theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Conor McGregor questioned over alleged sexual aggression in bar in Corsica

Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor was released by gendarmes in Calvi , northwest Corsica around 4pm on Saturday , after he was held for questioning overnight from Friday to Saturday in connection with a complaint for alleged exhibitionism and attempted sexual aggression in a bar on Calvi port .
The complaint was filed by a young woman on Thursday .
Mr McGregor ’ s Corsican lawyer , Emmanuelle Ramond , said the alleged events referred to occurred on the night of September 6th to 7th .
The prosecutor ’ s office in Bastia said in a statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10th denouncing events which might be qualified as attempted sexual aggression and sexual exhibition , Mr Conor Anthony McGregor has been questioned by the gendarmerie , in detention.
” The prosecutor could not be reached on Sunday .
Ms Ramond said that Mr McGregor was released before the end of his detention period , was not charged and is free to travel .
“ In my opinion the complaint was unfounded , ” she said , adding that her client “ vigorously denies the accusation of misbehaviour.
” Ms Ramond would not comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaiting the result of tests which would take longer than the legal detention period , nor would she reveal the name of the bar where the incident allegedly took place .
She confirmed that the investigation continues and said she was bound by judicial secrecy .
Gendarmes visited Mr McGregor on his yacht , the Dave Ocean , on Friday .
It had moored several days earlier in Calvi port .
The gendarmes asked Mr McGregor to come to the Tramariccia barracks for questioning .
He rode there on his bicycle and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website reported that his detention created a sensation in Calvi , where Mr McGregor had been warmly received .
He walked around the town surrounded by bodyguards and let local people take selfies with him .
According to the same website , Mr McGregor had proposed marriage a few days earlier to Dee Devlin , his companion since 2008 , with whom he has two children .
The website said Ms Devlin left Calvi with the couple ’ s children , and that Mr McGregor ’ s mother arrived on Friday .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Devlin had departed but “ I think I saw Dee Devlin and the children walking around Calvi yesterday [ Saturday ] , so I think it ’ s not correct.
” Ms Ramond said she did not know if Mr McGregor and his family were still in Calvi on Sunday .
Mr McGregor , who is known by the nickname Notorious , held the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title in 2015 and 2016 , and the lightweight title from 2016 until 2018 .
He announced his retirement from sport in June 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Riviera Water Bike Challenge , in which teams cross the 180km stretch of water between Calvi and Monaco on pontoon bicycles .
Ms Ramond said he was replaced .
The goal of the race is to prevent drowning and to raise awareness of security issues at sea .
The gendarmerie said the race began at noon on Saturday , when Mr McGregor was still in detention , and arrived in Monaco on Sunday .

Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor was released by gendarmes in Calvi, northwest Corsica around 4pm on Saturday, after he was held for questioning overnight from Friday to Saturday in connection with a complaint for alleged exhibitionism and attempted sexual aggression in a bar on Calvi port.
The complaint was filed by a young woman on Thursday. Mr McGregor’s Corsican lawyer, Emmanuelle Ramond, said the alleged events referred to occurred on the night of September 6th to 7th.
The prosecutor’s office in Bastia said in a statement that “following a complaint lodged on September 10th denouncing events which might be qualified as attempted sexual aggression and sexual exhibition, Mr Conor Anthony McGregor has been questioned by the gendarmerie, in detention.”
The prosecutor could not be reached on Sunday.
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Ms Ramond said that Mr McGregor was released before the end of his detention period, was not charged and is free to travel. “In my opinion the complaint was unfounded,” she said, adding that her client “vigorously denies the accusation of misbehaviour.”
Ms Ramond would not comment on press reports that the authorities are awaiting the result of tests which would take longer than the legal detention period, nor would she reveal the name of the bar where the incident allegedly took place. She confirmed that the investigation continues and said she was bound by judicial secrecy.
Gendarmes visited Mr McGregor on his yacht, the Dave Ocean, on Friday. It had moored several days earlier in Calvi port.
The gendarmes asked Mr McGregor to come to the Tramariccia barracks for questioning. He rode there on his bicycle and was detained overnight.
The Corse Net Info website reported that his detention created a sensation in Calvi, where Mr McGregor had been warmly received. He walked around the town surrounded by bodyguards and let local people take selfies with him.
According to the same website, Mr McGregor had proposed marriage a few days earlier to Dee Devlin, his companion since 2008, with whom he has two children. The website said Ms Devlin left Calvi with the couple’s children, and that Mr McGregor’s mother arrived on Friday.
Ms Ramond said she did not know if Ms Devlin had departed but “I think I saw Dee Devlin and the children walking around Calvi yesterday [Saturday], so I think it’s not correct.” Ms Ramond said she did not know if Mr McGregor and his family were still in Calvi on Sunday.
Mr McGregor, who is known by the nickname Notorious, held the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title in 2015 and 2016, and the lightweight title from 2016 until 2018. He announced his retirement from sport in June 2020.
Mr McGregor was to have participated in the Riviera Water Bike Challenge, in which teams cross the 180km stretch of water between Calvi and Monaco on pontoon bicycles. Ms Ramond said he was replaced. The goal of the race is to prevent drowning and to raise awareness of security issues at sea.
The gendarmerie said the race began at noon on Saturday, when Mr McGregor was still in detention, and arrived in Monaco on Sunday.


theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Jane Fonda’s bleeding body claims ‘utterly implausible’

Claims by Hollywood actor Jane Fonda that a bleeding body was carried into Martin McGuinness ’ s house while she was visiting in 1976 have been described as “ utterly implausible ” by veteran journalist Eamonn McCann .
Mr McCann , who lives near the McGuinness family in Derry ’ s Bogside , said the idea was “ so implausible that I ’ d rule it out entirely ” .
“ It couldn ’ t have happened without people knowing about it .
Martin McGuinness ’ s house is in the middle of the Bogside , in a highly populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The idea that it could have happened without at the very least the neighbours knowing is just ridiculous.
” He said Fonda and her then husband , Tom Hayden , had visited members of what were then known as Provisional Sinn Féin in Dublin , including Northern members .
“ I know that because I knew the people involved , and I remember cursing one of them for not having alerted me in advance to Jane Fonda , ” he said .
“ There were always people floating around in Dublin visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
even second hand , the whiff of cordite always appeals to some American and British celebrities , but the idea that a bleeding body was carried in Martin McGuinness ’ s house in my view is just nonsense.
” The Oscar-winning actress ( 82 ) described in an interview on Friday ’ s Late Late Show on RTÉ how she , her husband and son had spent the day with the former IRA leader and his family .
“ We were looking for Gerry Adams and someone directed us to Martin McGuinness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Troy , was with us and he was about six years old , ” Fonda said .
“ I was married to the late Tom Hayden , who was Irish , so we were sitting in the living room and a body was carried in , bleeding a lot .
“ It was the Troubles and Tom put some of the blood on his fingers and he said to Troy , ‘ Your forefathers , your forebears , your people.
’ ” The claim was also rejected by Mr McGuinness ’ s son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media that Fonda was “ bringing a fiction movie to the Bogside ” and posted a photograph on Twitter of her smiling beside his father .
“ Jane Fonda telling a different story from the one that actually happened , ” he wrote .
“ Here she is happy enough with my father at his home.
” Mr McGuinness – who went on to become a senior Sinn Féin politician and the North ’ s deputy first minister – died in 2017 .
In a 2002 interview with The Irish Times , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass one day and Jane Fonda was there ” .
He said he made her and her husband a meal .
“ My wife [ Bernadette ] was amazed but I took those things in my stride .
.
.
Bernadette was pregnant at the time and she sent baby clothes when [ their daughter ] Fionnuala was born .
”

Jane Fonda: “We were sitting in the living room and a body was carried in, bleeding a lot. It was the Troubles.” Photograph: Caroline McCredie/Getty
Claims by Hollywood actor Jane Fonda that a bleeding body was carried into Martin McGuinness’s house while she was visiting in 1976 have been described as “utterly implausible” by veteran journalist Eamonn McCann.
Mr McCann, who lives near the McGuinness family in Derry’s Bogside, said the idea was “so implausible that I’d rule it out entirely”.
“It couldn’t have happened without people knowing about it. Martin McGuinness’s house is in the middle of the Bogside, in a highly populated area just round the corner from myself. The idea that it could have happened without at the very least the neighbours knowing is just ridiculous.”
He said Fonda and her then husband, Tom Hayden, had visited members of what were then known as Provisional Sinn Féin in Dublin, including Northern members.
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“I know that because I knew the people involved, and I remember cursing one of them for not having alerted me in advance to Jane Fonda,” he said.
‘Whiff of cordite’
“There were always people floating around in Dublin visiting this one and that one . . . even second hand, the whiff of cordite always appeals to some American and British celebrities, but the idea that a bleeding body was carried in Martin McGuinness’s house in my view is just nonsense.”
The Oscar-winning actress (82) described in an interview on Friday’s Late Late Show on RTÉ how she, her husband and son had spent the day with the former IRA leader and his family.
“We were looking for Gerry Adams and someone directed us to Martin McGuinness’s house and my son, Troy, was with us and he was about six years old,” Fonda said. “I was married to the late Tom Hayden, who was Irish, so we were sitting in the living room and a body was carried in, bleeding a lot.
“It was the Troubles and Tom put some of the blood on his fingers and he said to Troy, ‘Your forefathers, your forebears, your people.’”
Bogside ‘fiction movie’
The claim was also rejected by Mr McGuinness’s son, Fiachra, who said on social media that Fonda was “bringing a fiction movie to the Bogside” and posted a photograph on Twitter of her smiling beside his father.
“Jane Fonda telling a different story from the one that actually happened,” he wrote. “Here she is happy enough with my father at his home.”
Mr McGuinness – who went on to become a senior Sinn Féin politician and the North’s deputy first minister – died in 2017.
In a 2002 interview with The Irish Times, he described how he “came home from Mass one day and Jane Fonda was there”. He said he made her and her husband a meal.
“My wife [Bernadette] was amazed but I took those things in my stride . . . Bernadette was pregnant at the time and she sent baby clothes when [their daughter] Fionnuala was born.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Gardaí investigating assault at anti-mask protest in Dublin

