theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Masks to be worn in schools when 2m cannot be maintained

Secondary school students and primary and post-primary teachers will be required to wear face coverings in class when a physical distance of 2m can not be maintained , according to new Department of Education guidance .
On Friday , Minister for Education Norma Foley issued an update on the roadmap for reopening schools at the end of the summer .
The updated guidelines state that teachers and second-level students should wear face coverings , similar to those worn in shops or on public transport , when a physical distance of 2m can not be maintained .
These face coverings worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the guidance adds .
All staff and students using the post-primary school transport service will be required to wear face coverings on the bus , the guidance states .
All special needs assistants ( SNAs ) will be required to wear face coverings or , in certain situations , clear visors in the classroom , and other staff such as bus escorts who have close contact with students will be required to wear face coverings .
John Boyle , general secretary of the Irish National Teachers ’ Organisation ( INTO ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have the option of ordering face coverings centrally on the newly established Government procurement portal.
” Andy Pike , head of health at Fórsa trade union , welcomed proactive attitude to the use of face masks and visors .
“ This is a significant improvement on the earlier Government response , which sought to avoid the use of PPE [ personal protective equipment ] in schools , ” he said .
“ Fórsa sought and received confirmation that schools will be able to draw down and purchase adequate stocks of N75 face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 , ” he said .
Martin Marjoram , president of the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) , said it was “ vital ” that required resources be provided to schools as they prepared to reopen .
Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) general secretary Kieran Christie said : “ Keeping schools open must be the priority , and this means minimising the risk of transmission within classrooms and other learning environments.
” Meanwhile , the Teaching Council said it was introducing a “ range of interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers available to fill vacancies , including supervision and substitution roles , to support the reopening of schools for the upcoming school year .
The council said there were 106,000 qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council , and an estimated 6,000 of those are not fully deployed in schools and may be available for substitution and supervision .
The council said it would be contacting this potential grouping directly to encourage their participation in supporting the return to school .

It is now recommended that teachers and secondary school students wear face coverings. Photograph: iStock
Secondary school students and primary and post-primary teachers will be required to wear face coverings in class when a physical distance of 2m cannot be maintained, according to new Department of Education guidance.
On Friday, Minister for Education Norma Foley issued an update on the roadmap for reopening schools at the end of the summer.
The updated guidelines state that teachers and second-level students should wear face coverings, similar to those worn in shops or on public transport, when a physical distance of 2m cannot be maintained.
These face coverings worn should be reusable and washed once daily, the guidance adds. All staff and students using the post-primary school transport service will be required to wear face coverings on the bus, the guidance states.
READ MORE
All special needs assistants (SNAs) will be required to wear face coverings or, in certain situations, clear visors in the classroom, and other staff such as bus escorts who have close contact with students will be required to wear face coverings.
John Boyle, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has welcomed the updated guidelines. "Schools will have the option of ordering face coverings centrally on the newly established Government procurement portal."
‘Significant improvement’
Andy Pike, head of health at Fórsa trade union, welcomed proactive attitude to the use of face masks and visors. "This is a significant improvement on the earlier Government response, which sought to avoid the use of PPE [personal protective equipment] in schools," he said.
“Fórsa sought and received confirmation that schools will be able to draw down and purchase adequate stocks of N75 face masks, which protect against the contraction of Covid-19,” he said.
Martin Marjoram, president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI), said it was "vital" that required resources be provided to schools as they prepared to reopen.
Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) general secretary Kieran Christie said: "Keeping schools open must be the priority, and this means minimising the risk of transmission within classrooms and other learning environments."
Meanwhile, the Teaching Council said it was introducing a "range of interventions" to increase the supply of registered teachers available to fill vacancies, including supervision and substitution roles, to support the reopening of schools for the upcoming school year.
The council said there were 106,000 qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council, and an estimated 6,000 of those are not fully deployed in schools and may be available for substitution and supervision.
The council said it would be contacting this potential grouping directly to encourage their participation in supporting the return to school.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Main points: What restrictions have been imposed on Kildare, Offaly and Laois?

The Cabinet on Friday approved a series of specific restrictions for counties Kildare , Offaly and Laois in response to a sharp increase in cases of Covid-19 in these areas .
Over the past 14 days 292 cases of the virus have arisen in Kildare , Laois and Offaly .
These represent almost half of all cases detected in Ireland during that time .
The measures , which were recommended by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) , were confirmed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin .
The measures are set to come into force at midnight and last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points of the new restrictions for the midlands Travel and transport Residents of Kildare , Offaly and Laois can only travel within their own county , other than for the following reasons : • To travel to and from work where that work can not be done from home ; • To attend medical appointments , collect medicines and other health products ; • For vital family reasons , like providing care to children , elderly or vulnerable people , but excluding social family visits ; • For farming purposes , food production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked not to travel into any of these counties , other than for the reasons above , and you need to travel through these counties to get somewhere else .
People are asked not stop in Kildare , Laois or Offaly during a journey unless for essential purposes .
Public and private transport Residents of these counties should not use public transport unless it is absolutely necessary .
And where possible they should not share private vehicles with others from outside their household .
Economic activity and work Anyone in these counties who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
Cafes and restaurants All cafes and restaurants , including bars operating as restaurants , should only offer takeaway or delivery , or outdoor dining ( maximum 15 people with strict physical distancing ) .
Otherwise they should close .
Hotels can remain open but must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons .
Existing guests can remain for the duration of their booking .
Indoor gatherings All indoor gatherings should be restricted to a maximum of six people from no more than three households , while maintaining physical distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a maximum of 15 people , while maintaining physical distancing .
Cultural events and religious services All cinemas , theatres , casinos , betting shops , bingo halls , gyms , leisure centres , swimming pools , exercise and dance studios must close at midnight .
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or cremation ceremony should be limited to 25 outdoors .
Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of six people .
Places of worship remain open for private prayer , while services are to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or matches should take place , with the following exemptions : • Non-contact training outdoors in a maximum group of 15 people may continue ; • Professional and elite sports and horseracing may continue behind closed doors ; • Inter-county training ( maximum 15 people ) and fixtures may continue behind closed doors .
Residential and healthcare facilities Visiting in long-term residential care facilities , acute settings and prisons will generally be suspended in the first instance with the exception of the most critical and compassionate circumstances ( for example end of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years or medically vulnerable The over 70s or medically vulnerable are advised to exercise individual judgement , and to stay at home as much as possible , and limit interactions to a very small network for short periods of time , while remaining physically distanced .

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlines the new measures that will come into effect as a two-week local lockdown is announced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region. Video: Virgin Media News
The Cabinet on Friday approved a series of specific restrictions for counties Kildare, Offaly and Laois in response to a sharp increase in cases of Covid-19 in these areas.
Over the past 14 days 292 cases of the virus have arisen in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. These represent almost half of all cases detected in Ireland during that time.
The measures, which were recommended by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), were confirmed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The measures are set to come into force at midnight and last for at least two weeks.
READ MORE
Main points of the new restrictions for the midlands
Travel and transport
Residents of Kildare, Offaly and Laois can only travel within their own county, other than for the following reasons:
To travel to and from work where that work cannot be done from home;
To attend medical appointments, collect medicines and other health products;
For vital family reasons, like providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, but excluding social family visits;
For farming purposes, food production or care of animals.
People are asked not to travel into any of these counties, other than for the reasons above, and you need to travel through these counties to get somewhere else.
People are asked not stop in Kildare, Laois or Offaly during a journey unless for essential purposes.
Public and private transport
Residents of these counties should not use public transport unless it is absolutely necessary. And where possible they should not share private vehicles with others from outside their household.
Economic activity and work
Anyone in these counties who can work from home should work from home.
Cafes and restaurants
All cafes and restaurants, including bars operating as restaurants, should only offer takeaway or delivery, or outdoor dining (maximum 15 people with strict physical distancing). Otherwise they should close.
Hotels can remain open but must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons. Existing guests can remain for the duration of their booking.
Indoor gatherings
All indoor gatherings should be restricted to a maximum of six people from no more than three households, while maintaining physical distancing.
Outdoor gatherings
Outdoor gatherings should be limited to a maximum of 15 people, while maintaining physical distancing.
Cultural events and religious services
All cinemas, theatres, casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, exercise and dance studios must close at midnight.
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or cremation ceremony should be limited to 25 outdoors. Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of six people.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer, while services are to be held online.
Sport
No sporting events or matches should take place, with the following exemptions:
Non-contact training outdoors in a maximum group of 15 people may continue;
Professional and elite sports and horseracing may continue behind closed doors;
Inter-county training (maximum 15 people) and fixtures may continue behind closed doors.
Residential and healthcare facilities
Visiting in long-term residential care facilities, acute settings and prisons will generally be suspended in the first instance with the exception of the most critical and compassionate circumstances (for example end of life).
Advice for those over 70 years or medically vulnerable
The over 70s or medically vulnerable are advised to exercise individual judgement, and to stay at home as much as possible, and limit interactions to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Inclusive new East Belfast GAA club unbowed by bomb alerts

