theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Community transmission now main cause of Irish cases

More people in Ireland have contracted coronavirus in the community than as a result of foreign travel , the latest figures show .
A total of 137 community transmission cases have been recorded , according to an analysis of confirmed cases , with 132 infections linked to foreign travel .
Seventy-three people were infected with Covid-19 due to contact with a confirmed case , while 96 remain “ under investigation ” .
The figures emerged as the department announced that 126 new cases of coronavirus were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Friday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are now 683 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State , and three people have died .
An analysis of the causes of the 683 cases has not yet been completed .
Monaghan remains the only county without confirmed case , according to the department ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan .
People aged over 65 account for 17 per cent of cases , and 29 per cent of the total number hospitalised .
Of the notified cases , 55 per cent involve men and there are 27 reported clusters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients is 44 years , and 32 per cent of those who have fallen ill with the virus have been hospitalised .
Twelve patients have had to be admitted to intensive care .
The department said 114 healthcare workers have contracted the virus , with 36 of these cases related to foreign travel .
Dublin has the highest number of cases , 51 per cent of the total , followed by Cork ( 15 per cent ) and Limerick and Wicklow ( 3 per cent each ) .
Dr Holohan said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing measures , which involve people being asked to stay 2m away from others , introduced last week were working .
While the Taoiseach has forecast Ireland may have 15,000 cases by the end of the month , Dr Holohan said this was based on the numbers showing “ unmitigated growth ” and he was hoping to see “ some impact ” from the restrictions introduced last week .
With the number of cases currently growing by an average of one-third per day , he said he would be “ pleased ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 15 per cent daily .
Dr Holohan said Ireland remained in the delay phase , though elements of the strategy for containment , delay and mitigation were being deployed at the same time .
He said there was no evidence to indicate that people returning from the Cheltenham horseracing festival had been a significant source of infections .
Of the three reported deaths , he said two patients had underlying health conditions and there was no report of an underlying issue with the third person .
Meanwhile , schools in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for the children of key workers during the outbreak .
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday evening that “ the educational work that goes on in schools has come to an end ” but they were “ a good place ” to provide free childcare for workers in the NHS and other key areas .
Key workers include those employed in health and social care and other frontline positions , as well as roles deemed essential to public life or to the provision of essential goods and services .
The Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools after principals called for clarity on how this proposal would work .
Nine new cases of coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , were identified in the North on Friday , bringing the number of confirmed cases to 86 .
One person has died as a result of the pandemic .
Employees in Northern Ireland who have been laid off because of coronavirus will benefit from a commitment by the UK government to pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working , up to £2,500 per month .
All cafes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North will also close following an announcement by UK prime minister Boris Johnson , though many such premises have already shut down voluntarily .
Asked about the UK government ’ s decision to order the closure of restaurants , Dr Holohan said this had been considered .
However , he said the NPHET was happy for resturants to stay open if they can adapt by , for example , enforcing social distancing or providing takeaway food only .
Regarding advice for families in relation to Mother ’ s Day , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while he understood it was a challenge for society , observing social distancing rules was extremely important .

An electron microscope image shows the virus that causes Covid-19. More people in Ireland have contracted coronavirus in the community than as a result of foreign travel, the latest figures show. Photograph: NIAID-RML/Reuters.
More people in Ireland have contracted coronavirus in the community than as a result of foreign travel, the latest figures show.
A total of 137 community transmission cases have been recorded, according to an analysis of confirmed cases, with 132 infections linked to foreign travel.
Seventy-three people were infected with Covid-19 due to contact with a confirmed case, while 96 remain “under investigation”.
The figures emerged as the department announced that 126 new cases of coronavirus were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Friday evening, slightly lower than the previous day.
READ MORE
There are now 683 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State, and three people have died. An analysis of the causes of the 683 cases has not yet been completed.
Monaghan remains the only county without confirmed case, according to the department’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan.
People aged over 65 account for 17 per cent of cases, and 29 per cent of the total number hospitalised.
Of the notified cases, 55 per cent involve men and there are 27 reported clusters involving 142 cases.
The median age of patients is 44 years, and 32 per cent of those who have fallen ill with the virus have been hospitalised. Twelve patients have had to be admitted to intensive care.
The department said 114 healthcare workers have contracted the virus, with 36 of these cases related to foreign travel.
Dublin has the highest number of cases, 51 per cent of the total, followed by Cork (15 per cent) and Limerick and Wicklow (3 per cent each).
Dr Holohan said it was too early to say whether the social distancing measures, which involve people being asked to stay 2m away from others, introduced last week were working.
Restrictions
While the Taoiseach has forecast Ireland may have 15,000 cases by the end of the month, Dr Holohan said this was based on the numbers showing “unmitigated growth” and he was hoping to see “some impact” from the restrictions introduced last week.
With the number of cases currently growing by an average of one-third per day, he said he would be “pleased” to see this rate of growth fall to 15 per cent daily.
Dr Holohan said Ireland remained in the delay phase, though elements of the strategy for containment, delay and mitigation were being deployed at the same time. He said there was no evidence to indicate that people returning from the Cheltenham horseracing festival had been a significant source of infections.
Of the three reported deaths, he said two patients had underlying health conditions and there was no report of an underlying issue with the third person.
Meanwhile, schools in Northern Ireland are to be repurposed as facilities to care for the children of key workers during the outbreak.
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday evening that “the educational work that goes on in schools has come to an end” but they were “a good place” to provide free childcare for workers in the NHS and other key areas.
Key workers include those employed in health and social care and other frontline positions, as well as roles deemed essential to public life or to the provision of essential goods and services.
The Department of Education is to publish guidance for schools after principals called for clarity on how this proposal would work.
Nine new cases of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, were identified in the North on Friday, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 86. One person has died as a result of the pandemic.
Employees in Northern Ireland who have been laid off because of coronavirus will benefit from a commitment by the UK government to pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 per month.
All cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in the North will also close following an announcement by UK prime minister Boris Johnson, though many such premises have already shut down voluntarily.
Asked about the UK government’s decision to order the closure of restaurants, Dr Holohan said this had been considered. However, he said the NPHET was happy for resturants to stay open if they can adapt by, for example, enforcing social distancing or providing takeaway food only.
Regarding advice for families in relation to Mother’s Day, which is on Sunday, Dr Holohan said that while he understood it was a challenge for society, observing social distancing rules was extremely important.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Sean Cox returns home: ‘This is a day we as a family have been looking forward to’

Sean Cox , the Liverpool fan who suffered a severe brain injury after being assaulted in the build-up to a Champions League game against Roma in April 2018 , has returned home , his family has announced .
After lengthy spells in a number of different medical facilities , most recently Marymount Care Centre in Lucan , Dublin , the father of three from Dunboyne , Co Meath , will have to continue his rehabilitation but the family described the move as “ an important and positive milestone ” .
“ This is a day we as a family have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , ” said Mr Cox ’ s wife , Martina , in a social media post .
“ While Sean still has a long road to travel , having him home with us is an incredibly important step as we come together as a family unit again .
“ I can ’ t thank enough those who have helped Sean along the way over the past two years .
In particular , I would like to thank the incredible staff in Marymount Care Centre in Lucan for the care and support they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of months.
” She added : “ At a time when staying at home takes on new meaning for all of us , it ’ s clear that there is no other place that Sean would rather be .
”

“I can’t thank enough those who have helped Sean (above) along the way over the past two years,” his wife Martina said in a social media post. Photograph: Facebook
Sean Cox, the Liverpool fan who suffered a severe brain injury after being assaulted in the build-up to a Champions League game against Roma in April 2018, has returned home, his family has announced.
After lengthy spells in a number of different medical facilities, most recently Marymount Care Centre in Lucan, Dublin, the father of three from Dunboyne, Co Meath, will have to continue his rehabilitation but the family described the move as “an important and positive milestone”.
“This is a day we as a family have been looking forward to for a long time,” said Mr Cox’s wife, Martina, in a social media post.
“While Sean still has a long road to travel, having him home with us is an incredibly important step as we come together as a family unit again.
READ MORE
“I can’t thank enough those who have helped Sean along the way over the past two years. In particular, I would like to thank the incredible staff in Marymount Care Centre in Lucan for the care and support they have provided to Sean over the past number of months.”
She added: “At a time when staying at home takes on new meaning for all of us, it’s clear that there is no other place that Sean would rather be.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Teenagers putting lives at risk by ignoring social distancing, Dublin mayor says

Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon has urged teenagers to stop “ putting people ’ s lives at risk ” by ignoring social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic .
Dublin city was “ under siege ” by “ microbial enemies ” , Mr Brabazon said on Friday , adding that some people , particularly teenagers , were continuing to congregate against all health protection advice .
“ During this difficult time for our city and country I would like to appeal to a minority of people , particularly teenagers , who seem to be missing the point about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Teenagers were putting their own grandparents ’ lives at risk by continuing to engage in “ face-to-face gatherings ” during the Covid-19 outbreak , he said .
“ You can still talk to your friends , but do it through social media and apps such as FaceTime etc .
If you gather in large numbers you are putting people ’ s lives at risk , especially older people such as your parents , grandparents and elderly neighbours.
” He said he realised people were already tired of hearing the social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be repeated .
“ As a city we are under siege by our microbial enemies but we can , and will , beat this disease .
The question for us really is whether we ’ re all willing to play our part to help our city emerge from this crisis with as few casualties as possible , ” he said .
“ Who amongst us would not want to be a hero and save one life ?
” Speaking in the Seanad earlier on Friday , Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys “ terrorising ” elderly people outside a pharmacy .
She said the youths were congregating outside the pharmacy in a large gang while older people were trying to maintain social distancing as they queued to go inside .
She said she asked the teenagers to move on but they started “ playing tag ” with the older people , grabbing them while shouting “ Covid-19 ” .
Ms Devine said she “ burst out crying ” because the older people were so upset .
It was like a scene from a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí came and dispersed the gang , she added .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has also called on parents , families , peer groups and communities to confront people who were not taking the public health message seriously .
He was particularly concerned by “ teenagers hanging out together in people ’ s homes or on street corners , interacting and socialising and chatting as they would normally do ” .

Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon has urged teenagers to stop "putting people's lives at risk" by ignoring social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dublin city was “under siege” by “microbial enemies”, Mr Brabazon said on Friday, adding that some people, particularly teenagers, were continuing to congregate against all health protection advice.
“During this difficult time for our city and country I would like to appeal to a minority of people, particularly teenagers, who seem to be missing the point about the dangers of the coronavirus,” he said.
Teenagers were putting their own grandparents’ lives at risk by continuing to engage in “face-to-face gatherings” during the Covid-19 outbreak, he said.
READ MORE
“You can still talk to your friends, but do it through social media and apps such as FaceTime etc. If you gather in large numbers you are putting people’s lives at risk, especially older people such as your parents, grandparents and elderly neighbours.”
He said he realised people were already tired of hearing the social distancing message, but it clearly needed to be repeated.
“As a city we are under siege by our microbial enemies but we can, and will, beat this disease. The question for us really is whether we’re all willing to play our part to help our city emerge from this crisis with as few casualties as possible,” he said. “Who amongst us would not want to be a hero and save one life?”
Older people ‘terrorised’
Speaking in the Seanad earlier on Friday, Sinn Féin Senator Máire Devine said she had witnessed a large group of teenage boys “terrorising” elderly people outside a pharmacy.
She said the youths were congregating outside the pharmacy in a large gang while older people were trying to maintain social distancing as they queued to go inside.
She said she asked the teenagers to move on but they started “playing tag” with the older people, grabbing them while shouting “Covid-19”.
Ms Devine said she “burst out crying” because the older people were so upset. It was like a scene from a “revenge horror movie”, she said. Gardaí came and dispersed the gang, she added.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has also called on parents, families, peer groups and communities to confront people who were not taking the public health message seriously.
He was particularly concerned by “teenagers hanging out together in people’s homes or on street corners, interacting and socialising and chatting as they would normally do”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Man charged with endangerment and robbery in connection with fatal collision

A 34-year-old man has remanded in custody charged with robbery and endangerment of life in connection with a fatal collision which claimed the life of a mother-of-three in south Co Dublin last week .
Jacqueline McGovern ( 54 ) , was one of two women struck by a car as she walked on a footpath on Avondale Road in Killiney on the night of March 10th last , minutes after an alleged shop raid in the locality .
Ms McGovern , a special needs assistant was from the area and worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls ’ National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead at St Vincent ’ s University Hospital the following morning .
Darren Rowe , from Dunedin Terrace , Monkstown , Co Dublin , was arrested earlier this week and was the third of three men to be charged as a result of the investigation .
Mr Rowe , who is on disability benefit , appeared before Judge Grainne Malone at Dún Laoghaire District Court on Friday .
The 34-year-old was charged with robbery of Centra on Barnhill Road in Dalkey and endangerment of life , creating substantial risk of death or serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Evidence of arrest , charge and caution was given by Det Garda Brian Davoren .
He told Judge Malone that the accused made no reply after caution when he was charged on Thursday evening at Cabinteely Garda station .
He confirmed there was an objection to bail , however , defence solicitor Sandra Frayne said a bail application was not being made at this stage .
A statement of her client ’ s means was prepared and the judge granted legal aid after noting Mr Rowe was in receipt of a disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was consent to a one-week remand in custody and he will face another hearing at Cloverhill District Court next Friday .
Mr Rowe has not yet had indicated how he will plead .

A 34-year-old man has remanded in custody charged with robbery and endangerment of life in connection with a fatal collision which claimed the life of a mother-of-three in south Co Dublin last week.
Jacqueline McGovern (54), was one of two women struck by a car as she walked on a footpath on Avondale Road in Killiney on the night of March 10th last, minutes after an alleged shop raid in the locality.
Ms McGovern, a special needs assistant was from the area and worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls’ National School in Johnstown. She was pronounced dead at St Vincent’s University Hospital the following morning.
Darren Rowe, from Dunedin Terrace, Monkstown, Co Dublin, was arrested earlier this week and was the third of three men to be charged as a result of the investigation.
READ MORE
Mr Rowe, who is on disability benefit, appeared before Judge Grainne Malone at Dún Laoghaire District Court on Friday.
The 34-year-old was charged with robbery of Centra on Barnhill Road in Dalkey and endangerment of life, creating substantial risk of death or serious harm to another, at Avondale Road.
Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Det Garda Brian Davoren.
He told Judge Malone that the accused made no reply after caution when he was charged on Thursday evening at Cabinteely Garda station.
He confirmed there was an objection to bail, however, defence solicitor Sandra Frayne said a bail application was not being made at this stage.
A statement of her client’s means was prepared and the judge granted legal aid after noting Mr Rowe was in receipt of a disability benefit payment of €213 a week.
There was consent to a one-week remand in custody and he will face another hearing at Cloverhill District Court next Friday.
Mr Rowe has not yet had indicated how he will plead.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: NI schools to be repurposed as care centres for children of key workers

Schools in Northern Ireland are to be repurposed as facilities to care for the children of key workers during the coronvirus outbreak .
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday evening that “ the educational work that goes on in schools has come to an end ” but schools were “ a good place to provide that free childcare for those workers … to allow the National Health Service to be in a fit purpose to serve us ” .
The Department of Education was due to publish guidance for schools after principals had called for clarity as to how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those employed in health and social care and other frontline positions , as well as roles essential to public life or to the provision of essential goods and services .
Employees in Northern Ireland who have been laid off because of coronavirus will benefit from a commitment by the UK government to pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working , up to £2,500 per month .
All cafes , pubs , bars and restaurants in the North will also close following an announcement by UK prime minister Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down voluntarily .
Nine new cases of coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , were identified in the North on Friday , bringing the number of confirmed cases to 86 .
One person has died as a result of the pandemic .
The true number of cases is likely to be significantly greater , given people with mild symptoms - defined as a new persistent cough and/or fever - have been told to stay at home and self-isolate .
They are not being tested and are not included in the testing totals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out in Northern Ireland , and measures are being put in place to increase testing capacity .
Meanwhile , the Police Federation has called for officers in Northern Ireland to be tested for Covid-19 amid fears the spread of the virus could result in a “ skeleton ” workforce .
The representative body for Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) officers has also called for personal protection equipment to be made available for officers .
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said work was underway to ensure officers were protected and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
Public transport services in Northern Ireland are to be reduced in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
From Monday , bus and rail routes will operate on a Saturday timetable , and Translink will also reduce the timetable for cross-border coach and Enterprise rail services .