Gardaí are investigating an assault which took place at a protest outside Leinster House on Saturday attended by far-right activists .
The protest was one of two demonstrations which took place in the city centre on Saturday afternoon protesting Covid-19 restrictions and the wearing of masks .
Several dozen people gathered on Kildare Street to hear speakers denounce the pandemic restrictions .
Also in attendance were a small group of counter-protesters including veteran LGBT+ activist Izzy Kamikaze .
Videos later appeared online showing Ms Kamikaze with blood streaming from a head injury .
She said on social media she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Tricolour .
On Sunday Ms Kamikaze described “ a wall ” of protesters coming towards her .
“ I was looking around for a knife .
I folded my arms to show I wasn ’ t a threat , ” she told The Irish Times .
She said she turned her head to check if her friend was okay and that was when she was struck .
“ I didn ’ t see who hit me .
I turned slightly and then I was on the ground.
” Footage shared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the counter-protesters before Ms Kamikaze falls to the ground .
Gardaí then attempt to separate the two groups and move the counter protesters away .
An ambulance was called and Ms Kamikaze was taken to hospital for treatment to a head wound .
She was released in the early hours on Sunday morning .
Immediately following the protests on Saturday , the Garda said in a statement that no arrests or major incidents had occurred at the demonstrations .
On Sunday in an updated statement the Garda said officers at Leinster House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of demonstrators .
There were no arrests ” .
A spokeswoman said gardaí in Pearse Street are now investigating “ an incident of assault that occurred during a protest ” but that a formal complaint has yet to be made by the victim .
“ Investigations are ongoing , ” she added .
Ms Kamikaze said she intends to make a statement to gardaí on Monday and to also make a complaint about the manner in which in the incident was policed .
It is understood gardaí have obtained clear CCTV footage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him through the crowd despite him removing his jacket .
The second protest , which was attended by up to 2,000 people , started at the Custom House before demonstrators marched to Government Buildings .
It was organised by a group called Yellow Vest Ireland , which describes itself as a “ people ’ s movement ” that is “ not aligned to any political group , organisation or politician ” .
There was little sign of social distancing at the event and protestors did not wear masks .
Many on the march @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take off your mask ” and “ it ’ s only a common cold ” .
“ An Garda Síochána policed a demonstration in Dublin city centre on Saturday 12 September .
One group involved gathered on Custom House Quay from approximately 1pm and proceeded from there to Government buildings .
Rolling road closures were put in place to facilitate the movement of those involved and the flow of traffic in the city centre , ” a Garda spokeswoman said of the larger protest .
The crowd was estimated to have been between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged attendees to bring flags on the march .
“ Yellow Vest Ireland wants everyone in Ireland to feel comfortable about bringing their national flags to this Saturday ’ s march , ” it said on its social media platforms .
During the protest some marchers stopped outside the offices of the Journal , an online news outlet , where speakers criticised its reporting of the Covid-19 pandemic .

Protesters on D’Olier Street in Dublin on Saturday. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/ The Irish Times
Gardaí are investigating an assault which took place at a protest outside Leinster House on Saturday attended by far-right activists.
The protest was one of two demonstrations which took place in the city centre on Saturday afternoon protesting Covid-19 restrictions and the wearing of masks.
Several dozen people gathered on Kildare Street to hear speakers denounce the pandemic restrictions. Also in attendance were a small group of counter-protesters including veteran LGBT+ activist Izzy Kamikaze.
Videos later appeared online showing Ms Kamikaze with blood streaming from a head injury. She said on social media she had been struck with piece of wood wrapped in a Tricolour.
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On Sunday Ms Kamikaze described “a wall” of protesters coming towards her. “I was looking around for a knife. I folded my arms to show I wasn’t a threat,” she told The Irish Times.
She said she turned her head to check if her friend was okay and that was when she was struck. “I didn’t see who hit me. I turned slightly and then I was on the ground.”
Footage shared on social media shows masked demonstrators pushing some of the counter-protesters before Ms Kamikaze falls to the ground. Gardaí then attempt to separate the two groups and move the counter protesters away.
An ambulance was called and Ms Kamikaze was taken to hospital for treatment to a head wound. She was released in the early hours on Sunday morning.
Immediately following the protests on Saturday, the Garda said in a statement that no arrests or major incidents had occurred at the demonstrations.
On Sunday in an updated statement the Garda said officers at Leinster House “had to intervene between opposing groups of demonstrators. There were no arrests”.
A spokeswoman said gardaí in Pearse Street are now investigating “an incident of assault that occurred during a protest” but that a formal complaint has yet to be made by the victim. “Investigations are ongoing,” she added.
Ms Kamikaze said she intends to make a statement to gardaí on Monday and to also make a complaint about the manner in which in the incident was policed.
It is understood gardaí have obtained clear CCTV footage of the attacker and were able to track him through the crowd despite him removing his jacket.
The second protest, which was attended by up to 2,000 people, started at the Custom House before demonstrators marched to Government Buildings.
It was organised by a group called Yellow Vest Ireland, which describes itself as a "people's movement" that is "not aligned to any political group, organisation or politician".
There was little sign of social distancing at the event and protestors did not wear masks.
Many on the march carried banners with slogans such as “take off your mask” and “it’s only a common cold”.
“An Garda Síochána policed a demonstration in Dublin city centre on Saturday 12 September. One group involved gathered on Custom House Quay from approximately 1pm and proceeded from there to Government buildings. Rolling road closures were put in place to facilitate the movement of those involved and the flow of traffic in the city centre,” a Garda spokeswoman said of the larger protest.
The crowd was estimated to have been between 1,500 and 2,000.
Yellow Vest Ireland encouraged attendees to bring flags on the march. “Yellow Vest Ireland wants everyone in Ireland to feel comfortable about bringing their national flags to this Saturday’s march,” it said on its social media platforms.
During the protest some marchers stopped outside the offices of the Journal, an online news outlet, where speakers criticised its reporting of the Covid-19 pandemic.


theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Brian Mooney: Student anger may deepen when teachers’ estimated grades are released

The Leaving Cert class of 2020 will on Monday morning find out the percentage mark that their teachers assigned them under the calculated grades process .
We know already that data submitted by teachers to the Department of Education was generous in most cases , leading to grade inflation .
For many students this information may just be a matter of mild curiosity given that they received one of their top CAO course choices last Friday , and are happy to move on .
Yet in the case of 17 per cent of grades nationally , students may be frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their teachers ’ estimates were lowered by the department under its standardisation process .
And in the case of 4 per cent of grades , students ’ anger may be directed at their teacher when they discover that their estimated grade was increased by the department .
These emotions will , in many ways , be misdirected .
The algorithm developed by the department which was used to calculate students ’ grades was based partially on the students ’ Junior Cert performance across five subjects ( Irish , English , Maths and each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) which was allocated collectively to the class group in which they studied for their Leaving Cert .
The Junior Cert five-subject average of each student was pooled to create a class average for the entire class .
The department ’ s algorithm drew heavily on this information in distributing H1s , H2s , etc , across the class group .
What grade you got last Monday was also heavily determined by your class ranking position , submitted by your teacher along with the marks he/she recommended .
For students who are unhappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers submitted , it is your class ranking position which was key .
If the class average of Junior Cert performance of each student in your current class indicated that five H1s were appropriate and you were , for example , number six on your teachers ’ ranking list , you received a H2 instead .
Yet if you want this information you will not be given it on Monday .
Rather you will have to appeal your grade or make a data protection or Freedom of Information request .
The appeal process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement made with the teachers ’ unions prior to the decision to adopt the calculated grade process in May determined that the appeal process can not reopen any of the work undertaken by them in determining the mark awarded to any student .
It can only check the accuracy of the data transfer from the school to the department and elsewhere .
If you feel all is lost remember there are still options .
Students who are unsuccessful to date in securing a satisfactory offer can explore “ available places ” which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Further offers are due under subsequent CAO rounds .
And there is also time to secure a PLC course in your favourite career interest area at your local Further Education college through direct application .

