theirishtimes--2020-06-20--‘I cried tears of joy the day she told me I didn’t need to have chemotherapy’

On a Monday last October , Anne Kavanagh noticed that one of her breasts felt different from normal .
The next day she went to her family doctor .
Within a week , she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer , known as “ HR-positive , HER2-negative , node-negative ” .
The tumour was so small that it did not show up in an X-ray .
When it was removed the following week , the surgeon suggested that Prof Janice Walshe , consultant oncologist at St Vincent ’ s University Hospital in Dublin , be brought in on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary .
In the meantime , a second tiny lump was found and removed .
They went ahead with the Oncotype test ( a genetic test ) by sending a sample to the US .
The result was back within 10 days and Kavanagh says there was no long , stressful wait to find out whether she would need to have chemotherapy .
She had a score of three out of 100 , an indication there was no need for chemotherapy , and instead underwent four weeks of radiotherapy .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kavanagh , who is married with three children , and will be 70 in September .
She believes she was blessed in getting over the rollercoaster of emotion so quickly rather than waiting to learn her fate .
Sixteen years ago her sister Mary had to undergo chemotherapy , which was the standard course of treatment .
“ I don ’ t think cancer is the same terrifying word that it was then .
The Oncotype test is a great way of speeding things up and is so accurate , ” she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her quality of life .
She lives in Terenure , Dublin , and believes being fit , doing yoga and walking often played their part .
Her family are thrilled by the outcome and she has become a strong advocate for regular breast checks .
Moreover , she says , her case highlights the merits of going to the doctor as soon as a lump is detected – when “ a lot of people put it off ” .
Orlaith Cryan had breast cancer surgery in February 2013 having also been diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She was referred to Prof Walshe , who recommended the Oncotype test .
A tissue sample was sent to the US and her score “ just scraped in ” at less than 20 .
“ She told me you can have chemo if you wish .
She felt I would not benefit from it .
I went on her advice , ” Cryan says .
Knowing the likely impacts including hair loss and having to go on steroids , she was very happy not to go down that route .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking tamoxifen – which blocks the female hormone oestrogen in the body .
She has been off that drug since early last year .
After surgery she had a short course of radiotherapy , with minor side-effects , while the tamoxifen had no side-effects .
“ I never lost my quality of life , ” says Cryan ( 52 ) , who is married with three adult children and lives in Knocklyon , Dublin .
Regular check-ups are all that have been needed since .
“ Without the Oncotype test I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
.
It was absolutely fantastic that I didn ’ t have to , ” she says .
“ I cried tears of joy the day she told me I didn ’ t need to have chemotherapy .
”

Anne Kavanagh at home in Terenure, Dublin: ‘The Oncotype test is a great way of speeding things up and is so accurate.’ Photograph: Alan Betson
On a Monday last October, Anne Kavanagh noticed that one of her breasts felt different from normal.
The next day she went to her family doctor. Within a week, she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, known as “HR-positive, HER2-negative, node-negative”. The tumour was so small that it did not show up in an X-ray.
When it was removed the following week, the surgeon suggested that Prof Janice Walshe, consultant oncologist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, be brought in on the conversation on whether chemotherapy would then be necessary.
In the meantime, a second tiny lump was found and removed. They went ahead with the Oncotype test (a genetic test) by sending a sample to the US. The result was back within 10 days and Kavanagh says there was no long, stressful wait to find out whether she would need to have chemotherapy.
READ MORE
She had a score of three out of 100, an indication there was no need for chemotherapy, and instead underwent four weeks of radiotherapy.
“I have been absolutely fantastic since,” says Kavanagh, who is married with three children, and will be 70 in September.
She believes she was blessed in getting over the rollercoaster of emotion so quickly rather than waiting to learn her fate.
Sixteen years ago her sister Mary had to undergo chemotherapy, which was the standard course of treatment.
“I don’t think cancer is the same terrifying word that it was then. The Oncotype test is a great way of speeding things up and is so accurate,” she says.
Her cancer had a minimal impact on her quality of life. She lives in Terenure, Dublin, and believes being fit, doing yoga and walking often played their part. Her family are thrilled by the outcome and she has become a strong advocate for regular breast checks.
Moreover, she says, her case highlights the merits of going to the doctor as soon as a lump is detected – when “a lot of people put it off”.
Orlaith Cryan at home in Knocklyon, Dublin: ‘I never lost my quality of life.’ Photograph: Alan Betson
No benefit from chemo
Orlaith Cryan had breast cancer surgery in February 2013 having also been diagnosed node-negative (early stage breast cancer). She was referred to Prof Walshe, who recommended the Oncotype test. A tissue sample was sent to the US and her score "just scraped in" at less than 20.
“She told me you can have chemo if you wish. She felt I would not benefit from it. I went on her advice,” Cryan says.
Knowing the likely impacts including hair loss and having to go on steroids, she was very happy not to go down that route. Instead, she had hormone therapy for five years, taking tamoxifen – which blocks the female hormone oestrogen in the body. She has been off that drug since early last year.
After surgery she had a short course of radiotherapy, with minor side-effects, while the tamoxifen had no side-effects.
"I never lost my quality of life," says Cryan (52), who is married with three adult children and lives in Knocklyon, Dublin. Regular check-ups are all that have been needed since.
“Without the Oncotype test I would have been put straight into chemotherapy . . . It was absolutely fantastic that I didn’t have to,” she says. “I cried tears of joy the day she told me I didn’t need to have chemotherapy.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-21--Father’s Day: Covid-19 clampdown a labour of love for expectant dads

Ben Lowe and Sam Hartigan were keenly aware of the bit parts they had been assigned in the drama in which their wives , about to give birth , were the stars and both clearly understood what they were missing out on as their partners were led off to the wards to go through the early stages of labour without them .
Covid-19 restrictions in place in the National Maternity Hospital – and other maternity units across the State – have meant that for more than three months some 2,000 fathers have been unable to spend much time with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even less time with their babies once they have come kicking and screaming into the world .
But both of these fathers knew their absence was a price worth paying to keep their babies , their partners and those caring for them safe from harm .
The drama for the Lowes and the Hartigans started early on Monday morning .
“ Sorcha ’ s waters broke so we rushed into hospital , but when got there at around 6am we were told she wasn ’ t in active labour so she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told to go home , ” Sam Hartigan recalled .
He returned to their home in Dún Laoghaire , and less than three hours later a call came from a hospital midwife that it was time .
“ I was back at 9.30am and Eli was born shortly after 2pm.
” Eli is the couple ’ s first child and while they don ’ t have anything to compare the birth experience to , Sam is acutely aware things were not normal .
“ The experience was definitely different to what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ d just over an hour with Eli before I had to go .
That was tough .
I went home and thought I might get some sleep but I just couldn ’ t , I was buzzing and pacing around .
I didn ’ t know what to do with myself.
” It was the middle of the week when he spoke to The Irish Times and he already had plans for his first Father ’ s Day .
“ I ’ ve everything ready .
The room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat is locked and loaded .
I wish they were home.
” Within hours his wish had been granted and the small family unit were together .
The Lowes ’ story started in a similar fashion .
“ We woke up at 5am on Monday and Tracy was having contractions so we raced into Holles Street , ” Ben said .
“ I was allowed to stay to get her checked in but then they said she wasn ’ t in active labour so I had to leave .
We live in Wicklow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going too far.
” So he sat in the car for 30 minutes and exchanged multiple texts with Tracey .
“ It was very frustrating to not be by her side even though when our son Michael was born seven years ago I did feel a bit useless , like , I ’ d say , most men do.
” After waiting in the car for a bit he decided to go for a stroll ; a long , long stroll .
He clocked up thousands of steps over more than four hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I just tried to keep my mind off things .
I felt like she was in there all on her own even though I knew she was surrounded by these great midwives.
” The couple continued to exchange text messages until 11.30am when Tracey went silent .
“ I stopped getting messages , ” he said .
“ I think I sent at least four she didn ’ t respond to and I was convinced then she ’ d already had the baba .
I was terrified the hospital had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t reach me .
Then I got a call from the midwife , Caroline .
“ She was amazing .
I happened to be just outside the front door and when I walked into the hospital , I passed five hand sanitiser dispensers and used every one of them .
I didn ’ t take a lift as I was afraid I ’ d have to touch something and didn ’ t open any doors with my hands or hold banisters .
I was just terrified I ’ d bring something in with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the labour suite for 40 minutes before he was cradling his daughter Eleanor .
“ We ’ d a few minutes to ourselves , just the three of us and that was great , amazing , but then around half an hour later they were moved to the ward and I had to say my goodbyes .
That was very hard but I ’ m in no way angry .
The procedures are there to keep everyone safe.
” He predicted he would be having a different Father ’ s Day this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you I really milk Father ’ s Day .
It ’ s nearly father ’ s month for us and I ’ d normally be pleading for a lie-in .
It won ’ t be like that this year for sure .
There ’ ll be no lie-ins .
”

