theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Garda who investigated child abuse sues Garda Commissioner and State

A former Garda Sergeant who investigated a claim of child sexual abuse by two men , one associated with a Garda superintendent , is suing the Garda Commissioner and State over an alleged campaign of bullying and harassment of him in which he alleges a different Garda superintendent played a prominent role .
Paul Barry alleges harassment of him intensified after a criminal complaint was made in 2012 in relation to alleged child sexual abuse of a teenage girl by two adult males , one associated with superintendent John Quilter , Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said .
In a judgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ombudsman Commission ( GSOC ) to make pre-trial discovery of documents for the damages claim , the judge said it was alleged two males carried out sexual acts with a child on separate dates when she was aged 13 and 14 .
The complaint was made by the girl ’ s parents , not by her , after they found sexual material on her phone .
Supt Michael Comyns told the DPP ’ s office the girl met the suspects on a website where she represented herself as being aged 21 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographic materials not before the court , thought she looked of legal age and directed no prosecution , the judge noted .
Sgt Barry , stationed in Fermoy in 2012 , took a statement from the girl and claimed he was phoned that same evening by Supt Comyns asking about the allegations and was asked to fax a copy of the statement to Togher Garda station , Cork , which he did .
Sgt Barry claimed Supt Comyns told him , because of the suspect ’ s relationship with Supt Quilter , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after ” , suggested the girl had represented herself as being older and instructed the report should record the girl was the instigator of the sexual acts .
Sgt Barry and the investigation team decided to arrest both suspects simultaneously .
In the meantime , according to statements made later to GSOC , Supt Comyns told Supt Quilter about the complaint against the latter ’ s associate and apparently passed on some details from the girl ’ s statement , the judge said .
Supt Quilter attended at his associate ’ s home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he might be arrested and should get legal advice , the judge said .
Separately , Supt Comyns decided not to arrest the suspect but have him interviewed voluntarily at which point the suspect presented a prepared statement and offered no comment to questions .
Supt Comyns had effectively told the DPP , since he knew persons associated with one of the suspects , he wasn ’ t making any recommendation as to prosecution , the judge said .
“ Going to such pains to advertise a show of neutrality does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been quite a degree of prior private contact between Supts Comyns and Quilter , including what GSOC said was ongoing phone contact.
” Whether there is an explanation for this “ possible contradiction ” or “ any legal justification ” for the contact with Sgt Quilter at all may presumably be answered at the trial of the action , he said .
He said Sgt Barry says he did not support the idea of favourable treatment of the suspect on the basis of being an associate of Supt Quilter ’ s and submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recommending both suspects be arrested .
Sgt Barry claimed the “ payback ” for not going along with Supt Comyns ’ view of the matter began two days later when he was served by Supt Comyns , in a “ sneering manner ” , with a disciplinary notice for being 15 minutes late for duty .
Sgt Barry made a complaint against Supt Comyns in October 2012 which was rejected in June 2013 after “ some form of investigation ” by Chief Supt Catherine Kehoe which , on the face of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as effective as GSOC ’ s inquiries , the judge said .
After GSOC considered a complaint by Sgt Barry referred to it in 2016 , it made a submission to the DPP ’ s office and the DPP decided not to charge Supt Comyns with perverting the course of justice .
Sgt Quilter ’ s actions in giving advance warning to his associate did not seem to have been assessed under that particular heading , the judge said .
The DPP took the view there was no evidence to corroborate the claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspect in a particular way , he noted .
It was asserted Supt Comyns was entitled to direct the suspect be interviewed voluntarily , there was insufficient evidence anyone leaked information to the suspect and the evidence did not establish inappropriate contact between the two superintendents that would constitute an attempt to pervert the course of justice .
Whether all those elements “ square with the known facts ” could be answered only at trial , the judge said .
GSOC , on foot of Sgt Barry ’ s complaint , later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very poor judgment , compromised the investigative process and his actions were wholly inappropriate .
A report from GSOC was challenged by Supt Comyns in the High Court on grounds , inter alia , he was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the report was provided to the Minister for Justice .
Sgt Barry was not put on notice of that case .
On consent of GSOC , the court quashed the findings in June 2018 .
It was “ not entirely clear ” why the matter was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with fair procedures , the judge said .

A former Garda Sergeant who investigated a claim of child sexual abuse by two men, one associated with a Garda superintendent, is suing the Garda Commissioner and State over an alleged campaign of bullying and harassment of him in which he alleges a different Garda superintendent played a prominent role.
Paul Barry alleges harassment of him intensified after a criminal complaint was made in 2012 in relation to alleged child sexual abuse of a teenage girl by two adult males, one associated with superintendent John Quilter, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys said.
In a judgment published this week directing the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to make pre-trial discovery of documents for the damages claim, the judge said it was alleged two males carried out sexual acts with a child on separate dates when she was aged 13 and 14. The complaint was made by the girl's parents, not by her, after they found sexual material on her phone.
Supt Michael Comyns told the DPP’s office the girl met the suspects on a website where she represented herself as being aged 21. The DPP’s office, which saw photographic materials not before the court, thought she looked of legal age and directed no prosecution, the judge noted.
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Sgt Barry, stationed in Fermoy in 2012, took a statement from the girl and claimed he was phoned that same evening by Supt Comyns asking about the allegations and was asked to fax a copy of the statement to Togher Garda station, Cork, which he did.
‘Looked after’
Sgt Barry claimed Supt Comyns told him, because of the suspect’s relationship with Supt Quilter, the suspect would have to be “looked after”, suggested the girl had represented herself as being older and instructed the report should record the girl was the instigator of the sexual acts.
Sgt Barry and the investigation team decided to arrest both suspects simultaneously. In the meantime, according to statements made later to GSOC, Supt Comyns told Supt Quilter about the complaint against the latter’s associate and apparently passed on some details from the girl’s statement, the judge said.
Supt Quilter attended at his associate’s home, advised him of the complaint, that he might be arrested and should get legal advice, the judge said.
Separately, Supt Comyns decided not to arrest the suspect but have him interviewed voluntarily at which point the suspect presented a prepared statement and offered no comment to questions.
Supt Comyns had effectively told the DPP, since he knew persons associated with one of the suspects, he wasn’t making any recommendation as to prosecution, the judge said. “Going to such pains to advertise a show of neutrality does not sit easily with what seems to have been quite a degree of prior private contact between Supts Comyns and Quilter, including what GSOC said was ongoing phone contact.”
Whether there is an explanation for this “possible contradiction” or “any legal justification” for the contact with Sgt Quilter at all may presumably be answered at the trial of the action, he said.
Favourable treatment
He said Sgt Barry says he did not support the idea of favourable treatment of the suspect on the basis of being an associate of Supt Quilter’s and submitted a report on July 30th, 2012, recommending both suspects be arrested.
Sgt Barry claimed the “payback” for not going along with Supt Comyns’ view of the matter began two days later when he was served by Supt Comyns, in a “sneering manner”, with a disciplinary notice for being 15 minutes late for duty.
Sgt Barry made a complaint against Supt Comyns in October 2012 which was rejected in June 2013 after “some form of investigation” by Chief Supt Catherine Kehoe which, on the face of things, did not seem to have been as effective as GSOC’s inquiries, the judge said.
After GSOC considered a complaint by Sgt Barry referred to it in 2016, it made a submission to the DPP’s office and the DPP decided not to charge Supt Comyns with perverting the course of justice. Sgt Quilter’s actions in giving advance warning to his associate did not seem to have been assessed under that particular heading, the judge said.
The DPP took the view there was no evidence to corroborate the claim Sgt Barry was pressurised to deal with the suspect in a particular way, he noted. It was asserted Supt Comyns was entitled to direct the suspect be interviewed voluntarily, there was insufficient evidence anyone leaked information to the suspect and the evidence did not establish inappropriate contact between the two superintendents that would constitute an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Whether all those elements “square with the known facts” could be answered only at trial, the judge said.
Poor judgement
GSOC, on foot of Sgt Barry’s complaint, later came to the view Supt Comyns showed very poor judgment, compromised the investigative process and his actions were wholly inappropriate.
A report from GSOC was challenged by Supt Comyns in the High Court on grounds, inter alia, he was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the report was provided to the Minister for Justice. Sgt Barry was not put on notice of that case. On consent of GSOC, the court quashed the findings in June 2018.
It was “not entirely clear” why the matter was not sent back to GSOC for reconsideration in line with fair procedures, the judge said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Wage subsidy could continue until end of year, says Paschal Donohoe