In the case of 17% of grades nationally, students may be frustrated and angry when they find out that their teachers’ estimates were lowered by the department under its standardisation process. Photograph: Getty Images
The Leaving Cert class of 2020 will on Monday morning find out the percentage mark that their teachers assigned them under the calculated grades process.
We know already that data submitted by teachers to the Department of Education was generous in most cases, leading to grade inflation.
For many students this information may just be a matter of mild curiosity given that they received one of their top CAO course choices last Friday, and are happy to move on.
Yet in the case of 17 per cent of grades nationally, students may be frustrated and angry when they find out that their teachers’ estimates were lowered by the department under its standardisation process.
READ MORE
And in the case of 4 per cent of grades, students’ anger may be directed at their teacher when they discover that their estimated grade was increased by the department.
These emotions will , in many ways, be misdirected. The algorithm developed by the department which was used to calculate students' grades was based partially on the students' Junior Cert performance across five subjects (Irish, English, Maths and each student's two other best subjects ) which was allocated collectively to the class group in which they studied for their Leaving Cert.
The Junior Cert five-subject average of each student was pooled to create a class average for the entire class.
The department’s algorithm drew heavily on this information in distributing H1s, H2s, etc, across the class group.
What grade you got last Monday was also heavily determined by your class ranking position, submitted by your teacher along with the marks he/she recommended.
For students who are unhappy with receiving a lower grade than their teachers submitted, it is your class ranking position which was key.
If the class average of Junior Cert performance of each student in your current class indicated that five H1s were appropriate and you were, for example, number six on your teachers’ ranking list, you received a H2 instead.
Yet if you want this information you will not be given it on Monday. Rather you will have to appeal your grade or make a data protection or Freedom of Information request.
Teachers’ unions
The appeal process this year is very different. The agreement made with the teachers’ unions prior to the decision to adopt the calculated grade process in May determined that the appeal process cannot reopen any of the work undertaken by them in determining the mark awarded to any student. It can only check the accuracy of the data transfer from the school to the department and elsewhere.
If you feel all is lost remember there are still options. Students who are unsuccessful to date in securing a satisfactory offer can explore "available places" which will be published on Monday at CAO.ie.
Further offers are due under subsequent CAO rounds . And there is also time to secure a PLC course in your favourite career interest area at your local Further Education college through direct application.


theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Coronavirus: One further death and 255 new cases reported across 20 counties in Ireland

A further 255 new cases of coronavirus have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Sunday .
There has been one further death , NPHET said in its daily statement on the virus .
The Republic has seen a total of 30,985 cases of the virus reported so far and 1,784 deaths including today ’ s figures .
• 129 are men and 123 are women • 68 per cent are under 45 years of age • 34 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as community transmission • Today ’ s cases include 156 in Dublin , 22 in Waterford,13 in Donegal , 11 in Wicklow , 9 in Limerick , 8 in Kildare , 5 in Clare and the remaining 31 cases are in Carlow , Cork , Galway , Kerry , Laois , Longford , Louth , Mayo , Meath , Offaly , Tipperary , Westmeath and Wexford .
On Saturday , a further 159 new cases of coronavirus were reported and two further deaths meaning a total of 414 new cases of Covid-19 have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The figures prompted Dr Ronan Glynn , Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health to warn that as forty seven per cent of the cases were in Dublin City and County the capital faced a “ critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community.
” On Sunday gardaí said they were stepping up high-visibility patrols in Dublin because of rising cases and Taoiseach Micheál Martin said a new plan to be announced on Tuesday will see restrictions imposed on people in their homes across Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain the spread of Covid-19 .
Meanwhile , an additional 87 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the North , the Northern Ireland Department of Health reported on Sunday .
On Saturday 104 further cases were reported .
In total , 8,314 cases of coronavirus have been identified in the North since the pandemic began .
Northern Ireland does not update its statistics on coronavirus-related deaths at weekends .
According to the department ’ s most recent figures , published on Friday , 568 people with the virus have so far @ @ @ @ @

An additional 87 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the North. Photograph: Alan Betson/File
A further 255 new cases of coronavirus have been reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Sunday.
There has been one further death, NPHET said in its daily statement on the virus.
The Republic has seen a total of 30,985 cases of the virus reported so far and 1,784 deaths including today’s figures.
Of today’s cases:
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129 are men and 123 are women
68 per cent are under 45 years of age
34 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
69 cases have been identified as community transmission
Today's cases include 156 in Dublin, 22 in Waterford,13 in Donegal, 11 in Wicklow, 9 in Limerick, 8 in Kildare, 5 in Clare and the remaining 31 cases are in Carlow, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford.
On Saturday, a further 159 new cases of coronavirus were reported and two further deaths meaning a total of 414 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded this weekend and three further deaths.
The figures prompted Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health to warn that as forty seven per cent of the cases were in Dublin City and County the capital faced a "critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community."
On Sunday gardaí said they were stepping up high-visibility patrols in Dublin because of rising cases and Taoiseach Micheál Martin said a new plan to be announced on Tuesday will see restrictions imposed on people in their homes across Ireland for months, as the country tries to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, an additional 87 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the North, the Northern Ireland Department of Health reported on Sunday.
On Saturday 104 further cases were reported. In total, 8,314 cases of coronavirus have been identified in the North since the pandemic began.
Northern Ireland does not update its statistics on coronavirus-related deaths at weekends. According to the department’s most recent figures, published on Friday, 568 people with the virus have so far died in Northern Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-09-13--Coronavirus in Dublin: Gardaí step up high-visibility patrols as cases rise in capital

Gardaí have stepped up high-visibility patrols in Dublin as cases of Covid-19 rise in the capital rise and as authorities warned the city and county faced a “ critical moment ” in the fight against the virus .
The Garda said in a statement on Sunday that increased policing would see officers on foot , in cars and on bikes throughout the county “ to support the public health guidelines , particularly in relation to social distancing and gathering in large groups.
” Deputy Commissioner , Policing and Security , John Twomey said , “ There has been very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date .
We want to thank the public for this .
“ However , as the Acting CMO has said , in Dublin we are now entering a critical phase .
As a result , we will have a high visibility presence throughout Dublin to support the public health guidelines and regulations .
He said it was “ vital ” that people living in , working in and visiting Dublin limit their social interactions , maintain social distancing , wear face masks in shops and on public transport , and not gather in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health advice .
“ We know the considerable sacrifices people have made during the last six months , but individually and collectively we must continue to do all we can to protect our families , friends and neighbours , ” he added .
“ Throughout the pandemic , An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent .
This has seen members of An Garda Síochána engage , educate , encourage and , only as a last resort , enforce .
That approach continues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that An Garda Síochána continues to be here for anyone who feels vulnerable or isolated at this time .
If you need help or assistance , please call your local Garda station .
We are here to help and support you.
” On Saturday two new deaths and 159 new cases of coronavirus were reported .
Seventy five of those cases were in Dublin .
Announcing the figures , Dr Ronan Glynn , Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health , said : “ Forty seven per cent of the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County .
For the people of Dublin in particular , this is a critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community .
“ Individual choices can make all the difference - reconsider your plans for the weekend , reduce the number of people that you meet and avoid social activities that involve large groups of people .
“ Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread even when you have no symptoms .
Remember , when you do meet with friends , family and colleagues , staying 2m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone safe.
” Earlier on Saturday he posted a video pleading with Dubliners to limit their social contacts as much as possible noting that the rise in cases in Dublin was being driven by household transmission .
“ We are seeing lots of cases clustered in households and these clusters are spread all across Dublin city and county ” , Dr Glynn added .
Fortunately , the “ vast majority ” of cases in Dublin are in young people and the rates of hospitalisation are low , he added .
He also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases can not be linked to other cases , are broadly the same in Dublin as it is elsewhere in the country .
“ This provides a window of opportunity to bring the disease under control .
We all need to act now to break the trains of transmission , ” he said .

