weir will affect both primary and secondary schools .
For secondary school Years 8 to 11 , remote learning will continue throughout January .
Schools will open next week to accommodate vulnerable children and those of key workers .
Childcare settings , including those attached to schools , pre-school facilities , nurseries and special schools , will also open as usual next week .
Mr Weir had been facing mounting pressure to delay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the worsening infection rates in Northern Ireland .
On Wednesday , the region reported a record 2,143 cases in a 24-hour period .
Prior to Mr Weir ’ s announcement , the Stormont Assembly had already been recalled for a hearing on Thursday to discuss school reopening issue .
Mr Weir said exams due in January would take place compliant with public health advice .
He said schools would have flexibility to deliver face-to-face learning for pupils due to sit those exams if they wished .
“ The Department of Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Authority and the Public Health Agency have worked closely throughout the pandemic to maintain the education of children , to reduce the risk of outbreaks and to respond when these occur , ” he said .
“ This work has continued in recent weeks and the proposed way forward has been informed by the evidence and the advice provided .
“ The common aim has been to keep schools safe , prioritise children ’ s education and ensure any impact on overall transmission is as low as possible , while accepting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr Weir continued : “ While previous arrangements have been informed by the advice of the Department of Health , unfortunately the deteriorating nature of the epidemic and the risks to public health has necessitated more substantial changes .
“ Therefore , having considered the advice from the chief medical officer ( Dr Michael McBride ) and the chief scientific adviser ( Professor Ian Young ) , and following discussions with them , I have decided that all primary and post-primary pupils will be taught remotely for the first week of term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , remain open .
“ All schools must provide supervised learning for vulnerable children and key workers ’ children .
“ I must stress that these decisions are not made lightly as I know the negative impact on children ’ s learning and mental health and wellbeing of not being in school .
“ However , particularly after unprecedented levels of positive Covid-19 tests since Christmas , and the pressure this applies to our health service , it is critical that we all must consider the public health and scientific advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead.
” – PA

Prior to Peter Weir’s announcement, the Stormont Assembly had already been recalled for a hearing on Thursday to discuss school reopening issue. Photograph: iStock
Eleven new deaths and 1,929 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the past 24 hours in Northern Ireland, according to the North's Department of Health.
Hospital bed occupancy is running at 467, with 34 in an intensive care unit and 27 on a ventilator.
Overall bed occupancy, including non-Covid patients, is at 100 per cent, with only six unoccupied.
A total of 107 care home Covid outbreaks are being addressed.
READ MORE
It comes as schools in Northern Ireland will deliver remote learning in the first week of the new term after a return to classrooms was delayed due to spiralling Covid-19 infection rates.
The announcement by the North's Education Minister Peter Weir will affect both primary and secondary schools.
For secondary school Years 8 to 11, remote learning will continue throughout January.
Schools will open next week to accommodate vulnerable children and those of key workers.
Childcare settings, including those attached to schools, pre-school facilities, nurseries and special schools, will also open as usual next week.
Mr Weir had been facing mounting pressure to delay the return to school after the Christmas holidays due to the worsening infection rates in Northern Ireland.
On Wednesday, the region reported a record 2,143 cases in a 24-hour period.
Prior to Mr Weir's announcement, the Stormont Assembly had already been recalled for a hearing on Thursday to discuss school reopening issue.
Mr Weir said exams due in January would take place compliant with public health advice.
He said schools would have flexibility to deliver face-to-face learning for pupils due to sit those exams if they wished.
"The Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency have worked closely throughout the pandemic to maintain the education of children, to reduce the risk of outbreaks and to respond when these occur," he said.
“This work has continued in recent weeks and the proposed way forward has been informed by the evidence and the advice provided.
“The common aim has been to keep schools safe, prioritise children’s education and ensure any impact on overall transmission is as low as possible, while accepting that schools reopening as normal is not sustainable.”
Mr Weir continued: “While previous arrangements have been informed by the advice of the Department of Health, unfortunately the deteriorating nature of the epidemic and the risks to public health has necessitated more substantial changes.
“Therefore, having considered the advice from the chief medical officer (Dr Michael McBride) and the chief scientific adviser (Professor Ian Young), and following discussions with them, I have decided that all primary and post-primary pupils will be taught remotely for the first week of term. Special schools and childcare provision will, however, remain open.
“All schools must provide supervised learning for vulnerable children and key workers’ children.
“I must stress that these decisions are not made lightly as I know the negative impact on children’s learning and mental health and wellbeing of not being in school.
“However, particularly after unprecedented levels of positive Covid-19 tests since Christmas, and the pressure this applies to our health service, it is critical that we all must consider the public health and scientific advice as we look forward to brighter days ahead.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-12-31--Testing of close contacts ceases as Covid cases under-reported by 4,000