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday evening that schools were a good place to provide free childcare for key workers during the coronavirus outbreak. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.
Schools in Northern Ireland are to be repurposed as facilities to care for the children of key workers during the coronvirus outbreak.
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday evening that "the educational work that goes on in schools has come to an end" but schools were "a good place to provide that free childcare for those workers … to allow the National Health Service to be in a fit purpose to serve us".
The Department of Education was due to publish guidance for schools after principals had called for clarity as to how this would work.
Key workers include those employed in health and social care and other frontline positions, as well as roles essential to public life or to the provision of essential goods and services.
READ MORE
Employees in Northern Ireland who have been laid off because of coronavirus will benefit from a commitment by the UK government to pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working, up to £2,500 per month.
Closures
All cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in the North will also close following an announcement by UK prime minister Boris Johnson, though many such premises have already shut down voluntarily.
Nine new cases of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, were identified in the North on Friday, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 86. One person has died as a result of the pandemic.
The true number of cases is likely to be significantly greater, given people with mild symptoms - defined as a new persistent cough and/or fever - have been told to stay at home and self-isolate.
They are not being tested and are not included in the testing totals. A total of 1,816 tests have been carried out in Northern Ireland, and measures are being put in place to increase testing capacity.
Skeleton workforce
Meanwhile, the Police Federation has called for officers in Northern Ireland to be tested for Covid-19 amid fears the spread of the virus could result in a “skeleton” workforce.
The representative body for Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers has also called for personal protection equipment to be made available for officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said work was underway to ensure officers were protected and to make sure they could maintain staffing levels.
Public transport services in Northern Ireland are to be reduced in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
From Monday, bus and rail routes will operate on a Saturday timetable, and Translink will also reduce the timetable for cross-border coach and Enterprise rail services.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Sharp turn led to plane crash in which boy (7) died – report

A steeply banked turn led to the loss of control of a light aircraft which crashed and killed a seven-year-old boy and the male pilot , an investigation has found on Friday .
Niall Bowditch ( 47 ) and Kasper Kacprzak ( 7 ) died when the Cessna 208B in which they were travelling crashed into a boggy area shortly after 16 skydivers had exited the plane .
An earlier investigation into the crash in Co Offaly two years ago found no evidence of engine failure .
The pilot was returning to the Irish Parachute Club ’ s airfield in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the accident happened on May 13th , 2018 .
The plane , which came from the UK , had been in constant use at the airfield during weekends from April 21st until the crash .
The impact was so great that the entire front section of the aircraft , forward of the main wheels , was below the surface of the peat bog , a length of almost 5m ( 16ft ) .
The remains of the plane had to be dug out with a mechanical digger .
It took the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the two victims from the wreckage .
They were then taken to the Midland Regional Hospital , Tullamore .
In its final report into the accident – the preliminary one was published a month after the crash – the Air Accident Investigation Unit found the skydivers jumped from the aircraft , as planned , above the airfield at an altitude of approximately 13,000ft .
When the aircraft was returning to the airfield , the pilot advised by radio that he was on “ left base ” , the flight leg which precedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately perpendicular to the extended centre line of the runway .
No further radio transmissions were received .
A short while later , it was established that the aircraft had crashed nose down into a forested peat bog at Ballaghassan , Co Offaly , 4.6km to the northwest of the airfield .
The report noted the contributory causes of the fatal crash involved “ the steeply banked nature of the turn being performed by the plane , the propeller torque reaction following a rapid and large increase in engine torque , the aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height above ground to effect a successful recovery .
“ During the final 3.5 seconds of the accident sequence , the aircraft descended in a near-vertical nose-down attitude .
The height of the aircraft above ground at this stage was insufficient to effect a recovery.
” The investigation concluded that the probable cause of the crash was a loss of control in a steeply banked left-hand turn , leading to a rapid loss of altitude .

Niall Bowditch, the pilot of the Irish Parachute Club Cessna plane that crashed and his passenger, five-year-old Kasper Kacprzak.
A steeply banked turn led to the loss of control of a light aircraft which crashed and killed a seven-year-old boy and the male pilot, an investigation has found on Friday.
Niall Bowditch (47) and Kasper Kacprzak (7) died when the Cessna 208B in which they were travelling crashed into a boggy area shortly after 16 skydivers had exited the plane.
An earlier investigation into the crash in Co Offaly two years ago found no evidence of engine failure.
The pilot was returning to the Irish Parachute Club’s airfield in Clonbullogue near Edenderry, Co Offaly, when the accident happened on May 13th, 2018.
READ MORE
The plane, which came from the UK, had been in constant use at the airfield during weekends from April 21st until the crash.
The impact was so great that the entire front section of the aircraft, forward of the main wheels, was below the surface of the peat bog, a length of almost 5m (16ft). The remains of the plane had to be dug out with a mechanical digger.
It took the emergency services several hours to recover the bodies of the two victims from the wreckage. They were then taken to the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore.
In its final report into the accident – the preliminary one was published a month after the crash – the Air Accident Investigation Unit found the skydivers jumped from the aircraft, as planned, above the airfield at an altitude of approximately 13,000ft.
Crashed nose down
When the aircraft was returning to the airfield, the pilot advised by radio that he was on “left base”, the flight leg which precedes the approach leg and which is normally approximately perpendicular to the extended centre line of the runway. No further radio transmissions were received. A short while later, it was established that the aircraft had crashed nose down into a forested peat bog at Ballaghassan, Co Offaly, 4.6km to the northwest of the airfield.
The report noted the contributory causes of the fatal crash involved “the steeply banked nature of the turn being performed by the plane, the propeller torque reaction following a rapid and large increase in engine torque, the aircraft’s speed while manoeuvring and insufficient height above ground to effect a successful recovery.
“During the final 3.5 seconds of the accident sequence, the aircraft descended in a near-vertical nose-down attitude. The height of the aircraft above ground at this stage was insufficient to effect a recovery.”
The investigation concluded that the probable cause of the crash was a loss of control in a steeply banked left-hand turn, leading to a rapid loss of altitude.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Teenager dies after being hit by SUV in Co Offaly

Two people have died following road incidents in Offaly and Louth on Friday .
A teenage pedestrian died after being @ @ @ @ @ around 7.30pm on the R436 Clara to Ballycumber road at Erry .
“ The road @ @ @ @ @ examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators , ” a Garda spokesman said .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ Tullamore station on ( 057 ) 932 7600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 @ @ @ @ @ a man in his 20s died after a collision involving a car and an articulated @ @ @ @ @ Co Louth .
The incident happened on the N2 at around 1.30pm .
The man @ @ @ @ @ , who was driving the car , was pronounced dead at the scene .
His @ @ @ @ @ Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital , Drogheda , and the local coroner was notified .
@ @ @ @ @ witnesses to come forward and are asking those with relevant camera footage , including dash @ @ @ @ @ available to them .

A man in his 20s has died in Co Louth after a collision involving a car and an articulated lorry. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Two people have died following road incidents in Offaly and Louth on Friday.
A teenage pedestrian died after being struck by a SUV at around 7.30pm on the R436 Clara to Ballycumber road at Erry.
“The road is closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators,” a Garda spokesman said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore station on (057) 932 7600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
READ MORE
Earlier, a man in his 20s died after a collision involving a car and an articulated lorry in near Collon in Co Louth.
The incident happened on the N2 at around 1.30pm.
The man, aged in his 20s, who was driving the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken mortuary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and the local coroner was notified.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and are asking those with relevant camera footage, including dash cam, to make this available to them.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--HSE writes to GAA county boards seeking volunteers and facilities

The HSE has written to a number of GAA county boards , seeking to establish databases of local volunteers and facilities which may be needed to assist HSE teams responding to coronavirus .
Both the HSE and the GAA said the action was a result of separate initiatives between local community health bodies and county boards .
The GAA said its headquarters was being kept informed by the HSE “ as a matter of courtesy ” .
A spokesman for GAA headquarters said the HSE was establishing local databases at this stage .
He said local clubs were keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might be next weekend before any physical development takes place .
He said the GAA was pro-active in offering any help it could .
It is understood the HSE wants to use the GAA network of volunteers to assist with converting local halls for testing and care of patients should the numbers of Covid-19 patients requiring care exceed the capacity of the State ’ s hospitals .
In a letter to Kildare GAA the local community healthcare division of the HSE asked it “ to provide a database of all available volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administered local facilities over the next number of weeks ” .
It said skills sets identified as part of contingency planning included : all trades including electricians , plumbers , carpenters , IT specialists , cleaners , teachers , special needs assistants , chefs , caterers , drivers and “ train-the-trainers ” qualified personnel .
In addition the HSE is looking for retired military / gardaí and others with a similar background in crisis management operations whom it wants “ for their background and skills in scheduling , mobilization and coordination tasks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified seven regions within the county , and is asking its members in these regions to submit their details so a database can be established .
Kildare GAA said it would be up to the HSE to determine the suitability of facilities for use as additional testing centres , if required .
The GAA said it was aware of similar requests being made locally in counties Tipperary and Cork and was certain that the organisation would offer whatever help it could .
The GAA has previously offered Dublin ’ s Croke Park and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use as drive-through testing facilities .