Gardaí have stepped up high-visibility patrols in Dublin as cases of Covid-19 rise in the capital rise and as authorities warned the city and county faced a “critical moment” in the fight against the virus.
The Garda said in a statement on Sunday that increased policing would see officers on foot, in cars and on bikes throughout the county “to support the public health guidelines, particularly in relation to social distancing and gathering in large groups.”
Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, "There has been very good compliance with the public health guidelines to date. We want to thank the public for this.
Hospital Report
“However, as the Acting CMO has said, in Dublin we are now entering a critical phase. As a result, we will have a high visibility presence throughout Dublin to support the public health guidelines and regulations.
READ MORE
He said it was “vital” that people living in, working in and visiting Dublin limit their social interactions, maintain social distancing, wear face masks in shops and on public transport, and not gather in groups larger than outlined in the public health advice.
“We know the considerable sacrifices people have made during the last six months, but individually and collectively we must continue to do all we can to protect our families, friends and neighbours,” he added.
"Throughout the pandemic, An Garda Síochána has adopted a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen members of An Garda Síochána engage, educate, encourage and, only as a last resort, enforce. That approach continues.
“I would also like to re-iterate that An Garda Síochána continues to be here for anyone who feels vulnerable or isolated at this time. If you need help or assistance, please call your local Garda station. We are here to help and support you.”
On Saturday two new deaths and 159 new cases of coronavirus were reported. Seventy five of those cases were in Dublin.
Announcing the figures, Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said: "Forty seven per cent of the cases reported today are in Dublin City and County. For the people of Dublin in particular, this is a critical moment to address the spread of the disease in the community.
“Individual choices can make all the difference - reconsider your plans for the weekend, reduce the number of people that you meet and avoid social activities that involve large groups of people.
“Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread even when you have no symptoms. Remember, when you do meet with friends, family and colleagues, staying 2m apart is the best way to keep everyone safe.”
Earlier on Saturday he posted a video pleading with Dubliners to limit their social contacts as much as possible noting that the rise in cases in Dublin was being driven by household transmission.
“We are seeing lots of cases clustered in households and these clusters are spread all across Dublin city and county”, Dr Glynn added.
Fortunately, the “vast majority” of cases in Dublin are in young people and the rates of hospitalisation are low, he added. He also said that rates of community transmission, where cases cannot be linked to other cases, are broadly the same in Dublin as it is elsewhere in the country. “This provides a window of opportunity to bring the disease under control. We all need to act now to break the trains of transmission,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Full impact of Covid-19 on public transport revealed in latest figures

Covid-19 is continuing to have a serious impact on public transport with air , rail and bus journeys down by more than half in comparison with before the lockdown .
Air passenger numbers fell by almost 90 per cent in July with severe restrictions on overseas travel in place because of the virus .
In July passenger numbers fell from 3,911,133 at Dublin , Cork and Shannon airports in July 2019 to 416,434 in the same month this year , a drop of 89.4 per cent .
Passenger numbers were down for the first eight months of 2020 by 65.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent at Shannon Airport and by 70.1 per cent at Shannon Airport Rail is the worst affected of domestic public transport .
Intercity , Dart and Luas services are down by more than 60 per cent between March and August .
Bus passenger numbers are hovering at half the level they were at before the lockdown .
The number of bus journeys outside of Dublin now stands at 54.6 per cent of pre Covid-19 levels .
The corresponding level for bus journeys within Dublin is 50.1 per cent .
Figures produced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use from March to September , which covers the lockdown , shows that traffic volumes have been increasing from a low point at the end of March , but are still below pre-Covid 19 levels .
Traffic counter data shows traffic volumes for the week commencing August 30th were 15.7 per cent lower in regional locations and 18.9 per cent lower in Dublin than the same week in 2019 .
Traffic fell across the country by 75 per cent at the end of March when the country was in total lockdown and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales were down by 30.6 per cent in the first eight months of the year from 103,582 in 2019 to 71,873 this year .
However , they appear to have recovered slightly and sales were up 2.2 per cent year on year in August .
The volume of heavy goods vehicles ( HGVs ) in 2020 have exceeded 2019 volumes since June in Dublin and for nine of the last 11 weeks at regional locations suggesting the economy is recovering .
Despite significantly lower traffic volumes , there have been 13 more fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 .
Cycling in Dublin was down during peak hours and up during off-peak hours reflecting the fact that so many city commuters are working from home .
The volume of cyclists on weekdays between 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm decreased significantly when restrictions were most stringent .
In April there was a drop of 79.8 per cent in the volume of cyclists measured .
Volumes are recovering slowly but data for August shows that volumes remain 64 per cent lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journeys in August this year in comparison with 114,594 in August 2019 .
The volume of cyclists during off-peak hours has remained close to or exceeded 2019 levels with the exception of the month of April , when there was a 40.7 per cent drop compared to April 2019 .
Volumes for the months of June 2020 and August 2020 were 9.5 per cent and 9.4 per cent higher than the same months in 2019 .

Rail is the worst affected of domestic public transport. Intercity, Dart and Luas services are down by more than 60 per cent between March and August. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Covid-19 is continuing to have a serious impact on public transport with air, rail and bus journeys down by more than half in comparison with before the lockdown.
Air passenger numbers fell by almost 90 per cent in July with severe restrictions on overseas travel in place because of the virus.
In July passenger numbers fell from 3,911,133 at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports in July 2019 to 416,434 in the same month this year, a drop of 89.4 per cent.
Passenger numbers were down for the first eight months of 2020 by 65.7 per cent at Dublin Airport, 66.3 per cent at Shannon Airport and by 70.1 per cent at Shannon Airport
READ MORE
Rail is the worst affected of domestic public transport. Intercity, Dart and Luas services are down by more than 60 per cent between March and August.
Bus passenger numbers are hovering at half the level they were at before the lockdown.
The number of bus journeys outside of Dublin now stands at 54.6 per cent of pre Covid-19 levels. The corresponding level for bus journeys within Dublin is 50.1 per cent.
Figures produced by the Central Statistics Office looking at transport use from March to September, which covers the lockdown, shows that traffic volumes have been increasing from a low point at the end of March, but are still below pre-Covid 19 levels.
Traffic counter data shows traffic volumes for the week commencing August 30th were 15.7 per cent lower in regional locations and 18.9 per cent lower in Dublin than the same week in 2019.
Traffic fell across the country by 75 per cent at the end of March when the country was in total lockdown and has been steadily increased since.
New car sales were down by 30.6 per cent in the first eight months of the year from 103,582 in 2019 to 71,873 this year. However, they appear to have recovered slightly and sales were up 2.2 per cent year on year in August.
The volume of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2020 have exceeded 2019 volumes since June in Dublin and for nine of the last 11 weeks at regional locations suggesting the economy is recovering.
Despite significantly lower traffic volumes, there have been 13 more fatalities on Irish roads in the first eight months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Cycling in Dublin was down during peak hours and up during off-peak hours reflecting the fact that so many city commuters are working from home.
The volume of cyclists on weekdays between 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm decreased significantly when restrictions were most stringent. In April there was a drop of 79.8 per cent in the volume of cyclists measured.
Volumes are recovering slowly but data for August shows that volumes remain 64 per cent lower than the same month last year with 42,170 journeys in August this year in comparison with 114,594 in August 2019.
The volume of cyclists during off-peak hours has remained close to or exceeded 2019 levels with the exception of the month of April, when there was a 40.7 per cent drop compared to April 2019.
Volumes for the months of June 2020 and August 2020 were 9.5 per cent and 9.4 per cent higher than the same months in 2019.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Lung cancer referrals fell by more than 25% during pandemic

Lung cancer referrals fell by more than one-quarter during the pandemic due to confusion over symptoms and patients ’ fear of accessing healthcare , according to the Irish Cancer Society .
With referrals for the disease down 27 per cent between March and August on the previous year , the ICS estimates up to 244 patients with suspected symptoms of lung cancer could have been stopped from seeking necessary medical advice over the period .
Given the importance of early diagnosis , the charity has begun a new awareness campaign , “ Your Cough Could be Masking Something Else ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with a persistent cough to contact their GP , with a view to receiving a referral , or to seek guidance from the ICS through its support line or website .
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths in Ireland for men and women – it accounts for 19 per cent of all cancer deaths in women and 23 per cent in men .
Seventy per cent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed at a late stage .
More than 2,500 people receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women die each year from the cancer , which is largely preventable .
“ The pandemic has made us all aware of coughing as it could be a symptom of Covid-19 , ” says Kevin O ’ Hagan , cancer prevention manager at the charity .
“ However , it is important to remember that a persistent cough is also a symptom of lung cancer ; like Covid-19 , it is important to get it checked out straight away , irrespective of your age or existing health conditions .
Early detection of lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment options and a real chance of a cure.
” Singer Mary Byrne ’ s brother-in-law , Liam , and two sisters-in-law , Geraldine and Kathleen , died from lung cancer .
“ This campaign is very close to my heart as three of my close family members passed away from lung cancer in the last nine years .
“ If their cancers had been diagnosed earlier they could have had more treatment options and a greater chance of survival.
” Because of what happened to them , Ms Byrne says she gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their sixties when they were diagnosed .
I ’ m 61 this year and I hope to be around until I ’ m at least in my 80s for my daughter and for myself .
I ’ ve lost six and a half stone and quit smoking and the motivation for this is all down to losing family members so young.
” GP Dr Una Kennedy said she could understand that some patients with health concerns might be reluctant to contact their doctor due to Covid-19 .
“ However , I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms , particularly those with a persistent cough , that it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible .
I ’ d also like to reassure the public that lung cancer services are also open and safe to use .
”