Ben Lowe and Sam Hartigan were keenly aware of the bit parts they had been assigned in the drama in which their wives, about to give birth, were the stars and both clearly understood what they were missing out on as their partners were led off to the wards to go through the early stages of labour without them.
Covid-19 restrictions in place in the National Maternity Hospital – and other maternity units across the State – have meant that for more than three months some 2,000 fathers have been unable to spend much time with their partners in the lead-up to new arrivals and even less time with their babies once they have come kicking and screaming into the world.
But both of these fathers knew their absence was a price worth paying to keep their babies, their partners and those caring for them safe from harm.
The drama for the Lowes and the Hartigans started early on Monday morning.
READ MORE
“Sorcha’s waters broke so we rushed into hospital, but when got there at around 6am we were told she wasn’t in active labour so she was diverted to an antenatal ward and I was told to go home,” Sam Hartigan recalled.
The big waiting game: Sam Hartigan waiting outside the ground floor lift at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, for his baby son Eli and wife Sorcha to emerge. Photograph: Alan Betson
He returned to their home in Dún Laoghaire, and less than three hours later a call came from a hospital midwife that it was time. "I was back at 9.30am and Eli was born shortly after 2pm."
I've everything ready. The room is all set up and the car seat is locked and loaded. I wish they were home
Eli is the couple’s first child and while they don’t have anything to compare the birth experience to, Sam is acutely aware things were not normal. “The experience was definitely different to what it would have been pre-Covid,” he said.
“I’d just over an hour with Eli before I had to go. That was tough. I went home and thought I might get some sleep but I just couldn’t, I was buzzing and pacing around. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
National Maternity Hospital staff midwife Tara Finn hands over their two-day-old son Eli to father Sam and mother Sorcha Hartigan as they leave Holles Street in Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson
It was the middle of the week when he spoke to The Irish Times and he already had plans for his first Father’s Day.
“I’ve everything ready. The room is all set up and the car seat is locked and loaded. I wish they were home.” Within hours his wish had been granted and the small family unit were together.
‘Very frustrating’
The Lowes' story started in a similar fashion. "We woke up at 5am on Monday and Tracy was having contractions so we raced into Holles Street," Ben said. "I was allowed to stay to get her checked in but then they said she wasn't in active labour so I had to leave. We live in Wicklow town and the midwife advised me against going too far."
I just tried to keep my mind off things. I felt like she was in there all on her own even though I knew she was surrounded by these great midwives
So he sat in the car for 30 minutes and exchanged multiple texts with Tracey. “It was very frustrating to not be by her side even though when our son Michael was born seven years ago I did feel a bit useless, like, I’d say, most men do.”
Ben Lowe, from Wicklow, with newborn Eleanor, son Michael (7) and Tracey, his wife, after she gave birth in the National Maternity Hospital. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
After waiting in the car for a bit he decided to go for a stroll; a long, long stroll. He clocked up thousands of steps over more than four hours walking around the Dublin city centre block. “I just tried to keep my mind off things. I felt like she was in there all on her own even though I knew she was surrounded by these great midwives.”
That was very hard but I'm in no way angry. The procedures are there to keep everyone safe
The couple continued to exchange text messages until 11.30am when Tracey went silent. “I stopped getting messages,” he said. “I think I sent at least four she didn’t respond to and I was convinced then she’d already had the baba. I was terrified the hospital had the wrong number for me and couldn’t reach me. Then I got a call from the midwife, Caroline.
‘Just terrified’
“She was amazing. I happened to be just outside the front door and when I walked into the hospital, I passed five hand sanitiser dispensers and used every one of them. I didn’t take a lift as I was afraid I’d have to touch something and didn’t open any doors with my hands or hold banisters. I was just terrified I’d bring something in with me.”
Aoife Doyle, staff midwife at the National Maternity Hospital, shows baby Eleanor to her brother Michael (7), as proud parents Tracey and Ben look on. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
He wasn’t even in the labour suite for 40 minutes before he was cradling his daughter Eleanor. “We’d a few minutes to ourselves, just the three of us and that was great, amazing, but then around half an hour later they were moved to the ward and I had to say my goodbyes. That was very hard but I’m in no way angry. The procedures are there to keep everyone safe.”
He predicted he would be having a different Father’s Day this year. “My wife will tell you I really milk Father’s Day. It’s nearly father’s month for us and I’d normally be pleading for a lie-in. It won’t be like that this year for sure. There’ll be no lie-ins.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Man bailed after being charged with threat to kill ex-wife

A 56-year-old man has appeared in court and been charged with threatening to kill his ex-wife after he was arrested by gardaí investigating complaints of coercive control against him .
Cormac O ’ Sullivan was arrested at his home at Caretaker ’ s Cottage , Rathclaren House , Kilbrittain , Co Cork on Friday by gardaí , backed up by members of the Armed Support Unit , who also seized a number of legally held firearms .
Mr O ’ Sullivan was brought before a special sitting of Bandon District Court on Saturday afternoon where he was charged with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 .
He was charged that on August 29th , 2019 , at Forest Oaks , Forest , Coachford , Co Cork , he threatened Paula O ’ Sullivan that he would kill her , intending her to believe that the threat would be carried out to kill or cause her serious harm .
Garda Carmel Nash of Macroom Garda station gave evidence of arrest , charge and caution and told the court that Mr O ’ Sullivan made no reply to the charge when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insp Aidan Moynihan said gardaí had no objection to Mr O ’ Sullivan being remanded on bail subject to conditions and Mr O ’ Sullivan ’ s solicitor , Jenny Fitzgibbon , said her client was willing to abide by all conditions being sought .
Insp Moynihan said gardaí were still awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) , but he believed the matter was likely to be dealt with on indictment at circuit court level before a judge and jury and he applied for an adjournment .
Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr O ’ Sullivan on bail on his own bond of €500 to appear again at Macroom District Court on July 15th for the DPP ’ s directions on the matter .
He made it a condition of Mr O ’ Sullivan ’ s bail that he reside at the Caretaker ’ s Cottage , Rathclaren House , Kilbrittain and that he sign on every Monday , Wednesday and Friday at Bandon Garda station .
He also made it a condition of Mr O ’ Sullivan ’ s bail that he abide by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he give gardaí at Bandon Garda station 24 hours notice of any change of address .
He added that Mr O ’ Sullivan must undertake not to apply for a new passport and that he would have no contact , directly or indirectly , with any of the witnesses in the case .

Cormac O’Sullivan was brought before a special sitting of Bandon District Court on Saturday afternoon where he was charged with an offence contrary to Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. File photograph: Google Street View
A 56-year-old man has appeared in court and been charged with threatening to kill his ex-wife after he was arrested by gardaí investigating complaints of coercive control against him.
Cormac O’Sullivan was arrested at his home at Caretaker’s Cottage, Rathclaren House, Kilbrittain, Co Cork on Friday by gardaí, backed up by members of the Armed Support Unit, who also seized a number of legally held firearms.
Mr O’Sullivan was brought before a special sitting of Bandon District Court on Saturday afternoon where he was charged with an offence contrary to Section 5 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.
He was charged that on August 29th, 2019, at Forest Oaks, Forest, Coachford, Co Cork, he threatened Paula O’Sullivan that he would kill her, intending her to believe that the threat would be carried out to kill or cause her serious harm.
READ MORE
Made no reply
Garda Carmel Nash of Macroom Garda station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr O’Sullivan made no reply to the charge when it was put to him after caution.
Insp Aidan Moynihan said gardaí had no objection to Mr O’Sullivan being remanded on bail subject to conditions and Mr O’Sullivan’s solicitor, Jenny Fitzgibbon, said her client was willing to abide by all conditions being sought.
Insp Moynihan said gardaí were still awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but he believed the matter was likely to be dealt with on indictment at circuit court level before a judge and jury and he applied for an adjournment.
Judge John King granted the application and remanded Mr O’Sullivan on bail on his own bond of €500 to appear again at Macroom District Court on July 15th for the DPP’ s directions on the matter.
He made it a condition of Mr O’Sullivan’s bail that he reside at the Caretaker’s Cottage, Rathclaren House, Kilbrittain and that he sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Bandon Garda station.
He also made it a condition of Mr O’Sullivan’s bail that he abide by a 9pm-9am curfew at that address and that he give gardaí at Bandon Garda station 24 hours notice of any change of address.
He added that Mr O’Sullivan must undertake not to apply for a new passport and that he would have no contact, directly or indirectly, with any of the witnesses in the case.


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Commercial exercise classes must have permit for Phoenix Park - OPW

Commercial boot camps and keep-fit groups which began holding outdoor classes in Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park in recent weeks have been warned by the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) that they must have a valid permit to operate .
Some people who participated in classes in the park reported on social media about groups being asked to leave .
But the OPW , which has responsibility for the park , said commercial activities including boot camps and keep fit groups which had permits , ceased their activities in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body also said there are issues around insurance for such businesses and whether it is valid .
Gyms are among the businesses currently required to remain closed , but are included in phase three of the Government ’ s revised roadmap for the relaxation of restrictions from June 29th .
A number of commercial gyms as well as informal groups have re-commenced keep fit classes and other forms of exercise in a number of Dublin city parks in recent weeks , following the easing of some restrictions on June 8th .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as boot camps , keep fit groups have to apply for a permit and meet certain requirements similar to Dublin City Council ( including ) insurance ” .
In a statement the State body said “ those in possession of such permits ceased their activities in line with government and HSE advice in March .
“ On 8 June some activities recommenced subject to social distancing measures being in place etc and others will be restarting in the coming weeks in line with all government and HSE guidelines ” .