The HSE has written to a number of GAA county boards, seeking to establish databases of local volunteers and facilities which may be needed to assist HSE teams responding to coronavirus.
Both the HSE and the GAA said the action was a result of separate initiatives between local community health bodies and county boards. The GAA said its headquarters was being kept informed by the HSE “as a matter of courtesy”.
A spokesman for GAA headquarters said the HSE was establishing local databases at this stage. He said local clubs were keen to offer their halls as testing centres but it might be next weekend before any physical development takes place. He said the GAA was pro-active in offering any help it could.
It is understood the HSE wants to use the GAA network of volunteers to assist with converting local halls for testing and care of patients should the numbers of Covid-19 patients requiring care exceed the capacity of the State’s hospitals.
READ MORE
In a letter to Kildare GAA the local community healthcare division of the HSE asked it “to provide a database of all available volunteers who may be able to support HSE administered local facilities over the next number of weeks”.
It said skills sets identified as part of contingency planning included: all trades including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, IT specialists, cleaners, teachers, special needs assistants, chefs, caterers, drivers and “ train-the-trainers” qualified personnel.
In addition the HSE is looking for retired military / gardaí and others with a similar background in crisis management operations whom it wants “for their background and skills in scheduling, mobilization and coordination tasks that may arise”.
Kildare GAA have identified seven regions within the county, and is asking its members in these regions to submit their details so a database can be established. Kildare GAA said it would be up to the HSE to determine the suitability of facilities for use as additional testing centres, if required.
The GAA said it was aware of similar requests being made locally in counties Tipperary and Cork and was certain that the organisation would offer whatever help it could.
The GAA has previously offered Dublin’s Croke Park and Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh for use as drive-through testing facilities.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Call for journalists to be ‘essential service’ in Covid-19 lockdown

Journalism must be designated as an “ essential service ” in the event of any future restriction of public movement during the coronavirus crisis , Newsbrands Ireland has told the Government .
The group , which represents the national newspaper industry , wrote to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday .
It asks that in any further measures to halt the spread of the virus , allowances would be made so journalists could continue their work to keep the public informed during the crisis .
The British government has published a list of roles it considers “ key workers ” in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Covid-19 .
The list includes doctors , nurses , healthcare support staff , those involved in medical and food supply chains , and public services such as justice , education , policing and the military .
It also includes journalists due to their role in keeping the public informed during the crisis .
In a letter , Newsbrands chief executive Ann Marie Lenihan called on Mr Varakdar to “ guarantee that news providers will be treated as an ‘ essential service ’ in the event of further movement restrictions ” in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that journalists have free movement to continue to fulfil their essential role informing citizens and reporting on the crisis ” .
Given the media ’ s role in informing the public it is essential that supply chains to newspaper printing plants are maintained , and that retailers continue to stock newspapers as an essential item in shops , the letter stated .
The letter was co-signed by Johnny O ’ Hanlon , director of Local Ireland , the body representing local and regional newspapers .
The correspondence laid bare the difficulties facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drastic decline in advertising revenue as the financial impact of the global pandemic hits Irish businesses .
The letter warned “ quality journalism and news delivery rely heavily on advertising revenues ” , which are “ rapidly disappearing ” .
Across national and local newspapers advertising was down by between 45 and 65 per cent last week , with similar drops expected in the coming weeks , the two industry groups warned .
“ We can not overstate the scale of the crisis facing the news publishing industry in the coming weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial strain , “ a number of smaller local publishers may be forced to cease or suspend publication within weeks , leaving local communities without any vital local independent and trusted news provision ” , the letter added .
Authorities have appealed for people to avoid misinformation about the virus shared on social media and in messaging apps , and to only trust information provided on the Health Service Executive ’ s website and from the media .

The letter noted ‘we cannot overstate the scale of the crisis facing the news publishing industry in the coming weeks’.
Journalism must be designated as an "essential service" in the event of any future restriction of public movement during the coronavirus crisis, Newsbrands Ireland has told the Government.
The group, which represents the national newspaper industry, wrote to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday. It asks that in any further measures to halt the spread of the virus, allowances would be made so journalists could continue their work to keep the public informed during the crisis.
The British government has published a list of roles it considers “key workers” in responding to the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19.
The list includes doctors, nurses, healthcare support staff, those involved in medical and food supply chains, and public services such as justice, education, policing and the military. It also includes journalists due to their role in keeping the public informed during the crisis.
READ MORE
In a letter, Newsbrands chief executive Ann Marie Lenihan called on Mr Varakdar to "guarantee that news providers will be treated as an 'essential service' in the event of further movement restrictions" in Ireland.
Newsbrands asked the Government to “ensure that journalists have free movement to continue to fulfil their essential role informing citizens and reporting on the crisis”.
Given the media’s role in informing the public it is essential that supply chains to newspaper printing plants are maintained, and that retailers continue to stock newspapers as an essential item in shops, the letter stated.
The letter was co-signed by Johnny O'Hanlon, director of Local Ireland, the body representing local and regional newspapers.
The correspondence laid bare the difficulties facing the news-publishing industry, due to a drastic decline in advertising revenue as the financial impact of the global pandemic hits Irish businesses.
The letter warned “quality journalism and news delivery rely heavily on advertising revenues”, which are “rapidly disappearing”.
Across national and local newspapers advertising was down by between 45 and 65 per cent last week, with similar drops expected in the coming weeks, the two industry groups warned.
“We cannot overstate the scale of the crisis facing the news publishing industry in the coming weeks,” noted the letter.
Due to the financial strain, “a number of smaller local publishers may be forced to cease or suspend publication within weeks, leaving local communities without any vital local independent and trusted news provision”, the letter added.
Authorities have appealed for people to avoid misinformation about the virus shared on social media and in messaging apps, and to only trust information provided on the Health Service Executive’s website and from the media.


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Warning against complacency as 126 new Irish cases confirmed

A further 126 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the State , bringing the total number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 to 683 .
The number of deaths in Ireland linked to the pandemic remains at three .
Following a decrease in confirmed cases between Thursday , when there were 191 cases confirmed , and Friday , Department of Health chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said it was not a time for complacency .
“ Every citizen who is practicing social distancing , who is taking precautions to limit the spread of this virus , is doing their country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said people needed to be mindful of their mental health during the crisis .
“ Try to keep to a routine , maintain a healthy , balanced diet and remember social distancing doesn ’ t have to mean social isolation , ” he said .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney on Friday evening issued a travel advisory to Irish citizens who are abroad , which said there is “ no guarantee that air routes will continue to operate for the coming weeks ” .
“ For this reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option , we recommend that people who wish to do so make arrangements to return to Ireland as soon as possible , ” he said , adding that he was aware this was a “ stressful situation for citizens ” .
“ We are working with airlines to show maximum flexibility to those passengers who need to change their existing flight arrangements.
” The Department of Foreign Affairs said the availability of transport from Britain to Ireland was subject to change .
Flights and ferry services are continuing to operate between the islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that services will reduce in the coming days .
“ We recommend that Irish visitors to Great Britain closely monitor public announcements regarding the scheduling of flight and ferry services , and be prepared to adjust their travel plans accordingly , ” the department said .
The latest Department of Health figures show Monaghan is the only county in the State where a case is yet to be confirmed , with 51 per cent of the total diagnosed among people living in Dublin and 15 per cent in Cork .
Of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent are male and 27 clusters involving 142 cases have been identified .
The median age of confirmed patients is 44 .
Twelve people have been admitted to intensive care after falling ill with Covid-19 and 32 per cent of those infected have been taken for hospital treatment .
Healthcare workers account for 114 of the cases , with 36 of these associated with foreign travel .
Community transmission has been responsible for 40 per cent of cases , foreign travel for 39 per cent and close contacts with an infected person is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nine new cases have been identified in Northern Ireland , bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 86 , with one person having died .
However , the true figure number of cases is likely to be significantly greater , as people with mild symptoms – defined as a new persistent cough and/or fever – have been told to stay at home and self-isolate .
Meanwhile , employers will be permitted to provide payents of more than €203 per week to staff who have been laid off as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Details of the new arrangements are expected to be announced by the Government on Friday evening .
Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty earlier indicated that the Government was working on a new arrangement following criticism from trade unions and other groups of employers who topped-up incomes of temporarily laid off workers beyond the new Covid-19 social welfare payment of €203 per week potentially being penalised .
“ In a time of crisis with a sudden sharp shock we need to do things as quickly as we can - one of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs another is to support employers to keep workers in jobs , ” she said .
“ Where we can do both at the same time we will .
That is the idea of the employer refund which we put together in less than two days over the weekend .
This allows the employer to pay the worker €203 and receive a refund from the State.
” The Minister added : “ We did this quickly and launched it as soon as we could because time was of the essence and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in the way of the good.
” Separately , the Taoiseach has said he very hopeful that new emergency powers given to gardaí to respond to the coronavirus pandemic will not need to be used .
The measures , legislated for on Thursday , give members of An Garda Síochána the right to make businesses close , break up public gatherings and send people into isolation .
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Gard College in Templemore , Co Tipperary on Friday , Leo Varadkar said Ireland had a history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coercion ” .
“ And I hope that is never going to change as a consequence of this crisis , ” he said .
Asked if he expected the kind of very strict lockdown measures in place in some EU countries being enforced in the State , he replied that he did not believe it would be the case .
“ I think the culture in continental countries , like France , and in Asian countries is different to Ireland , ” he said .
“ In Ireland we tend to pull together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this emergency I have seeing enormous community spirit and good hygiene and social distancing .
“ I ’ m hoping we aren ’ t going to need the kind of authoritarian response that has been the case in other countries .
But we need to have those powers on the books just in case.
” Mr Varadkar said the fact there were two jurisdictions on the island did “ create difficulty ” .
“ There ’ s no denying that .
There are differences in the kind of restrictions being put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ But I think as the week has gone by we ’ ve seen more alignment ... And I think we just need to keep in close contact , working with the ( Northern ) Executive and the British government .
”