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said that the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme will not end abruptly and suggested it could last until the end of the year .
Mr Donohoe told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland that he would look at all options , but that the scheme would not come to an abrupt end as that could lead to jobs being lost .
The objective of the July stimulus will be to take action in 2020 that is successful in “ keeping jobs that we have and allowing new jobs to be created , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for keeping more than 400,000 people in a job , he said .
On top of this , more than 213,000 people signed on to the live register in June and a further 438,933 people were receiving the pandemic unemployment payment , CSO data shows .
The total receiving income assistance from the State to just in excess of 1 million , with some overlap between the schemes .
“ What I can confirm now is that it will not come to an abrupt end because were that to happen , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost , ” Mr Donohoe said .
“ In relation to the pandemic unemployment payment , the last government outlined that across the month of August we would begin to make changes in relation to that payment , as our economy reopens .
“ We ’ ve in fact made one such payment this week in relation to those who would have been on part time work in the past.
” When asked if the scheme would be extended to the end of year , Mr Donohoe said that was a decision that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As I said , I and the last government , brought in these payments , the value of them and the value of the wage subsidy scheme in particular is recognised very strongly by the Government .
I ’ ll be working with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and with my new colleague Michael McGrath to come up with the right plan now for those schemes.
” As a former minister for tourism , Mr Donohoe said that he was very aware of the strains and pressures the sector is under .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a VAT reduction under review when making decisions for the July stimulus and could look at the matter again in the Budget in October .
A cut in the 13.5 per cent VAT rate is being examined by the new Government .
However , a reduction in the VAT rate of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent , as was introduced in 2011 by the then Fine Gael-Labour government , is seen unlikely and any move this year will not be as “ drastic ” , Government sources have said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ job retention had to be prioritised over other options .
“ We need to get the balance right and implement a stimulus plan that makes a difference to the keeping of jobs .
”

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe (right) alongside Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath during a press conference outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Thursday. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said that the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme will not end abruptly and suggested it could last until the end of the year.
Mr Donohoe told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland that he would look at all options, but that the scheme would not come to an abrupt end as that could lead to jobs being lost.
The objective of the July stimulus will be to take action in 2020 that is successful in “keeping jobs that we have and allowing new jobs to be created,” he added.
The wage subsidy scheme is now responsible for keeping more than 400,000 people in a job, he said.
READ MORE
On top of this, more than 213,000 people signed on to the live register in June and a further 438,933 people were receiving the pandemic unemployment payment, CSO data shows. The total receiving income assistance from the State to just in excess of 1 million, with some overlap between the schemes.
“What I can confirm now is that it will not come to an abrupt end because were that to happen, that itself creates the risk of jobs being lost,” Mr Donohoe said.
“In relation to the pandemic unemployment payment, the last government outlined that across the month of August we would begin to make changes in relation to that payment, as our economy reopens.
“We’ve in fact made one such payment this week in relation to those who would have been on part time work in the past.”
When asked if the scheme would be extended to the end of year, Mr Donohoe said that was a decision that needed to be taken by the Government.
"As I said, I and the last government, brought in these payments, the value of them and the value of the wage subsidy scheme in particular is recognised very strongly by the Government. I'll be working with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and with my new colleague Michael McGrath to come up with the right plan now for those schemes."
As a former minister for tourism, Mr Donohoe said that he was very aware of the strains and pressures the sector is under. He said he would keep the option of a VAT reduction under review when making decisions for the July stimulus and could look at the matter again in the Budget in October.
A cut in the 13.5 per cent VAT rate is being examined by the new Government. However, a reduction in the VAT rate of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent, as was introduced in 2011 by the then Fine Gael-Labour government, is seen unlikely and any move this year will not be as “drastic”, Government sources have said.
Mr Donohoe said that job creation and job retention had to be prioritised over other options. “We need to get the balance right and implement a stimulus plan that makes a difference to the keeping of jobs.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Ireland’s official coronavirus death toll likely to have been overstated, report finds

Ireland ’ s official death toll from Covid-19 may have been overstated , according to a new report that says there was a 13 per cent increase in deaths during the pandemic .
Between 1,100 and 1,200 more deaths than would have been expected on historical patterns occurred between March 11th and June 16th , according to the report by the Health Information and Quality Authority .
However , this is substantially lower than the 1,709 Covid-19 deaths officially reported to the National Public Health Emergency Team over this period .
Hiqa ’ s estimate of excess deaths is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hiqa found the officially-reported Coivd-19 deaths “ likely overestimates ” the true burden of excess deaths caused by the virus .
This could be due to the inclusion within official figures of people who were infected with coronavirus at the time of death but whose cause of death may have been “ predominantly ” due to other factors , it suggests .
At the peak of the crisis , from March 25th to May 5th , 33 per cent more people were dying than normal .
During this period , there was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but 1,332 Covid-19 related deaths were officially reported .
Over the last four weeks , this trend has reversed , with fewer deaths than expected , Hiqa says .
“ However , it is also possible that the changes to healthcare delivery during the Covid-19 epidemic , such as the suspension of elective activity in public acute hospitals , may have a lasting impact on health outcomes , the effect of which may take years to be seen , ” according to Hiqa chief scientist Conor Teljeur .
Deaths reported to Nphet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laboratory tests to have Covid-19 but also probable and possible cases of the disease .
A census of deaths that occurred in nursing homes was conducted during the crisis .

Hiqa found the officially-reported Coivd-19 deaths “likely overestimates” the true burden of excess deaths caused by the virus. Photograph: iStock
Ireland’s official death toll from Covid-19 may have been overstated, according to a new report that says there was a 13 per cent increase in deaths during the pandemic.
Between 1,100 and 1,200 more deaths than would have been expected on historical patterns occurred between March 11th and June 16th, according to the report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).
However, this is substantially lower than the 1,709 Covid-19 deaths officially reported to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) over this period.
Data on mortality are usually gleaned from death registration records but because of a three-month lag in this process, Hiqa’s estimate of excess deaths, and other recent estimates during the pandemic, are based on data from the Rip.ie website.
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Hiqa found the officially-reported Coivd-19 deaths “likely overestimates” the true burden of excess deaths caused by the virus.
This could be due to the inclusion within official figures of people who were infected with coronavirus at the time of death but whose cause of death may have been “predominantly” due to other factors, it suggests.
At the peak of the crisis, from March 25th to May 5th, 33 per cent more people were dying than normal. During this period, there was an increase of 1,200 deaths from expected figures, but 1,332 Covid-19 related deaths were officially reported.
Over the last four weeks, this trend has reversed, with fewer deaths than expected, Hiqa says. Covid-19 may have accelerated the time of death of frail and vulnerable people over the peak period, it suggests, adding that the current reduced mortality may be due to people have died “earlier than expected”.
"However, it is also possible that the changes to healthcare delivery during the Covid-19 epidemic, such as the suspension of elective activity in public acute hospitals, may have a lasting impact on health outcomes, the effect of which may take years to be seen," according to Hiqa chief scientist Conor Teljeur.
Ireland ranks mid-table in Europe for excess mortality during the pandemic but our data is "considerably closer" to countries reporting no excess mortality than those at the extremes of excess mortality, the report notes.
England and Spain have the highest figures for excess mortality, while Norway, Denmark and Greece have the lowest.
A separate analysis by the Central Statistics Office published on Friday, and also based on Rip.ie data, puts excess mortality at 1,072 up to the end of June.
It notes a “pronounced increase” in death notices on the website in April compared to previous years and says Dublin and surrounding counties were heavily impacted, while there were also increases in Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal.
The CSO analysis also notes a big increase in the use of terms such as “private”, “broadcast” and “webcam” in death notices from March on.
It says Rip.ie can be used to accurately record trends in mortality but points out that usage by minority communities is much lower than the general population.
Deaths reported to NPHET by the HSE include cases confirmed by laboratory tests to have Covid-19 but also probable and possible cases of the disease. A census of deaths that occurred in nursing homes was conducted during the crisis.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Man ‘seriously injured’ in Co Monaghan collision

A man in his 40s was seriously injured in a collision in Co Monaghan on Thursday .
The incident involving @ @ @ @ @ occurred on the N2 at Lisseagh near Emyvale in Monaghan at around 3.40pm on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ the van was seriously injured and airlifted to Tallaght hospital where his condition is understood @ @ @ @ @ driver of the lorry was not injured .
The stretch of road at the crash @ @ @ @ @ diversions are in place .
Garda investigators are expected to complete an examination of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station 047-77200 or the Garda @ @ @ @ @ .

A stretch of the N2 has been closed. File photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
A man in his 40s was seriously injured in a collision in Co Monaghan on Thursday.
The incident involving a van and a lorry occurred on the N2 at Lisseagh near Emyvale in Monaghan at around 3.40pm on Thursday afternoon.
The driver of the van was seriously injured and airlifted to Tallaght hospital where his condition is understood to be serious. The driver of the lorry was not injured.
The stretch of road at the crash site is closed, and diversions are in place. Garda investigators are expected to complete an examination of the scene later on Friday morning.
READ MORE
Anyone with information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station 047-77200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: Doctors ‘concerned’ over child abuse risk during pandemic