Lung cancer referrals fell by more than a quarter during the pandemic due to confusion over symptoms and patients' fear of accessing healthcare, according to the Irish Cancer Society.
With referrals for the disease down 27 per cent between March and August on the previous year, the ICS estimates up to 244 patients with suspected symptoms of lung cancer could have been stopped from seeking necessary medical advice over the period.
Given the importance of early diagnosis, the charity has begun a new awareness campaign, “Your Cough Could be Masking Something Else”.
The campaign is designed to encourage people with a persistent cough to contact their GP, with a view to receiving a referral, or to seek guidance from the ICS through its support line or website.
READ MORE
Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths in Ireland for men and women – it accounts for 19 per cent of all cancer deaths in women and 23 per cent in men. Seventy per cent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed at a late stage. More than 2,500 people receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually, and more than 1,800 men and women die each year from the cancer, which is largely preventable.
“The pandemic has made us all aware of coughing as it could be a symptom of Covid-19,” says Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager at the charity.
“However, it is important to remember that a persistent cough is also a symptom of lung cancer; like Covid-19, it is important to get it checked out straight away, irrespective of your age or existing health conditions. Early detection of lung cancer is vital and allows for greater treatment options and a real chance of a cure.”
Stigma
Professor Karen Redmond, consultant thoracic and lung transplant surgeon at the Mater Hospital, worries that potential stigma around Covid-19 is stopping people from contacting their doctor when they become unwell. As a result, large numbers of cancer patients are not seeking medical help.
“There might be an element of people not wanting to know what’s wrong or hoping that if they stay at home the situation will settle down. People who are screened for Covid and it comes back as negative may expect a cough will just settle. But if it is cancer it will progress to the next stage.”
In some cases, patients will need to be referred to a rapid access lung clinic to be screened for cancer, she added.
Before Covid-19, patients were advised to see a doctor if a cough persists for more than 2-3 weeks, said Prof Redmond. However, the Covid cough, which can last for months in some patients, has caused confusion.
“Numbers are way down and people are coming into us at a later stage of cancer. If you get people early there’s a chance of long term survival but at a later stage you’re going down the chemo and radiation or palliative care route. If you’re a 65 year old smoker coughing with no history of Covid you need to get to a rapid access clinic.”
Persistent cough
People with a family history of lung cancer who develop a persistent cough should also contact their GP for a screening referral, said Prof Redmond.
GP Dr Una Kennedy acknowledged that some patients might be reluctant to visit their doctor during the pandemic but underlined the importance of speaking to a health professional if new symptoms, particularly a persistent cough, arise.
“GPs have made huge changes in how we manage and run our surgeries during Covid-19,” she said. “We’re really conscious of being able to protect people who come to see us and take precautions every step of the way. We won’t bring you into the surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. If we don’t know you’re out there with symptoms we can’t help you. We just need people to make contact.”
Dr Kennedy noted that lung cancer symptoms can be “vague and difficult to distinguish” but advised people to contact a doctor if they develop a persistent cough, lose weight without a change in diet, develop chest or shoulder pain which they cannot explain and become breathless when undertaking usual daily tasks.
Singer Mary Byrne, whose brother-in-law, Liam, and two sisters-in-law, Geraldine and Kathleen, died from lung cancer, said the ICA campaign was "very close " to her heart having lost three family members to the disease in the past nine years.
“If their cancers had been diagnosed earlier they could have had more treatment options and a greater chance of survival.”
Because of what happened to them, Ms Byrne says she gets regular check-ups. “My sisters-in-law were in their sixties when they were diagnosed. I’m 61 this year and I hope to be around until I’m at least in my 80s for my daughter and for myself. I’ve lost six and a half stone and quit smoking and the motivation for this is all down to losing family members so young.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Citizens Information website changed after incorrect Covid-19 advice

The Citizens Information Board has changed guidance on its website that advised people with Covid-19 symptoms they no longer needed to self-isolate after a negative test result .
The Board made the change to citizensinformation.ie after being contacted by the Health Service Executive , which had been asked by The Irish Times to clarify the requirement for self-isolation for people undergoing tests for the virus .
The website , which is widely used by the public for information about State services , had incorrectly stated that people who test negative for Covid-19 “ do not have to self-isolate any longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says contacts of cases who are tested “ must stay at home ( for 14 days ) even if the test says you do not have Covid-19 ” .
People who recently came to Ireland and who have to restrict their movements should continue to do so even if they test negative , the Citizens Information website went on to advise .
However , following contact from the HSE , the website was changed last Friday and now advises people who test negative for the virus : “ If you had symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if : • You have had no fever for 5 days and • It has been 14 days since you first developed symptoms ” .
The advice requiring incoming travellers to the State to self-isolate for 14 days remains unchanged .
During last month ’ s controversy involving Phil Hogan , the former EU Commissioner cited advice from Citizens Information as the reason he ended his quarantine early .
However , Citizens Information issued a statement saying the reference on its website to people “ no longer requiring to self-isolate was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the advice of the HSE ” and did not apply to those who have to restrict their movement for 14 days upon entry to the State .
Contacted by The Irish Times , the HSE said close contacts of a cases are tested on day 0 and day 7 “ even if both tests are negative they have to ‘ restrict their movement ’ ( not self-isolate , only a positive case self-isolates ) for 14 days ” .
“ It is incorrect to stop restricting your movement if you are notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed case .
Even if you have no symptoms and even if your test ( or both tests ) come back negative , you have to continue to restrict your movements for 14 days .
“ It can take up to 14 days for the virus to show up in your system after you have been exposed to it .
Restricting your movement for 14 days will stop you unknowingly spreading the virus to others.
” Some exceptions to the 14-rule apply to healthcare workers only , it said .
People who require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative result “ does not mean that you never had coronavirus .
It just means that the virus was not found in the sample the lab tested ” .
“ You should continue to follow the advice to protect yourself and others .
“ If your symptoms continue or get worse , phone your GP , ” the advice continues .

The website, widely used by the public for information about State services, had incorrectly stated that people who test negative for Covid-19 ‘do not have to self-isolate any longer’
The Citizens Information Board has changed guidance on its website that advised people with Covid-19 symptoms they no longer needed to self-isolate after a negative test result.
The Board made the change to citizensinformation.ie after being contacted by the Health Service Executive, which had been asked by The Irish Times to clarify the requirement for self-isolation for people undergoing tests for the virus.
The website, which is widely used by the public for information about State services, had stated that people who test negative for Covid-19 “do not have to self-isolate any longer”.
In contrast, HSE guidance says contacts of cases who are tested “must stay at home (for 14 days) even if the test says you do not have Covid-19”.
READ MORE
People who recently came to Ireland and who have to restrict their movements should continue to do so even if they test negative, the Citizens Information website went on to advise.
However, following contact from the HSE, the website was changed last Friday and now advises people who test negative for the virus: “If you had symptoms of Covid-19, you should stop self-isolating only if:
• You have had no fever for 5 days and
• It has been 14 days since you first developed symptoms”.
The advice requiring incoming travellers to the State to self-isolate for 14 days remains unchanged.
During last month's controversy involving Phil Hogan, the former EU Commissioner cited advice from Citizens Information as the reason he ended his quarantine early.
However, Citizens Information issued a statement saying the reference on its website to people “no longer requiring to self-isolate was in the context of people who have been tested on the advice of the HSE” and did not apply to those who have to restrict their movement for 14 days upon entry to the State.
Contacted by The Irish Times, the HSE said close contacts of a cases are tested on day 0 and day 7 “even if both tests are negative they have to ‘restrict their movement’ (not self-isolate, only a positive case self-isolates) for 14 days”.
“It is incorrect to stop restricting your movement if you are notified as being a close contact of a confirmed case. Even if you have no symptoms and even if your test (or both tests) come back negative, you have to continue to restrict your movements for 14 days.
“It can take up to 14 days for the virus to show up in your system after you have been exposed to it. Restricting your movement for 14 days will stop you unknowingly spreading the virus to others.”
Some exceptions to the 14-rule apply to healthcare workers only, it said.
People who require testing due to symptoms are advised a negative result “does not mean that you never had coronavirus. It just means that the virus was not found in the sample the lab tested”.
“You should continue to follow the advice to protect yourself and others.
“If your symptoms continue or get worse, phone your GP,” the advice continues.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Varadkar says rising Covid-19 rates in Dublin will require additional restrictions