Commercial boot camps and keep-fit groups which began holding outdoor classes in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in recent weeks have been warned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that they must have a valid permit to operate.
Some people who participated in classes in the park reported on social media about groups being asked to leave.
But the OPW, which has responsibility for the park, said commercial activities including boot camps and keep fit groups which had permits, ceased their activities in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic in line with Government and HSE advice.
The State body also said there are issues around insurance for such businesses and whether it is valid.
READ MORE
Gyms are among the businesses currently required to remain closed, but are included in phase three of the Government’s revised roadmap for the relaxation of restrictions from June 29th.
A number of commercial gyms as well as informal groups have re-commenced keep fit classes and other forms of exercise in a number of Dublin city parks in recent weeks, following the easing of some restrictions on June 8th.
But the OPW said that "all commercial activities such as boot camps, keep fit groups have to apply for a permit and meet certain requirements similar to Dublin City Council (including) insurance".
In a statement the State body said “those in possession of such permits ceased their activities in line with government and HSE advice in March.
“On 8 June some activities recommenced subject to social distancing measures being in place etc and others will be restarting in the coming weeks in line with all government and HSE guidelines”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Two more deaths and 22 new cases confirmed in the Republic

Two more people with Covid-19 have died and 22 further cases have been confirmed in the State , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) reported on Saturday .
It said there there have now been a total of 1,715 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland .
The 22 new confirmed cases brings the total to 25,374 , it said in a statement .
The HSE is working to identify contacts of these new cases .
“ Of the 22 confirmed cases we are reporting to you today , nine of these were diagnosed in people under the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all to remember that Covid-19 is a disease that can affect everyone , of any age or background .
No one should feel that this is a disease that does not affect them.
” Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said .
“ This virus is highly infectious and , as a result , the return of widespread community transmission remains a very real risk .
To protect us all , especially our oldest and most vulnerable , personal preventative behaviours such as good and frequent hand washing , social distancing and respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the outset of this crisis , ” he added .
The validation of data at the HPSC resilted in the denotification of one death .
and of 16 cases .
Meanwhile there has been one further death of a person who tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland .
The death brings to 545 the total number of deaths recorded by the Department of Health in the North – a toll that primarily focuses on fatalities within hospitals .
There were no new confirmed cases of the virus announced on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region standing at 4,866 .

Two more people with Covid-19 have died and 22 further cases have been confirmed in the State, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reported on Saturday.
It said there there have now been a total of 1,715 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.
The 22 new confirmed cases brings the total to 25,374, it said in a statement. The HSE is working to identify contacts of these new cases.
“Of the 22 confirmed cases we are reporting to you today, nine of these were diagnosed in people under the age of 35. It is important for us all to remember that Covid-19 is a disease that can affect everyone, of any age or background. No one should feel that this is a disease that does not affect them.” Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said.
READ MORE
“This virus is highly infectious and, as a result, the return of widespread community transmission remains a very real risk. To protect us all, especially our oldest and most vulnerable, personal preventative behaviours such as good and frequent hand washing, social distancing and respiratory etiquette remain as crucial as they were at the outset of this crisis,” he added.
The validation of data at the HPSC resulted in the denotification of one death and of 16 cases.
Meanwhile there has been one further death of a person who tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
The death brings to 545 the total number of deaths recorded by the Department of Health in the North – a toll that primarily focuses on fatalities within hospitals.
There were no new confirmed cases of the virus announced on Saturday, leaving the total since the outbreak began in the region standing at 4,866.


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Housing campaigners call for ban on co-living schemes due to Covid-19

Housing campaigners have urged the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) to recommend that future co-living schemes should not go ahead because of Covid-19 .
Campaigners and locals held a demonstration on Saturday outside the proposed Fumbally Lane development in Dublin ’ s Liberties which was given planning permission by Dublin City Council on March 30th .
The plans by the London-based co-living company , The Collective , involve a 144 bed hotel , a 69 room co-living complex and an events space .
That decision is now being appealed to An Bord Pleanala .
Co-living involves residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms and leisure rooms .
The petition , through Uplift , calls on the planning guidelines that allow for co-living to be immediately suspended until there is a greater understanding of the impact of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 on residents .
People before Profit councillor Tina McVeigh said a community objection to the Fumbally Lane development will be lodged with An Bord Pleanala on Monday .
“ Planning permission for this development was granted at the start of the Pandemic .
The irony of that isn ’ t lost on anybody , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that isn ’ t reasonable outside a global health pandemic we feel is even more unreasonable now .
What we want in this area is real homes for people and an integrated and mixed community.
” Among those attending the protest was local Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon .
The draft programme for government involving Fianna Fail , Fine Gael and the Green Party mandates local authorities to complete a housing demand assessment to avoid an “ over-concentration of particular housing types ” including build-to-rent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it stops short of calling for an outright ban on co-living .
Cllr Pidgeon said : “ The Green Party has always been against co-living .
We don ’ t think it is the sort of planning that we would like to see .
“ There is language in the programme for government around making planning more sustainable .
This is exactly the sort of thing that should not be happening in a modern planning system.
” Sinn Fein councillor Críona Ni Dhálaigh said all five local area councillors had objected to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As elected representatives we know there is huge public opposition to the concept of co-living and in this community , we have already had our fair share of transient accommodation .
“ We are urging An Bord Pleanala to listen to the voice of the community , the voices of professionals , the voices of public representatives and the many emerging voices in communities across the city who have opposed this kind of housing .
”

Campaigners and locals held a demonstration on Saturday outside the proposed Fumbally Lane development in Dublin’s Liberties. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy
Housing campaigners have urged the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to recommend that future co-living schemes should not go ahead because of Covid-19.
Campaigners and locals held a demonstration on Saturday outside the proposed Fumbally Lane development in Dublin's Liberties which was given planning permission by Dublin City Council on March 30th.
The plans by the London-based co-living company, The Collective, involve a 144 bed hotel, a 69 room co-living complex and an events space.
That decision is now being appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
READ MORE
Co-living involves residents sharing facilities such as kitchens, living rooms and leisure rooms.
The petition, through Uplift, calls on the planning guidelines that allow for co-living to be immediately suspended until there is a greater understanding of the impact of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 on residents.
People before Profit councillor Tina McVeigh said a community objection to the Fumbally Lane development will be lodged with An Bord Pleanala on Monday.
“Planning permission for this development was granted at the start of the Pandemic. The irony of that isn’t lost on anybody,” Ms McVeigh said.
“Accommodation that isn’t reasonable outside a global health pandemic we feel is even more unreasonable now. What we want in this area is real homes for people and an integrated and mixed community.”
Among those attending the protest was local Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon.
The draft programme for government involving Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party mandates local authorities to complete a housing demand assessment to avoid an "over-concentration of particular housing types" including build-to-rent, co-living and student sectors.
However, it stops short of calling for an outright ban on co-living. Cllr Pidgeon said: “The Green Party has always been against co-living. We don’t think it is the sort of planning that we would like to see.
“There is language in the programme for government around making planning more sustainable. This is exactly the sort of thing that should not be happening in a modern planning system.”
Sinn Fein councillor Críona Ni Dhálaigh said all five local area councillors had objected to the Fumbally Lane development.
She added: “As elected representatives we know there is huge public opposition to the concept of co-living and in this community, we have already had our fair share of transient accommodation.
“We are urging An Bord Pleanala to listen to the voice of the community, the voices of professionals, the voices of public representatives and the many emerging voices in communities across the city who have opposed this kind of housing.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Herbal cannabis worth €5.54m seized at Rosslare port

Herbal cannabis worth €5.54 million has been seized by Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort .
The drugs were discovered when @ @ @ @ @ arrived into Rosslare from Bilbao , Spain was examined .
The subsequent search found 277kg @ @ @ @ @ a large number of melons and oranges .
Investigations are ongoing .
If businesses , @ @ @ @ @ have any information , they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 @ @ @

Herbal cannabis worth €5.54 million has been seized by Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort.
The drugs were discovered when an unaccompanied trailer that had arrived into Rosslare from Bilbao, Spain was examined.
The subsequent search found 277kg of herbal cannabis concealed within a large number of melons and oranges.
Investigations are ongoing. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Careful planning helps Cork nursing home reopen for visits

Careful planning helped Oaklodge Nursing Home stay Covid-19 free during the pandemic and owner Diarmuid Ó ’ Dálaigh and his management team have adopted the same approach to opening the home up to visits .
This week nursing home visits were allowed to resume as part of the Government ’ s roadmap to reopening the country following the Covid-19 pandemic .
Mr Ó ’ Dálaigh , Clinical Lead Katherine Doran and Director of Nursing Joe Faulkner liaised with public health specialists in UCC over the past week and residents reaped the benefits as they were able to meet loved ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin with baby steps and be very careful when reintroducing visiting for everyone so we decided we would do visits outdoors in the garden or in a special marquee if the weather was inclement , ” said Mr Ó ’ Dálaigh .
The families of each of the 64 residents at Oaklodge were invited to nominate two people to visit at different times once a week and each nominated visitor was then required to fill in a health screening form .
This was to assure Director of Nursing at Oaklodge Joe Faulkner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and didn ’ t post any risk to their loved one or other residents at the nursing home , which is located near Cloyne in East Cork .
Once the visitor ’ s health screening form was checked and they were approved for visits , they were then given a visiting time and a 30-minute slot to come and see their loved one at Oaklodge where they were again checked by staff .
“ When they present at Oaklodge , their temperature is checked to make sure that it is okay and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it was when they submitted the form and that they haven ’ t any symptoms that might be Covid .
“ If everything is okay , we then move to the sanitising station and they mask up in preparation for the meeting – we still observe social distancing so we have a two metre table where they can sit and meet their loved ones.
” Katherine Doran said that many of those visiting relatives on Monday admitted that they were a bit nervous at the prospect of being able to meet up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in almost 14 weeks .
“ We closed down for visits early in March so at this stage , it ’ s almost 14 weeks – they said they were nervous but they said the checklist made them feel safe and that we were asking them to fill out the form to protect their loved ones .
“ They said it was a very difficult time being away from them and not being able to see them and be close to them and that while they had Facetime and window visits , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One lady who visited us said window visits are very difficult for persons with dementia because you can ’ t hear or make eye contact with them or read the cues as well as you could on a full visit so she found it very tough .
“ Another woman , who came to visit her husband , said it was like being released from prison after serving a sentence – she said today was like a big occasion but it went well and she thanked us for everything we had done @ @