A number of bomb alerts did not deter the newly formed East Belfast GAA club from pressing on with its first hurling game this week .
The message from the club , which has a strong cross-community ethos , was : “ Our door remains open , to all.
” That is reflected in its logo , which is a black hand of Ulster and the yellow Samson and Goliath cranes of Harland & Wolff in east Belfast , as well as in its motto , “ Together ” , written in English , Irish and Ulster-Scots .
The club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low profile and refraining from comment at the moment but its president , Linda Ervine , in a social media post , acknowledged that Thursday , the day of the match , “ didn ’ t get off to a good start ” as a result of the incidents .
But , she added , it “ ended on a high ” after its senior hurling game in the Betsy Gray Shield competition against Warrenpoint went ahead as planned in east Belfast .
Warrenpoint won 2-17 to 1-14 , which as far as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loyalist background , was concerned was a very creditable result , particularly for a first outing , particularly for east Belfast – which , as Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh might say , is not a “ hurling stronghold ” .
“ Tús maith a chairde ( a great start , friends ) , ” enthused Ms Ervine , who is sister-in-law of the late Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine .
On Friday the PSNI was continuing to question a 54-year-old man about security alerts over Wednesday and Thursday that were suspected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following a search of a house in the Braniel area of east Belfast on Thursday night , he was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences , including possessing and making explosives in suspicious circumstances , and of intimidation , The man was taken into custody in connection with a security alert at the Henry Jones playing fields , where East Belfast GAA team members were training on Wednesday , and in connection with two further alerts in east and west Belfast on Thursday .
As the club does not yet have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses public fields in east Belfast to train .
Its game against Warrenpoint was played on the pitch of Our Lady and St Patrick ’ s College at Knock in east Belfast .
Three cars , two in east Belfast and one in west Belfast , together with three items that were placed on them , were recovered for further forensic analysis , police said .
“ We believe these incidents , which are being treated as sectarian hate crimes , are linked , ” said Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Belfast GAA club , or anyone else who had a parked vehicle at the playing fields or surrounding area to check on and around their vehicle and report anything suspicious immediately to police , ” he added .
Naturally , all this has caused disquiet at the club .
But it hasn ’ t weakened their resolve .
It posted a few tweets about the incident but later far , far more postings about how the game against Warrenpoint was progressing , focusing on the sport and accentuating the positive .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to all ” and pledged to continue to develop as a fledgling GAA club , the first in east Belfast since very early in the Troubles .
It thanked the PSNI and its “ playing members , who behaved impeccably during the situation ” .
“ The creation and maintenance of a safe environment for sport to be played by all and the safety of our members whilst playing remains a priority for us all , ” it added .
“ The club intends to continue to work with the police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public at large , whose support we have enjoyed on a daily basis , to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of our members and patrons .
”

A number of bomb alerts did not deter the newly formed East Belfast GAA club from pressing on with its first hurling game this week.
The message from the club, which has a strong cross-community ethos, was: “Our door remains open, to all.”
That is reflected in its logo, which is a black hand of Ulster and the yellow Samson and Goliath cranes of Harland & Wolff in east Belfast, as well as in its motto, “Together”, written in English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.
The club, possibly wisely, is keeping a low profile and refraining from comment at the moment but its president, Linda Ervine, in a social media post, acknowledged that Thursday, the day of the match, "didn't get off to a good start" as a result of the incidents.
READ MORE
But, she added, it "ended on a high" after its senior hurling game in the Betsy Gray Shield competition against Warrenpoint went ahead as planned in east Belfast.
Warrenpoint won 2-17 to 1-14, which as far as Ms Ervine, an Irish-language enthusiast from a loyalist background, was concerned was a very creditable result, particularly for a first outing, particularly for east Belfast – which, as Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh might say, is not a “hurling stronghold”.
"Tús maith a chairde (a great start, friends)," enthused Ms Ervine, who is sister-in-law of the late Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine.
On Friday the PSNI was continuing to question a 54-year-old man about security alerts over Wednesday and Thursday that were suspected of being aimed at the new club.
Following a search of a house in the Braniel area of east Belfast on Thursday night, he was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including possessing and making explosives in suspicious circumstances, and of intimidation,
The man was taken into custody in connection with a security alert at the Henry Jones playing fields, where East Belfast GAA team members were training on Wednesday, and in connection with two further alerts in east and west Belfast on Thursday.
As the club does not yet have a club house or premises it frequently uses public fields in east Belfast to train. Its game against Warrenpoint was played on the pitch of Our Lady and St Patrick’s College at Knock in east Belfast.
Forensic analysis
Three cars, two in east Belfast and one in west Belfast, together with three items that were placed on them, were recovered for further forensic analysis, police said.
“We believe these incidents, which are being treated as sectarian hate crimes, are linked,” said Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts.
“I am urging anyone who was training with East Belfast GAA club, or anyone else who had a parked vehicle at the playing fields or surrounding area to check on and around their vehicle and report anything suspicious immediately to police,” he added.
Naturally, all this has caused disquiet at the club. But it hasn’t weakened their resolve. It posted a few tweets about the incident but later far, far more postings about how the game against Warrenpoint was progressing, focusing on the sport and accentuating the positive.
The club emphasised how its door remained "open to all" and pledged to continue to develop as a fledgling GAA club, the first in east Belfast since very early in the Troubles.
It thanked the PSNI and its “playing members, who behaved impeccably during the situation”.
“The creation and maintenance of a safe environment for sport to be played by all and the safety of our members whilst playing remains a priority for us all,” it added.
“The club intends to continue to work with the police, the community in east Belfast, and the public at large, whose support we have enjoyed on a daily basis, to ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of our members and patrons.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Coronavirus in Ireland: Four more deaths and 98 new cases reported

Another four people with coronavirus in Ireland have died , according to the National Public Health Emergency Team , bringing @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , 98 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been notified , bringing @ @ @ @ @ infections to 26,470 .
This is the highest one day rise in new confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ expected , more than 60 of the new cases have come from the midlands with @ @ @ @ @ , 26 in Offaly , five in Laois , six in Wexford and five in @ @ @ @ @ cases are spread across ten other counties ; Carlow , Cavan , Donegal , Kilkenny @ @ @ @ @ Meath , Monaghan , Westmeath and Wicklow .
Of the new cases confirmed today 57 @ @ @ @ @ women and 68 per cent are under 45 years of age .

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, and Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE at the media briefing on Thursday. Photograph: Collins
Another four people with coronavirus in Ireland have died, according to the National Public Health Emergency Team, bringing the national total at 1,772.
In addition, 98 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been notified, bringing the total number of Irish infections to 26,470.
This is the highest one day rise in new confirmed cases since May 22nd.
As expected, more than 60 of the new cases have come from the midlands with 35 cases reported in Kildare, 26 in Offaly, five in Laois, six in Wexford and five in Dublin.
READ MORE
The remaining 21 cases are spread across ten other counties; Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow.
Of the new cases confirmed today 57 are men and 38 are women and 68 per cent are under 45 years of age.
More to follow.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Northern Ireland says total coronavirus-linked deaths now 855

There was just one coronavirus death in the North in the week to the end of July bringing the total number of fatalities to 855 , the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) reported on Friday .
Nisra said of this total , 449 deaths ( 52.5 per cent ) took place in hospital , 349 ( 40.8 per cent ) in care homes , eight ( 0.9 per cent ) in hospices and 49 ( 5.7 per cent ) at residential addresses or other locations .
The 357 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department of Health again reported no new Covid-19 deaths in its daily bulletin published on Friday afternoon , leaving its total at 556 .
It reported 15 new cases of Covid-19 , taking the total of confirmed cases to 6,064 .
So far 153,106 people have been tested for the virus .
The department figures differ from the Nisra statistics in that they mainly relate to deaths in hospital Nisra said over the last 18 weeks , 1,031 ‘ excess deaths ’ ( deaths above the average for the corresponding period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland , with the number of ‘ excess deaths ’ this year up to July 31st at 772 .
People aged 75 and over accounted for 80.1 per cent of all coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland .

Northern Ireland’s Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) includes deaths in hospital, care homes, hospices and at residential addresses or other locations in its total. Photograph: Getty
There was just one coronavirus death in the North in the week to the end of July bringing the total number of fatalities to 855, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) reported on Friday.
Nisra said of this total, 449 deaths (52.5 per cent) took place in hospital, 349 (40.8 per cent) in care homes, eight (0.9 per cent) in hospices and 49 (5.7 per cent) at residential addresses or other locations.
The 357 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments.
The North's Department of Health again reported no new Covid-19 deaths in its daily bulletin published on Friday afternoon, leaving its total at 556.
READ MORE
It reported 15 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total of confirmed cases to 6,064. So far 153,106 people have been tested for the virus.
The department figures differ from the Nisra statistics in that they mainly relate to deaths in hospital
Nisra said over the last 18 weeks, 1,031 ‘excess deaths’ (deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years) were registered in Northern Ireland, with the number of ‘excess deaths’ this year up to July 31st at 772.
People aged 75 and over accounted for 80.1 per cent of all coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Cork Luas: Consultants appointed to draw up initial designs

Consultants have been appointed to come up with initial designs for an east-west Cork Luas line from Ballincollig to Mahon Point .
Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII ) and the National Transport Authority ( NTA ) announced that Jacobs Engineering had been awarded the contract to analyse route options and develop initial designs for the light rail , which is also an objective of the the Cork Metropolitan Area Draft Transport Strategy 2040 .
The proposed Luas scheme will provide “ a high-capacity , high-frequency public transport link from the eastern to the western suburbs ” .
It will link @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University Hospital , University College Cork , Kent station , the docklands and Mahon with the city centre as well as the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park .
While the consultants have just been appointed to analyse route options , they are likely to be closely aligned with the Metropolitan Area Draft Transport Strategy , which predicts a five-minute service calling at 25 stops across 17km and carrying up to 46 million passengers .
The journey time from Ballincollig to Mahon is expected to be 47 minutes , while the expected travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 minutes .
TII chief executive Michael Nolan said light rail had proven itself in many cities , including Dublin , and TII was very enthusiastic about the project in Cork .
NTA chief executive Anne Graham said it was clear there was overwhelming support among elected representatives in Cork for the measures contained in the transport strategy .
“ It was also clear to us that if the strategy is to remain a credible document in the eyes of people in Cork , it is essential that progress is made on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than later ” she said .

The journey time from Ballincollig to Mahon is expected to be 47 minutes. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Consultants have been appointed to come up with initial designs for an east-west Cork Luas line from Ballincollig to Mahon Point.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced that Jacobs Engineering had been awarded the contract to analyse route options and develop initial designs for the light rail, which is also an objective of the the Cork Metropolitan Area Draft Transport Strategy 2040 .
The proposed Luas scheme will provide “a high-capacity, high-frequency public transport link from the eastern to the western suburbs”.
It will link the Cork Institute of Technology, Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Kent station, the docklands and Mahon with the city centre as well as the proposed Cork Science and Innovation Park.
READ MORE
While the consultants have just been appointed to analyse route options, they are likely to be closely aligned with the Metropolitan Area Draft Transport Strategy, which predicts a five-minute service calling at 25 stops across 17km and carrying up to 46 million passengers.
The journey time from Ballincollig to Mahon is expected to be 47 minutes, while the expected travel time from Patrick Street to Mahon is 20 minutes.
TII chief executive Michael Nolan said light rail had proven itself in many cities, including Dublin, and TII was very enthusiastic about the project in Cork.
NTA chief executive Anne Graham said it was clear there was overwhelming support among elected representatives in Cork for the measures contained in the transport strategy.
“It was also clear to us that if the strategy is to remain a credible document in the eyes of people in Cork, it is essential that progress is made on the delivery of the key elements, sooner rather than later” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Second Midlands GAA club shuts down activity after outbreak among players

A GAA club close to the Midlands meat factory that has Covid-19 outbreaks has shut down all activity after a small outbreak of the disease among players .
Timahoe GAA club in Co Laois was forced to abandon an intermediate match against Crettyard on Thursday evening after two hurling players - who play in a joint team with Timahoe and neighbouring Park and Ratheniska - tested positive for coronavirus .
It is understood one of the players works for The Kildare Chilling Company meat plant in Kildare town .
Management at the company , which employs 350 people , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” at the factory but declined to disclose the exact figure .
It is also understood none of the players at the Timahoe club worked at the Brady ’ s Ham plant , which has shut down all processing after a huge outbreak , infecting more than a quarter of its staff .
Some 26 players at the Timahoe club have been tested , and the results of some are still pending .
All players who have been tested have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days .
One of those infected had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is understood .
It is the second GAA club in the Midlands to suspend all activity over Covid-19 within days of each other amid the meat factory clusters .
Ballinabrackey GAA club in Co Meath confirmed one positive case among its players .
“ We have and continue to follow all relevant guidelines and protocol from the HSE and GAA , ” it said in a statement .
“ We would request understanding in the current situation and a level of respect to both the individual and the club.
” Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which remains shut down for a second week after at least 30 to 40 cases were confirmed at the plant is to reopen on a “ phased ” basis on Monday .
A company spokesman refused to disclose the total number of staff who have tested positive to date for the virus but said all employees were tested and have been provided with “ appropriate advice ” .
“ In the period while the facility was closed , it has undergone a thorough deep clean , ” he said .
“ Our current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is to commence a phased re-opening of the facility on Monday 10th , August.
” Workers are to undergo “ additional return to work Covid awareness training ” while “ all who have tested positive will have return to work consultations with our company doctor .
”

Timahoe GAA club in Co Laois was forced to abandon an intermediate match on Thursday after two hurling players tested positive for coronavirus. Photograph: iStock
A GAA club close to the Midlands meat factory that has Covid-19 outbreaks has shut down all activity after a small outbreak of the disease among players.
Timahoe GAA club in Co Laois was forced to abandon an intermediate match against Crettyard on Thursday evening after two hurling players - who play in a joint team with Timahoe and neighbouring Park and Ratheniska - tested positive for coronavirus.
It is understood one of the players works for The Kildare Chilling Company meat plant in Kildare town.
Management at the company, which employs 350 people, has confirmed a “number of Covid-19 cases” at the factory but declined to disclose the exact figure.
READ MORE
It is also understood none of the players at the Timahoe club worked at the Brady’s Ham plant, which has shut down all processing after a huge outbreak, infecting more than a quarter of its staff.
Some 26 players at the Timahoe club have been tested, and the results of some are still pending.
All players who have been tested have been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
One of those infected had mild symptoms and the other was asymptomatic, it is understood.
It is the second GAA club in the Midlands to suspend all activity over Covid-19 within days of each other amid the meat factory clusters.
Ballinabrackey GAA club in Co Meath confirmed one positive case among its players.
“We have and continue to follow all relevant guidelines and protocol from the HSE and GAA,” it said in a statement.
“We would request understanding in the current situation and a level of respect to both the individual and the club.”
Irish Dog Goods to reopen
Meanwhile, Irish Dog Foods in Naas, which remains shut down for a second week after at least 30 to 40 cases were confirmed at the plant is to reopen on a “phased” basis on Monday.
A company spokesman refused to disclose the total number of staff who have tested positive to date for the virus but said all employees were tested and have been provided with “appropriate advice”.
“In the period while the facility was closed, it has undergone a thorough deep clean,” he said.
“Our current plan, in consultation with the HSE, is to commence a phased re-opening of the facility on Monday 10th, August.”
Workers are to undergo “additional return to work Covid awareness training” while “all who have tested positive will have return to work consultations with our company doctor.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Midlands lockdown: Movement restrictions in place for residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly