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the “ worrying ” increase in coronavirus infections in Dublin would require additional restrictions and a “ different response ” than in the rest of the country .
The Government is due to announce a new five-level alert plan to deal with the virus on Tuesday , with the expectation that the country will be placed at Level Two , the second most benign response , with additional restrictions expected for Dublin and the county possibly being set at an escalated restriction Level Three .
The coalition party leaders will meet on Monday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet subcommittee on the Covid-19 response with the acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn .
Expressing concern about a 20-fold increase in Covid-19 cases in Dublin in the space of a few weeks , Mr Varadkar said the Government would make a decision on restrictions on Tuesday .
“ While that has not yet resulted in a dramatic increase in people in hospital or ICUs or deaths , the truth is that it is probably going to head that way if we don ’ t get on top of it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 in two areas of Dublin has risen above the 100 mark per 100,000 population for the first time since the spring , new figures show .
The 14-day incidence of the virus now stands at 101.9 per 100,000 people in Dublin South-East and 100.6 in Dublin North-West , according to the latest epidemiological report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre .
Effectively , this means about one person in a thousand in each area has contracted the disease over the past fortnight .
A total of 1,068 cases were notified in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Speaking on a visit a leisure centre in Naas , Co Kildare to announce a new grant for reopening businesses across the country , the Minister for Enterprise , Trade and Employment said he was watching the situation in Spain and Madrid where there has been a surge in new Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations .
“ We don ’ t want to go there .
There is an opportunity to turn the curve again , flatten the curve again in Dublin , and we will have to make a decision as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional restrictions will be required in the Dublin , ” he said .
“ Based on data , based on the evidence , the situation in Dublin is markedly different from the rest of the country and that will require a different response.
” This would be borne in mind when it comes to whether the Government will approve the reopening of Dublin “ wet pubs ” that do not serve substantial meals on September 21st , he said .
Mr Varadkar said that the Government was not considering restricted movements experienced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country but that “ some regions and some counties are going to see some local restrictions that were seen in Kildare , Laois and Offaly.
” His message to any county that “ may be heading into additional restrictions like Dublin ” is that that the public can suppress the virus if people work together , he told reporters .
Mr Varadkar said the Government was considering introducing a lower set of fines , running to tens or hundreds of euro , than is currently permitted in legislation for breaches of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said that he believed the “ most effective ” policy when it comes to suppressing the virus was one of “ persuasion ” and “ trying to bring people with us ” rather than “ turning Ireland into a police state , by imposing strict laws and fines and locking people up.
” Mr Varadkar said the State was entering “ a game of cat and mouse ” with the virus involving “ local restrictions of different levels being turned on and off for the next couple of months.
” There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the progress being made on developing a vaccine .
“ There is growing confidence that in the first half of the new year we will be in a position to vaccinate older people , those most at risk and healthcare workers and that could change things , ” he said .
The Tánaiste said the Government “ will need to allow ourselves flexibility over the next couple of months ” to change the medium-term plan , if the facts and science on the virus changes .
Dublin South East , which stretches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Leopardstown and Sandyford , recorded 126 new cases .
Dublin North-West , which stretches from Cabra to Mulhuddart and includes many recently-built areas in west Dublin , recorded 209 .
In Dublin South , by contrast , there were 44 new cases , giving a 14-day incidence of just 32.3 .
Sligo , at 4.6 , has the lowest county incidence of the disease , followed by Cork , at 8.1 .
Overall in the Republic , 2,016 new cases were notified , giving a national incidence of 42.34 .
Some 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICU , and there were four deaths among confirmed cases .
The HSE says there were 57 Covid-19 patients in hospital on Sunday evening , including seven new admissions over the preceding 24 hours .
Ten confirmed cases are in ICU , and eight are on ventilators .
Within the hospital system , 59 critical care beds are available and 439 general beds .
Meanwhile , the latest update from the European Centre for Disease Control shows the incidence of the disease is twice that in Germany of Sweden .
Ireland is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ECDC , compared to 21.7 in Germany and 22.7 in Sweden .
Most countries in Europe are experiencing a surge in cases at present - with the UK reporting an incidence of 51.1 and Spain having the highest rate , at 270.7 .

Dublin’s drink only-pubs will not be allowed to reopen next week as planned due to rising coronavirus cases in the capital.
Dublin’s drink only-pubs will not be allowed to reopen next week as planned due to rising coronavirus cases in the capital.
The move to delay the September 21st reopening for pubs that don’t serve food in Dublin is due to be signed off by the Cabinet on Tuesday morning as the Government delivers its new Living with Covid-19 five-level plan.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar on Monday said the “worrying” increase in coronavirus infections in Dublin would require additional restrictions and a “different response” than in the rest of the country.
Hospital Report
The Government is due to announce a new five-level alert plan to deal with the virus on Tuesday, with the expectation that the country will be placed at Level Two, the second most benign response, with additional restrictions expected for Dublin and the county possibly being set at an escalated restriction Level Three.
READ MORE
The Coalition party leaders met on Monday afternoon. There was also a meeting of the Cabinet subcommittee on the Covid-19 response with the acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn.
Expressing concern about a 20-fold increase in Covid-19 cases in Dublin in the space of a few weeks, Mr Varadkar said the Government would make a decision on restrictions on Tuesday.
“While that has not yet resulted in a dramatic increase in people in hospital or ICUs or deaths, the truth is that it is probably going to head that way if we don’t get on top of it,” he said.
The incidence of Covid-19 in two areas of Dublin has risen above the 100 mark per 100,000 population for the first time since the spring, new figures show.
The 14-day incidence of the virus now stands at 107.5 per 100,000 people in Dublin South-East and 116 in Dublin North-West, according to the latest epidemiological report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Effectively, this means about one person in a thousand in each area has contracted the disease over the past fortnight.
A total of 1,068 cases were notified in Dublin over the two-week period up to last Friday.
Speaking on a visit a leisure centre in Naas, Co Kildare to announce a new grant for reopening businesses across the country, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said he was watching the situation in Spain and Madrid where there has been a surge in new Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations.
“We don’t want to go there. There is an opportunity to turn the curve again, flatten the curve again in Dublin, and we will have to make a decision as Government tomorrow as to what mix of additional restrictions will be required in the Dublin,” he said.
“Based on data, based on the evidence, the situation in Dublin is markedly different from the rest of the country and that will require a different response.”
This would be borne in mind when it comes to whether the Government will approve the reopening of Dublin “wet pubs” that do not serve substantial meals on September 21st, he said.
Mr Varadkar said that the Government was not considering restricted movements experienced in the March-April lockdown for any part of the country but that “some regions and some counties are going to see some local restrictions that were seen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly.”
His message to any county that “may be heading into additional restrictions like Dublin” is that that the public can suppress the virus if people work together, he told reporters.
Mr Varadkar said the Government was considering introducing a lower set of fines, running to tens or hundreds of euro, than is currently permitted in legislation for breaches of Covid-19 public health guidelines for gatherings in households.
He said that he believed the “most effective” policy when it comes to suppressing the virus was one of “persuasion” and “trying to bring people with us” rather than “turning Ireland into a police state, by imposing strict laws and fines and locking people up.”
Mr Varadkar said the State was entering “a game of cat and mouse” with the virus involving “local restrictions of different levels being turned on and off for the next couple of months.”
There was “hope on the horizon” with the progress being made on developing a vaccine.
“There is growing confidence that in the first half of the new year we will be in a position to vaccinate older people, those most at risk and healthcare workers and that could change things,” he said.
The Tánaiste said the Government “will need to allow ourselves flexibility over the next couple of months” to change the medium-term plan, if the facts and science on the virus changes.
Dublin South East, which stretches from Baggot Street through Rathmines and Ranelagh to Leopardstown and Sandyford, recorded 126 new cases. Dublin North-West, which stretches from Cabra to Mulhuddart and includes many recently-built areas in west Dublin, recorded 209.
In Dublin South, by contrast, there were 44 new cases, giving a 14-day incidence of just 32.3. Sligo, at 4.6, has the lowest county incidence of the disease, followed by Cork, at 8.1.
Overall in the Republic, 2,016 new cases were notified, giving a national incidence of 42.34. Some 58 patients were hospitalised and two admitted to ICU, and there were four deaths among confirmed cases.
The HSE says there were 57 Covid-19 patients in hospital on Sunday evening, including seven new admissions over the preceding 24 hours. Ten confirmed cases are in ICU, and eight are on ventilators.
Within the hospital system, 59 critical care beds are available and 439 general beds.
Meanwhile, the latest update from the European Centre for Disease Control shows the incidence of the disease is twice that in Germany of Sweden.
Ireland is currently reporting a 14-day incidence of 45.4 to the ECDC, compared to 21.7 in Germany and 22.7 in Sweden.
Most countries in Europe are experiencing a surge in cases at present - with the UK reporting an incidence of 51.1 and Spain having the highest rate, at 270.7.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Covid-19: Government to discuss right to protest, says Coveney

The Government is to discuss the right to protest following an anti-mask demonstration that took place in Dublin at the weekend , Simon Coveney has said .
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said it was important to strike the right balance between the rights of individuals and law and order .
“ There ’ s always a balance that the State has to manage between giving people the right to protest and be heard and to demonstrate and at the same time ensure that law and order is respected , ” he told Newstalk ’ s Pat Kenny show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest in Dublin against the wearing of masks on Saturday .
“ If there had been a tough clampdown of this protest by the guards you ’ d have people ringing in this morning to you saying that we have a police state and that people aren ’ t allowed have their say , and what about the right to protest , ” Mr Coveney said .
“ This is a difficult balancing act , I have to say that the people who were involved in that protest do not represent a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very small minority view .
“ It is very unwelcome that people are foolhardy enough to think that they can ignore all of the public health advice , all of the doctors that are repeating the message over and over again , of our national public health team at Nphet , and the Minister for Health and the Government messages , they ’ re ignoring all of that because they see conspiracies in everything , and they just demand the freedom to walk around without restrictions — that is a tiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week after week , there needed to be strong messaging that was persuasive so that the vast majority of Irish people continue working with the Government .
The Minister acknowledged that there may well be restrictions required ( in Dublin ) in terms of people moving between households that may be more restrictive than in other parts of the country .
“ I am not happy , most of the people who saw that demonstration on television would have been angered by it , that ’ s why I ’ m saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the balance right between the right to protest and be heard and the law and the regulations and guidelines that we have to protect the public .
We ’ ll be discussing that balance in Government today .
The Covid meeting today after which hopefully we ’ ll be able to sign off on a plan that we ’ ll bring to Government for full decision tomorrow.
” Mr Coveney agreed that the protest had been an affront , “ I think decent people who think about Covid and listen to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images and been infuriated by it , we live in a democracy and people that have different views need to be able to express them , and we need to be able to get the balance right between allowing that and also protecting broader public health .
“ We need to discuss whether we got that right yesterday or not .
I have a lot of sympathy for the guards on this issue because managing public protests and getting that balance right is not easy .
”