Careful planning helped Oaklodge Nursing Home stay Covid-19 free during the pandemic and owner Diarmuid Ó'Dálaigh and his management team have adopted the same approach to opening the home up to visits.
This week nursing home visits were allowed to resume as part of the Government’s roadmap to reopening the country following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Ó'Dálaigh, Clinical Lead Katherine Doran and Director of Nursing Joe Faulkner liaised with public health specialists in UCC over the past week and residents reaped the benefits as they were able to meet loved ones in the garden.
“We decided to begin with baby steps and be very careful when reintroducing visiting for everyone so we decided we would do visits outdoors in the garden or in a special marquee if the weather was inclement,” said Mr Ó’Dálaigh.
READ MORE
The families of each of the 64 residents at Oaklodge were invited to nominate two people to visit at different times once a week and each nominated visitor was then required to fill in a health screening form.
This was to assure Director of Nursing at Oaklodge Joe Faulkner that they had no contact with Covid-19 and didn't post any risk to their loved one or other residents at the nursing home, which is located near Cloyne in East Cork.
Once the visitor’s health screening form was checked and they were approved for visits, they were then given a visiting time and a 30-minute slot to come and see their loved one at Oaklodge where they were again checked by staff.
“When they present at Oaklodge, their temperature is checked to make sure that it is okay and we verify that all is still the same as it was when they submitted the form and that they haven’t any symptoms that might be Covid.
“If everything is okay, we then move to the sanitising station and they mask up in preparation for the meeting – we still observe social distancing so we have a two metre table where they can sit and meet their loved ones.”
Katherine Doran said that many of those visiting relatives on Monday admitted that they were a bit nervous at the prospect of being able to meet up with the loved ones for the first time in almost 14 weeks.
“We closed down for visits early in March so at this stage, it’s almost 14 weeks – they said they were nervous but they said the checklist made them feel safe and that we were asking them to fill out the form to protect their loved ones.
“They said it was a very difficult time being away from them and not being able to see them and be close to them and that while they had Facetime and window visits, it was very tough for them.
“One lady who visited us said window visits are very difficult for persons with dementia because you can’t hear or make eye contact with them or read the cues as well as you could on a full visit so she found it very tough.
“Another woman, who came to visit her husband, said it was like being released from prison after serving a sentence – she said today was like a big occasion but it went well and she thanked us for everything we had done.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-20--Coronavirus: Limit of 50 in churches ‘strange’ and ‘disappointing’ - Diarmuid Martin

A limit of 50 people attending churches has been described as “ strange ” and “ disappointing ” by Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin .
Religious buildings and places of worship are among the places which are allowed to reopen on June 29th under plans announced by the Government on Friday .
But the guidelines also limit indoor gatherings to 50 people .
Dr Martin said parishes had placed huge energy into preparing to be ready for reopening on June 29th .
“ It is obviously disappointing that with the reopening for public worship there is a blanket restriction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 in these first weeks .
“ I have already expressed my view that in this initial period we should be patient and to allow the new situation to settle down , ” he said in a statement .
“ However , it seems strange that in a church with a capacity of 1,500 people which has been scrupulously fitted out for conformity with social distancing and with clear indications about movement and interaction of people within church , that only 50 people might be present , while we all see a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
Dr Martin said he hoped it would be possible to come to “ a more reasonable and responsible situation in which numbers permitted to attend Mass could be proportionate to the size of each church ” .
The vast majority of the Irish economy and society will reopen at the end of month as the country prepares to almost fully exit the lockdown imposed following the spread of the coronavirus .
The Cabinet met on Friday to sign off on a new roadmap which will see the majority of businesses reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship , gyms , cinemas , restaurants , hotels , leisure facilities and hairdressers can reopen their doors alongside museums , galleries , theatres and concert halls .
Most music venues can open their doors , as well as bingo halls , arcades and amusement parks.Gatherings will be limited to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors until July 20th .
This is later due to rise to 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors , although a further review will be carried out by the public-health team in the coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is circulating at a “ one in a million ” level in the community .
Professor Sam McConkey said on RTE Radio that the current 10 to 15 daily cases were part of a known chain of spread but the number of unexpected cases were about one in a million .
Latest figures show twenty-four people with confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19 remain in intensive care units in eight acute care hospitals .
Sixteen of the patients in intensive care are confirmed cases down from a peak of 160 in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus with 10 individuals on ventilation , seven of them confirmed cases and three suspected cases .
In the past 24 hours there have been no admissions to intensive care and five people have been discharged .
According to HSE daily figures 12 of the confirmed cases are in ICU in Dublin hospitals with three in Cork hospitals and one in Galway University Hospital .
The Mater hospital has the largest number of coronavirus cases at 10 followed by Beaumont with six and Limerick and Galway hospitals with five each .
Sixteen hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected cases of coronavirus for which results are awaited and with the largest number in Dublin at 65 , followed by Limerick with 51 suspected cases .
There were 98 empty critical care hospital beds last night and 506 general beds available in the system .
A total of 258 critical care beds are occupied including the 16 patients with Covid-19 .
Currently there are 440 critical care beds in the system , 363 of them open and staffed , apart from the additional beds provided for the Covid-19 surge A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a peak of 1,068 in mid-April .
There have been a total of 25,368 confirmed cases of the virus with 1,714 deaths , two in the last 24 hours .

A limit of 50 people attending churches has been described as “strange” and “disappointing” by Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin.
Religious buildings and places of worship are among the places which are allowed to reopen on June 29th under plans announced by the Government on Friday. But the guidelines also limit indoor gatherings to 50 people.
Dr Martin said parishes had placed huge energy into preparing to be ready for reopening on June 29th. “It is obviously disappointing that with the reopening for public worship there is a blanket restriction to the participation of a maximum of 50 in these first weeks.
“ I have already expressed my view that in this initial period we should be patient and to allow the new situation to settle down,” he said in a statement.
READ MORE
“However, it seems strange that in a church with a capacity of 1,500 people which has been scrupulously fitted out for conformity with social distancing and with clear indications about movement and interaction of people within church, that only 50 people might be present, while we all see a situation in which large retail outlets brimming with people.
Dr Martin said he hoped it would be possible to come to “ a more reasonable and responsible situation in which numbers permitted to attend Mass could be proportionate to the size of each church”.
The vast majority of the Irish economy and society will reopen at the end of month as the country prepares to almost fully exit the lockdown imposed following the spread of the coronavirus.
The Cabinet met on Friday to sign off on a new roadmap which will see the majority of businesses reopen on June 29th.
From then places of worship, gyms, cinemas, restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities and hairdressers can reopen their doors alongside museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls.
Most music venues can open their doors, as well as bingo halls, arcades and amusement parks.Gatherings will be limited to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors until July 20th. This is later due to rise to 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, although a further review will be carried out by the public-health team in the coming weeks
One in a million
Meanwhile ospecialist in infectious diseases said the virus is circulating at a “one in a million” level in the community.
Professor Sam McConkey said on RTE Radio that the current 10 to 15 daily cases were part of a known chain of spread but the number of unexpected cases were about one in a million.
Latest figures show twenty-four people with confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19 remain in intensive care units in eight acute care hospitals.
Sixteen of the patients in intensive care are confirmed cases down from a peak of 160 in April. Eight are suspected to have the virus with 10 individuals on ventilation, seven of them confirmed cases and three suspected cases.
In the past 24 hours there have been no admissions to intensive care and five people have been discharged.
According to HSE daily figures 12 of the confirmed cases are in ICU in Dublin hospitals with three in Cork hospitals and one in Galway University Hospital.
The Mater hospital has the largest number of coronavirus cases at 10 followed by Beaumont with six and Limerick and Galway hospitals with five each. Sixteen hospitals have no cases.
There are 168 suspected cases of coronavirus for which results are awaited and with the largest number in Dublin at 65, followed by Limerick with 51 suspected cases.
There were 98 empty critical care hospital beds last night and 506 general beds available in the system. A total of 258 critical care beds are occupied including the 16 patients with Covid-19.
Currently there are 440 critical care beds in the system, 363 of them open and staffed, apart from the additional beds provided for the Covid-19 surge
A total of 13 new cases were confirmed yesterday confirmed to a peak of 1,068 in mid-April.
There have been a total of 25,368 confirmed cases of the virus with 1,714 deaths, two in the last 24 hours.


theirishtimes--2020-06-21--‘We are here to celebrate new beginnings’: Summer solstice offers Covid-19 respite