Residents of Kildare , Laois and Offaly face limits on their movement for at least two weeks as part of a series of new restrictions in these areas in a bid to control a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said cafes , restaurants and pubs in these three counties will close from midnight for two weeks as well as cinemas , theatres and museums .
There will be no sporting events or matches and all gyms will close .
People in the three affected counties will only be allowed travel within their own county , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointments , or for family reasons .
There will be an exemption for those who need to travel for farming reasons .
There will be no travel into the three counties other than for work , medical reasons or other essential reasons like farming .
Those who need to get to other destinations through those counties will be able to do so but will be asked not to stop while travelling through these counties .
Garda checkpoints will be placed in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly to ensure people do not flout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regulations were expected to be drawn up over the weekend by the Department of Health which would again give gardaí the power to arrest people who breach the travel restrictions and who refuse to comply when stopped at a checkpoint .
Minister for Health Simon Donnelly said regulations are being put together to enforce the new restrictions .
He said there would be Garda checkpoints in the three counties although he said “ we will succeed by solidarity.
” The regulations will apply from Sunday night onwards , he said .
Click here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed The Department of Health on Friday reported another four deaths and 98 new cases - bringing the total number of deaths in Ireland to 1,772 , and the number of confirmed cases to 26,470 .
Mr Martin has said the extraordinary lockdown of the three Leinster counties where there have been alarming increases in cases in the past two weeks was done to prevent any widespread return of the virus .
In a live address on RTÉ News at 6pm , he said : “ Over the past week there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious concern .
“ I want to be very clear that the Government is determined to do everything possible to prevent the return of widespread transmission of the virus ” he said .
Speaking from Government Buildings , Mr Martin said the “ process of reopening is not simple .
It is not a case of moving forward step by step ” .
Mr Martin said he understood the increasing impatience that many people feel .
“ There is a huge desire to get back to normal life.
” However , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deep and urgent threat , which is merciless and unrelenting ” .
Mr Martin said : “ While the burden of the decision falls heaviest on the three counties of Kildare , Laois and Offaly , the message needs to be understood everywhere in Ireland .
There is nothing inevitable about keeping the disease under control.
” Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said on Friday evening that he was not in a position to offer guarantees that the partial restrictions would be lifted in two weeks ’ time .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to stop community transmission before it can take hold .
“ While I know the next two weeks are going to be difficult for many , we need to continue to work together.
” He said he was not surprised that people are angry and disappointed and said the reality is that the virus spread quite quickly in these counties .
“ We felt really at this point we had to move.
” He said there were significant clusters in these areas as opposed to community transmission but that it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community transmission if action was not taken .
On the issue of meat factories and concerns about the working conditions of workers there , Dr Glynn said dedicated outbreak control teams have been put in place over recent months and that “ it did appear that things had come under control ” .
In terms of factories , Dr Glynn said two of the factories have over 80 cases .
The dog food factory in Naas has just over 50 cases .
“ We do know the people working in these facilities often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , and within the factories they work very closely together .
Many of the environments are loud so people are shouting .
There are a whole range of factors that lead to these sectors being high risk , ” he said .
Political representatives in the three counties affected by a two week lockdown have responded with a mixture of shock and anger at the decision .
Dáil deputies representing Kildare , Laois and Offaly from across the political spectrum have called for emergency funding for businesses impacted and have been highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies to the “ obvious ” risks of outbreaks in meat processing plants and direct provision centres .
Under the new measures announced this evening people living in the three counties are advised to avoid public transport , particularly those who are vulnerable .
Indoor gatherings will be restricted to six people .
Outdoor gatherings will be limited to around 15 people as long as strict social distancing can be maintained .
While restaurants and bars will have to close except for takeaway , those who can offer seats for 15 people outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing is maintained .
Hotels can remain open but must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons .
Existing guests can remain for the duration of their booking .
The Taoiseach said those who can work from home in this region should do so .
Shops will remain open but shoppers must wear masks .
All cinemas , theatres , casinos , betting shops , bingo halls , gyms , leisure centres , swimming pools , exercise and dance studios must close .
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors .
Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of 6 people .
Places of worship remain open for private prayer , while services are to be held online .
Prison visits , nursing home visits and hospital visits will also be suspended under the new regional lockdown plan with the exception of the most critical and compassionate circumstances ( for example end of life ) .
Meanwhile , a food processing plant in Co Kildare has announced further cases of coronavirus among its workers .
O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Timohoe facility at 9pm on Wednesday after 80 workers tested positive for coronavirus .
On Friday , the firm announced a further six cases of coronavirus have been detected , adding in a statement that the “ level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high ” .

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlines the new measures that will come into effect as a two-week local lockdown is announced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region. Video: Virgin Media News
Residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly face limits on their movement for at least two weeks as part of a series of new restrictions in these areas in a bid to control a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said cafes, restaurants and pubs in these three counties will close from midnight for two weeks as well as cinemas, theatres and museums. There will be no sporting events or matches and all gyms will close.
People in the three affected counties will only be allowed travel within their own county, unless it is for work or medical appointments, or for family reasons.
There will be an exemption for those who need to travel for farming reasons. There will be no travel into the three counties other than for work, medical reasons or other essential reasons like farming.
READ MORE
Those who need to get to other destinations through those counties will be able to do so but will be asked not to stop while travelling through these counties.
Garda checkpoints will be placed in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly to ensure people do not flout the restrictions, Garda sources said.
Regulations were expected to be drawn up over the weekend by the Department of Health which would again give gardaí the power to arrest people who breach the travel restrictions and who refuse to comply when stopped at a checkpoint.
Minister for Health Simon Donnelly said regulations are being put together to enforce the new restrictions. He said there would be Garda checkpoints in the three counties although he said “we will succeed by solidarity.” The regulations will apply from Sunday night onwards, he said.
[ Click here for the full list of the restrictions imposed ]
Extraordinary lockdown
The Department of Health on Friday reported another four deaths and 98 new cases - bringing the total number of deaths in Ireland to 1,772, and the number of confirmed cases to 26,470.
Mr Martin has said the extraordinary lockdown of the three Leinster counties where there have been alarming increases in cases in the past two weeks was done to prevent any widespread return of the virus.
In a live address on RTÉ News at 6pm, he said: "Over the past week there have been a number of localised clusters that are a serious concern.
“I want to be very clear that the Government is determined to do everything possible to prevent the return of widespread transmission of the virus” he said.
Speaking from Government Buildings, Mr Martin said the “process of reopening is not simple. It is not a case of moving forward step by step”.
Mr Martin said he understood the increasing impatience that many people feel. “There is a huge desire to get back to normal life.”
However, he added, the coronavirus pandemic presented “a deep and urgent threat, which is merciless and unrelenting”.
Mr Martin said: “While the burden of the decision falls heaviest on the three counties of Kildare, Laois and Offaly, the message needs to be understood everywhere in Ireland. There is nothing inevitable about keeping the disease under control.”
Working conditions in meat factories
Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said on Friday evening that he was not in a position to offer guarantees that the partial restrictions would be lifted in two weeks' time. He said the aim of acting at this point was to stop community transmission before it can take hold.
“While I know the next two weeks are going to be difficult for many, we need to continue to work together.”
He said he was not surprised that people are angry and disappointed and said the reality is that the virus spread quite quickly in these counties. “We felt really at this point we had to move.”
He said there were significant clusters in these areas as opposed to community transmission but that it would be “too late” to contain potential community transmission if action was not taken. On the issue of meat factories and concerns about the working conditions of workers there, Dr Glynn said dedicated outbreak control teams have been put in place over recent months and that “it did appear that things had come under control”. In terms of factories, Dr Glynn said two of the factories have over 80 cases. The dog food factory in Naas has just over 50 cases.
“We do know the people working in these facilities often live together, and travel to work together, and within the factories they work very closely together. Many of the environments are loud so people are shouting. There are a whole range of factors that lead to these sectors being high risk,”he said.
Political representatives in the three counties affected by a two week lockdown have responded with a mixture of shock and anger at the decision.
Dáil deputies representing Kildare, Laois and Offaly from across the political spectrum have called for emergency funding for businesses impacted and have been highly critical of the delayed response of State agencies to the “obvious” risks of outbreaks in meat processing plants and direct provision centres.
Restrictions
Under the new measures announced this evening people living in the three counties are advised to avoid public transport, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Indoor gatherings will be restricted to six people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to around 15 people as long as strict social distancing can be maintained.
While restaurants and bars will have to close except for takeaway, those who can offer seats for 15 people outside can do so as long as strict social distancing is maintained.
Hotels can remain open but must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons. Existing guests can remain for the duration of their booking.
The Taoiseach said those who can work from home in this region should do so.
Plans to reopen schools remain unchanged.
Shops will remain open but shoppers must wear masks. All cinemas, theatres, casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, exercise and dance studios must close.
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or cremation ceremony should be limited to 25 outdoors. Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of 6 people.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer, while services are to be held online.
Prison visits, nursing home visits and hospital visits will also be suspended under the new regional lockdown plan with the exception of the most critical and compassionate circumstances (for example end of life).
More cases
Meanwhile, a food processing plant in Co Kildare has announced further cases of coronavirus among its workers.
O’Brien Fine Foods said it stopped operations at its Timohoe facility at 9pm on Wednesday after 80 workers tested positive for coronavirus. On Friday, the firm announced a further six cases of coronavirus have been detected, adding in a statement that the “level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Gardaí cannot prosecute people who breach midlands movement restrictions