A further 126 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the State, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 to 683.
The number of deaths in Ireland linked to the pandemic remains at three.
Following a decrease in confirmed cases between Thursday, when there were 191 cases confirmed, and Friday, Department of Health chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said it was not a time for complacency.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris during an attestation ceremony at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Co Tipperary on Friday. Photograph: Mark Condren/PA Wire.
⚠Important General & Great Britain Travel Advisories: Travel options are narrowing. If traveling abroad make provision now to come home.
Follow advice of your local Irish Embassy or Consulate & check for updated info on our webpage https://t.co/nX4gDwdR7G pic.twitter.com/BYjvlXEPFY — Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 20, 2020
“Every citizen who is practicing social distancing, who is taking precautions to limit the spread of this virus, is doing their country a service,” he said.
READ MORE
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said people needed to be mindful of their mental health during the crisis.
“Try to keep to a routine, maintain a healthy, balanced diet and remember social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation,” he said.
Irish abroad
Tánaiste Simon Coveney on Friday evening issued a travel advisory to Irish citizens who are abroad, which said there is “no guarantee that air routes will continue to operate for the coming weeks”.
“For this reason, where commercial flights are still an option, we recommend that people who wish to do so make arrangements to return to Ireland as soon as possible,” he said, adding that he was aware this was a “stressful situation for citizens”.
“We are working with airlines to show maximum flexibility to those passengers who need to change their existing flight arrangements.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the availability of transport from Britain to Ireland was subject to change. Flights and ferry services are continuing to operate between the islands but that some flight operators had already announced that services will reduce in the coming days.
“We recommend that Irish visitors to Great Britain closely monitor public announcements regarding the scheduling of flight and ferry services, and be prepared to adjust their travel plans accordingly,” the department said.
The latest Department of Health figures show Monaghan is the only county in the State where a case is yet to be confirmed, with 51 per cent of the total diagnosed among people living in Dublin and 15 per cent in Cork.
Clusters
Of those diagnosed with the virus, 55 per cent are male and 27 clusters involving 142 cases have been identified. The median age of confirmed patients is 44.
Twelve people have been admitted to intensive care after falling ill with Covid-19 and 32 per cent of those infected have been taken for hospital treatment.
Healthcare workers account for 114 of the cases, with 36 of these associated with foreign travel.
Community transmission has been responsible for 40 per cent of cases, foreign travel for 39 per cent and close contacts with an infected person is the reason for 21 per cent.
Nine new cases have been identified in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 86, with one person having died.
However, the true figure number of cases is likely to be significantly greater, as people with mild symptoms – defined as a new persistent cough and/or fever – have been told to stay at home and self-isolate.
Social welfare
Meanwhile, employers will be permitted to provide payents of more than €203 per week to staff who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic without facing any penalty.
Details of the new arrangements are expected to be announced by the Government on Friday evening.
Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty earlier indicated that the Government was working on a new arrangement following criticism from trade unions and other groups of employers who topped-up incomes of temporarily laid off workers beyond the new Covid-19 social welfare payment of €203 per week potentially being penalised.
“In a time of crisis with a sudden sharp shock we need to do things as quickly as we can - one of these things is to support workers who lose their jobs another is to support employers to keep workers in jobs,” she said.
“Where we can do both at the same time we will. That is the idea of the employer refund which we put together in less than two days over the weekend. This allows the employer to pay the worker €203 and receive a refund from the State.”
The Minister added: “ We did this quickly and launched it as soon as we could because time was of the essence and we didn’t want the perfect to get in the way of the good.”
Emergency powers
Separately, the Taoiseach has said he very hopeful that new emergency powers given to gardaí to respond to the coronavirus pandemic will not need to be used.
The measures, legislated for on Thursday, give members of An Garda Síochána the right to make businesses close, break up public gatherings and send people into isolation.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Gard College in Templemore, Co Tipperary on Friday, Leo Varadkar said Ireland had a history of policing “by consent, never by coercion”.
“And I hope that is never going to change as a consequence of this crisis,” he said.
Asked if he expected the kind of very strict lockdown measures in place in some EU countries being enforced in the State, he replied that he did not believe it would be the case.
Community spirit
“I think the culture in continental countries, like France, and in Asian countries is different to Ireland,” he said. “In Ireland we tend to pull together in times of difficulty. And in this emergency I have seeing enormous community spirit and good hygiene and social distancing.
“I’m hoping we aren’t going to need the kind of authoritarian response that has been the case in other countries. But we need to have those powers on the books just in case.”
Mr Varadkar said the fact there were two jurisdictions on the island did “create difficulty”.
“There’s no denying that. There are differences in the kind of restrictions being put in place north and south of the border,” he said.
“But I think as the week has gone by we’ve seen more alignment...And I think we just need to keep in close contact, working with the (Northern) Executive and the British government.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Commissioner expects crime gangs will seek to exploit crisis

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said it will only be a matter of time before organised crime gangs attempt to exploit the coronavirus crisis .
Mr Harris insisted the force would be ready to respond to such a development and denied it was a risk to fast-track 319 recruits through their training at the Garda College in Templemore , Co Tipperary in order to bolster the numbers available during the pandemic .
The new officers now have full policing powers , despite some of them having only started their training weeks ago .
“ They are gardaí , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sworn in at a ceremony in the college on Friday at which social distancing precautions were followed .
“ When they go out into the stations ... they ’ ll be supported by experienced gardaí in terms of tutors and supervisors ...
In effect , they are getting their practical training and they ’ ll be brought back here to finish off their academic ( training ) ... We ’ ve prepared them as best we can.
” Mr Harris said he did not envisage the swift progress of the recruits through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see people who are keen and very committed to serving their country ; who want to be policing their country in this time of need .
They are not going to be on their own and they are not going to be unsupervised.
” Mr Harris said units combating organised crime were still working in their specialist areas during the outbreak .
“ We are very mindful of that the threat from organised crime carries on and indeed it ’ s only a matter of time before they try to exploit the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ We want to be able to combat that .
You see from the work we have done through the week - we ’ ve seized drugs , we ’ ve seized firearms .
So that work carries on.
” Following the attesting of the student gardaí on Friday the Garda College will close for a period and the members who work there was tutors will return to frontline policing .
Overall 443 Garda members are being deployed and the fast- tracking of the recruits into the force proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda rise to 14,758 , a record high number .
The Garda College , which has a large accommodation block , is being made available for use as a healthcare facility in the response to Covid-19 , if required .
The force is now mounting a special operation , based on officers working 12-hour shifts , to maintain law and order and reach out to vulnerable and isolated people .
Garda members could also be called upon to enforce measures in the emergency legislation passed by the Dáil on Thursday .
The Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Measures in the Public Interest ) Bill gives the force powers to make businesses close , break up public gatherings and send people into isolation .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , who joined Mr Harris and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan at the ceremony in Templemore , said he was very hopeful the new powers would not be needed .
“ In Ireland policing has always been by consent , never by coercion , ” he said .
“ And I hope that is never going to change as a consequence of this crisis.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict lock down measures being enforced in some continental European countries would be repeated in Ireland , he said he did not believe that would be the case .
“ I think the culture in continental countries , like France , and in Asian countries is different to Ireland , ” he said .
“ In Ireland we tend to pull together in times of difficulty .
And in this emergency I have seeing enormous community spirit and good hygiene and social distancing .
I ’ m hoping we aren ’ t going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been the case in other countries .
But we need to have those powers on the books just in case.
” Mr Varadkar said the fact there were two jurisdictions on the island did “ create difficulty ” .
“ There ’ s no denying that .
There are differences in the kind of restrictions being put in place north and south of the border , ” he said .
“ But I think as the week has gone by we ’ ve seen more alignment ... And I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , working with the ( Northern ) Executive and the British government .
”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris inspects 319 new Garda recruits during an attestation ceremony at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Co Tipperary on Friday. Photograph: Mark Condren/PA Wire.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said it will only be a matter of time before organised crime gangs attempt to exploit the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Harris insisted the force would be ready to respond to such a development and denied it was a risk to fast-track 319 recruits through their training at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary in order to bolster the numbers available during the pandemic.
The new officers now have full policing powers, despite some of them having only started their training weeks ago.
“They are gardaí,” the commissioner said of the recruits, who were sworn in at a ceremony in the college on Friday at which social distancing precautions were followed.
READ MORE
“When they go out into the stations...they’ll be supported by experienced gardaí in terms of tutors and supervisors...In effect, they are getting their practical training and they’ll be brought back here to finish off their academic (training)...We’ve prepared them as best we can.”
Mr Harris said he did not envisage the swift progress of the recruits through the college posing difficulties.
“I see people who are keen and very committed to serving their country; who want to be policing their country in this time of need. They are not going to be on their own and they are not going to be unsupervised.”
Organised crime
Mr Harris said units combating organised crime were still working in their specialist areas during the outbreak.
“We are very mindful of that the threat from organised crime carries on and indeed it’s only a matter of time before they try to exploit the situation, particularly people’s fears,” he said.
“We want to be able to combat that. You see from the work we have done through the week - we’ve seized drugs, we’ve seized firearms. So that work carries on.”
A drone picture of the 319 new gardaí during an attestation ceremony at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Co Tipperary. Photograph: Mark Condren/PA Wire.
Following the attesting of the student gardaí on Friday the Garda College will close for a period and the members who work there was tutors will return to frontline policing. Overall 443 Garda members are being deployed and the fast- tracking of the recruits into the force proper has seen the total strength of the Garda rise to 14,758, a record high number.
The Garda College, which has a large accommodation block, is being made available for use as a healthcare facility in the response to Covid-19, if required.
The force is now mounting a special operation, based on officers working 12-hour shifts, to maintain law and order and reach out to vulnerable and isolated people.
Garda members could also be called upon to enforce measures in the emergency legislation passed by the Dáil on Thursday. The Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill gives the force powers to make businesses close, break up public gatherings and send people into isolation.
New powers
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who joined Mr Harris and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan at the ceremony in Templemore, said he was very hopeful the new powers would not be needed.
“In Ireland policing has always been by consent, never by coercion,” he said. “And I hope that is never going to change as a consequence of this crisis.”
Asked if he envisaged the very strict lock down measures being enforced in some continental European countries would be repeated in Ireland, he said he did not believe that would be the case.
“I think the culture in continental countries, like France, and in Asian countries is different to Ireland,” he said. “In Ireland we tend to pull together in times of difficulty. And in this emergency I have seeing enormous community spirit and good hygiene and social distancing. I’m hoping we aren’t going to need the kind of authoritarian response that has been the case in other countries. But we need to have those powers on the books just in case.”
Mr Varadkar said the fact there were two jurisdictions on the island did “create difficulty”.
“There’s no denying that. There are differences in the kind of restrictions being put in place north and south of the border,” he said.
“But I think as the week has gone by we’ve seen more alignment...And I think we just need to keep in close contact, working with the (Northern) Executive and the British government.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Off licences ‘vital cog’ in community during coronavirus crisis, association says