Irish doctors are concerned that children in families under increased stress due to Covid-19 are at risk of abuse , a consultant in paediatric emergency medicine has said .
Dr Ciara Martin at Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin said training among medical staff in identifying signs of child abuse had been stepped up in the past month .
She was responding to a new UK study that identifies a “ surge in domestic child abuse during the coronavirus pandemic ” .
The study noted a dramatic increase in incidents recorded at one British paediatric hospital in just one month period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period over the previous three years .
This “ silent pandemic ” , the focus of a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal , found 10 children – six boys and four girls aged from 17 days to 13 months – with suspected abusive head trauma .
Those figures compared to an average of 0.67 cases a month over the previous three years .
The children attended hospital with a variety of symptoms including colic , breathing issues , loss of consciousness , seizures , extensive bruising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of subdural haemorrhage , brain swelling and bruising of the tissue , as well as skull and other fractures were diagnosed .
The report ’ s authors noted a “ complex interplay between abuse , mental health , substance misuse and socio-economic factors ” .
“ This sobering figure is likely under-represented due to public avoidance of hospitals at this time.
” Dr Martin said Irish medics are concerned for children of all ages and that while they had observed a small increase in children presenting with non-accidental injuries , it remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Intuitively and knowing what we know , Irish paediatricians have been concerned that lockdown would put strain on families and that children would be at risk , ” she told The Irish Times .
“ The risk is as described : close contact with a family under stress , worsening economic stress , fear of attending hospitals and less contact with wider family and healthcare visitors who could pick up on warning signs early and provide support to the family.
” She said doctors encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but to help people .
“ Child abuse is an iceberg and what presents is not the whole story .
The aim is to recognise this more often ; and we have actively increased training in this area over the past month so that our doctors and nurses in the paediatric EDs [ emergency departments ] have a heightened awareness of non accidental injury and the skills to respond to families at risk.
” Barnardos chief executive Suzanne Connolly said she was concerned there would be a rise in abuse cases during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s undoubted that there will have been an increase in emotional abuse , and possibly physical abuse , ” she said .
A former social worker , Ms Connolly explained not every parent – particularly some with substance abuse or mental health issues – had the resources to cope with children , especially at a time of “ heightened ” stress .
“ There has been , and rightly so , a lot of attention toward violence in relation to women ; so what about children ?
” she said of recent months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement saying vulnerable children “ will have been exposed to situations behind closed doors that we are not yet aware of ” and that without intervention and support , such experiences could have a long term negative impact .
The charity noted that typical support networks offered by teachers and other trusted adults had “ disappeared overnight ” .

Training amongst medical staff in identifying signs of child abuse ‘has been stepped up in the past month’
Irish doctors are concerned that children in families under increased stress due to Covid-19 are at risk of abuse, a consultant in paediatric emergency medicine has said.
Dr Ciara Martin at Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin said training among medical staff in identifying signs of child abuse had been stepped up in the past month.
She was responding to a new UK study that identifies a “surge in domestic child abuse during the coronavirus pandemic”.
The study noted a dramatic increase in incidents recorded at one British paediatric hospital in just one month period between March and April, compared to the same period over the previous three years.
READ MORE
This “silent pandemic”, the focus of a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood journal, found 10 children – six boys and four girls aged from 17 days to 13 months – with suspected abusive head trauma.
Those figures compared to an average of 0.67 cases a month over the previous three years.
The children attended hospital with a variety of symptoms including colic, breathing issues, loss of consciousness, seizures, extensive bruising and swollen scalps.
After examination, cases of subdural haemorrhage, brain swelling and bruising of the tissue, as well as skull and other fractures were diagnosed.
The report’s authors noted a “complex interplay between abuse, mental health, substance misuse and socio-economic factors”.
“This sobering figure is likely under-represented due to public avoidance of hospitals at this time.”
Dr Martin said Irish medics are concerned for children of all ages and that while they had observed a small increase in children presenting with non-accidental injuries, it remains too early to ascertain any pattern.
“Intuitively and knowing what we know, Irish paediatricians have been concerned that lockdown would put strain on families and that children would be at risk,” she told The Irish Times.
“The risk is as described: close contact with a family under stress, worsening economic stress, fear of attending hospitals and less contact with wider family and healthcare visitors who could pick up on warning signs early and provide support to the family.”
She said doctors encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward and that their role was not to judge but to help people.
“Child abuse is an iceberg and what presents is not the whole story. The aim is to recognise this more often; and we have actively increased training in this area over the past month so that our doctors and nurses in the paediatric EDs [emergency departments] have a heightened awareness of non accidental injury and the skills to respond to families at risk.”
Barnardos chief executive Suzanne Connolly said she was concerned there would be a rise in abuse cases during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
“It’s undoubted that there will have been an increase in emotional abuse, and possibly physical abuse,” she said.
A former social worker, Ms Connolly explained not every parent – particularly some with substance abuse or mental health issues – had the resources to cope with children, especially at a time of “heightened” stress.
“There has been, and rightly so, a lot of attention toward violence in relation to women; so what about children?” she said of recent months.
On Wednesday, Barnardos issued a statement saying vulnerable children “will have been exposed to situations behind closed doors that we are not yet aware of” and that without intervention and support, such experiences could have a long term negative impact.
The charity noted that typical support networks offered by teachers and other trusted adults had “disappeared overnight”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Dublin city centre streets to be closed to weekend traffic

Several streets on the south side of Dublin are to be closed to weekend traffic in an experiment to see if the move can revitalise economic activity devastated by Covid-19 .
The targeted area around Grafton Street will include parts of Anne Street South , Duke Street , South William Street , Drury Street and Dame Court .
The trial will shut off traffic between 11am and 7pm for four weekends from July 25th on a trial basis .
Dublin City Council , which published details of the plan on Thursday night , said the step was designed to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help businesses .
“ To support the economic recovery of the city it is proposed to provide more space for pedestrians during the weekend to encourage people to return to shop and enjoy the city centre , ” it said of the move which is part of a broader strategy .
“ Pedestrian numbers throughout the city have fallen dramatically since early March and although numbers have increased slightly in the last number of weeks , footfall is still well below average.
” Figures provided by the authority showed although footfall on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the north side , had returned to about half of its pre-Covid level , the Grafton Street area was at 20 per cent of previous activity .
Businesses can apply to put out additional temporary seating on the newly created carriageway but existing footpaths will remain clear .
Public transport and taxi ranks will operate as normal and loading will be facilitated until 11am .
On street parking will be suspended in much of the affected area although public car parks will remain accessible .
The news prompted a widespread positive reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coffee shop owner Karl Purdy said a full week would have been preferable but acknowledged the “ fast tracking ” of the plan .
However , not all local reaction has been positive .
“ It ’ s a very , very difficult area in terms of anti-social behaviour and large gatherings of people , ” said Cllr Mannix Flynn .
“ Look at the boardwalk [ on the River Liffey ] which was a disaster and Temple Bar Square which was a disaster , and Smithfield which was a disaster .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed before we even contemplate doing something similar.
” Jean Martin Deniau , who owns an antiques shop in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre , said he was worried that any disincentive for people to drive would affect his more mature client base .
“ I don ’ t feel I have been consulted at all , ” he said .
“ If it goes ahead I think most people would be totally taken by surprise ; they have no idea this is coming.
” A spokesman for the council said any businesses with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We have had numerous requests from businesses in the area and from business groups to undertake this trial , ” he said .
“ It is a response to the circumstances which businesses now find themselves in due to Covid .
”

Duke Street is among several streets to be closed to weekend traffic. File Photograph: The Irish Times
Several streets on Dublin city centre’s south side are to be closed to weekend traffic in an experiment to see if economic activity can be revitalised after devastation wrought by coronavirus.
The targeted area around Grafton Street will include parts of South Anne Street, Duke Street, South William Street, Drury Street and Dame Court. The trial will shut off traffic between 11am and 7pm for four weekends from July 25th on a trial basis.
Dublin City Council, which published details of the plan on Thursday night, said the step is designed to provide space for safe movement of people and to help businesses.
“To support the economic recovery of the city it is proposed to provide more space for pedestrians during the weekend to encourage people to return to shop and enjoy the city centre,” it said of the move which is part of a broader strategy.
READ MORE
“Pedestrian numbers throughout the city have fallen dramatically since early March. And although numbers have increased slightly in the last number of weeks, footfall is still well below average.”
Figures provided by the authority show that although footfall on Henry Street, a popular shopping area on the north side, had returned to about half of its pre-coronavirus level, the Grafton Street area was at 20 per cent of previous activity.
Businesses can apply to put out additional temporary seating on the newly created carriageway, but existing footpaths will remain clear.
Public transport and taxi ranks will operate as normal and loading will be facilitated until 11am. On-street parking will be suspended in much of the affected area although public car parks will remain accessible.
The news prompted a widespread positive reaction on social media. On Twitter, coffee shop owner Karl Purdy said a full week would have been preferable but acknowledged the "fast-tracking" of the plan.
‘Anti-social behaviour’
However, not all local reaction has been positive. "It's a very, very difficult area in terms of anti-social behaviour and large gatherings of people," said Cllr Mannix Flynn.
"Look at the boardwalk [on the river Liffey] which was a disaster and Temple Bar Square which was a disaster and Smithfield which was a disaster. These need to be brought in line and managed before we even contemplate doing something similar."
Jean Martin Deniau, who owns an antiques shop in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, said he is worried that any disincentive for people to drive would affect his more mature client base.
“I don’t feel I have been consulted at all,” he said. “If it goes ahead I think most people would be totally taken by surprise; they have no idea this is coming.”
A council spokesman said any businesses with concerns could contact them by email.
“We have had numerous requests from businesses in the area and from business groups to undertake this trial,” he said. “It is a response to the circumstances which businesses now find themselves in due to Covid.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Armed gardaí called as men with machete attack cars belonging to soccer team

Armed gardaí had to be called to back up uniformed officers in Cork on Thursday night when a group of men armed with a machete and a knife began smashing up cars belonging to a local soccer team .
The row broke out the home pitch of Richmond FC at Garrandarragh near Wilton at 7.30pm after a group of young men were making their way home to Eagle Valley from Bishopstown .
The group had been refused entry to Bishopstown Shopping Centre and it ’ s believed that a row between two of them spilled over on to the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Words were exchanged with members of the soccer team and when the young men began to attack the team , some of the team defended themselves and one of the group suffered a bloody nose .
The group of young men left the scene but returned shortly afterwards with reinforcements and armed with a machete and a knife , they went on to the pitch to attack members of the soccer club .
Members of the soccer club retreated to their cars but the gang began smashing in their windscreens with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers from the ASU , arrived .
Around a dozen gardaí were involved in the operation and they arrested two members of the group , both in their 20s and from the Eagle Valley area of Wilton , for public order offences .
The two men were taken to Togher Garda Station where they were questioned for a number of hours before being released without charge and a file will now be prepared on the matter for the DPP .
One member of Richmond FC was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hit by broken glass when , one of the group smashed the windscreen of his car .
A number of cars were damaged in the attack and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the damaged vehicles as well as of the general scene of the row and fight .