Gardaí can not take enforcement action against anyone from counties Kildare , Laois or Offaly if they decide to ignore the localised lockdown and travel outside their county .
This is because regulations signed into law this morning to give legal effect to the restrictions announced on Friday contain no penal sanctions for ignoring the movement restrictions .
As part of the restrictions announced by the Government on Friday , residents of these areas were advised not to travel outside their county unless for urgent reasons , such as to care for a relative , in a bid to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sharp spike in cases in these counties .
On Saturday Garda Headquarters outlined its policing of these restrictions and said there would be highly visible policing in place Kildare , Laois , Offaly and surrounding counties , as well as checkpoints and a permanent presence on relevant motorways and associated off ramps under Operation Fanacht .
While there would be additional gardaí drafted into these three counties , supplemented by personnel from the nine surrounding counties , Garda Headquarters said there was “ no enforcement element to Operation Fanacht ” .
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed into force on Saturday in relation to the midlands lockdown , including measures stating people from the three counties “ shall not ” travel outside their home county , unless they have an urgent or work-related reason .
However , that provision is not enforceable under law .
This contrasts with the enforcement under previous phases of lockdown since the outbreak of Covid19 in the Republic when measures restricting the movements of people outside a specified radius of their homes ; of either 2km , 5km and then 20km , were supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were stopped at Garda checkpoints and found further from home that the allowed distances , without a reasonable excuse , they were told to cease their journey and return home .
If they refused to comply with that direction , they could be arrested , or their name and contact details taken , and a criminal process could commence against them .
However , under the new regulations relating to the lockdown for Kildare , Laois or Offaly , the measures instructing people to stay in their home counties , unless they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain a penal sanction .
Senior Garda sources said it appeared the Government and Garda Headquarters had opted for light touch enforcement of the movement restrictions and would rely on people taking personal responsibility and responding to requests from officers .
Garda checkpoints have been set up in the three counties to deter people making unnecessary journeys and encourage them not to do so , the source said .
Only two aspects of the new regulations in relation to Kildare , Laois and Offaly are “ penal ” provisions , meaning they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of arrest and prosecution .
The Irish Times has learned that enforcement is possible against businesses which breach the new measures and also against people found to be organising public gatherings in breach of the measures .
These include organising events in a manner that breaches the regulations and allowing members of the public access to premises where such access is not permitted for the duration of the two-week lockdown .
If people breach these provisions a criminal process could be commenced against them , which could result in conviction before the courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment up to six months .
This has been made clear in briefing material being distributed within the Garda .
Cinemas , theatres , casinos , betting shops , bingo halls , gyms , leisure centres , swimming pools , exercise and dance studios are required to close .
Cafes , restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants have been told to close their premises to the public but can still operate a takeaway service or have outdoor dining for a maximum of 15 people , with strict social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any additional tourist guests but existing guests can remain and new guests can be facilitated if they need accommodation for “ essential non-social and non-tourist reasons ” .
Members of the public are also not permitted for visit long-term residential care facilities , acute settings and prisons , save for critical and compassionate reasons , including end of life situations .
In response to the policing of the new restrictions on the three counties , Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has extended the “ Covid19 contingency rosters ” in An Garda Síochána until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emergency measure of organising most members of the Garda to work 12-hour shifts - four days on , four days off - will remain until at least December 31st .
“ This decision takes account of outside events in relation to the Covid19 situation , where the numbers testing positive in the population have been increasing in recent days , ” correspondence from Garda Headquarters to the Garda staff associations stated of the rosters that have increased Garda man hours by 25 per cent .

Gardaí cannot take enforcement action against anyone from counties Kildare, Laois or Offaly if they decide to ignore the localised lockdown and travel outside their county because regulations signed into law on Saturday provide no penal sanctions for ignoring the movement restrictions.
As part of the restrictions announced by the Government on Friday, residents of these areas were advised not to travel outside their county unless for urgent reasons, such as to care for a relative, in a bid to limit the possible spread of Covid-19, following a sharp spike in cases in these counties.
On Saturday Garda Headquarters outlined its policing of these restrictions and said there would be highly visible policing in place Kildare, Laois, Offaly and surrounding counties, as well as checkpoints and a permanent presence on relevant motorways and associated off ramps under Operation Fanacht.
While there would be additional gardaí drafted into these three counties, supplemented by personnel from the nine surrounding counties, Garda Headquarters said there was “no enforcement element to Operation Fanacht”.
READ MORE
New regulations under the Health Act 1947 were signed into force on Saturday in relation to the midlands lockdown, including measures stating people from the three counties “shall not” travel outside their home county, unless they have an urgent or work-related reason.
However, that provision is not enforceable under law.
This contrasts with the enforcement under previous phases of lockdown since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the Republic when measures restricting the movements of people outside a specified radius of their homes; of either 2km, 5km and then 20km, were supported by penal provisions.
That meant when people were stopped at Garda checkpoints and found further from home that the allowed distances, without a reasonable excuse, they were told to cease their journey and return home.
If they refused to comply with that direction, they could be arrested, or their name and contact details taken, and a criminal process could commence against them.
However, under the new regulations relating to the lockdown for Kildare, Laois or Offaly, the measures instructing people to stay in their home counties, unless they have a reasonable excuse, do not contain a penal sanction.
Senior Garda sources said it appeared the Government and Garda Headquarters had opted for light touch enforcement of the movement restrictions and would rely on people taking personal responsibility and responding to requests from officers.
Garda checkpoints have been set up in the three counties to deter people making unnecessary journeys and encourage them not to do so, the source said.
Only two aspects of the new regulations in relation to Kildare, Laois and Offaly are “penal” provisions, meaning they can be enforced by the Garda by means of arrest and prosecution.
The Irish Times has learned that enforcement is possible against businesses which breach the new measures and also against people found to be organising public gatherings in breach of the measures.
These include organising events in a manner that breaches the regulations and allowing members of the public access to premises where such access is not permitted for the duration of the two-week lockdown.
If people breach these provisions a criminal process could be commenced against them, which could result in conviction before the courts punishable by a fine of up to €2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment up to six months.
This has been made clear in briefing material being distributed within the Garda.
Cinemas, theatres, casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, exercise and dance studios are required to close.
Cafes, restaurants and pubs operating as restaurants have been told to close their premises to the public but can still operate a takeaway service or have outdoor dining for a maximum of 15 people, with strict social distance.
Hotels cannot take in any additional tourist guests but existing guests can remain and new guests can be facilitated if they need accommodation for “essential non-social and non-tourist reasons”.
Members of the public are also not permitted to visit long-term residential care facilities, acute settings and prisons, save for critical and compassionate reasons, including end of life situations.
In response to the policing of the new restrictions on the three counties, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has extended the "Covid-19 contingency rosters" in An Garda Síochána until the end of the year.
This means the emergency measure of organising most members of the Garda to work 12-hour shifts - four days on, four days off - will remain until at least December 31st.
“This decision takes account of outside events in relation to the Covid-19 situation, where the numbers testing positive in the population have been increasing in recent days,” correspondence from Garda Headquarters to the Garda staff associations stated of the rosters that have increased Garda man hours by 25 per cent.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Midlands lockdown Q&A: Firstly, is it a lockdown or not?