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in recent days is under-reported by an estimated 4,000 , due to delays in recording positive test results on the system over the Christmas period , a senior health official has said .
Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said the epidemiological situation has deteriorated rapidly over the past week , and that we are “ clearly in the midst of the third wave ” .
He said the reproductive number is at least 1.6 to 1.8 , and the daily growth rate is estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving a doubling time of seven to 10 days or less .
There were 1,620 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic reported on Thursday .
Q & A : Everything you need to know about the third lockdown However , Prof Nolan said the true number of positive cases is higher than has been reported , due to a lag between a test coming back positive and being reported in the system .
He said this situation arose because “ very few people ” presented for tests on Christmas Eve , Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , immediately after Christmas , there were very large numbers testing , creating an “ artificial surge ” in tests .
“ We know of additional positive tests that have yet to be reported on the system over the last few days .
On the 28th of December there were 2,000 positive tests and the 29th of December there was almost 3,000 .
Yesterday , the 30th December , there were 4,363 positive tests recorded , ” he told the Nphet briefing on Thursday evening .
“ Those Covid positive tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests have to be validated .
.
.
but many of them will turn into cases .
We estimate that there is somewhere in the region of 4,000 positive cases in the last two to three days which have yet to be formally confirmed .
They will be confirmed in the coming days.
” Prof Nolan said that this lag “ in no way interferes ” with identifying cases , but acknowledged the epidemiological situation is “ somewhat worse ” than has been reported .
“ This system wasn ’ t designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day .
We expect to see very high case counts and very high five-day moving averages over the coming week to 10 days , ” he added .
Meanwhile , Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has announced that close contacts of a confirmed case will no longer be tested due to increased demand on the testing and tracing service .
Close contacts will still be identified and requested to restrict their movements for 14 days .
“ It ’ s simply about the scale and the volume .
We are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply not possible for us to identify every single contact and test every single contact the way we were doing at lower levels of transmission , ” he said .
“ Just take the numbers that we have , if were identifying three , four , thousand cases through positive testing a day and each one of those is generating on average now 6.3 contacts .
That ’ s well over 20,000 tests a day being generated as a result of testing contacts.
” Dr Holohan acknowledged that this changes makes the accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge ” .
However , he said they think it is important to focus the testing capacity on individuals who are symptomatic , rather than contacts .
“ We are effectively asking the entire population to isolate themselves .
”

Prof Philip Nolan, cchair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group: ‘On the 28th of December there were 2,000 positive tests and the 29th of December there was almost 3,000.’ Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in recent days is under-reported by an estimated 4,000, due to delays in recording positive test results on the system over the Christmas period, a senior health official has said.
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the epidemiological situation has deteriorated rapidly over the past week, and that we are "clearly in the midst of the third wave".
He said the reproductive number is at least 1.6 to 1.8, and the daily growth rate is estimated at 7 to 10 per cent, giving a doubling time of seven to 10 days or less.
Hospital Report
There were 1,620 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic reported on Thursday.
READ MORE
[ Q&A: Everything you need to know about the third lockdown ]
However, Prof Nolan said the true number of positive cases is higher than has been reported, due to a lag between a test coming back positive and being reported in the system.
He said this situation arose because “very few people” presented for tests on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. However, immediately after Christmas, there were very large numbers testing, creating an “artificial surge” in tests.
“We know of additional positive tests that have yet to be reported on the system over the last few days. On the 28th of December there were 2,000 positive tests and the 29th of December there was almost 3,000. Yesterday, the 30th December, there were 4,363 positive tests recorded,” he told the Nphet briefing on Thursday evening.
“Those Covid positive tests are not necessarily cases. Those positive tests have to be validated . . . but many of them will turn into cases. We estimate that there is somewhere in the region of 4,000 positive cases in the last two to three days which have yet to be formally confirmed. They will be confirmed in the coming days.”
Prof Nolan said that this lag “in no way interferes” with identifying cases, but acknowledged the epidemiological situation is “somewhat worse” than has been reported.
“This system wasn’t designed to report 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 tests per day. We expect to see very high case counts and very high five-day moving averages over the coming week to 10 days,” he added.
Contacts
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has announced that close contacts of a confirmed case will no longer be tested due to increased demand on the testing and tracing service.
Close contacts will still be identified and requested to restrict their movements for 14 days.
“It’s simply about the scale and the volume. We are at a point now where it’s simply not possible for us to identify every single contact and test every single contact the way we were doing at lower levels of transmission,” he said.
“Just take the numbers that we have, if were identifying three, four, thousand cases through positive testing a day and each one of those is generating on average now 6.3 contacts. That’s well over 20,000 tests a day being generated as a result of testing contacts.”
Dr Holohan acknowledged that this changes makes the accuracy of the daily confirmed figures “a challenge”.
However, he said they think it is important to focus the testing capacity on individuals who are symptomatic, rather than contacts.
“We are effectively asking the entire population to isolate themselves.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-01--Almost 150 people killed on State’s roads during 2019