Off licences are acting as a “ vital cog ” in the community during the coronavirus outbreak , and should avoid being portrayed as seeking to “ profit ” from the public health crisis , the National Off Licence Association ( NOffLA ) has privately told its members .
The association , which represents over 300 off licences , recently sent talking points to its members in the event businesses were contacted by the media .
The correspondence , seen by The Irish Times , said “ we would like to avoid any coverage which portrays NOffLA and our members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that this is not the case , and you are all acting as vital cogs in your community , ” the association said .
The message to off licences was prompted “ in light of recent media queries to several of our members regarding trade/sales on St Patrick ’ s Day , ” it said .
Following Government recommendations around public gatherings the decision was taken to close the country ’ s 7,000 pubs , over fears patrons would not have been able to maintain social distancing requirements of 2m from others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed coronavirus cases in the State , and three people have died .
Legislation giving the State unprecedented powers to lockdown regions , prohibit large public gatherings , and detain people suspected of carrying the virus who refuse to self-isolate has been signed into law .
The correspondence from NOffLA recommended if off licences were contacted by the media they should stick to a list of talking points provided .
These included pointing out that alcohol sales “ have been good due to a return to shopping locally , ” and that off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with public health advice.
” Owners or managers should state “ that we are lucky that we remain in a position to continue to work to help our staff , suppliers , and to provide for our families.
” The talking points said off licences should stress that staff and customers were safe in the shop , and “ that we are investing significant time and effort in ensuring our shops are sanitary and that we are practising social distancing .
”

Correspondence from NOffLA recommended if off licences were contacted by the media they should stick to a list of talking points provided.
Off licences are acting as a "vital cog" in the community during the coronavirus outbreak, and should avoid being portrayed as seeking to "profit" from the public health crisis, the National Off Licence Association (NOffLA) has privately told its members.
The association, which represents over 300 off licences, recently sent talking points to its members in the event businesses were contacted by the media.
The correspondence, seen by The Irish Times, said “we would like to avoid any coverage which portrays NOffLA and our members as profiting/benefitting from Covid-19.”
“We know that this is not the case, and you are all acting as vital cogs in your community,” the association said.
READ MORE
The message to off licences was prompted “in light of recent media queries to several of our members regarding trade/sales on St Patrick’s Day,” it said.
Following Government recommendations around public gatherings the decision was taken to close the country’s 7,000 pubs, over fears patrons would not have been able to maintain social distancing requirements of 2m from others while socialising.
There are now 683 confirmed coronavirus cases in the State, and three people have died. Legislation giving the State unprecedented powers to lockdown regions, prohibit large public gatherings, and detain people suspected of carrying the virus who refuse to self-isolate has been signed into law.
The correspondence from NOffLA recommended if off licences were contacted by the media they should stick to a list of talking points provided.
These included pointing out that alcohol sales “have been good due to a return to shopping locally,” and that off licences “are retailing responsibility in line with public health advice.”
Owners or managers should state “that we are lucky that we remain in a position to continue to work to help our staff, suppliers, and to provide for our families.”
The talking points said off licences should stress that staff and customers were safe in the shop, and “that we are investing significant time and effort in ensuring our shops are sanitary and that we are practising social distancing.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Donohoe to examine UK plan to pay 80% of salaries

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe says he is interested in how a UK proposal to cover up to 80 per cent of the wages of employees laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic will operate .
The 80 per cent UK rate compares to the fixed €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment made available by the Irish Government .
Speaking on The Late Late Show on Friday night Mr Donohue said he said he heard “ with great interest ” the announcement from the UK government that they will cover up to 80 per cent of the wages of employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ I ’ m very interested to see the detail , the cost , how it will work… If I ’ d announced something like that earlier on today , you ’ d expect me to be on your show this evening saying how it would work , when it would be available and how much it will cost , ” he said told host Ryan Tubridy .
“ What I ’ m more interested in is how we can support our own citizens in a time of need in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is credible , ” he said .
Regarding whether the €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment will be enough for people paying mortgages , rent , health insurance and other living costs , Mr Donohue said : “ I know for many people that will be a real challenge .
“ I accept that for many it ’ s not enough and we need to consider that , but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their jobs , ” he said .
The Government is considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the €203 payment and pay up to three-quarters of the wages of thousands of staff who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
In the interim , the Government on Friday night announced changes to its existing financial support arrangements , which would allow employers to top up the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €203 per week offered by the State to the 140,000 people who have lost their jobs in the past week .
Sources said Ministers were now looking at a broader scheme similar to measures being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the government has committed to pay 80 per cent of wages , up to £2,500 per month , for people out of work as a result of the pandemic .
While acknowledging the concerns around the €203 payment , Mr Donohue said : “ We have to be highly responsive .
None of us could have imagined something like this could have happened as quickly as it did .
“ Coming up with [ THE PAYMENT ] , designing it , figuring out how we would make it available to lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have taken a year to do .
In these times it was done in a few days.
” He reassured viewers that the country “ Will get through this and we will rebuild our economy .
We will get back to a place that will be different to the place we ’ ve just left , but it will be so much better than where we are today.
” “ To all who have experienced job losses and income losses with a suddenness we didn ’ t think was possible , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all we can for those who are now without a job .
We can overcome this great challenge .
”

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe: The Government is considering increasing the payment made available to those who have lost their jobs due to C19.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe says he is interested in how a UK proposal to cover up to 80 per cent of the wages of employees laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic will operate.
The 80 per cent UK rate compares to the fixed €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment made available by the Irish Government.
Speaking on The Late Late Show on Friday night Mr Donohue said he said he heard "with great interest" the announcement from the UK government that they will cover up to 80 per cent of the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm very interested to see the detail, the cost, how it will work… If I'd announced something like that earlier on today, you'd expect me to be on your show this evening saying how it would work, when it would be available and how much it will cost," he said told host Ryan Tubridy.
READ MORE
“What I’m more interested in is how we can support our own citizens in a time of need in a way that we can do and that is credible,” he said.
Regarding whether the €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment will be enough for people paying mortgages, rent, health insurance and other living costs, Mr Donohue said: “I know for many people that will be a real challenge.
“I accept that for many it’s not enough and we need to consider that, but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their jobs,” he said.
The Government is considering a proposal under which it could increase the €203 payment and pay up to three-quarters of the wages of thousands of staff who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the interim, the Government on Friday night announced changes to its existing financial support arrangements, which would allow employers to top up the Covid-19 unemployment payment of €203 per week offered by the State to the 140,000 people who have lost their jobs in the past week.
Sources said Ministers were now looking at a broader scheme similar to measures being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the UK, where the government has committed to pay 80 per cent of wages, up to £2,500 per month, for people out of work as a result of the pandemic.
While acknowledging the concerns around the €203 payment, Mr Donohue said: “We have to be highly responsive. None of us could have imagined something like this could have happened as quickly as it did.
“Coming up with [THE PAYMENT], designing it, figuring out how we would make it available to lots of people really quickly in normal times could have taken a year to do. In these times it was done in a few days.”
He reassured viewers that the country “Will get through this and we will rebuild our economy. We will get back to a place that will be different to the place we’ve just left, but it will be so much better than where we are today.”
“To all who have experienced job losses and income losses with a suddenness we didn’t think was possible, I want to assure them we will do all we can for those who are now without a job. We can overcome this great challenge.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Restaurants seek takeaway planning reprieve