Armed gardaí were called to help officers during the fracas in Cork on Thursday night.
Gardaí are to prepare a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions after arresting and questioning two men about an incident in which a group armed with a machete and a hurley began attacking a soccer team as they took refuge in their cars.
Members of the Armed Support Unit were deployed to provide support for uniformed and plainclothes officers as they sought to deal with the incident which happened near Wilton on Cork's southside at around 7.30pm on Thursday.
A row broke when two men in their 20s and a teenager, who were all highly intoxicated and had been refused entry at Dunnes Stores in Bishopstown, confronted members of Richmond FC who were training on their pitch at Garrandarragh off Sarsfield's Road in Wilton.
The soccer team were doing their warmup exercises when the three men came on to their pitch and one of them demanded a football so the soccer team gave him a ball in the hope of getting rid of them but one of the others then started verbally abusing the soccer players.
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A row broke out and the soccer players were forced to defend themselves and the three young men left the scene after a brief exchange of blows but they returned a short time later in a car with two other men and they went to attack the soccer players with a machete and a hurley.
The soccer players took refuge in their cars but the men began attacking the vehicles with the machete and the hurley, smashing in windscreens and side windows in five of the cars before a uniformed Garda officer arrived from Bishopstown.
The men began to verbally abuse the garda who called for back-up and he was soon joined by six members of the Armed Support Unit (ASU) armed with guns, tasers and pepper spray as well as other uniformed and plainclothes officers from Togher and Bishopstown stations.
The ASU quickly brought the situation under control without having to deploy their weaponry and arrested two men who had stripped down to their waists and were highly intoxicated and aggressive towards officers.
The two men were arrested for public order offences and taken to Togher Garda Station where they were questioned when they sobered up and calmed down and they were later released without charge. Gardaí will now prepare a file on the incident for the DPP.
The other three members of the group, including a teenager, were not arrested but were instructed by gardaí to return home which they did as up to a dozen gardaí worked to restore calm.
One member of the Richmond FC team had to be taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries after he suffered cuts to his face when taking refuge in the back seat of a teammate’s car and the window was smashed in with a hurley.
Gardaí carried out a search of the area and recovered a machete and hurley hidden in nearby undergrowth.
They also carried out a forensic examination of the damaged cars. They harvested some CCTV footage from the vicinity of the soccer pitch and have begun examining it.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Public transport operators struggle to enforce face mask rules

Public transport usage has surged in the last few days , leaving operators struggling to ensure passengers follow the advice to wear face masks .
In June former minister for health Simon Harris said wearing masks would be mandatory “ under the emergency health regulations ” .
But it later transpired the departments of Health and Transport are currently working on a detailed regulation to cover the face masks issue , which is expected to be imposed next week .
Meanwhile passenger numbers on the State ’ s public transport services are rising significantly .
Passenger journeys on the Luas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday June 22nd , to almost 36,000 on Monday June 29th , the day Phase Three of lifting of Covid-19 restrictions came into effect .
Numbers jumped again the following day to almost 38,000 .
Numbers on Iarnród Éireann rose from 26,597 on Monday , June 22nd to 31,178 on Monday , June 29th and are rising at about 2,000 passenger journeys a day .
Dublin Bus had the largest increase in the week to June 29th , rising 17,253 to 152,301 passenger journeys .
Increases were also recorded by Go Ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wicklow , while Bus Éireann supplied estimated figures which did not change over the week to June 29th .
However figures provided by individual transport companies to the National Transport Authority show a mixed reaction from the public to wearing face masks on public transport .
According to the NTA the response of passengers varies with up to 90 percent compliance on some services , to just 40 per cent on others .
Iarnród Éireann reported that 60 per cent of passengers arriving and departing from Heuston Station were using face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dublin Bus told the NTA that 52 per cent of its customers were covering their faces as Wednesday , up from 41 per cent on Monday .
On Bus Éireann commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area , compliance is running between 75 per cent on some services and 98 on others on the NTA said .
Three in four passengers on Bus Éireann city services in Cork and Waterford are wearing face covering , and while the rate in Limerick and Galway is lower at 40 per cent , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 per cent of passengers on Local Link services in places such as Donegal , Laois/Offaly , Waterford , and Longford/Westmeath/Roscommon are using face coverings .
On the Luas , morning and evening peak hour trams saw “ the majority of customers wearing face coverings ” , according to the NTA .
Significantly , the NTA said the figures were “ lower in the evening hours ” .
Anne Graham , CEO of the National Transport Authority thanked those passengers who were wearing masks and said their use was “ vital for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public health point of view ” .
Last Monday , capacity on buses , trains , and trams increased from 20 per cent to about 50 per cent .

Dublin Bus told the NTA that 52 per cent of its customers were covering their faces as Wednesday, up from 41 per cent on Monday. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
Public transport usage has surged in the last few days , leaving operators struggling to ensure passengers follow the advice to wear face masks.
In June former minister for health Simon Harris said wearing masks would be mandatory “under the emergency health regulations”.
But it later transpired the departments of Health and Transport are currently working on a detailed regulation to cover the face masks issue, which is expected to be imposed next week.
Meanwhile passenger numbers on the State’s public transport services are rising significantly.
READ MORE
Passenger journeys on the Luas rose in number from just over 29,027 on Monday June 22nd, to almost 36,000 on Monday June 29th, the day Phase Three of lifting of Covid-19 restrictions came into effect. Numbers jumped again the following day to almost 38,000.
Numbers on Iarnród Éireann rose from 26,597 on Monday, June 22nd to 31,178 on Monday, June 29th and are rising at about 2,000 passenger journeys a day.
Dublin Bus had the largest increase in the week to June 29th, rising 17,253 to 152,301 passenger journeys.
Increases were also recorded by Go Ahead Ireland bus services in Kildare, Dublin and Wicklow, while Bus Éireann supplied estimated figures which did not change over the week to June 29th.
However figures provided by individual transport companies to the National Transport Authority show a mixed reaction from the public to wearing face masks on public transport.
According to the NTA the response of passengers varies with up to 90 percent compliance on some services, to just 40 per cent on others .
Iarnród Éireann reported that 60 per cent of passengers arriving and departing from Heuston Station were using face coverings, a significant increase on previous weeks.
Dublin Bus told the NTA that 52 per cent of its customers were covering their faces as Wednesday, up from 41 per cent on Monday.
On Bus Éireann commuter services in the Greater Dublin Area, compliance is running between 75 per cent on some services and 98 on others on the NTA said.
Three in four passengers on Bus Éireann city services in Cork and Waterford are wearing face covering, and while the rate in Limerick and Galway is lower at 40 per cent, it was said to be increasing.
More than 90 per cent of passengers on Local Link services in places such as Donegal, Laois/Offaly, Waterford, and Longford/Westmeath/Roscommon are using face coverings.
On the Luas, morning and evening peak hour trams saw “the majority of customers wearing face coverings”, according to the NTA. Significantly, the NTA said the figures were “lower in the evening hours”.
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority thanked those passengers who were wearing masks and said their use was “ vital for the increase in capacity to make sense from a public health point of view”.
Last Monday, capacity on buses, trains, and trams increased from 20 per cent to about 50 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Tributes paid to 'patriot' Tony Holohan as he steps back from CMO role