Almost 150 people died on the State ’ s roads in 2019 , according to provisional figures from the Road Safety Authority ( RSA ) .
The 148 road fatalities is a 4 per cent increase on the 142 deaths in 2018 , which was the lowest number since records began in 1959 .
Drivers comprised the highest number of road users who died last year , with 81 motorist deaths up until lunch time on December 31st , a 45 per cent increase on the 2018 figure .
The data also show that 27 pedestrians , 16 passengers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were also eight pedal cyclists who died in 2019 , down one from the nine cyclist deaths in the previous year .
The number of collisions also increased this year , with 137 collisions on Irish roads in 2019 , compared with 135 in 2018 .
The number of road deaths in the Republic has been consistently under 200 since 2010 , though there have been a few fluctuations in recent years .
Fatalities fell to 163 in 2012 and then increased again in 2013 and 2014 to 190 and 193 respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was followed in 2016 by an increase to 187 .
Minister for Transport Shane Ross expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those who had lost their lives in road fatalities in 2019 .
“ The only way to respond to these needless deaths and injuries on our roads is through action , not words .
While families and friends grieve the loss of their loved one , we must as a society all respond with deeds to prevent it happening to others , ” he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take “ greater responsibility for our actions when using the road ” .
“ We can do this by slowing down , not driving while impaired through drink , drugs or fatigue , by not driving while using a phone , by wearing a seatbelt and always sharing the road more carefully with pedestrians and cyclists , ” he added .
Liz O ’ Donnell , chairwoman of the RSA , said it is “ deeply saddening ” that road deaths had risen in 2019 .
“ We must respond to this increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous setbacks .
Rather than being disheartened , it should spur us and our road safety partners into renewed effort , ” she said .
Garda Assistant Commissioner Dave Sheahan said road policing will remain a “ strategic priority ” for gardaí this year , and two “ significant developments ” will happen to ensure road safety enforcement is achieved .
“ Firstly , an additional 180 gardaí have been selected to be assigned to roads policing duties in early 2020 .
Secondly , the rollout of the new mobility app will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 there will be in excess of 4,000 devices in the hands of front-line gardaí , ” Mr Sheahan said .
“ The new mobility app will revolutionise the way roads policing is carried out in this country .
”

Liz O’Donnell, chairwoman of the RSA, said it is “deeply saddening” that road deaths had risen in 2019. File photograph: Getty
Almost 150 people died on the State's roads in 2019, according to provisional figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The 148 road fatalities is a 4 per cent increase on the 142 deaths in 2018, which was the lowest number since records began in 1959.
Drivers comprised the highest number of road users who died last year, with 81 motorist deaths up until lunch time on December 31st, a 45 per cent increase on the 2018 figure.
The data also show that 27 pedestrians, 16 passengers and 16 motorcyclists died on Irish roads.
READ MORE
There were also eight pedal cyclists who died in 2019, down one from the nine cyclist deaths in the previous year.
The number of collisions also increased this year, with 137 collisions on Irish roads in 2019, compared with 135 in 2018.
The number of road deaths in the Republic has been consistently under 200 since 2010, though there have been a few fluctuations in recent years.
Fatalities fell to 163 in 2012 and then increased again in 2013 and 2014 to 190 and 193 respectively before dropping back to 162 in 2015, which was followed in 2016 by an increase to 187.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those who had lost their lives in road fatalities in 2019.
“The only way to respond to these needless deaths and injuries on our roads is through action, not words. While families and friends grieve the loss of their loved one, we must as a society all respond with deeds to prevent it happening to others,” he said.
The Minister called on ordinary road users to take “greater responsibility for our actions when using the road”.
“We can do this by slowing down, not driving while impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue, by not driving while using a phone, by wearing a seatbelt and always sharing the road more carefully with pedestrians and cyclists,” he added.
Liz O’Donnell, chairwoman of the RSA, said it is “deeply saddening” that road deaths had risen in 2019.
‘Renewed effort’
“We must respond to this increase the same way we have responded to previous setbacks. Rather than being disheartened, it should spur us and our road safety partners into renewed effort,” she said.
Garda Assistant Commissioner Dave Sheahan said road policing will remain a “strategic priority” for gardaí this year, and two “significant developments” will happen to ensure road safety enforcement is achieved.
“Firstly, an additional 180 gardaí have been selected to be assigned to roads policing duties in early 2020. Secondly, the rollout of the new mobility app will be stepped up so that by the end of 2020 there will be in excess of 4,000 devices in the hands of front-line gardaí,” Mr Sheahan said.
“The new mobility app will revolutionise the way roads policing is carried out in this country.”