Restaurants must be given a dispensation from planning regulations to allow them operate as takeaway services during the coronavirus crisis , the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said .
Under planning law , a traditional sit-in restaurant must get planning permission to change to being a takeaway .
Several local authorities apply additional stringent requirements on the location of takeaways and their hours of operation , over and above national regulations .
However , restaurants association chief executive Adrian Cummins says these regulations need to be waived to allow restaurants to continue trading and providing a service in the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is in the UK , so any restaurant that wants to operate as a takeaway can do so because of the emergency situation , and we must follow suit here.
” The measure could be immediately implemented on a short-term basis he said .
“ This dispensation should be in place for three months or until the Government and the Department of Health say the crisis is over.
” Mr Cummins has in recent days called for the Government to order the closure of all restaurants , but , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of operating with customers on site .
“ It is too difficult to operate the social isolation measures in a restaurant , but it is far easier to operate as a takeaway , which would have very few staff as well as no on-site customers.
” Currently , Mr Cummins said , he was not aware of any local authority taking enforcement action against a restaurant for operating as a takeaway , but he said , there may be calls for them to do so in the coming weeks , particularly from existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities would take a common-sense approach to this , but I am also calling for the Government to waive the planning regulations for three months so restaurant owners can have peace of mind.
” A grey area in the planning regulations has already emerged where restaurants , which would traditionally only operate as sit-down venues , have in recent years provided take-out services through separate delivery companies .
This is described as an “ ancillary ” use in that it is not the main activity of the business .
“ The way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the definitions in the regulations of ‘ restaurant ’ or ‘ takeaway ’ , ” a planner working in the private sector said .
“ I have yet to see anyone take a legal challenge to this type of delivery service.
” However , he said a difficulty might arise where the delivery or takeaway moves beyond the ancillary use , to the main or sole use of the restaurant .
“ If the takeaway becomes the primary use it could constitute a material change of use , triggering a requirement to obtain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difficult one to prove for planning enforcement.
” Separate regulation was brought in for takeaways primarily because of the nuisance factor these businesses can represent , with patrons often eating as soon as they leave , dropping litter , or congregating around the premises and causing disturbance to surrounding properties .
Take-out from a traditional restaurant , where people would be likely to consume the food in their own homes , was not the consideration at the time , he said , “ but habits have changed ” .
Another senior planner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities would need to assess if the restaurant was operating as it normally would , with the only difference being that the consumption was taking place off the premises .
“ There are special circumstances here , ” he said .
“ A pragmatic response would be that as long as the restaurant ’ s main business , but for Covid 19 , is the sit-down model – ie it isn ’ t a takeaway in the conventional sense and is merely providing their normal food service for collection instead – and bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning permission isn ’ t required.
” However , he said , the activities of the restaurant , if done without planning permission , could be open to challenge .
“ It is a matter for An Bord Pleanála and the courts to ultimately decide.
” Dublin City Council is taking this pragmatic view.
“ From a planning perspective a short-term use as takeaway , or an ancillary and subsidiary use to a restaurant , would not require planning permission , unless a specific planning condition is in place , ” city planner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Each case depends on its particular circumstances .
It may be that a short-term takeaway in this crisis has less public-health risk than sitting in a restaurant.
” Waterford City and County Council also makes the point there may have been conditions with a restaurant ’ s planning permission specifically prohibiting takeaway use .
“ However , in general terms , there is no issue in principle with a traditional restaurant operating a delivery business or providing an ancillary takeaway service .
“ As is the case with every other local authority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not an unauthorised change of use has occurred and what enforcement action would be most appropriate.
” “ There is no planning exemption for a takeaway food service from a restaurant and such a use would require the benefit of a planning permission .
Allegations of unauthorised development which are received in writing by the planning authority will be investigated.
” Similarly Fingal County Council said : “ Any alleged unauthorised use will be investigated by the council ’ s planning enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unauthorised development .
” However , it is understood Fingal is unlikely to take enforcement action in the short term .
Galway City Council said planning permission remained a requirement for a takeaway service .
“ To date we are unaware of any recent dispensation from Government in the current climate .
However , the situation at the moment in relation to local business particularly in the hospitality sector has been a very recent shock to the system .
We will review the situation on the ground as it develops.
” A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said restaurants offering takeaway services “ are still basically engaged in the same business .
There are already numerous restaurants that offer a takeaway service .
”

Emma Geoghegan, Conor Sexton and Jutarat R Suwankeeree at the Nightmarket restaurant in Ranelagh in Dublin, which is providing a takeaway service. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Restaurants must be given a dispensation from planning regulations to allow them operate as takeaway services during the coronavirus crisis, the Restaurants Association of Ireland has said.
Under planning law, a traditional sit-in restaurant must get planning permission to change to being a takeaway. Several local authorities apply additional stringent requirements on the location of takeaways and their hours of operation, over and above national regulations.
However, restaurants association chief executive Adrian Cummins says these regulations need to be waived to allow restaurants to continue trading and providing a service in the current circumstances.
“They have already done this is in the UK, so any restaurant that wants to operate as a takeaway can do so because of the emergency situation, and we must follow suit here.”
READ MORE
The measure could be immediately implemented on a short-term basis he said. "This dispensation should be in place for three months or until the Government and the Department of Health say the crisis is over."
Mr Cummins has in recent days called for the Government to order the closure of all restaurants, but, he said, that was due to the safety concerns of operating with customers on site.
“It is too difficult to operate the social isolation measures in a restaurant, but it is far easier to operate as a takeaway, which would have very few staff as well as no on-site customers.”
Currently, Mr Cummins said, he was not aware of any local authority taking enforcement action against a restaurant for operating as a takeaway, but he said, there may be calls for them to do so in the coming weeks, particularly from existing takeaways.
“I would ask that local authorities would take a common-sense approach to this, but I am also calling for the Government to waive the planning regulations for three months so restaurant owners can have peace of mind.”
Ancillary use
A grey area in the planning regulations has already emerged where restaurants, which would traditionally only operate as sit-down venues, have in recent years provided take-out services through separate delivery companies.
This is described as an “ancillary” use in that it is not the main activity of the business. “The way people use restaurants has perhaps evolved beyond the definitions in the regulations of ‘restaurant’ or ‘takeaway’,” a planner working in the private sector said. “I have yet to see anyone take a legal challenge to this type of delivery service.”
However, he said a difficulty might arise where the delivery or takeaway moves beyond the ancillary use, to the main or sole use of the restaurant.
“If the takeaway becomes the primary use it could constitute a material change of use, triggering a requirement to obtain planning permission. But it’s a difficult one to prove for planning enforcement.”
Separate regulation was brought in for takeaways primarily because of the nuisance factor these businesses can represent, with patrons often eating as soon as they leave, dropping litter, or congregating around the premises and causing disturbance to surrounding properties.
Take-out from a traditional restaurant, where people would be likely to consume the food in their own homes, was not the consideration at the time, he said, “but habits have changed”.
Another senior planner working in the State sector said local authorities would need to assess if the restaurant was operating as it normally would, with the only difference being that the consumption was taking place off the premises.
“There are special circumstances here,” he said. “A pragmatic response would be that as long as the restaurant’s main business, but for Covid 19, is the sit-down model – ie it isn’t a takeaway in the conventional sense and is merely providing their normal food service for collection instead – and bearing in mind the temporary context – that planning permission isn’t required.”
However, he said, the activities of the restaurant, if done without planning permission, could be open to challenge. "It is a matter for An Bord Pleanála and the courts to ultimately decide."
Pragmatic view
Dublin City Council is taking this pragmatic view."From a planning perspective a short-term use as takeaway, or an ancillary and subsidiary use to a restaurant, would not require planning permission, unless a specific planning condition is in place," city planner John O'Hara said. "Each case depends on its particular circumstances. It may be that a short-term takeaway in this crisis has less public-health risk than sitting in a restaurant."
Waterford City and County Council also makes the point there may have been conditions with a restaurant's planning permission specifically prohibiting takeaway use. "However, in general terms, there is no issue in principle with a traditional restaurant operating a delivery business or providing an ancillary takeaway service.
“As is the case with every other local authority, each instance of takeaway use would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not an unauthorised change of use has occurred and what enforcement action would be most appropriate.”
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is adopting a more rigid approach.
“There is no planning exemption for a takeaway food service from a restaurant and such a use would require the benefit of a planning permission. Allegations of unauthorised development which are received in writing by the planning authority will be investigated.”
Similarly Fingal County Council said: "Any alleged unauthorised use will be investigated by the council's planning enforcement section in line with any other alleged unauthorised development ." However, it is understood Fingal is unlikely to take enforcement action in the short term.
Galway City Council said planning permission remained a requirement for a takeaway service. “To date we are unaware of any recent dispensation from Government in the current climate. However, the situation at the moment in relation to local business particularly in the hospitality sector has been a very recent shock to the system. We will review the situation on the ground as it develops.”
A spokesman for the Department of Housing and Planning said restaurants offering takeaway services “are still basically engaged in the same business. There are already numerous restaurants that offer a takeaway service.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Counting hares under the spotlight