The Government is to discuss the right to protest following an anti-mask demonstration that took place in Dublin at the weekend, Simon Coveney has said.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs said it was important to strike the right balance between the rights of individuals and law and order.
“There’s always a balance that the State has to manage between giving people the right to protest and be heard and to demonstrate and at the same time ensure that law and order is respected,” he told Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show.
Thousands of people took part in a protest in Dublin against the wearing of masks on Saturday.
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“If there had been a tough clampdown of this protest by the guards you’d have people ringing in this morning to you saying that we have a police state and that people aren’t allowed have their say, and what about the right to protest,” Mr Coveney said.
“This is a difficult balancing act, I have to say that the people who were involved in that protest do not represent a majority review, in fact they represent a very, very small minority view.
“It is very unwelcome that people are foolhardy enough to think that they can ignore all of the public health advice, all of the doctors that are repeating the message over and over again, of our national public health team at Nphet, and the Minister for Health and the Government messages, they’re ignoring all of that because they see conspiracies in everything, and they just demand the freedom to walk around without restrictions — that is a tiny minority view.”
Mr Coveney said that week after week, there needed to be strong messaging that was persuasive so that the vast majority of Irish people continue working with the Government.
The Minister acknowledged that there may well be restrictions required (in Dublin) in terms of people moving between households that may be more restrictive than in other parts of the country.
“I am not happy, most of the people who saw that demonstration on television would have been angered by it, that’s why I’m saying that the Government needs to try to get the balance right between the right to protest and be heard and the law and the regulations and guidelines that we have to protect the public. We’ll be discussing that balance in Government today. The Covid meeting today after which hopefully we’ll be able to sign off on a plan that we’ll bring to Government for full decision tomorrow.”
Mr Coveney agreed that the protest had been an affront, “I think decent people who think about Covid and listen to the public health advice, would have watched those images and been infuriated by it, we live in a democracy and people that have different views need to be able to express them, and we need to be able to get the balance right between allowing that and also protecting broader public health.
“We need to discuss whether we got that right yesterday or not. I have a lot of sympathy for the guards on this issue because managing public protests and getting that balance right is not easy.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Packed pubs must be a thing of the past, intensive care expert says

There can not be a return to the packed pubs of the past , intensive care consultant Catherine Motherway has warned .
Although there was a need to return to some sort of normal , uncontrolled groups in indoor settings was a worry she told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland .
Pubs which do not serve food will be allowed reopen on September 21st .
Public health experts have said restrictions will be necessary to control high rates of infection in Dublin .
Dr Motherway , who is past president of the Intensive Care Society , said she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled manner in small groups .
The level of intensive care beds in the country remained an issue of concern , she added and any expansion in such numbers would be welcome in the national plan due to be announced on Tuesday .
The rise in the numbers of people contracting Covid-19 in recent weeks had been predominantly among younger people who did not need the same levels of hospitalisation , which was good , she said , but there remained the fear that the virus could spread in the community to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the vulnerable have gotten better at protecting themselves , there remained a risk .
The survival rate in Ireland ’ s intensive care units for Covid-19 patients was good , she said , at 79 per cent , which compared well internationally .
Dr Motherway said she was confident that the HSE was committed to improving intensive care bed capacity , but the lack of ICU beds was one of the reasons why there had been such a severe and prolonged lockdown .
The consultant , who is based at University Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 case in the intensive care unit for some time , called on people to gather in a controlled manner , it was uncontrolled indoor gatherings that were the problem , she said .
While we needed to get back to some sort of normal life , it was not going to be the same as before , there could not be a return to packed pubs , she said .

Dr Motherway said she would prefer to see people gathering in a controlled manner in small groups.
There cannot be a return to the packed pubs of the past, intensive care consultant Catherine Motherway has warned.
Although there was a need to return to some sort of normal, uncontrolled groups in indoor settings was a worry she told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland.
Pubs which do not serve food will be allowed reopen on September 21st. Public health experts have said restrictions will be necessary to control high rates of infection in Dublin.
Dr Motherway, who is past president of the Intensive Care Society, said she would prefer to see people gathering in a controlled manner in small groups.
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The level of intensive care beds in the country remained an issue of concern, she added and any expansion in such numbers would be welcome in the national plan due to be announced on Tuesday.
The rise in the numbers of people contracting Covid-19 in recent weeks had been predominantly among younger people who did not need the same levels of hospitalisation, which was good, she said, but there remained the fear that the virus could spread in the community to more vulnerable people.
Dr Motherway said that while the vulnerable have gotten better at protecting themselves, there remained a risk.
The survival rate in Ireland’s intensive care units for Covid-19 patients was good, she said, at 79 per cent, which compared well internationally.
Dr Motherway said she was confident that the HSE was committed to improving intensive care bed capacity, but the lack of ICU beds was one of the reasons why there had been such a severe and prolonged lockdown.
The consultant, who is based at University Hospital Limerick where she has not seen a Covid-19 case in the intensive care unit for some time, called on people to gather in a controlled manner, it was uncontrolled indoor gatherings that were the problem, she said.
While we needed to get back to some sort of normal life, it was not going to be the same as before, there could not be a return to packed pubs, she said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Teenager arrested as homeless man found dead in Dublin

A 16-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the death of a homeless man in Kilmainham in Dublin .
The body of the man in his 40s was found in a laneway off Madison Road in the early hours of Monday morning .
Gardaí were alerted to the incident at about 1.30am .
The identity of the victim is as yet unknown .
It is understood his phone was missing when he was found .
The laneway is parallel to the South Circular Road and runs between Madison Road and Mayfield Road , two rows of red-bricked houses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday morning .
A bouquet of flowers was left close to the Mayfield Road entrance .
Locals say a number of homeless people have been seen in the vicinity recently .
The male teenager who was arrested is being held at Kevin Street Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , 1984 .
Resident David Carr said the area had been “ plagued by teenage gangs ” recently .
“ We didn ’ t feel like we got any police action , ” he explained .
“ They became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked different .
For a while it quietened down , but lately there has been a bit more action .
“ There was some teenagers kicking at my door recently and they were putting it up to me .
There is a lot of intimidation .
“ I can see them in the neighbourhood .
They are very confident and very arrogant .
I don ’ t know if it is the same group , I can ’ t be sure , but they act like a magnent .
We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gardaí in Kevin Street are appealing to anyone who may have any information about the incident to come forward .
The scene was preserved for a technical examination and the State Pathologist was notified .
Anyone who was in the Madison Lane area between the hours of 11pm and 2am should contact Kevin Street Garda station on 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 .

Gardaí at the scene at a laneway off Madison Road in Kilmainham, Dublin 8 where a man was found dead. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy
Gardaí believe an eastern European homeless man was beaten to death after remonstrating with a youth who had stolen his mobile phone.
A 16-year-old boy has been detained and is currently being interviewed by gardaí. He was arrested after his 17-year-old friend presented himself to gardaí and said he had witnessed the victim being beaten to death in the Kilmainham area of Dublin in the early hours of Monday morning.
Gardaí are “reasonably certain” they have identified the victim and are attempting to track down his family in eastern Europe to inform them of the death, a source said.
Flowers at the scene in Kilmainhamwhere a man was found dead. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy
] A murder investigation is under way following the death of a homeless man in Dublin in the early hours of Monday morning. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
The victim, who is aged in his 40s, had been living in Ireland for several years and was in contact with homeless services here. He had been sleeping rough in recent months.
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“He would have availed of our services most nights of the week” said Tony Walsh of Feed the Homeless. “He was a very respectful man. Very polite.
“It was very sad to hear the news this morning. The loss of life on the streets is always a tragedy but particularly in this case.”
Investigators are still trying to piece together the exact sequence of events leading to the man’s death. It is believe a group of youths were in the Kilmainham area late on Sunday and that one of them stole a phone from the victim who had been sleeping rough in a laneway.
The youth may have then left the scene before returning and engaging in a verbal argument with the victim. The teen then allegedly beat the man to death with his fists and by kicking him. “We don’t think there was any weapon involved. It was done with his bare hands.” a source said.
Another teenager who witnessed the assault went to gardaí and the 16-year-old suspect was arrested a short time later.
The man's body was found on Madison Road in the early hours of Monday morning. Gardaí were alerted to the incident at about 1.30am.
The laneway is parallel to the South Circular Road and runs between Madison Road and Mayfield Road, two rows of red-bricked houses. Both ends of it were sealed off on Monday morning. A bouquet of flowers was left close to the Mayfield Road entrance.
Gardaí have opened an murder investigation and established an incident room at Kevin Street Garda station.
The youth is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
Forensic examination of the scene is continuing and a post-mortem on the victim is due to take place shortly.
Gardaí say they are following a definite line of inquiry. They are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the Madison Lane area between the hours of 11pm and 2am, to contact them at Kevin Street on 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
There has been a spike in homeless deaths in Ireland this year, despite fewer numbers sleeping on the streets during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thirty two homeless people have died so far in 2020, including ten deaths in July alone.
There is no official count for the number of rough sleepers in Dublin, as counting by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive was suspended due to the pandemic. However the Simon Community’s Street Outreach Service said it dealt with 110 individuals last month while Feed the Homeless said it was helping up to 120 people a night in Dublin.
People need “safe beds”, Mr Walsh said. “we seeing an really dramatic increase again in the numbers of people sleeping out on the streets at night.”
He called for an overhaul of the DHRE’s rough sleeper helpline to ensure “no one who needs a bed is turned away.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Suspension of workers’ right to redundancy could be extended