At 5.20am , 23 minutes after sunrise , rays broke through clouds on the eastern horizon , bathing the Hill of Tara in a gentle orange light .
A large cheer went up and the bodhrans , drums and cymbals beat louder and faster .
As it rose , the sun illuminated a rainbow to the West .
Ireland has survived worse vicissitudes than Covid-19 in the 5,000 years since the Hill of Tara was first used as the ancient seat of the High Kings .
There was no indication of the strange times we live in on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines that have become the norm during the pandemic did not appear a major concern .
“ We are here to celebrate new beginnings , ” said Corina Arcus , a yoga teacher who comes to the Hill of Tara every year but was making her first visit for the summer solstice .
“ The rainbow is so magical .
I got out of that ( Covid-19 ) reality for a while , I forgot about it for those few hours.
” The largest crowd seen for many years gathered on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which occurred at 4.57am .
For many of those present it represents a moment to connect with the seasons and pre-Christian Ireland , where events like the solstice were charged with much meaning .
Ange Kalibatiene came with her partner and two children , leaving Dublin at 3.30am to be there for sunrise .
They brought deck chairs and lit a fire .
“ We are Lithuanians and our traditions are similar .
We celebrate the shortest night and the longest day .
We believe in a long-lasting life , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the hill to be married .
The celebrant was Enda Donnellan , an inter-faith minister .
Donnellan conducted a Vedic ( Hindu ) ceremony on Sunday by burning dried cow dung on a fire and inviting those present to place some of the ashes on their forehead , like a pagan version of Ash Wednesday .
“ Our sacred goddess was Bóinn , ” he explained .
“ The ashes radiate healing across the land and bring unity and balance so people remember their reasons for being here on the planet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunrise .
“ We are all looking for that place inside of ourselves of strength and no better way to find strength than to put our feet on the earth and align ourselves with nature.
” Elaine Ní Chiardha , a singer from Navan , Co Meath , chanted her way through the solstice .
“ We are singing a few mantras to celebrate the Earth , the sun goddess , ” she said .
“ Maybe we need this , it ’ s been a challenging time for everyone , the energy @ @ @ @ @ @

Hundreds of people turned out to the Hill of Tara to celebrate the summer solstice a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Video: Enda O'Dowd
At 5.20am, 23 minutes after sunrise, rays broke through clouds on the eastern horizon, bathing the Hill of Tara in a gentle orange light.
A large cheer went up and the bodhrans, drums and cymbals beat louder and faster. As it rose, the sun illuminated a rainbow to the West.
Ireland has survived worse vicissitudes than Covid-19 in the 5,000 years since the Hill of Tara was first used as the ancient seat of the High Kings. There was no indication of the strange times we live in on Sunday.
Nobody was wearing a facemask and the social distancing guidelines that have become the norm during the pandemic did not appear a major concern.
READ MORE
"We are here to celebrate new beginnings," said Corina Arcus, a yoga teacher who comes to the Hill of Tara every year but was making her first visit for the summer solstice. "The rainbow is so magical. I got out of that (Covid-19) reality for a while, I forgot about it for those few hours."
The largest crowd seen for many years gathered on the hill for the summer solstice, which occurred at 4.57am. For many of those present it represents a moment to connect with the seasons and pre-Christian Ireland, where events like the solstice were charged with much meaning.
Brian Cunning, Lisa Dunne, Caroline Jeffrey and Lorna Evers at the summer solstice celebrations on the Hill of Tara, Co Meath. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times.
Ange Kalibatiene came with her partner and two children, leaving Dublin at 3.30am to be there for sunrise. They brought deck chairs and lit a fire.
“We are Lithuanians and our traditions are similar. We celebrate the shortest night and the longest day. We believe in a long-lasting life,” she said.
Last year an American couple came to the hill to be married. The celebrant was Enda Donnellan, an inter-faith minister.
Donnellan conducted a Vedic (Hindu) ceremony on Sunday by burning dried cow dung on a fire and inviting those present to place some of the ashes on their forehead, like a pagan version of Ash Wednesday.
“Our sacred goddess was Bóinn,” he explained. “The ashes radiate healing across the land and bring unity and balance so people remember their reasons for being here on the planet. Prayers are made at the time of sunrise.
“We are all looking for that place inside of ourselves of strength and no better way to find strength than to put our feet on the earth and align ourselves with nature.”
Elaine Ní Chiardha, a singer from Navan, Co Meath, chanted her way through the solstice.
“We are singing a few mantras to celebrate the Earth, the sun goddess,” she said. “Maybe we need this, it’s been a challenging time for everyone, the energy of the rising sun.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-21--Gardaí seize €340,000 worth of cannabis after chasing van

Gardaí in Dublin have seized €340,000 worth of cannabis after chasing a van that turned away from a checkpoint in @ @ @ @ @ van turning away from the checkpoint on the Ratoath Road on Saturday evening and pursued @ @ @ @ @ assisted by the Garda Air Support Unit the van was found abandoned on Dunsink Lane @ @ @ @ @ the driver was not located .
There were 17 vacuum-packed bags of suspected cannibas , @ @ @ @ @ the back of the van .
The drugs are estimated to have a street value @ @ @ @ @ has been seized for a technical examination and no arrests have been made at this @ @ @ @ @ .

Gardaí saw the van turning away from the checkpoint on the Ratoath Road on Saturday evening and pursued it. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire.
Gardaí in Dublin have seized €340,000 worth of cannabis after chasing a van that turned away from a checkpoint in Finglas.
Gardaí saw the van turning away from the checkpoint on the Ratoath Road on Saturday evening and pursued it.
Following a search assisted by the Garda Air Support Unit the van was found abandoned on Dunsink Lane, Dublin 15, but the driver was not located.
There were 17 vacuum-packed bags of suspected cannibas, weighing 1kg each, in the back of the van. The drugs are estimated to have a street value of €340,000.
READ MORE
The van has been seized for a technical examination and no arrests have been made at this time. Investigations are ongoing.


theirishtimes--2020-06-21--Funeral of Det Garda Colm Horkan told he was ‘one of nature’s gentlemen’

Detective Garda Colm Horkan , who was shot dead while on duty last week , was a “ good man ” and “ one of nature ’ s gentlemen ” , his funeral has heard .
The funeral of the 49-year-old garda , who died in Castlerea , Co Roscommon , late on Wednesday night , began at St James ’ s Church , Charlestown , Co Mayo at 12 noon on Sunday .
Chief celebrant of the Mass Monsignor Tommy Johnston , parish priest of Charlestown , described Det Gda Horkan as a man who was “ dearly loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the gunshots that rang out on Wednesday “ echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country , spreading a story of tragedy and sadness and the loss of life of a Detective Garda ” .
Gardai lined the streets as the coffin of their colleague was carried through his home town .
The coffin as draped in the Irish flag with his cap and gloves laid on the top .
Six gardai carried the coffin of their colleague into the church for his funeral as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A picture of the garda was displayed on a screen close to the altar .
With limits on the number allowed inside , people gathered outside the church for the service .
Ahead of the funeral , a minute ’ s silence was observed and matched with similar tributes at Garda stations around the country at the same time .
Among symbols left at the altar to represent Colm Horkan ’ s life were his garda notebook , a GAA jersey from his home team in Charlestown and a Liverpool FC tie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance of each .
With his voice breaking with emotion , he said : “ The Liverpool motto ‘ you ’ ll never walk alone ’ summed up Colm perfectly — he never let any of his family or friends walk alone.
” In his homily , Msgr Johnston described how hundreds of people lined the streets on Friday night in a “ walk of welcome ” as Mr Horkan ’ s body was brought home .
“ Old and young gathered for that walk with the various teams , senior and underage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the following cars , a silent salute for a man whose voice was gentle and his approach respectful , ” Msgr Johnston said .
“ That gentleness and respect earned the good will of so many and endeared him to young and old.
” He urged the public to not only pray farewell to Colm but also to pray for his family and friends who mourn his passing .
“ We sympathise with his Dad , Marty , his brothers Brendan , Aidan , Paraic , Dermot and his sister Deirdre , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aunts and uncles , his colleagues in the Garda Síochána , the community of Charlestown , his home , and the communities of Ballagahaderren and Castlerea where he served , ” he said .
“ Service is such an apt word for Colm for he truly was a man of service , dedicated and diligent .
Colm loved his life as a guard and gave it his complete commitment.
” Monsignor Johnston said Covid-19 has highlighted the importance and work of front line workers , particularly members of the gardai .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dedication , adding : “ Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service , men like Colm Horkan.
” He added that death often brings questions , and that many people are questioning why this has happened .
“ In the case of Colm , questions have us wonder why did this tragedy happen , why did Colm die , why was this life which had so much to offer taken away so soon .
I can not answer those questions , but it seems when God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very best.
” Monsignor Johnston concluded his homily by reading out a tribute to Det Gda Horkan , which was penned by an unnamed friend .
“ Colm was a cherished member of our community , a brother to everyone , young and old .
We grew up together , played together and performed in school plays together .
Now we are in shock and deep mourning .
We are heartbroken for Colm ’ s family , colleagues and many , many friends , ” the tribute said .
“ It will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community to come to terms with this senseless act of violence against our brother , Colm .
Now Colm is God ’ s right-hand-man , his very best wingman .
Now we ask God , surrounded by all the saints and angels in heaven , to wrap Colm in His arms , to comfort and console Colm ’ s family , colleagues and many , many friends , near and far.
” Det Gda Horkan ’ s remains were removed from the family home on Sunday morning arriving at St James ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noon , followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery .
Mourners will follow social distancing guidelines as per HSE guidelines .
Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry Paul Dempsey ; Father Dermot Meehan , Diocesan Administrator ; Monsignor John Doherty ; and Father Joe Kennedy CP , Garda Chaplain concelebrated this Mass .
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris joined mourners in the church .
The national flag is at half-mast as a mark of respect to Det Gda Horkan .
One minute ’ s silence was observed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country where current and past members of an Garda Síochána are invited to attend .
President Michael D Higgins lead a memorial service on the grounds of his residence at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is paying his respects at Garda headquarters in Dublin .
The funeral is being live-streamed at mcnmedia.tv/camera/charlestown and on RTE News Now .
One man , Stephen Silver , 43 , from Aughaward , Foxford in Co Mayo , was remanded in custody on Friday night charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The coffin of Detective Garda Colm Horkan is carried to St James’ church in Charlestown, Co Mayo. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Detective Garda Colm Horkan was cut down in the prime of his life while doing the job that he loved and serving his country, his State funeral has heard.
The 49-year-old was buried on Sunday afternoon in the graveyard adjoining St James's Church following a service in his hometown of Charlestown, Co Mayo.
Det Garda Horkan was killed on Wednesday night when he was shot a number of times while responding to an incident in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Stephen Silver (43), of Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, was remanded in custody on Friday night charged with his murder.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told the Mass heard that Det Gda Horkan "epitomised what all of us as members of An Garda Síochána should strive to be".
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“His policing service was characterised by his hard work and his diligence,” Mr Harris said, before promising the Horkan family they will always have the force’s support.
The cortege makes its way through Charlestown on the way to church. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Ahead of the service, Det Gda Horkan’s remains were removed from his home in Charlestown, which he shared with his father Marty, and brought to the church in a procession led by a Garda motorcycle honour guard, his family and members of the local Sarsfields GAA club. The entire route was lined with some 800 gardaí from the Roscommon/Longford and Mayo Divisions. His coffin, draped with a Tricolour, was carried into the church side by members of the regional Ceremonial Unit.
Social distancing protocols meant the numbers in the church were limited to Det Gda Horkan’s immediate family along with Mr Harris and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. Det Garda Horkan’s extended family and his local colleagues viewed the service on a large screen outside the church while about 1,000 members of the community gathered at the nearby GAA club where it was also broadcast.
In his homily, Monsignor Tommy Johnson said after hearing a garda had been shot dead he pitied the priest who would have to do the funeral.
“Little did I think I would be that priest and that the Detective Garda was Colm.” He said Det Garda Horkan “was a good man, one of nature’s gentlemen, that and more”.
He said the gunshots that rang out on Wednesday “echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country, spreading a story of tragedy and sadness and the loss of life of a Detective Garda” .
Symbols representing Det Gda Horkan’s life were presented during the ceremony including a Sarsfield’s jersey, a garda notebook and his car keys.
“He loved his Audi and it shined just like him,” his brother Dermot said.
A Tommy Hilfiger shirt, representing “his love for fashion and always looking his best”, and a CD representing his love for music were also presented.
During the ceremony Det Garda Horkan’s hat and gloves and a photograph of him at the Garda College in Templemore were placed on his coffin.
Decent human being
Brendan Horkan said his brother had “all the values you would associate with a good a decent human being”.
“He was kind, considerate, selfless and above all, loyal to the core. He was a rock in our family. The man that was the glue that held it all together. He seldom ever made a bad decision and lived his life by the book,” he said.
Mr Horkan added that his brother “provided the template” on how one should live life and get the most out of each and every day.
“Colm commanded respect wherever he went. Time spent in his company was precious; there was always a laugh and a joke to be had with that disarming smile that could lighten up a room and brighten up many a dark hour or day,” he said. “He loved life and lived it up the best way he knew how.”
Members of the Gardai prepare for the guard of honour pictured the funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, at St. Jamses’ Church, Charlestown, Co. Mayo. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Mr Horkan became emotional as he remembered the communities in towns across Mayo that came out to greet the family as they drove home after his brother’s postmortem took place in Castlebar.
“One thing is for sure: he leaves a legacy of wonderful memories, which we will cherish and hold dear in our hearts forever as we say goodbye to a giant who brought such joy and happiness to us all for the 49 fantastic and brilliant years he was here.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony Mr Harris presented the Tricolour to Marty Horkan. Det Garda Horkan’s remains were buried in the adjoining ceremony as Garda musicians played The Last Post.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--‘Culture mayors’ proposed to boost nightlife in Dublin and Cork