Firstly , is it a lockdown or not ?
Well , that depends on who you ask .
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly insists it is not a lockdown and residents of counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly are simply being asked to restrict non-work to within those three counties , and minimise gatherings , with homes allowed no more than six people from no more than three households .
“ The vast amount of businesses are staying open , the vast amount of social life is going to continue , so the measures are proportionate , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are warning of “ an economic meltdown ” in the midlands as a result of the restrictions .
They have complained that the Government did not consult with them before imposing the measures as of midnight on Friday .
As well as the travel and gathering restrictions , restaurants and pubs serving food have been ordered to close , apart from takeaway services , deliveries and limited outdoor dining .
Indoor entertainment and sport venues such as cinemas , theatres , museums , galleries and bingo halls have also been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many hotels will also likely close .
More than a 1,000 jobs will be lost just in Co Kildare alone , according to Allan Shine , chief executive of County Kildare Chamber , who said mass community testing should have been carried out first to see if there was a need for the tightened restrictions .
Has he got a point ?
Not according to the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) .
In its advice to the Cabinet , which informed the latest restrictions , it said the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ” to curb the surge in Covid-19 transmissions in the three counties .
There has been “ several significant and large clusters ” in the region , particularly among the under 45 years age group , and there is a “ real risk ” that it may spread “ much more widely ” over the coming days and weeks into the wider community and those more vulnerable to the disease .
To make its point , it noted the number of confirmed cases per population for coronavirus in Ireland over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Kildare , that figure is 61.6 per 100,000 ; in Laois it is 62.6 per 100,000 ; and in Offaly it is 46.2 per 100,000 .
There have been 150 new confirmed infections in Kildare over the past two weeks ; 55 in Laois ; and 36 in Offaly .
Why are those counties bucking the national trend ?
Outbreaks at meat factories and direct provision centres are a key factor .
More than a quarter of the staff at the O ’ Briens Fine Food plant in Timahoe , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them asymptomatic .
There have been further outbreaks at the Kildare Chilling Company meat plant in Kildare Town and Irish Dog Foods in Naas .
Former minister for justice and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan said testing at meat factories should have been “ ramped up weeks ago ” .
Will the movement restrictions be policed the same as during the national lockdown ?
Apparently not .
Gardaí are setting up highly visible checkpoints and will ask people to return home if they are suspected of being in breach of the regulations .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers would be drafted in from surrounding counties .
An Garda said it was deploying a graduated policing response in a bid to ensure people adhere to the requirement to remain within their own county but said there was “ no enforcement element ” to this operation .
This differs from the national lockdown , when , under emergency laws introduced , refusing to comply with directions from gardaí during the localised lockdown could result in fines of up to €2,500 and terms of imprisonment of up to six months .
* What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three counties but need to travel through them ?
That is allowed .
But only on the condition you do not stop in the affected counties unless for “ essential purposes.
” Motorists are also restricted to just one initial journey either into or out of the counties for the purposes of returning home from a holiday .
Speaking of holidays , what if I ’ m staying at a hotel in one of the counties ?
If you were already booked in by midnight on Friday , you can stay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question will be whether it is economically viable for the hotel to remain open if only a handful of guests are staying there .
Hotels in the counties are only allowed to accommodate essential workers otherwise .
It is expected many will shut their doors for the coming two weeks .
And for residents of the three counties who have planned or are already on a holiday elsewhere ?
Elaina Fitzgerald Kane , president of the Irish Hotels Federation , said hotels are contacting anyone with an address in Kildare , Laois and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them over the next fortnight to allow them cancel or move their booking .
Anyone already booked in can stay for the duration of their booking .
One issue is people booking through online booking sites who may not have provided an address .
Ms Fitzgerald Kane said hotels are contacting anyone for whom they don ’ t have an address by telephone or email to check they are not from the three counties where restrictions apply .
And are there any insurance implications for the local lockdown ?
None , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
* An earlier version of this article stated gardaí did have enforcement powers when it came to policing the movement of people under the regulations signed into force by the Minister for Health on Saturday .

Firstly, is it a lockdown or not?
Well, that depends on who you ask. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly insists it is not a lockdown and residents of counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly are simply being asked to restrict non-work to within those three counties, and minimise gatherings, with homes allowed no more than six people from no more than three households. "The vast amount of businesses are staying open, the vast amount of social life is going to continue, so the measures are proportionate," he said.
I’m guessing some people disagree?
Correct. Business leaders for one, who are warning of “an economic meltdown” in the midlands as a result of the restrictions.
READ MORE
They have complained that the Government did not consult with them before imposing the measures as of midnight on Friday.
As well as the travel and gathering restrictions, restaurants and pubs serving food have been ordered to close, apart from takeaway services, deliveries and limited outdoor dining.
Indoor entertainment and sport venues such as cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries and bingo halls have also been told to shut for at least two weeks. Many hotels will also likely close.
More than a 1,000 jobs will be lost just in Co Kildare alone, according to Allan Shine, chief executive of County Kildare Chamber, who said mass community testing should have been carried out first to see if there was a need for the tightened restrictions.
Has he got a point?
Not according to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). In its advice to the Cabinet, which informed the latest restrictions, it said the measures are "proportionate" and "necessary now" to curb the surge in Covid-19 transmissions in the three counties.
There has been “several significant and large clusters” in the region, particularly among the under 45 years age group, and there is a “real risk” that it may spread “much more widely” over the coming days and weeks into the wider community and those more vulnerable to the disease.
To make its point, it noted the number of confirmed cases per population for coronavirus in Ireland over the last 14 days was 9.6 per 100,000 people. In Kildare, that figure is 61.6 per 100,000; in Laois it is 62.6 per 100,000; and in Offaly it is 46.2 per 100,000. There have been 150 new confirmed infections in Kildare over the past two weeks; 55 in Laois; and 36 in Offaly.
Why are those counties bucking the national trend?
Outbreaks at meat factories and direct provision centres are a key factor. More than a quarter of the staff at the O'Briens Fine Food plant in Timahoe, Co Kildare, tested positive, many of them asymptomatic. There have been further outbreaks at the Kildare Chilling Company meat plant in Kildare Town and Irish Dog Foods in Naas. Former minister for justice and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan said testing at meat factories should have been "ramped up weeks ago".
Will the movement restrictions be policed the same as during the national lockdown?
Apparently not. Gardaí are setting up highly visible checkpoints and will ask people to return home if they are suspected of being in breach of the regulations. In a statement on Saturday gardaí said extra officers would be drafted in from surrounding counties.
An Garda said it was deploying a graduated policing response in a bid to ensure people adhere to the requirement to remain within their own county but said there was “no enforcement element” to this operation.
This differs from the national lockdown, when, under emergency laws introduced, refusing to comply with directions from gardaí during the localised lockdown could result in fines of up to €2,500 and terms of imprisonment of up to six months. *
What if I don’t live in the three counties but need to travel through them?
That is allowed. But only on the condition you do not stop in the affected counties unless for “essential purposes.” Motorists are also restricted to just one initial journey either into or out of the counties for the purposes of returning home from a holiday.
Speaking of holidays, what if I’m staying at a hotel in one of the counties?
If you were already booked in by midnight on Friday, you can stay for the duration of your booking.
The question will be whether it is economically viable for the hotel to remain open if only a handful of guests are staying there. Hotels in the counties are only allowed to accommodate essential workers otherwise. It is expected many will shut their doors for the coming two weeks.
And for residents of the three counties who have planned or are already on a holiday elsewhere?
Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, president of the Irish Hotels Federation, said hotels are contacting anyone with an address in Kildare, Laois and Offaly who were booked to stay with them over the next fortnight to allow them cancel or move their booking.
Anyone already booked in can stay for the duration of their booking. One issue is people booking through online booking sites who may not have provided an address. Ms Fitzgerald Kane said hotels are contacting anyone for whom they don’t have an address by telephone or email to check they are not from the three counties where restrictions apply.
And are there any insurance implications for the local lockdown?
None, according to Insurance Ireland, which represents the industry.
* An earlier version of this article stated gardaí did have enforcement powers when it came to policing the movement of people under the regulations signed into force by the Minister for Health on Saturday.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--‘It is soul destroying’: Kildare hotelier on calling guests to cancel

John O ’ Neill ’ s Hamlet Court Hotel at Johnstown Bridge in north Kildare is just 300 metres from the county Meath border .
His hotel is now shut but just down the road there is no lockdown , businesses remain open and everyone is going about their business .
But five weeks since emerging from the national lockdown , the Hamlet Court is closed again after the restrictions for Kildare , Offaly and Laois came into force at midnight .
The 30-bedroom property had been booked out for tonight but last night Mr O ’ Neill and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancel their bookings for the next two weeks .
Among the events booked with the hotel were christenings and confirmations .
“ I had a wedding booked for next weekend .
Look , it is people ’ s lives we are dealing with , that has to be the number one priority , ” says Mr O ’ Neill .
“ But it is soul destroying , ” he adds , almost in a whisper .
While the first lockdown was tough , everyone was in the same boat and there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , he says .
“ This time it is different .
This time the suppliers have been suffering themselves , they might not have as much forbearance ” .
He also says the changes to the pandemic payment scheme will impact his staff .
“ It is worked out on a week one to nine basis [ MEANING ] our part-time staff , some of whom have been here for more years than I can remember , will get about €80 a week.
” The hotel relies on the peak summer season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of August .
The challenging times are the bleak months of November , January , February and March .
This means a good December is vital to sustain the business going through the winter .
“ August should be our busiest month but we have this lockdown for a minimum of two weeks .
What if there is another one , we wonder will people be going out by Christmas , will we still have Covid then , ” he wonders .
As a small business , Mr O ’ Neill says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the first lockdown , Brexit in the background , the fall in the value of sterling and the drop in UK tourists , and now this .
These challenges have combined to make life for businesses “ interesting , ” he notes , with wry understatement .
Elaina Fitzgerald Kane president of the Hotels Federation said it was “ deeply regrettable ” that restrictions has to be reintroduced .
“ Undoubtedly this latest lockdown will have a significant impact on the morale of the people in these counties and across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government to provide longer-term support for those sectors of the economy that are most adversely affected by the pandemic “ including the tourism industry.
” The introduction of restrictions , in a bid to control a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases in the three counties , also drew anger and frustration from locals who feel the measures are disproportionate .
Businessman Brian Purcell , from Co Kildare told RTÉ Radio One on Saturday the decision to reintroduce restrictions was “ just plain ridiculous ” .
“ We seem to be expendable here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin , they didn ’ t shut that place down , did they ?
” Mr Purcell , who said he lives in Naas , said the strategy was “ just stupid .
No consultation ... we are completely forgotten about ” .
He said there was no testing centre in Co Kildare and called on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to visit the county to “ look people in the eye ” .