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has promised continuity in the response to Covid-19 following the decision by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to step back from his role .
Dr Holohan announced on Thursday night he was taking time out from his work commitments immediately to to be with his family .
His wife Emer Feely , who is also a doctor , has multiple myeloma , a blood cancer , and entered palliative care last Saturday .
Dr Holohan said he wanted to give his “ energy , attention and all of my time ” to Emer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ronan .
He made his announcement in a personal statement at the end of Thursday ’ s briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team , which he has chaired since the beginning of the crisis .
Since January , Dr Holohan has become the public face of the official response to the virus , which has infected over 25,000 people and led to 1,738 deaths in the Republic .
A plan has been put in place for others to take over different aspects of his responsibilities , he said .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been appointed acting chief medical officer and will chair future NPHET briefings .
“ As a husband and father and as a public health doctor I ’ m conscious we ’ ve been through tough times over the past few months and many families have been affected by the course of Covid-19 , suffering pain and the loss of loved ones , ” he said .
He asked for his family ’ s privacy to be respected .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly thanked Dr Holohan for his leadership and his “ extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He has been a rock , and he will be back as a rock , ” Mr Donnelly said .
He said NPHET had worked “ night and day ” and had “ brought us to where where we are ” under his leadership .
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of Dr Glynn , the Minister said .
Former minister for health Simon Harris described Dr Holohan as “ a patriot , an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At Thursday night ’ s briefing , before announcing he was stepping back from the role , Dr Holohan said public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan says he is stepping back from the post to spend time with his wife, who has terminal cancer, and children.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has promised continuity in the response to Covid-19 following the decision by chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to step back from his role.
Dr Holohan announced on Thursday night he was taking time out from his work commitments immediately to to be with his family. His wife Emer Feely, who is also a doctor, has multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and entered palliative care last Saturday.
Dr Holohan said he wanted to give his “energy, attention and all of my time” to Emer and to their two teenage children, Clodagh and Ronan.
He made his announcement in a personal statement at the end of Thursday’s briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team, which he has chaired since the beginning of the crisis.
READ MORE
Since January, Dr Holohan has become the public face of the official response to the virus, which has infected over 25,000 people and led to 1,738 deaths in the Republic.
Privacy
A plan has been put in place for others to take over different aspects of his responsibilities, he said. His assistant, Dr Ronan Glynn, has been appointed acting chief medical officer and will chair future NPHET briefings.
“As a husband and father and as a public health doctor I’m conscious we’ve been through tough times over the past few months and many families have been affected by the course of Covid-19, suffering pain and the loss of loved ones,” he said.
He asked for his family’s privacy to be respected.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly thanked Dr Holohan for his leadership and his “extraordinary commitment and professionalism” during the pandemic.
“He has been a rock, and he will be back as a rock,” Mr Donnelly said.
He said NPHET had worked “night and day” and had “brought us to where where we are” under his leadership.
Continuity in this work was vital and would be guaranteed with the leadership of Dr Glynn, the Minister said.
Former minister for health Simon Harris described Dr Holohan as “a patriot, an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership”.
At Thursday night’s briefing, before announcing he was stepping back from the role, Dr Holohan said public health officials still had concerns about overseas travel and were recommending a cautious approach to any easing of restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-07-04--Traditional census may be replaced by online data collection

Next year could see the last “ traditional ” census involving thousands of enumerators travelling the country to hand-deliver and collect questionnaires , under options being considered by the Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) .
A CSO paper on the future of the census shows that while some form of survey may continue , online data collection , as well as the use of massive databases of public information , are being considered as the State approaches the centenary of the first census taken after Independence .
A spokeswoman for the CSO confirmed it is “ currently exploring several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this includes the potential of running online census and also integrating administrative records into the census process ” .
According to the working paper , released under the Freedom of Information Act , “ census-taking across the world has gone through enormous change as methodological and technological advances are increasingly adopted by census-taking countries worldwide and new data sources become available.
” In time , according to the working paper , some models based on using public data sources may “ ultimately perhaps replace the need for comprehensive primary data collection from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the next scheduled census , in 2021 , will be conducted in the usual way , the paper assesses several options for 2026 , which will be 100 years since the first census in the State .
These include a “ multi-mode field operation ” , which could include an online option to collect data “ in addition to hand delivery and hand collection for those who choose not to respond electronically ” .
An “ administrative census ” is also under consideration , which “ relies on harvesting existing data sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household ” .
Such an approach would build on work already being done by the CSO ’ s administrative data centre .
According to the paper , the centre has been developing a “ personal activity register ” , which is compiled from a range of administrative files , including P35 forms , driver licences and child benefit forms .
This could be used alongside other State databases such as the PPSN ( personal public service number ) , Eircode and unique business identifier numbers during the census process .
A combined approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could see a full survey undertaken but would most likely involve a “ large sample survey ” done every five years to collect data unavailable from such sources , followed by “ grossing this attribute data across the whole population ” .
The report notes that “ it is important for planning and resourcing purposes that a decision is made in 2020 ” regarding the form of the census to be undertaken in 2026 .
The spokeswoman said the CSO will focus on maintaining confidentiality and delivering high-quality statistical outputs “ which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ CSO is mindful of the strong connection people have with the traditional census , and a public consultation will be held before decisions about the future direction of the census are taken .
”

Next year could see the last “traditional” census involving thousands of enumerators travelling the country to hand-deliver and collect questionnaires, under options being considered by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
A CSO paper on the future of the census shows that while some form of survey may continue, online data collection, as well as the use of massive databases of public information, are being considered as the State approaches the centenary of the first census taken after Independence.
A spokeswoman for the CSO confirmed it is “currently exploring several options for the conduct of censuses post-2021 and this includes the potential of running online census and also integrating administrative records into the census process”.
According to the working paper, released under the Freedom of Information Act, “census-taking across the world has gone through enormous change as methodological and technological advances are increasingly adopted by census-taking countries worldwide and new data sources become available.”
READ MORE
In time, according to the working paper, some models based on using public data sources may “ultimately perhaps replace the need for comprehensive primary data collection from every household in the State”.
While the next scheduled census, in 2021, will be conducted in the usual way, the paper assesses several options for 2026, which will be 100 years since the first census in the State.
Multi-mode
These include a “multi-mode field operation”, which could include an online option to collect data “in addition to hand delivery and hand collection for those who choose not to respond electronically”.
An “administrative census” is also under consideration, which “relies on harvesting existing data sources rather than primary data collection from every household”. Such an approach would build on work already being done by the CSO’s administrative data centre.
According to the paper, the centre has been developing a “personal activity register”, which is compiled from a range of administrative files, including P35 forms, driver licences and child benefit forms. This could be used alongside other State databases such as the PPSN (personal public service number), Eircode and unique business identifier numbers during the census process.
Full survey
A combined approach, also discussed in the paper, could see a full survey undertaken but would most likely involve a “large sample survey” done every five years to collect data unavailable from such sources, followed by “grossing this attribute data across the whole population”.
The report notes that “it is important for planning and resourcing purposes that a decision is made in 2020” regarding the form of the census to be undertaken in 2026.
The spokeswoman said the CSO will focus on maintaining confidentiality and delivering high-quality statistical outputs “which have been the key principles of previous censuses”.
“CSO is mindful of the strong connection people have with the traditional census, and a public consultation will be held before decisions about the future direction of the census are taken.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-04--Bookings are coming, says Cork travel agent, ‘but it’s a trickle’

During a 46-year career , Michael Doorley , who owns Shandon Travel on Cork ’ s Grand Parade , has seen many crises : recessions , terrorism , even an ash cloud from an unpronounceable volcano in Iceland .
Today , the Tipperary-born travel agent is staying calm while others fret.
“ Travel agents by and large are good business people .
It could be a terrorism act , or currency things years ago .
You name it , we just get through it.
” “ We have gone through all sorts of things .
Ash clouds , the collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to wipe us out .
But this is different , ” he says .
The former Irish Travel Agent of the Year says agents have received only a “ trickle of sales ” over the last three months , though bookings in greater numbers began to come through from three weeks ago .
“ They have been to Majorca .
Believe it or not , [ there were ] some cruises , Lapland at Christmas time , the Canary Islands and a couple of honeymoons .
Whether there was a wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he went on .
Nevertheless , it is nothing more than “ a trickle going through ” compared with normal volumes : “ When the economy crashed back in 2008/2009 there was still a bit of business going on .
Now there is little to no business going on.
” Like others in the travel trade , Doorley wants greater clarity in messaging from the Government about whether people should travel , or not .
Without it , travel agents are between “ a rock and a hard place ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government : “ [ It ] is in a hard place as well because they have to keep Covid under control , but they also have to keep airlines in the sky .
“ There needs to be access for business people and people coming into the country , as well as going out .
It is a difficult balance , ” says Doorley , who reopened his offices last Monday , though staff worked from home since March .
Paying tribute to the chief medical officer , Dr Tony Holohan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levelling the virus and keeping it under control in Ireland ” , so “ why would you change what has been successful ?
.
“ I know I am talking against people doing a lot of travel , but at the same time that will pass .
People love travelling .
People will travel again .
They will travel when they feel more comfortable travelling , ” he went on .
“ [ What ] Most of what my staff are doing at the minute is changing arrangements to put holidays to later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2021 .
Now for the last three weeks we have seen bookings coming through.
” Next week , he is sending one of his 26 staff on an exploratory trip to the Canary Islands to draw up a step-by-step guide for customers on what to expect on the way there and back .
For now , the majority of bookings are being made by young people : “ The younger generation are unafraid .
The majority of bookings going in to Ryanair are from the younger people .
Naturally the senior population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is as philosophical as anyone can be , business is not easy : “ You have little to no income coming in and you have overheads going out .
You have to control the overheads more rigidly than ever before till business cranks up again.
” However he is hopeful about 2021 : “ There is a pent-up demand out there .
We have transferred 70 per cent of our bookings into 2021 .
That business is already in the bag .
Travel agents can look forward to a solid year in @ @ @