Counting hares under the spotlight

In an early initiation into sheep-country nightlife , I was awoken on a winter night by a sudden blaze of light beyond the bedroom curtains .
Peering out , I found a 4x4 parked opposite our gate and a mounted spotlight probing the rough hillside across the road .
The gun patrol didn ’ t pause long .
Failing to raise any foxy form or eye-glint among the rushes , the rifle was lowered and the sheep left to resume their digestive doze in the dark .
Not all nocturnal spotlights have been so intently malign ; quite the contrary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best way of counting Irish hares , always a challenging undertaking given the animal ’ s historical swings in population .
Thus , a national survey in 2007 divided the countryside into mapped grid 10km squares and used a powerful spotlight “ from point transects located along minor roads ” .
The hares are most active between dusk and midnight again in the half-light of dawn .
The results were worth having but limited in their coverage : would the camera traps of so many TV wildlife films give a more thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) set out to compare the two methods in a new national survey ( Irish Wildlife Manual 113 at npws.ie ) .
A pilot survey used a mobile “ two million candlelight spot lamp ” shone in two-minute bursts from along minor roads .
The cameras , fixed at random to cover the same area , were strapped low on trees , bushes and fence posts and triggered by movement to record 15-second videos .
After 4.3 survey hours , observers behind the mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hares , fox , badger and rabbits .
In contrast over the same areas , 59,000 video hours from 351 cameras recorded 2,604 individuals of 12 species , including 20 times more Irish hares , lots of farmland birds , and 1,800-odd rabbits ( this from inadvertently fixing some cameras next to a warren ) .
Then came the full camera survey , using 596 cameras deployed at random within 44 squares and yielding some 106,000 video hours – the equivalent of about 12 years of continuous observation .
It found 253 hares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot survey .
Scaled up by the area of each geographic region , this estimated that the Republic had some 223,000 Irish hares in the winter of 2018/19 .
They were more numerous in the north and west but showed the widespread grassland distribution typical of the Irish species .
Despite threats from farming , traffic and a new rabbit viral disease , its conservation status is reckoned favourable and stable .
Arrays of camera traps are now used as a regular part of hare monitoring , especially to judge the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera specified in the team ’ s report is the American “ deer trail ” camera I matched online , it retails at $ 160 , complete with a year ’ s battery .
Hi-tech ecology is already at the command of the NPWS in certain of the six-yearly checks on species that satisfy the EU ’ s long-standing habitats directives .
Counting , say , a particular endangered plant on Ireland ’ s sand dunes still demands a pair of consultant botanists trudging up and down geometrically for hours and days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costly attention .
Recently in this column I speculated on the predatory appetite for seal meat of the orcas – killer whales – that we share with Scottish waters .
New research from the University of Aberdeen has potentially linked the orcas to a dramatic decline in numbers of Scotland ’ s harbour seals , with numbers in Orkney and Shetland dropping by 40 per cent in five years .
I suggested it might be necessary to check again on the numbers of Ireland ’ s harbour seals .
But this overlooked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grey and harbour seals , using thermal imaging from the air .
It was the third such nationwide survey in summer and was carried out by the Sea Mammal Research Unit of the University of St Andrews in 2017 and 2018 .
Flying in the peak harbour seal moult season in August and early September , the team ’ s helicopter carried a multi-camera , gyro-stabilised gimbal ( you will want to know this ) containing a laser range-finder , a colour HD digital video camera , a mid-wavelength thermal imaging video camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telephoto lens !
Predictably , most harbour seals were hauled out in sheltered corners of the coast , while most large groups of grey seals kept to more exposed shores , rocky reefs and offshore islands .
The harbour seals totalled 4,007 and the greys 3,698 , the highest counts for both species in summer .
Adjusting for the greys ’ different time ashore in summer , they outnumber the harbour seals by two or three times .

In an early initiation into sheep-country nightlife, I was awoken on a winter night by a sudden blaze of light beyond the bedroom curtains. Peering out, I found a 4x4 parked opposite our gate and a mounted spotlight probing the rough hillside across the road.
The gun patrol didn’t pause long. Failing to raise any foxy form or eye-glint among the rushes, the rifle was lowered and the sheep left to resume their digestive doze in the dark.
Not all nocturnal spotlights have been so intently malign; quite the contrary. Until recently, they also seemed the best way of counting Irish hares, always a challenging undertaking given the animal’s historical swings in population.
Thus, a national survey in 2007 divided the countryside into mapped grid 10km squares and used a powerful spotlight “from point transects located along minor roads”. The hares are most active between dusk and midnight again in the half-light of dawn.
READ MORE
The results were worth having but limited in their coverage: would the camera traps of so many TV wildlife films give a more thorough picture? An eight-strong cross-Border team assembled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) set out to compare the two methods in a new national survey (Irish Wildlife Manual 113 at npws.ie).
Despite threats from farming, traffic and a viral disease, the hare's conservation status is reckoned favourable
A pilot survey used a mobile “two million candlelight spot lamp” shone in two-minute bursts from along minor roads. The cameras, fixed at random to cover the same area, were strapped low on trees, bushes and fence posts and triggered by movement to record 15-second videos.
After 4.3 survey hours, observers behind the mobile spotlight had recorded 84 individual animals – hares, fox, badger and rabbits. In contrast over the same areas, 59,000 video hours from 351 cameras recorded 2,604 individuals of 12 species, including 20 times more Irish hares, lots of farmland birds, and 1,800-odd rabbits (this from inadvertently fixing some cameras next to a warren).
Then came the full camera survey, using 596 cameras deployed at random within 44 squares and yielding some 106,000 video hours – the equivalent of about 12 years of continuous observation. It found 253 hares, compared with nine in the spotlight pilot survey.
Scaled up by the area of each geographic region, this estimated that the Republic had some 223,000 Irish hares in the winter of 2018/19. They were more numerous in the north and west but showed the widespread grassland distribution typical of the Irish species. Despite threats from farming, traffic and a new rabbit viral disease, its conservation status is reckoned favourable and stable.
Arrays of camera traps are now used as a regular part of hare monitoring, especially to judge the impact of the new haemorrhagic disease. If the camera specified in the team’s report is the American “deer trail” camera I matched online, it retails at $160, complete with a year’s battery.
Hi-tech ecology is already at the command of the NPWS in certain of the six-yearly checks on species that satisfy the EU’s long-standing habitats directives. Counting, say, a particular endangered plant on Ireland’s sand dunes still demands a pair of consultant botanists trudging up and down geometrically for hours and days, but a census of seals needs more costly attention.
Recently in this column I speculated on the predatory appetite for seal meat of the orcas – killer whales – that we share with Scottish waters. New research from the University of Aberdeen has potentially linked the orcas to a dramatic decline in numbers of Scotland's harbour seals, with numbers in Orkney and Shetland dropping by 40 per cent in five years.
The harbour seals totalled 4,007 and the greys 3,698, the highest counts for both species in summer
I suggested it might be necessary to check again on the numbers of Ireland’s harbour seals. But this overlooked a recent survey for the NPWS of both grey and harbour seals, using thermal imaging from the air. It was the third such nationwide survey in summer and was carried out by the Sea Mammal Research Unit of the University of St Andrews in 2017 and 2018.
Flying in the peak harbour seal moult season in August and early September, the team’s helicopter carried a multi-camera, gyro-stabilised gimbal (you will want to know this) containing a laser range-finder, a colour HD digital video camera, a mid-wavelength thermal imaging video camera and a digital camera with a 300mm telephoto lens!
Predictably, most harbour seals were hauled out in sheltered corners of the coast, while most large groups of grey seals kept to more exposed shores, rocky reefs and offshore islands. The harbour seals totalled 4,007 and the greys 3,698, the highest counts for both species in summer. Adjusting for the greys’ different time ashore in summer, they outnumber the harbour seals by two or three times.