The Night Mayors from Merrion Street could soon radically overhaul Ireland ’ s after-dark social scene and bring the curtain down on what a Minister described as a “ vanilla and bland ” offering frequently served to people .
Night-time has earned itself a central place in the programme for government proposed by Fine Gael , Fianna Fáil and the Greens , with a focus on how to make Ireland more attractive at night .
This focus , advocates of the night say , is long overdue and not only because pubs , clubs , music venues and theatres are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
A recent survey published by Dublin City Council found that locals consider going out in the capital to be less attractive than doing so in Berlin , London and Amsterdam .
Some 73 per cent of Dubliners held a negative view of the city ’ s nightlife , with high prices and poor public transport major concerns .
The programme for government commits to working with parties from across the night-time culture sector to “ develop innovative approaches to enable it to function and to create a vibrant , diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It promises to establish a Night-time Economy Taskforce in its first 30 days in office and a review of regulations and policies governing night-time culture at a national and local level “ including the staggering of trading hours for pubs , late bars , clubs , and restaurants ” .
As well as modernising licensing laws and application processes , the programme supports the establishment of the night-time culture mayors for Dublin and Cork .
Some major European cities have appointees who liase with venues and authorities .
The architect of the plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although she was pushing an open door as the Greens had similar plans in their manifesto .
Fianna Fáil was broadly supportive of the moves .
Ms Madigan said she had “ pushed for the inclusion of a plan to improve nightlife around the country ” and pointed out that there were still “ very few alcohol-free options ” for people .
Citing the annual Culture Night initiative , she suggested that “ national cultural institutions open at night time to do things which are both unexpected and exciting ” .
She accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to nightlife ” when compared to London and Berlin and stressed that change was possible .
“ Something like this has never been on the table before and whoever the new minister for culture is can push this forward , ” she said .
“ I think night mayors would be a great option but what we need is collaboration to get away from the homogeneous and the vanilla and the bland offerings so our nightlife can be enriched.
” Sunil Sharpe , of campaigning group Give Us The Night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ When we first started campaigning for more to be done for night-time culture in Ireland we were 30 years younger than the politicians we were trying to make contact with but now we ’ ve got a bit older and they have got a bit younger so they get it , they understand what it is that is needed , ” he said .
“ There have been many broken promises but that doesn ’ t mean we ’ re not cautiously optimistic.
” Give Us the Night has frequently raised concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightclubs and the tightening of the licensing laws .
Mr Sharpe said many people believe the city is not for them after a certain time .
He said permits should be available to clubs to allow them “ go until six or seven in the morning ” .
“ But if they want that permit , if they want to go late late then they should have a certain level of entertainment .
”

Some 73 per cent of Dubliners held a negative view of the city’s nightlife, with high prices and poor public transport major concerns. Photograph: Frank Whitney/Photographer’s Choice/Getty
The Night Mayors from Merrion Street could soon radically overhaul Ireland’s after-dark social scene and bring the curtain down on what a Minister described as a “vanilla and bland” offering frequently served to people.
Night-time has earned itself a central place in the programme for government proposed by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens, with a focus on how to make Ireland more attractive at night. This focus, advocates of the night say, is long overdue and not only because pubs, clubs, music venues and theatres are on their knees as a result of the pandemic.
A recent survey published by Dublin City Council found that locals consider going out in the capital to be less attractive than doing so in Berlin, London and Amsterdam. Some 73 per cent of Dubliners held a negative view of the city's nightlife, with high prices and poor public transport major concerns.
The programme for government commits to working with parties from across the night-time culture sector to “develop innovative approaches to enable it to function and to create a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable night-time economy”.
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It promises to establish a Night-time Economy Taskforce in its first 30 days in office and a review of regulations and policies governing night-time culture at a national and local level “including the staggering of trading hours for pubs, late bars, clubs, and restaurants”.
‘Alcohol-free options’
As well as modernising licensing laws and application processes, the programme supports the establishment of the night-time culture mayors for Dublin and Cork. Some major European cities have appointees who liase with venues and authorities.
The architect of the plans is Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan, although she was pushing an open door as the Greens had similar plans in their manifesto. Fianna Fáil was broadly supportive of the moves.
Ms Madigan said she had “pushed for the inclusion of a plan to improve nightlife around the country” and pointed out that there were still “very few alcohol-free options” for people. Citing the annual Culture Night initiative, she suggested that “national cultural institutions open at night time to do things which are both unexpected and exciting”.
She accepted that Dublin rates “very poorly when it comes to nightlife” when compared to London and Berlin and stressed that change was possible.
“Something like this has never been on the table before and whoever the new minister for culture is can push this forward,” she said. “I think night mayors would be a great option but what we need is collaboration to get away from the homogeneous and the vanilla and the bland offerings so our nightlife can be enriched.”
Broken promises
Sunil Sharpe, of campaigning group Give Us The Night, welcomed Ms Madigan's view.
“When we first started campaigning for more to be done for night-time culture in Ireland we were 30 years younger than the politicians we were trying to make contact with but now we’ve got a bit older and they have got a bit younger so they get it, they understand what it is that is needed,” he said.
“There have been many broken promises but that doesn’t mean we’re not cautiously optimistic.”
Give Us the Night has frequently raised concerns about the closure of high-profile venues and nightclubs and the tightening of the licensing laws.
Mr Sharpe said many people believe the city is not for them after a certain time. He said permits should be available to clubs to allow them “go until six or seven in the morning”.
“But if they want that permit, if they want to go late late then they should have a certain level of entertainment.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Government publishes legislation setting up €500m climate action fund

The Government will publish legislation on Monday to establish a €500 million climate action fund , using the proceeds of an existing levy paid by oil companies for climate action projects .
The legislation , which will be brought to the Dáil later this year if a government is formed this week , would establish a fund to invest in projects that would help decarbonise the economy over the next decade .
A number of projects have already been funded on an interim basis , including €20 million to develop the ESB charging network for electric cars .
The legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment ) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2019 , is being published by Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton , who said the State had an “ enormous transition ” to make .
“ That transition presents opportunities to be seized as well as patterns to be changed .
This demands that we be both agile and fair as we manage the challenges.
” The fund would be authorised to make investments in projects that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ; increase the production or use of renewable energy ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and initiatives in regions and sectors of the economy impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy .

The National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2019 is being published by Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton, who said the State had an “enormous transition” to make
The Government will publish legislation on Monday to establish a €500 million climate action fund, using the proceeds of an existing levy paid by oil companies for climate action projects.
The legislation, which will be brought to the Dáil later this year if a government is formed this week, would establish a fund to invest in projects that would help decarbonise the economy over the next decade.
A number of projects have already been funded on an interim basis, including €20 million to develop the ESB charging network for electric cars.
The legislation, the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Provision of Central Treasury Services Bill 2019, is being published by Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton, who said the State had an “enormous transition” to make.
READ MORE
“That transition presents opportunities to be seized as well as patterns to be changed. This demands that we be both agile and fair as we manage the challenges.”
The fund would be authorised to make investments in projects that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; increase the production or use of renewable energy; improve energy efficiency; and support projects and initiatives in regions and sectors of the economy impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Early action helped nursing home group manage Covid-19

One of the country ’ s largest nursing home groups has expressed surprise that State health officials criticised private homes for introducing early visitor restrictions before the first Covid-19 death .
Brookhaven will have all five of its homes reopened to visitors this week – with strict physical distancing and Perspex screens – after moving earlier than many other homes to introduce restrictions in mid-February , two weeks before the first confirmed case in Ireland .
The group , which runs Talbot Lodge nursing home in Malahide , Co Dublin , and homes in Stradbally , Co Laois ; Ballyragget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galway ; and Castlebar , Co Mayo , attributes its management of the pandemic to early action and intervention .
On March 10th , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan questioned the decision of private homes to close to visitors four days earlier before restrictions were “ really necessary ” .
“ We were surprised at the time that this was the advice of NPHET [ the National Public Health Emergency Team ] given the known vulnerability of the over-60s to the virus , and the international experience of the effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Murphy , chairman of Brookhaven .
On March 11th , the State announced visitor restrictions in long-term care homes .
The first Covid-19 death was announced that day .
Brookhaven says it had one Covid-19 death in its home in Abbeybreaffy near Castlebar , and is challenging the HSE over its estimate in an internal list compiled last month – and published by The Irish Times – that the home had two confirmed and probable deaths from the disease .
According to the group , the deceased resident had visited a local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive after they died at the home in early April .
The group had a resident in Teagleach Uillinn in Moycullen who tested positive for Covid-19 in the mass testing of homes but was asymptomatic .
In both cases the homes imposed strict isolation , and the group says it limited the disease to these two cases across 380 residents in the five homes .
Mr Murphy said the group was alerted to the risks posed by the virus to older people and in congregated settings such as care homes from tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how the disease was being transmitted and how it could “ go global ” .
“ We basically decided that if this is going to be an issue we can ’ t understand how it is going to happen .
We have got to do everything possible to manage the problem .
It was impossible to predict what was going to happen , ” he said .
The group recognised that nursing homes and hospitals used foreign agency staff who tend to live with each other .
Therefore on February 14th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who had travelled abroad , including to Northern Ireland , to self-isolate and not to come to work for 14 days .
The group felt it had to be “ extra careful ” with Talbot Lodge as it was a 112-bed facility near Dublin Airport with lots of traffic “ in and out ” , says Mr Murphy .
In addition , the group started stockpiling personal protective equipment in February .
On February 26th , Brookhaven banned visitors that had been to any destination outside of Ireland in the previous four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 6th .
The group received an angry reaction from some relatives of residents at the time .
“ They are thrilled and delighted now .
They have come up and said we were wrong , and you protected our loved one , ” said Mr Murphy .
He believes Tadhg Daly , the chief executive of Nursing Homes Ireland , which represents private nursing homes ( 80 per cent of the sector ) , should have been a member of NPHET from the outset .
“ It ’ s not too late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a second Covid-19 wave.
” Mr Murphy is unsure whether there will be a second resurgence , but , as with the group ’ s cautious approach before the first confirmed Covid-19 case in February , is not taking chances .
“ We are going on the basis that there will .
I think that is the right thing to do : to prepare for the worst .
I think that is what we have to do .
”

Resident Vera Finlay (left) with staff members Elizabeth Devoy and Sharon Scully in the visitor hub at Droimnin nursing home in Stradbally, Co Laois
One of the country’s largest nursing home groups has expressed surprise that State health officials criticised private homes for introducing early visitor restrictions before the first Covid-19 death.
Brookhaven will have all five of its homes reopened to visitors this week – with strict physical distancing and Perspex screens – after moving earlier than many other homes to introduce restrictions in mid-February, two weeks before the first confirmed case in Ireland.
The group, which runs Talbot Lodge nursing home in Malahide, Co Dublin, and homes in Stradbally, Co Laois; Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny; Moycullen, Co Galway; and Castlebar, Co Mayo, attributes its management of the pandemic to early action and intervention.
On March 10th, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan questioned the decision of private homes to close to visitors four days earlier before restrictions were "really necessary".
READ MORE
"We were surprised at the time that this was the advice of NPHET [the National Public Health Emergency Team] given the known vulnerability of the over-60s to the virus, and the international experience of the effects of the virus on the elderly," said Tim Murphy, chairman of Brookhaven.
On March 11th, the State announced visitor restrictions in long-term care homes. The first Covid-19 death was announced that day.
Brookhaven says it had one Covid-19 death in its home in Abbeybreaffy near Castlebar, and is challenging the HSE over its estimate in an internal list compiled last month – and published by The Irish Times – that the home had two confirmed and probable deaths from the disease.
Tested positive
According to the group, the deceased resident had visited a local hospital whilst in palliative care, and tested positive after they died at the home in early April.
The group had a resident in Teagleach Uillinn in Moycullen who tested positive for Covid-19 in the mass testing of homes but was asymptomatic.
In both cases the homes imposed strict isolation, and the group says it limited the disease to these two cases across 380 residents in the five homes.
Mr Murphy said the group was alerted to the risks posed by the virus to older people and in congregated settings such as care homes from tracking international media reports in January and February about how the disease was being transmitted and how it could “go global”.
“We basically decided that if this is going to be an issue we can’t understand how it is going to happen. We have got to do everything possible to manage the problem. It was impossible to predict what was going to happen,” he said.
The group recognised that nursing homes and hospitals used foreign agency staff who tend to live with each other. Therefore on February 14th, Brookhaven directed that any of its 380 staff who had travelled abroad, including to Northern Ireland, to self-isolate and not to come to work for 14 days.
The group felt it had to be “extra careful” with Talbot Lodge as it was a 112-bed facility near Dublin Airport with lots of traffic “in and out”, says Mr Murphy.
In addition, the group started stockpiling personal protective equipment in February.
Angry reaction
On February 26th, Brookhaven banned visitors that had been to any destination outside of Ireland in the previous four weeks, before banning all visitors on March 6th. The group received an angry reaction from some relatives of residents at the time.
“They are thrilled and delighted now. They have come up and said we were wrong, and you protected our loved one,” said Mr Murphy.
He believes Tadhg Daly, the chief executive of Nursing Homes Ireland, which represents private nursing homes (80 per cent of the sector), should have been a member of NPHET from the outset. "It's not too late for this to happen given the expectation of a second Covid-19 wave."
Mr Murphy is unsure whether there will be a second resurgence, but, as with the group’s cautious approach before the first confirmed Covid-19 case in February, is not taking chances.
“We are going on the basis that there will. I think that is the right thing to do: to prepare for the worst. I think that is what we have to do.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--Work to level 50-year-old Ballymun shopping centre starts

Work to raze the old Ballymun shopping centre , which has for years blocked completion of the regeneration of the north Dublin suburb , has begun more than 20 years after it was first planned .
The 50-year-old centre , the last remaining vestige of the 1960s high-rise suburb yet to be redeveloped , has been boarded up awaiting demolition for almost two years .
Preliminary works for the its removal started late last year , but the heavy demolition works have now begun , with contractors expected to return the cleared site to Dublin City Council by December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest for the redevelopment of a retail and residential complex on the site , which is designated as a future location for an underground metro station .
At least 300 apartments are expected to be built in addition to shopping facilities , which Independent councillor Noeleen Reilly said are badly needed .
“ The failure to redevelop the shopping centre site has caused a lot of bad feeling in the area for a long number of years .
This site should be the jewel in the crown of Ballymun , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rationale of clearing the site before bringing it to market “ to make it as attractive a development proposal as possible ” but she said it was essential that momentum for its redevelopment and the provision of new retail facilities was not lost .
“ Seeing the diggers on site now is a really positive step .
Obviously financing are going to be tight in the coming months , but it ’ s vital the redevelopment of this site goes ahead .
In my view , it should have been the first thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The redevelopment of the shopping centre , known as the Town Centre , was central to the 1997 Ballymun regeneration plan .
In 2000 , Treasury Holdings paid more than £6 million for a 53 per cent stake in the site , with the council retaining the remainder .
The new complex , which was to be the main shopping facility for the suburb ’ s 18,000 residents , was due to be built in 2005 .
However , it was not until 2009 that Treasury secured planning permission for Springcross , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to include an 11-screen cinema , bowling alley , public library , creche and restaurants , as well as more than 70 shops and offices .
It had intended to begin construction the following year , but the economic crash intervened and the town centre lands became part of Nama ’ s portfolio of loans before any development began .
Most retailers in the centre subsequently shut up shop and , in early 2014 , it lost Tesco , its anchor tenant .
In May 2014 , the council reached agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury stake .
Two years later the council sought compulsory purchase orders to gain clear possession of the site .
The final tenants left the shopping centre in summer 2018 .
However , it was not until the following year that the €1.9 million demolition contract was awarded .