The Government is looking at extending the suspension of the rights of workers who were laid off to seek redundancy from their employer .
Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 , employees who have been laid off for at least four weeks have the right in certain circumstances to demand that their employer make them redundant .
Covid-19 emergency legislation introduced earlier this year contained a provision which suspended the right of laid-off employees to demand redundancy .
This provision was supposed to come to an end on September 17th .
The Cabinet is expected to consider the issue on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being given to a further extension .
However sources said at the weekend that no decision had been taken at that stage on a final recommendation .
The aim of the 1967 legislation was to ensure that workers would not be left in an indefinite “ limbo ” – where they were neither at work , fully unemployed or available to take up a job elsewhere .
Under the legislation if an employer can not guarantee 13 weeks of full- time work within four weeks , then the employee automatically becomes entitled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of the provisions of the 1967 legislation there were fears that the Covid-19 crisis could lead to large number of workers who had been laid off by their employer invoking their rights to be deemed to be redundant .
There were fears this could have had major impacts on the cash flow of business which would have had to pay redundancy lump sums or , alternatively on the State which could have to finance statutory redundancy terms where companies could not afford to do so .
At the height of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May there were just under 600,000 people receiving the special pandemic unemployment payment .
The basic statutory redundancy entitlement is two weeks per year of service capped at €600 per week plus a week .

If an employer cannot guarantee 13 weeks of full-time work within four weeks, then the employee automatically becomes entitled to redundancy.
The Government is looking at extending the suspension of the rights of workers who were laid off to seek redundancy from their employer.
Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, employees who have been laid off for at least four weeks have the right in certain circumstances to demand that their employer make them redundant.
Covid-19 emergency legislation introduced earlier this year contained a provision which suspended the right of laid-off employees to demand redundancy. This provision was supposed to come to an end on September 17th.
The Cabinet is expected to consider the issue on Tuesday and some informed sources said consideration was being given to a further extension. However sources said at the weekend that no decision had been taken at that stage on a final recommendation.
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The aim of the 1967 legislation was to ensure that workers would not be left in an indefinite “limbo” – where they were neither at work, fully unemployed or available to take up a job elsewhere.
Under the legislation if an employer cannot guarantee 13 weeks of full- time work within four weeks, then the employee automatically becomes entitled to redundancy.
At the time of the suspension of the provisions of the 1967 legislation there were fears that the Covid-19 crisis could lead to large number of workers who had been laid off by their employer invoking their rights to be deemed to be redundant.
There were fears this could have had major impacts on the cash flow of business which would have had to pay redundancy lump sums or, alternatively on the State which could have to finance statutory redundancy terms where companies could not afford to do so.
At the height of the Covid-19 crisis at the end of April/early May there were just under 600,000 people receiving the special pandemic unemployment payment.
The basic statutory redundancy entitlement is two weeks per year of service capped at €600 per week plus a week.


theirishtimes--2020-09-14--Demolition of The O’Rahilly’s former home approved by Bord Pleanála

Bord Pleanála has approved the demolition of 40 Herbert Park , Ballsbridge , the former home of The O ’ Rahilly , the only leader to have been killed fighting during the 1916 Rising .
The planning authority approved the demolition of the house to make way for an apartment and hotel development of up to 12 storeys on adjoining sites number 36 , 38 and 40 Herbert Park .
Numbers 36 and 38 have already been demolished but several houses of similar vintage and style at numbers 1-34 Herbert Park are included on Dublin City Council ’ s Record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a development company owned by the McSharry and Kennedy families , who also own the Herbert Park Hotel , had applied to to the board under the Strategic Housing Initiative , for the aparthotel extension and 105 apartments fronting on to Herbert Park .
The approval comes despite opposition from several residents ’ associations and heritage organisations , city councillors and the Department of Culture and Heritage .
Opposing the development An Taisce told the planning board the house has historic and social significance due to the historic association with Michael Joseph O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rising .
In addition , An Taisce said the house is “ an attractive Edwardian villa type design that is largely unaltered and characteristic of the development of the inner suburbs in the late 19th and early 20th century ” .
The heritage body said “ given the historic association and the age and design the house would almost certainly fulfil the requirements for addition to the RPS ” .
It also said the City Development Plan encouraged the retention of older buildings of significance which are not protected in order to conserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In its statutory submission to the board , Dublin City Council said it supported the development .
The planning inspector noted the council ’ s submission to the effect that the development was compatible with the zoning objectives pertaining to the site .
The City Council submission also said “ the design principle of creating a landmark building and a gateway to Herbert Park is acceptable , and the creation of a counter-point reference to Ardoyne House on the opposite side of the Park is understood .
The principle of additional height at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjacent to Herbert Park is acceptable ” .
Councillors of all parties objected to the development , both in relation to its height and the demolition of number 40 , which the council ’ s conservation section was assessing for listing on the Record of Protected Structures ( RPS ) .
Objections were also made by local residents and residents ’ groups including Pembroke Place Residents ’ Association , South Georgian Residents ’ Association , Pembroke Road Residents ’ Association , and Upper Leeson Street Residents ’ Association .
Submissions opposing the demolition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1916 Relatives Alliance and Relatives of the Signatories of the 1916 Proclamation .
The O ’ Rahilly ’ s grandson , Proinsias Ó Rathaille , also lodged an objection with the board , and has raised concerns about the deterioration of the house , which has had its windows smashed .

No 40, Herbert Park, in Dublin 4, was the home of Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, known as The O’Rahilly, the only leader of the 1916 Rising to die in battle. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
An Bord Pleanála has approved the demolition of 40 Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, the former home of The O’Rahilly, the only leader to have been killed fighting during the 1916 Rising.
The planning authority approved the demolition of the house to make way for an apartment and hotel development of up to 12 storeys on adjoining sites number 36, 38 and 40 Herbert Park.
Numbers 36 and 38 have already been demolished but several houses of similar vintage and style at numbers 1-34 Herbert Park are included on Dublin City Council’s Record of Protected Structures.
Derryroe Ltd, a development company owned by the McSharry and Kennedy families, who also own the Herbert Park Hotel, had applied to to the board under the Strategic Housing Initiative, for the aparthotel extension and 105 apartments fronting on to Herbert Park.
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The approval comes despite opposition from several residents’ associations and heritage organisations, city councillors and the Department of Culture and Heritage.
Opposing the development An Taisce told the planning board the house has historic and social significance due to the historic association with Michael Joseph O’Rahilly who died in the 1916 Rising.
In addition, An Taisce said the house is “an attractive Edwardian villa type design that is largely unaltered and characteristic of the development of the inner suburbs in the late 19th and early 20th century”. The heritage body said “given the historic association and the age and design the house would almost certainly fulfil the requirements for addition to the RPS”.
It also said the City Development Plan encouraged the retention of older buildings of significance which are not protected in order to conserve the built heritage of the city.
In its statutory submission to the board, Dublin City Council said it supported the development. The planning inspector noted the council’s submission to the effect that the development was compatible with the zoning objectives pertaining to the site.
The City Council submission also said “the design principle of creating a landmark building and a gateway to Herbert Park is acceptable, and the creation of a counter-point reference to Ardoyne House on the opposite side of the Park is understood. The principle of additional height at the south-western corner of the site and adjacent to Herbert Park is acceptable”.
Councillors of all parties objected to the development, both in relation to its height and the demolition of number 40, which the council’s conservation section was assessing for listing on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS).
Objections were also made by local residents and residents’ groups including Pembroke Place Residents’ Association, South Georgian Residents’ Association, Pembroke Road Residents’ Association, and Upper Leeson Street Residents’ Association.
Submissions opposing the demolition of number 40 were also made by the 1916 Relatives Alliance and Relatives of the Signatories of the 1916 Proclamation. The O’Rahilly’s grandson, Proinsias Ó Rathaille, also lodged an objection with the board, and has raised concerns about the deterioration of the house, which has had its windows smashed.