‘When the economy crashed back in 2008/2009 there was still a bit of business going on. Now there is little to no business going on.’ Michael Doorley of Shandon Travel, Cork city. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
During a 46-year career, Michael Doorley, who owns Shandon Travel on Cork's Grand Parade, has seen many crises: recessions, terrorism, even an ash cloud from an unpronounceable volcano in Iceland.
Today, the Tipperary-born travel agent is staying calm while others fret.“Travel agents by and large are good business people. It could be a terrorism act, or currency things years ago. You name it, we just get through it.”
“We have gone through all sorts of things. Ash clouds, the collapse of the economy, then the internet was supposed to wipe us out. But this is different,” he says.
The former Irish Travel Agent of the Year says agents have received only a “trickle of sales” over the last three months, though bookings in greater numbers began to come through from three weeks ago.
READ MORE
"They have been to Majorca. Believe it or not, [there were] some cruises, Lapland at Christmas time, the Canary Islands and a couple of honeymoons. Whether there was a wedding or not, they are going somewhere," he went on.
Nevertheless, it is nothing more than “a trickle going through” compared with normal volumes: “When the economy crashed back in 2008/2009 there was still a bit of business going on. Now there is little to no business going on.”
Like others in the travel trade, Doorley wants greater clarity in messaging from the Government about whether people should travel, or not. Without it, travel agents are between “a rock and a hard place”.
However, he understands the difficulties facing the Government: “[It] is in a hard place as well because they have to keep Covid under control, but they also have to keep airlines in the sky.
“There needs to be access for business people and people coming into the country, as well as going out. It is a difficult balance,” says Doorley, who reopened his offices last Monday, though staff worked from home since March.
Paying tribute to the chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, he said he "has succeeded in levelling the virus and keeping it under control in Ireland", so "why would you change what has been successful?.
“I know I am talking against people doing a lot of travel, but at the same time that will pass. People love travelling. People will travel again. They will travel when they feel more comfortable travelling,” he went on.
“[What] Most of what my staff are doing at the minute is changing arrangements to put holidays to later this year or to put them out to 2021. Now for the last three weeks we have seen bookings coming through.”
Staff trip
Next week, he is sending one of his 26 staff on an exploratory trip to the Canary Islands to draw up a step-by-step guide for customers on what to expect on the way there and back.
For now, the majority of bookings are being made by young people: "The younger generation are unafraid. The majority of bookings going in to Ryanair are from the younger people. Naturally the senior population are more reticent about travelling."
Though he is as philosophical as anyone can be, business is not easy: “You have little to no income coming in and you have overheads going out. You have to control the overheads more rigidly than ever before till business cranks up again.”
However he is hopeful about 2021: “There is a pent-up demand out there. We have transferred 70 per cent of our bookings into 2021. That business is already in the bag. Travel agents can look forward to a solid year in 2021.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-04--Retailers say money being spent in ‘calm atmosphere’ as lockdown restrictions ease

Some of Ireland ’ s leading retail outlets are quietly satisfied with how the weeks of trading have gone since the phased exit from the lockdown started .
While footfall is down and queues are still forming , money is being spent in a “ calm atmosphere ” , they say .
When Ikea reopened in early June , the queues stretched over 1km and many people stood in line for more than two hours before being allowed enter .
There are still queues at peak times but nothing like what they were .
The retailer ’ s marketing manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , including a one-way system , staggered entry , restricted numbers and social distance wardens to help customers find their way around , have “ made for a calm atmosphere ” .
He said the restrictions “ do mean that there can be a queue of 30-45 minutes ” but added that customers had been “ very understanding of all the necessary measures we have put in place ” and he said the queue was usually shortest for people who come first thing in the morning .
Since reopening , Ikea has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer furniture , pots and pans , candles and picture frames .
Mr Allen added that the “ one thing customers are really missing is our restaurant and our meatballs in particular !
” Footfall in the Dundrum Town Centre has been stable and on an upward trajectory since it reopened in the middle of June and while people are spending less time in the centre , they are spending more money while there .
“ Dwell time is shorter [ but ] conversion and transaction values have increased , ” the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Irish Times .
“ We have about 90 per cent of our retailers now open , which is great.
” He said the restaurants were feeling “ very supported by customers so far this week , with a strong start ” .
He said the numbers were not at last year ’ s level “ particularly in light of capacity restrictions ” but added that was not “ a cause for concern ” .
“ Our priority has been to allow retailers and customers to ease back in .
We have held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our focus is on ensuring people are comfortable being back in a retail environment , ” Mr Nugent said .
He said gift card sales had proved to be particularly strong since the centre reopened , with a new gift card kiosk for self-service transactions attracting high volumes of customers .
This week the centre rolled out a new feature on its website called Crowd Checker which allows customers to see how busy the centre is in real time in order to help them plan their visit .
The feature will show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share any numbers on occupancy or footfall .
Last Monday , phase three restrictions were lifted across the State and the number of businesses now open in Dublin has climbed to almost 80 per cent .
When the initial retail restrictions were lifted in early June , the city centre was experiencing an average daily footfall of approximately 162,000 , a number which has climbed to more than 200,000 per day this week .

Dundrum Town Centre: gift card sales had proved to be particularly strong since the centre reopened. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
Some of Ireland’s leading retail outlets are quietly satisfied with how the weeks of trading have gone since the phased exit from the lockdown started.
While footfall is down and queues are still forming, money is being spent in a “calm atmosphere”, they say.
When Ikea reopened in early June, the queues stretched over 1km and many people stood in line for more than two hours before being allowed enter.
There are still queues at peak times but nothing like what they were. The retailer's marketing manager, Martyn Allen, said new safety measures, including a one-way system, staggered entry, restricted numbers and social distance wardens to help customers find their way around, have "made for a calm atmosphere".
READ MORE
He said the restrictions “do mean that there can be a queue of 30-45 minutes” but added that customers had been “very understanding of all the necessary measures we have put in place” and he said the queue was usually shortest for people who come first thing in the morning.
Since reopening, Ikea has seen particular demand for storage items, summer furniture, pots and pans, candles and picture frames. Mr Allen added that the “one thing customers are really missing is our restaurant and our meatballs in particular!”
Higher transaction values
Footfall in the Dundrum Town Centre has been stable and on an upward trajectory since it reopened in the middle of June and while people are spending less time in the centre, they are spending more money while there.
"Dwell time is shorter [but] conversion and transaction values have increased," the store's managing director Don Nugent told The Irish Times. "We have about 90 per cent of our retailers now open, which is great."
He said the restaurants were feeling “very supported by customers so far this week, with a strong start”.
He said the numbers were not at last year’s level “particularly in light of capacity restrictions” but added that was not “a cause for concern”.
“Our priority has been to allow retailers and customers to ease back in. We have held off on any events or promotional activity as our focus is on ensuring people are comfortable being back in a retail environment,” Mr Nugent said.
He said gift card sales had proved to be particularly strong since the centre reopened, with a new gift card kiosk for self-service transactions attracting high volumes of customers.
This week the centre rolled out a new feature on its website called Crowd Checker which allows customers to see how busy the centre is in real time in order to help them plan their visit. The feature will show customers a busy status but will not share any numbers on occupancy or footfall.
Last Monday, phase three restrictions were lifted across the State and the number of businesses now open in Dublin has climbed to almost 80 per cent.
When the initial retail restrictions were lifted in early June, the city centre was experiencing an average daily footfall of approximately 162,000, a number which has climbed to more than 200,000 per day this week.


theirishtimes--2020-07-04--Minister urged to set up committee to examine social media regulation

A committee to examine the regulation of Facebook , Twitter and other social media companies should be established as a matter of urgency , a leading defamation and privacy lawyer has urged Minister for Justice Helen McEntee .
With the United Kingdom , other European countries , and “ even the United States ” considering the introduction of new laws to regulate social media companies , Ireland , where many of the companies have their European headquarters , has an obligation to also look at the issue , Paul Tweed said in a letter to the newly-appointed Minister .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al are bringing to Ireland , they nonetheless should incur a duty to protect citizens and the international community from online attacks , harassment , hate speech and fake news , which can often result in devastating consequences for the victims.
” Many of his clients have suffered reputational damage , harassment and breaches of privacy from online sources over the course of several decades , Mr Tweed said .
“ I am absolutely frustrated , if not bewildered , that Facebook , Twitter and others are continuing to argue that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publisher .
“ This argument is all the more absurd given their recent selective actions in terminating or suspending accounts in reaction to public or private lobbying and representation , whereby they are in effect acting as their own court , while my clients struggle to process their claims through the actual legal system.
” In deciding recently to appoint an oversight board ( which reviews content moderation decisions made by Facebook ) , Facebook had become its own jury as well as judge , Mr Tweed said .
Social media companies “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law as it applies to other media outlets , and making their own decisions on an ad-hoc basis as to who should be entitled to utilise their facilities and who should be blocked from doing so , regardless of the harm being caused ” .
Social media networks appear to believe they are not subject to the defamation and privacy laws that regulate the mainstream media , Mr Tweed said .
Nor do they come under the ambit of the Press Council or the Broadcasting Association of Ireland .
“ Against this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sourcing investigation reports and articles from the mainstream media without financial reimbursement , while at the same time taking away their advertising revenue , thereby undermining the very survival of the free press.
” With other jurisdictions investigating the introduction of legislation and regulation , there was a particular responsibility on Ireland “ given that the country is hosting the social media companies and offering significant tax advantages to them ” .
He urged Ms McEntee to establish a committee to review and consider all regulatory options “ as a matter of some @ @ @