Work to raze the old Ballymun shopping centre, which has for years blocked completion of the regeneration of the north Dublin suburb, has begun more than 20 years after it was first planned.
The 50-year-old centre, the last remaining vestige of the 1960s high-rise suburb yet to be redeveloped, has been boarded up awaiting demolition for almost two years.
Preliminary works for the its removal started late last year, but the heavy demolition works have now begun, with contractors expected to return the cleared site to Dublin City Council by December. The council will then seek expressions of interest for the redevelopment of a retail and residential complex on the site, which is designated as a future location for an underground metro station.
At least 300 apartments are expected to be built in addition to shopping facilities, which Independent councillor Noeleen Reilly said are badly needed.
READ MORE
“The failure to redevelop the shopping centre site has caused a lot of bad feeling in the area for a long number of years. This site should be the jewel in the crown of Ballymun,” she said.
Redevelopment
Ms Reilly said she understood the rationale of clearing the site before bringing it to market “to make it as attractive a development proposal as possible” but she said it was essential that momentum for its redevelopment and the provision of new retail facilities was not lost.
“Seeing the diggers on site now is a really positive step. Obviously financing are going to be tight in the coming months, but it’s vital the redevelopment of this site goes ahead. In my view, it should have been the first thing to happen in the regeneration of Ballymun.”
The redevelopment of the shopping centre, known as the Town Centre, was central to the 1997 Ballymun regeneration plan. In 2000, Treasury Holdings paid more than £6 million for a 53 per cent stake in the site, with the council retaining the remainder. The new complex, which was to be the main shopping facility for the suburb's 18,000 residents, was due to be built in 2005.
However, it was not until 2009 that Treasury secured planning permission for Springcross, a vast €800 million development, which was to include an 11-screen cinema, bowling alley, public library, creche and restaurants, as well as more than 70 shops and offices.
Economic crash
It had intended to begin construction the following year, but the economic crash intervened and the town centre lands became part of Nama's portfolio of loans before any development began. Most retailers in the centre subsequently shut up shop and, in early 2014, it lost Tesco, its anchor tenant.
In May 2014, the council reached agreement with Nama and its receivers to acquire the Treasury stake. Two years later the council sought compulsory purchase orders to gain clear possession of the site.
The final tenants left the shopping centre in summer 2018. However, it was not until the following year that the €1.9 million demolition contract was awarded.


theirishtimes--2020-06-22--HSE wanted to extend agreement to keep control of private hospitals, records show

Effective State control over the bulk of Ireland ’ s private hospitals will come to an end in just over a week ’ s time .
The arrangement was broadly welcomed when first announced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic , but has since proven to be a costly and controversial one .
The Cabinet decided in late May not to take up an option to extend the agreement for a further two months , but said it would look at other ways to make use of private hospital capacity in future .
The agreement represented the State ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage coronavirus , with the Cabinet hearing that the total cost over three months could be close to €340 million .
Documents published in recent days by the Department of Public Expenditure confirm that the HSE wanted to retain the 2,000 beds , operating theatres and intensive care and other facilities available under the deal .
Official minutes of the Health Budget Oversight Group – a body comprised of officials from the Department of Health , the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure – maintain that the HSE board wrote to Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The documents show that from early on there were concerns among senior officials about the extent to which the private hospital facilities were being used as the anticipated surge of Covid-19 cases did not materialise .
They state that on April 16th “ all parties expressed concern in relation to the utilisation of private hospital capacity ” .
“ Maximising the use of facilities available to the HSE is of the utmost importance in the current crisis ; it was acknowledged , however , that the Government had agreed to the arrangement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant and urgent requirement for additional capacity .
“ In this regard , it was confirmed there was activity taking place in the private hospitals and public patients had moved across.
” The Department of Health had written directly to HSE chief executive Paul Reid a week earlier urging that the private capacity be effectively and fully utilised in the interest of patient care and with immediate effect .
It said Minister for Health Simon Harris wanted to have specific arrangements put in place to oversee the volume and type of patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs involved .
The minutes say the group on April 24th noted that there “ appears to be excess unused capacity in public and private hospital system at present , attributable to both delays in finalising an agreement with private consultants , and to lower-than-projected levels of activity in acute hospitals ” .
The group heard that the clinical opinion “ indicated a continuing need to retain this level of capacity ” .
However , the Department of Public Expenditure argued that “ data would be needed to support a case for continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minimum period , e.g .
in scenarios where the levels of Covid-19 might be effectively suppressed ” .
The group heard on April 30th that occupancy of private hospitals at that stage was estimated to be running at 33 per cent “ but there is opportunity in May and June to increase usage subject to public health advice and clinical and operational judgement ” .
The group was also told that the occupancy rate at the CityWest hotel complex , which the HSE also took over to increase capacity during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minutes from the following week note “ a growing number of questions regarding the occupancy rate of CityWest Hotel at the time , and potential alternative uses for the facility ” .
Two weeks later , on May 21st , the HSE told the group that “ on balance ” it was “ inclined toward the view that some level of supplementary private hospital capacity should be maintained and that the continuation of the current arrangement , for some or all of the private hospitals , until end-August would be appropriate ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the need for evaluation of alternatives for securing needed capacity ; and that differentials in capacity usage between various types of private hospital would be expected to have a bearing upon considerations of value-for-money and upon the final recommendations ” .
The Government has separately instructed the HSE to engage with the private hospitals to secure ongoing access to the facilities in collaboration with the National Treatment Purchase Fund ( NTPF ) to address essential needs including delays in public patients obtaining treatment .
These talks are under way and this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors ’ representatives before the Cabinet considers the issue again .

Effective State control over the bulk of Ireland’s private hospitals will come to an end in just over a week’s time. The arrangement was broadly welcomed when first announced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since proven to be a costly and controversial one.
The Cabinet decided in late May not to take up an option to extend the agreement for a further two months, but said it would look at other ways to make use of private hospital capacity in future.
The agreement represented the State’s largest single investment in its effort to manage coronavirus, with the Cabinet hearing that the total cost over three months could be close to €340 million.
Documents published in recent days by the Department of Public Expenditure confirm that the HSE wanted to retain the 2,000 beds, operating theatres and intensive care and other facilities available under the deal.
READ MORE
Official minutes of the Health Budget Oversight Group – a body comprised of officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure – maintain that the HSE board wrote to Department of Health seeking to extend the arrangement.
The documents show that from early on there were concerns among senior officials about the extent to which the private hospital facilities were being used as the anticipated surge of Covid-19 cases did not materialise.
‘Expressed concern’
They state that on April 16th “all parties expressed concern in relation to the utilisation of private hospital capacity”.
“Maximising the use of facilities available to the HSE is of the utmost importance in the current crisis; it was acknowledged, however, that the Government had agreed to the arrangement on the basis that there would be a significant and urgent requirement for additional capacity.
“In this regard, it was confirmed there was activity taking place in the private hospitals and public patients had moved across.”
The Department of Health had written directly to HSE chief executive Paul Reid a week earlier urging that the private capacity be effectively and fully utilised in the interest of patient care and with immediate effect. It said Minister for Health Simon Harris wanted to have specific arrangements put in place to oversee the volume and type of patients seen in the private hospitals and the costs involved.
The minutes say the group on April 24th noted that there “appears to be excess unused capacity in public and private hospital system at present, attributable to both delays in finalising an agreement with private consultants, and to lower-than-projected levels of activity in acute hospitals”.
The group heard that the clinical opinion “indicated a continuing need to retain this level of capacity”. However, the Department of Public Expenditure argued that “data would be needed to support a case for continuing retention of high levels of capacity beyond the minimum period, e.g. in scenarios where the levels of Covid-19 might be effectively suppressed”.
The group heard on April 30th that occupancy of private hospitals at that stage was estimated to be running at 33 per cent “but there is opportunity in May and June to increase usage subject to public health advice and clinical and operational judgement”.
Occupancy rate
The group was also told that the occupancy rate at the CityWest hotel complex, which the HSE also took over to increase capacity during the pandemic, was “currently low”. Minutes from the following week note “a growing number of questions regarding the occupancy rate of CityWest Hotel at the time, and potential alternative uses for the facility”.
Two weeks later, on May 21st, the HSE told the group that “on balance” it was “inclined toward the view that some level of supplementary private hospital capacity should be maintained and that the continuation of the current arrangement, for some or all of the private hospitals, until end-August would be appropriate”.
The Department of Public Expenditure pointed to “the need for evaluation of alternatives for securing needed capacity; and that differentials in capacity usage between various types of private hospital would be expected to have a bearing upon considerations of value-for-money and upon the final recommendations”.
The Government has separately instructed the HSE to engage with the private hospitals to secure ongoing access to the facilities in collaboration with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to address essential needs including delays in public patients obtaining treatment. These talks are under way and this week the HSE is expected to meet with doctors’ representatives before the Cabinet considers the issue again.