Leading defamation and privacy lawyer Paul Tweed: ‘I am absolutely frustrated, if not bewildered, that Facebook, Twitter and others are continuing to argue that they are merely a platform as opposed to a publisher.’
A committee to examine the regulation of Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies should be established as a matter of urgency, a leading defamation and privacy lawyer has urged Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
With the United Kingdom, other European countries, and "even the United States" considering the introduction of new laws to regulate social media companies, Ireland, where many of the companies have their European headquarters, has an obligation to also look at the issue, Paul Tweed said in a letter to the newly-appointed Minister.
“Notwithstanding the economic benefits that Facebook et al are bringing to Ireland, they nonetheless should incur a duty to protect citizens and the international community from online attacks, harassment, hate speech and fake news, which can often result in devastating consequences for the victims.”
Many of his clients have suffered reputational damage, harassment and breaches of privacy from online sources over the course of several decades, Mr Tweed said.
READ MORE
‘Absolutely frustrated’
“I am absolutely frustrated, if not bewildered, that Facebook, Twitter and others are continuing to argue that they are merely a platform as opposed to a publisher.
“This argument is all the more absurd given their recent selective actions in terminating or suspending accounts in reaction to public or private lobbying and representation, whereby they are in effect acting as their own court, while my clients struggle to process their claims through the actual legal system.”
In deciding recently to appoint an oversight board (which reviews content moderation decisions made by Facebook), Facebook had become its own jury as well as judge, Mr Tweed said.
Social media companies “are to all intents and purposes above the law as it applies to other media outlets, and making their own decisions on an ad-hoc basis as to who should be entitled to utilise their facilities and who should be blocked from doing so, regardless of the harm being caused”.
Social media networks appear to believe they are not subject to the defamation and privacy laws that regulate the mainstream media, Mr Tweed said.
Nor do they come under the ambit of the Press Council or the Broadcasting Association of Ireland.
Legislation
“Against this background, the social media companies are sourcing investigation reports and articles from the mainstream media without financial reimbursement, while at the same time taking away their advertising revenue, thereby undermining the very survival of the free press.”
With other jurisdictions investigating the introduction of legislation and regulation, there was a particular responsibility on Ireland “given that the country is hosting the social media companies and offering significant tax advantages to them”.
He urged Ms McEntee to establish a committee to review and consider all regulatory options “as a matter of some urgency”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Pubs could lose licence if they flout Covid-19 rules, warns Garda

Publicans risk the immediate closure of their pubs and losing their liquor licences if they are found breaching Covid-19 public health measures during new inspections on pubs , senior Garda sources have told The Irish Times .
Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park , Dublin on Friday evening said it had instructed gardaí across the country to begin inspections in pubs from 7pm to ensure they were adhering to the public health measures – a significant ramping-up of the approach that had been planned .
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said it had initially been the Garda ’ s intention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs , rather than inspecting all pubs .
“ However , it now appears that just a few days after their introduction , some licensed premises and their customers are ignoring the public health guidelines , ” he said .
“ By doing so , they are putting themselves and everyone they then come into contact with at risk of getting Covid-19 .
This is not acceptable and we are now expanding our planned checks.
” Because of concerns being expressed by members of the public as well as gardaí around the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial plan to carry out spot checks had been escalated to Garda members being directed to check all pubs that were now opened in their areas .
Senior officers have told The Irish Times if pubs were found to be flouting the rules , they faced the prospect of being closed and/or losing their licence .
Gardaí have no specific powers to close a pub on the spot if they find it in breach of conditions introduced to allow for the reopening of pubs last Monday , including social distancing and pre-booking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per customer .
However , if Garda members find what they regard as unsafe conditions in pubs , they can alert the Health & Safety Authority ( HSA ) and it can apply to the High Court for an order that would force a pub to close over risks to health and wellbeing .
A number of Garda sources said the new inspections would initially be “ light touch ” , with gardaí engaging with publicans to explain the measures in place and to encourage compliance .
However , if the same pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda advice they could be closed by the HSA and gardaí could also object to a renewal of a pub licence in the District Court when its current licence expired .
Announcing the plan to immediately begin inspections in pubs , Garda Headquarters said while some of the provisions of the Covid-19 health regulations involved criminal offences , this was not the case for social distancing and some of the other health guidelines .
However , it said some breaches of public health regulations could result in a legal process being commenced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pub required “ a declaration of suitability from a member of An Garda Síochána in order for its liquor license to be renewed ” .
Under the Fáilte Ireland measures for the reopening of pubs , those that served food were allowed to reopen from Monday while pubs not serving food must wait until July 20th .
From last Monday , pubs that served food were allowed to reopen with table service only .
No queuing is permitted at the bar and customers must book in advance and eat a meal while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to stay for 1¾ hours .
Breaks of 15 minutes , for cleaning , are required before people can sit at a table in place of departing customers .

From last Monday, pubs that served food were allowed to reopen with table service only. Customers must book in advance and eat a meal while drinking alcohol. Photograph: Getty Images
Publicans risk the immediate closure of their pubs and losing their liquor licences if they are found breaching Covid-19 public health measures during new inspections on pubs, senior Garda sources have told The Irish Times.
Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park, Dublin on Friday evening said it had instructed gardaí across the country to begin inspections in pubs from 7pm to ensure they were adhering to the public health measures – a significant ramping-up of the approach that had been planned.
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said it had initially been the Garda’s intention to carry out “spot checks” on pubs, rather than inspecting all pubs.
“However, it now appears that just a few days after their introduction, some licensed premises and their customers are ignoring the public health guidelines,” he said.
READ MORE
“By doing so, they are putting themselves and everyone they then come into contact with at risk of getting Covid-19. This is not acceptable and we are now expanding our planned checks.”
Because of concerns being expressed by members of the public as well as gardaí around the country and people in the pub trade, the initial plan to carry out spot checks had been escalated to Garda members being directed to check all pubs that were now opened in their areas.
Senior officers have told The Irish Times if pubs were found to be flouting the rules, they faced the prospect of being closed and/or losing their licence.
Pre-booking
Gardaí have no specific powers to close a pub on the spot if they find it in breach of conditions introduced to allow for the reopening of pubs last Monday, including social distancing and pre-booking and a time limit of 105 minutes per customer.
However, if Garda members find what they regard as unsafe conditions in pubs, they can alert the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and it can apply to the High Court for an order that would force a pub to close over risks to health and wellbeing.
A number of Garda sources said the new inspections would initially be “light touch”, with gardaí engaging with publicans to explain the measures in place and to encourage compliance.
However, if the same pubs were found to have repeatedly ignored the Garda advice they could be closed by the HSA and gardaí could also object to a renewal of a pub licence in the District Court when its current licence expired.
Announcing the plan to immediately begin inspections in pubs, Garda Headquarters said while some of the provisions of the Covid-19 health regulations involved criminal offences, this was not the case for social distancing and some of the other health guidelines.
Legal process
However, it said some breaches of public health regulations could result in a legal process being commenced, adding that under long-standing liquor licensing laws a pub required “a declaration of suitability from a member of An Garda Síochána in order for its liquor license to be renewed”.
Under the Fáilte Ireland measures for the reopening of pubs, those that served food were allowed to reopen from Monday while pubs not serving food must wait until July 20th. From last Monday, pubs that served food were allowed to reopen with table service only.
No queuing is permitted at the bar and customers must book in advance and eat a meal while drinking alcohol. Each customer is only permitted to stay for 1¾ hours. Breaks of 15 minutes, for cleaning, are required before people can sit at a table in place of departing customers.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Thinking Anew – In the eye of the beholder

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder .
Some years ago I saw a rat heading down a hole in our back garden .
I went over to the hole , the rat paused before he finally disappeared , and we looked into each other ’ s eyes for a few long moments .
He was bright-eyed and fearless and his whiskers were twitching with so much character and sweetness .
Readers , I fell for him , and I regard rats differently now .
It was a sad experience though because we were advised we needed to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so close to our kitchen .
Reluctantly I found myself at war with this intelligent , busy little creature , artlessly going about his life as he was created to do .
As well as being a rat fancier I am a pigeon fancier : not in the technical sense of owning a flock of racing pigeons but in the sense of treasuring each pigeon I see .
Pigeons are often unfairly vilified , described as rats of the air .
If this is the case – so be it !
Rats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pigeon I encounter as a little love-sign from God .
Even their liquid maternal coo sounds like ‘ I love you .
.
.
I do .
.
.
I love you .
.
.
I do .
.
.
” Pigeons and doves are one and the same and they come in hundreds of varieties .
A plump healthy specimen is truly exquisite in all its everyday splendour , with the ample bruise-coloured breast of the domestic pigeon or the exquisitely gentle dove-grey ( what else ? )
of the collared dove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ romantic !
– and are brimful of spiritual significance .
Thoroughly biblical creatures , a dove bore the olive twig to Noah in his ark , and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove .
A dove is a gentle , powerful signifier of peace , and pigeons are renowned for their miraculous homing instincts .
My ordination prayer card was of a white pigeon flying through the darkness .
I am sharing these simple thoughts about these common creatures because it does the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ( no matter how urban the setting ) going about its business full of grace and truth .
An animal is full of nobility when it lives according to its nature .
We human beings have a far more complicated relationship with our own natures .
Grace and truth abound , yes , but so also does the DISgrace of our degraded collective nature , spoiling everything for everyone .
We are that part of creation which knows the distinction between good and evil and sometimes this can feel like an intolerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the words of CS Lewis : “ When we have understood free will , we shall see how silly it is to ask , as somebody once asked me , ‘ Why did God make a creature of such rotten stuff that it went wrong ?
’ The better stuff a creature is made of – the cleverer and stronger and freer it is –then the better it will be if it goes right , but also the worse it will be if it goes wrong .
A cow can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog can be both better and worse ; a child better and worse still ; an ordinary man , still more so ; a man of genius , still more so ; a superhuman spirit best – or worst – of all.
” In tomorrow ’ s gospel reading from Matthew 11 , Jesus issues us with a tender invitation to come to him with the burdens we are staggering under and receive his rest ; to hitch ourselves to him and let him do our heavy lifting for us .
Only by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us can we rediscover , as Eugene Peterson puts it , “ the unforced rhythms of grace ” .
If we want to see a human being fully alive we need look no further .
Jesus is that person , living without guile , malice , cowardice , fear , utterly bonded to his heavenly Father .
We have seen his glory , the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father , full of grace and truth .

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some years ago I saw a rat heading down a hole in our back garden. I went over to the hole, the rat paused before he finally disappeared, and we looked into each other’s eyes for a few long moments.
He was bright-eyed and fearless and his whiskers were twitching with so much character and sweetness. Readers, I fell for him, and I regard rats differently now. It was a sad experience though because we were advised we needed to call in pest control given that the nest was so close to our kitchen. Reluctantly I found myself at war with this intelligent, busy little creature, artlessly going about his life as he was created to do.
As well as being a rat fancier I am a pigeon fancier: not in the technical sense of owning a flock of racing pigeons but in the sense of treasuring each pigeon I see.
Pigeons are often unfairly vilified, described as rats of the air. If this is the case – so be it! Rats are beautiful too. I experience every pigeon I encounter as a little love-sign from God. Even their liquid maternal coo sounds like ‘I love you . . . I do . . . I love you . . . I do . . .”
READ MORE
Pigeons and doves are one and the same and they come in hundreds of varieties.
A plump healthy specimen is truly exquisite in all its everyday splendour, with the ample bruise-coloured breast of the domestic pigeon or the exquisitely gentle dove-grey (what else?) of the collared dove.
They mate for life – so romantic! – and are brimful of spiritual significance. Thoroughly biblical creatures, a dove bore the olive twig to Noah in his ark, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove.
A dove is a gentle, powerful signifier of peace, and pigeons are renowned for their miraculous homing instincts.
My ordination prayer card was of a white pigeon flying through the darkness.
I am sharing these simple thoughts about these common creatures because it does the heart so much good to see the natural world (no matter how urban the setting) going about its business full of grace and truth.
An animal is full of nobility when it lives according to its nature. We human beings have a far more complicated relationship with our own natures.
Grace and truth abound, yes, but so also does the DISgrace of our degraded collective nature, spoiling everything for everyone.
We are that part of creation which knows the distinction between good and evil and sometimes this can feel like an intolerable load to bear.
I am reminded of the words of CS Lewis: “When we have understood free will, we shall see how silly it is to ask, as somebody once asked me, ‘Why did God make a creature of such rotten stuff that it went wrong?’ The better stuff a creature is made of – the cleverer and stronger and freer it is –then the better it will be if it goes right, but also the worse it will be if it goes wrong. A cow cannot be very good or very bad; a dog can be both better and worse; a child better and worse still; an ordinary man, still more so; a man of genius, still more so; a superhuman spirit best – or worst – of all.”
In tomorrow’s gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus issues us with a tender invitation to come to him with the burdens we are staggering under and receive his rest; to hitch ourselves to him and let him do our heavy lifting for us. Only by drawing close to the God who loves us can we rediscover, as Eugene Peterson puts it, “the unforced rhythms of grace”.
If we want to see a human being fully alive we need look no further. Jesus is that person, living without guile, malice, cowardice, fear, utterly bonded to his heavenly Father.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Hundreds enjoy North’s first drive-in country music concert

Hundreds of revellers have packed a football ground for Northern Ireland ’ s first drive-in country music concert .
The socially distanced gathering at Ballymena Showgrounds in Co Antrim drew around 400 vehicles on Friday evening .
The first show sold out in less than half an hour , and a second is planned for Saturday evening .
It was supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council .
Country fans were able to listen with their left windows down , sunroof open or even through the car radio .
The event was staged in compliance with Stormont Covid-19 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the spread of the disease .
On-site toilets with controlled queuing were available .
Food providers served directly to cars to maintain social distancing and avoid queuing .
The live music industry has been devastated by the lockdown .
Sir Van Morrison , Snow Patrol and Ash are among almost 150 artists urging urgent financial support for Northern Ireland ’ s music industry to survive .
They have written a letter to the Department for Communities in Belfast .
Music venues shut in March .
Stormont ministers have not yet said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which serve food reopened on July 3rd .
Due to the restrictions , many will not schedule DJs or live music for some time.–PA

Philomena Begley performing for drive-in revellers, who have packed a football ground for Northern Ireland’s first drive in country music concert at Ballymena Showgrounds in Co Antrim. Photograph: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Hundreds of revellers have packed a football ground for Northern Ireland’s first drive-in country music concert.
The socially distanced gathering at Ballymena Showgrounds in Co Antrim drew around 400 vehicles on Friday evening.
The Farmers Bash Country Drive-In featured stars Derek Ryan, Marty Mone and Philomena Begley.
Drive-in revellers, who have packed a football ground for Northern Ireland’s first drive in country music concert at Ballymena Showgrounds in C Antrim. PA Photo. Photograph: Paul Faith/PA Wire
The first show sold out in less than half an hour, and a second is planned for Saturday evening.
READ MORE
It was supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Drive-in revellers, who have packed a football ground for Northern Ireland’s first drive in country music concert at Ballymena Showgrounds in C Antrim. PA Photo. Photograph: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Country fans were able to listen with their left windows down, sunroof open or even through the car radio.
The event was staged in compliance with Stormont Covid-19 restrictions which limit the size of outdoor gatherings to reduce the spread of the disease.
On-site toilets with controlled queuing were available.
Food providers served directly to cars to maintain social distancing and avoid queuing.
The live music industry has been devastated by the lockdown.
Sir Van Morrison, Snow Patrol and Ash are among almost 150 artists urging urgent financial support for Northern Ireland’s music industry to survive.
They have written a letter to the Department for Communities in Belfast.
Music venues shut in March. Stormont ministers have not yet said when live performances can resume. Pubs which serve food reopened on July 3rd.
Due to the restrictions, many will not schedule DJs or live music for some time.–PA


theirishtimes--2020-07-03--Revenue dogs find €69,000 of drugs labelled as board games, kitchen supplies, clothing

Sniffer dogs at Dublin ’ s Mail Centre uncovered almost €69,000 worth of drugs hidden in packages labelled as board @ @ @ @ @ jewellery and clothing .
Revenue said the operation was carried out on Friday with the @ @ @ @ @ and Sam .
Together they uncovered more than 3.4 kg of cannabis resin which had @ @ @ @ @ various addresses in Dublin , Kildare , Cork and Waterford .
The eight separate packages @ @ @ @ @ the US , Canada and Spain .
In a separate operation earlier this week , @ @ @ @ @ profiling , Revenue officers seized over 24,600 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort .
The @ @ @ @ @ estimated retail value of over €94,000 represented a tax loss to the Exchequer of €45,500 @ @ @ @ @ a foreign registered truck that disembarked a ferry from France .
Investigations are ongoing with @ @ @ @ @ Revenue said .

Revenue customs detector dog Bailey who helped uncover tens of thousands of euro worth of cannabis resin on its way to Irish addresses. Photograph: Revenue.
Sniffer dogs at Dublin’s Mail Centre uncovered almost €69,000 worth of drugs hidden in packages labelled as board games, kitchen supplies, jewellery and clothing.
Revenue said the operation was carried out on Friday with the help of detector dogs Bailey and Sam.
Together they uncovered more than 3.4 kg of cannabis resin which had been on its way to various addresses in Dublin, Kildare, Cork and Waterford.
The eight separate packages originated in the Netherlands, the US, Canada and Spain.
READ MORE
In a separate operation earlier this week, as a result of routine profiling, Revenue officers seized over 24,600 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort.
The smuggled alcohol, with an estimated retail value of over €94,000 represented a tax loss to the Exchequer of €45,500.
It had arrived in a foreign registered truck that disembarked a ferry from France. Investigations are ongoing with a view to prosecution, Revenue said.