The Hamlet Court Hotel at Johnstown Bridge in north Kildare which is among the many businesses forced to closed in the midlands after new restrictions were imposed on Kildare, Offaly and Laois.
John O’Neill’s Hamlet Court Hotel at Johnstown Bridge in north Kildare is just 300 metres from the county Meath border.
His hotel is now shut but just down the road there is no lockdown, businesses remain open and everyone is going about their business.
But five weeks since emerging from the national lockdown, the Hamlet Court is closed again after the restrictions for Kildare, Offaly and Laois came into force at midnight.
John O’Neill, the owner of the Hamlet Court Hotel, who said the pandemic and Brexit were creating huge uncertainty for businesses.
The 30-bedroom property had been booked out for tonight but last night Mr O’Neill and his staff had to start phoning guests to cancel their bookings for the next two weeks.
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Among the events booked with the hotel were christenings and confirmations.
“I had a wedding booked for next weekend. Look, it is people’s lives we are dealing with, that has to be the number one priority,” says Mr O’Neill.
“But it is soul destroying,” he adds, almost in a whisper.
While the first lockdown was tough, everyone was in the same boat and there was a feeling the Government were rowing in behind businesses, he says.
“This time it is different. This time the suppliers have been suffering themselves, they might not have as much forbearance”.
He also says the changes to the pandemic payment scheme will impact his staff. “It is worked out on a week one to nine basis [MEANING]our part-time staff, some of whom have been here for more years than I can remember, will get about €80 a week.”
The hotel relies on the peak summer season of about ten weeks from mid-June to end of August.
The challenging times are the bleak months of November, January, February and March. This means a good December is vital to sustain the business going through the winter.
“August should be our busiest month but we have this lockdown for a minimum of two weeks. What if there is another one, we wonder will people be going out by Christmas, will we still have Covid then,” he wonders.
As a small business, Mr O’Neill says the sense of uncertainty is hugely problematic: the first lockdown, Brexit in the background, the fall in the value of sterling and the drop in UK tourists, and now this.
These challenges have combined to make life for businesses “interesting,” he notes, with wry understatement.
Elaina Fitzgerald Kane president of the Hotels Federation said it was “deeply regrettable” that restrictions has to be reintroduced.
“Undoubtedly this latest lockdown will have a significant impact on the morale of the people in these counties and across the country” she said.
She called on Government to provide longer-term support for those sectors of the economy that are most adversely affected by the pandemic “including the tourism industry.”
The introduction of restrictions, in a bid to control a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases in the three counties, also drew anger and frustration from locals who feel the measures are disproportionate.
Businessman Brian Purcell, from Co Kildare told RTÉ Radio One on Saturday the decision to reintroduce restrictions was “just plain ridiculous”.
“We seem to be expendable here in the midlands. There was outbreaks in Dublin, they didn’t shut that place down, did they?”
Mr Purcell, who said he lives in Naas, said the strategy was “just stupid. No consultation... we are completely forgotten about”.
He said there was no testing centre in Co Kildare and called on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to visit the county to “look people in the eye”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Summer sun: Temperatures set to soar to 26 degrees

Temperatures are expected to hit 26 degrees this weekend as a warm front that has brought scorching temperatures to the UK sweeps over Ireland .
On Saturday , temperatures are forecast to reach 24 degrees before it becomes even warmer on Sunday , particularly in Leinster and the midlands , with highs of 26 degrees expected .
Sunday night looks set to be mild , humid and mostly dry with some showers in east Leinster and parts of Ulster .
Monday will begin dry over most of Munster and Connacht .
The afternoon will see heavy and thundery showers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of Leinster and Ulster .
However , it will remain warm with temperatures of 24 degrees .
A thunderstorm warning is set to come into force on Monday for counties Antrim , Armagh , Down , Fermanagh , Tyrone and Derry .
The middle of next week looks set to continue warm , with temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday , while Thursday is also set to be dry .
In the UK , temperatures soared again on Saturday after Friday saw the hottest August day in 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow and Kew Gardens .
The Met Office said temperatures had already reached 34.5 degrees at Frittenden in Kent early on Saturday .
Saturday started with an “ impressive ” 20 degree difference between parts of Scotland and south-east England , the Met Office pointed out .
Forecaster Marco Petagna earlier said a breeze along the North Sea coast would keep temperatures in the high teens there , while England and Wales would generally see the high 20s or low 30s - with cooler temperatures in Scotland and Northern Ireland .
London and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past few days , with no let-up expected until the middle of next week .
The record for the hottest August day is 38.5 degrees , set at Faversham on August 10 2003 .
The current record maximum temperature for the UK is 38.7 degrees , reached in Cambridge Botanic Garden on July 25th last year .
The Met Office has issued a level three heat-health warning for the south and south east , meaning the public should look out for others , particularly the elderly , children and people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ingredients are there , it ’ s just too early to pinpoint the details of exactly where and when thunderstorms will occur , ” he said .
“ As such , we will be monitoring the developing signals closely and I urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office warnings and forecasts over the coming days .
”

People enjoy the sunshine in Bray Co Wicklow during the August Bank Holiday. Photograph: PA
Temperatures are expected to hit 26 degrees this weekend as a warm front that has brought scorching temperatures to the UK sweeps over Ireland.
On Saturday, temperatures are forecast to reach 24 degrees before it becomes even warmer on Sunday, particularly in Leinster and the midlands, with highs of 26 degrees expected.
Sunday night looks set to be mild, humid and mostly dry with some showers in east Leinster and parts of Ulster.
Monday will begin dry over most of Munster and Connacht. The afternoon will see heavy and thundery showers that will travel from the east and affect most of Leinster and Ulster. However, it will remain warm with temperatures of 24 degrees.
READ MORE
A thunderstorm warning is set to come into force on Monday for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry.
The middle of next week looks set to continue warm, with temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Thursday is also set to be dry.
In the UK, temperatures soared again on Saturday after Friday saw the hottest August day in 17 years, with 36.4 degrees reported at Heathrow and Kew Gardens.
People flocked to the beach at Southend in Essex on Saturday. Photograph: PA
The Met Office said temperatures had already reached 34.5 degrees at Frittenden in Kent early on Saturday.
Saturday started with an "impressive" 20 degree difference between parts of Scotland and south-east England, the Met Office pointed out.
Forecaster Marco Petagna earlier said a breeze along the North Sea coast would keep temperatures in the high teens there, while England and Wales would generally see the high 20s or low 30s - with cooler temperatures in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
London and the south east have endured sweltering heat over the past few days, with no let-up expected until the middle of next week.
The record for the hottest August day is 38.5 degrees, set at Faversham on August 10 2003.
The current record maximum temperature for the UK is 38.7 degrees, reached in Cambridge Botanic Garden on July 25th last year.
The Met Office has issued a level three heat-health warning for the south and south east, meaning the public should look out for others, particularly the elderly, children and people in poor health.
UK, since although the ingredients are there, it’s just too early to pinpoint the details of exactly where and when thunderstorms will occur,” he said.
“As such, we will be monitoring the developing signals closely and I urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office warnings and forecasts over the coming days.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Covid-19: One more death and 174 further cases confirmed in State

Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said the sharp increase in coronavirus cases reported on Saturday was not unexpected and that significant numbers of infections are likely to be identified over the coming days .
He was speaking after the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was this evening informed of 174 new cases and one more death due to Covid-19 in Ireland .
This brings to 1,772 the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland .
The number of confirmed cases now stands at 26,644 .
The figure for new cases reported today is the highest one-day total since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 98 reported on Friday Mr Glynn said 118 of the new cases are linked to the three counties – Kildare , Laois and Offaly – where restrictions on movement were reintroduced at midnight following a virus surge there .
“ While today ’ s numbers of confirmed cases are high , they are not unexpected , ” said Mr Glynn .
“ Our priority now .
.
.
is to avoid these cases and clusters leading to widespread community transmission of the disease.
” Mr Glynn said testing was being carried out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts of people confirmed as having the virus in one of a series of clusters in factories in these three counties .
“ So it is not unexpected given what we know about this disease and how easily that it transmits that we ’ re seeing a significant number of cases coming through tonight.
” Mr Glynn said it is positive that the “ vast majority of these cases to date are linked directly with the clusters or close contacts of people who are working in these facilities .
So we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the disease has not leaked out more widely into the communities in these counties.
” However , Mr Glynn sounded a note of caution for rest of the country and appealed for people to be cautious and heed the public health advice .
“ We have about 50 cases tonight from other counties [ outside Kildare , Laois and Offaly ] .
Two weeks ago if we were sitting here with 50 cases the country as a whole would have been worried .
We can ’ t lose sight of what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Six One .
Mr Glynn added that at this point , there are no other counties where he felt restrictions similar to those in Kildare , Offaly and Laois are required .
Earlier , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly denied that the movement restrictions in the three counties amount to a new lockdown and warned “ much harsher ” measures would be needed without the restraints .
“ This isn ’ t a lockdown .
All that is really happening here is that the people in the three counties are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay in the three counties and to minimise the number of people gathering together , ” he told RTÉ Radio One on Saturday .
“ The vast amount of businesses are staying open , the vast amount of social life is going to continue , so the measures are proportionate.
” Over the past 14 days , several hundred cases of Covid-19 have emerged in these three counties representing about half of all cases detected in the State during that time .
Most of the cases are linked to food-processing plants in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 80 cases .
Gardaí will police the new regional travel restrictions in the same way as they approached the national lockdown earlier this year , with checkpoints and requests to return home where people are found to be in breach of the regulations .
What are the new movement restrictions ?
• Residents of Kildare , Laois and Offaly can only travel within their own county except for work , medical appointments or vital family reasons .
• Restaurants and cafes have been ordered to close their indoor areas , while hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already present .
• All indoor gatherings must now be restricted to a maximum of six people from no more than three households .
• Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people .
• Most visits to residential facilities and prisons will not be allowed while over-70s have been told to stay at home as much as possible .
• All cinemas , theatres , betting shops , gyms , leisure centres , will have to close in the three counties .
• There will be no sporting events or matches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors is set for a funerals or six people indoors .
Without these new restrictions , transmission of the disease in the three counties would reach a “ much higher level ” and it would be inevitable that “ much harsher measures and economic measures ” similar to the first national lockdown would have to be reimposed , said Mr Donnelly .
Defending a lack of consultation with business leaders in the midlands , Mr Donnelly said it was a public health measure to “ save lives ” and it was the view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was “ time to act and time to act quickly ” .
In moving “ quickly ” , the Government was also “ protecting the local economies ” .
Mr Donnelly was adamant that the inspection regime for meat plants was rigorous , adding that Ireland was the first country in Europe to introduce Covid-19 protocols for the industry .
They had been working well , with very few cases in July after serious outbreaks in May , but “ for some reason ” there has been a re-emergence in large clusters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , he added .

Over the past 14 days, several hundred cases of Covid-19 have emerged in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. File photograph: The Irish Times
Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said the sharp increase in coronavirus cases reported on Saturday was not unexpected and that significant numbers of infections are likely to be identified over the coming days.
He was speaking after the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was this evening informed of 174 new cases and one more death due to Covid-19 in Ireland.
This brings to 1,772 the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland. The number of confirmed cases now stands at 26,644.
The figure for new cases reported today is the highest one-day total since the middle of May and up from the 98 reported on Friday
READ MORE
Mr Glynn said 118 of the new cases are linked to the three counties – Kildare, Laois and Offaly – where restrictions on movement were reintroduced at midnight following a virus surge there.
“While today’s numbers of confirmed cases are high, they are not unexpected,” said Mr Glynn. “Our priority now . . . is to avoid these cases and clusters leading to widespread community transmission of the disease.”
Mr Glynn said testing was being carried out on hundreds and hundreds of employees and close contacts of people confirmed as having the virus in one of a series of clusters in factories in these three counties.
“So it is not unexpected given what we know about this disease and how easily that it transmits that we’re seeing a significant number of cases coming through tonight.”
Mr Glynn said it is positive that the “vast majority of these cases to date are linked directly with the clusters or close contacts of people who are working in these facilities. So we’re still as confident as we can be that the disease has not leaked out more widely into the communities in these counties.”
However, Mr Glynn sounded a note of caution for rest of the country and appealed for people to be cautious and heed the public health advice.
“We have about 50 cases tonight from other counties [outside Kildare, Laois and Offaly]. Two weeks ago if we were sitting here with 50 cases the country as a whole would have been worried. We can’t lose sight of what is happening elsewhere,” he told RTÉ’s Six One.
Mr Glynn added that at this point, there are no other counties where he felt restrictions similar to those in Kildare, Offaly and Laois are required.
Earlier, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly denied that the movement restrictions in the three counties amount to a new lockdown and warned "much harsher" measures would be needed without the restraints.
"This isn't a lockdown. All that is really happening here is that the people in the three counties are being asked for non-work related travel to just stay in the three counties and to minimise the number of people gathering together," he told RTÉ Radio One on Saturday.
“The vast amount of businesses are staying open, the vast amount of social life is going to continue, so the measures are proportionate.”
Over the past 14 days, several hundred cases of Covid-19 have emerged in these three counties representing about half of all cases detected in the State during that time.
Most of the cases are linked to food-processing plants in the region, with two factories having more than 80 cases.
Gardaí will police the new regional travel restrictions in the same way as they approached the national lockdown earlier this year, with checkpoints and requests to return home where people are found to be in breach of the regulations.
What are the new movement restrictions?
Residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly can only travel within their own county except for work, medical appointments or vital family reasons.
Restaurants and cafes have been ordered to close their indoor areas, while hotels cannot accommodate tourists except for guests already present.
All indoor gatherings must now be restricted to a maximum of six people from no more than three households.
Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people.
Most visits to residential facilities and prisons will not be allowed while over-70s have been told to stay at home as much as possible.
All cinemas, theatres, betting shops, gyms, leisure centres, will have to close in the three counties.
There will be no sporting events or matches.
Creches and hairdressers may remain open.
An attendance limit of 25 people outdoors is set for a funerals or six people indoors.
Without these new restrictions, transmission of the disease in the three counties would reach a “much higher level” and it would be inevitable that “much harsher measures and economic measures” similar to the first national lockdown would have to be reimposed, said Mr Donnelly.
Defending a lack of consultation with business leaders in the midlands, Mr Donnelly said it was a public health measure to “save lives” and it was the view of National Public Health Emergency Team that it was “time to act and time to act quickly”.
In moving “quickly”, the Government was also “protecting the local economies”.
Mr Donnelly was adamant that the inspection regime for meat plants was rigorous, adding that Ireland was the first country in Europe to introduce Covid-19 protocols for the industry.
They had been working well, with very few cases in July after serious outbreaks in May, but “for some reason” there has been a re-emergence in large clusters at plants in the midlands in recent weeks, he added.


theirishtimes--2020-08-08--Two men charged over €3m drugs seizure remanded in custody

Two men have been refused bail after being charged in relation to the seizure on Wednesday of a €3 million heroin consignment .
Keith Quinn ( 31 ) and Andrew Noonan ( 41 ) were remanded in custody by judge John Brennan in separate hearings on Saturday at the Criminal Courts of Justice .
Both men were charged with two counts of possession and with possession with intent to supply drugs , contrary to Sections Three and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act .
Garda Redmond O ’ Leary of Dun Laoghaire Garda station gave evidence of arresting Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose , Ellistown , Co Kildare , in the Rosemount Industrial Estate in Dublin 11 , on August 5th .
He told the court the Garda was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the possibility that the defendant was a flight risk .
Mr Noonan ’ s solicitor Claire Usher told the judge Mr Noonan was a father of four and deeply involved in sporting organisations in the community , where he was a football trainer .
She said his passport was in possession of gardaí and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as making a substantial cash lodgement .
She said her client was entitled to the presumption of innocence .
However , the judge ruled that given the serious nature of the alleged offences he would remand Mr Noonan in custody to appear before Clondalkin District Court by videolink on August 13th .
Addressing the court on behalf of Mr Quinn , with an address at Monastery Gare Avenue Clondalkin , Dublin , Karl Monahan BL said his client was well-known in football circles and was a father-of-one who enjoyed a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Monahan said Mr Quinn was a footballer who played in the League of Ireland and was entitled to bail , particularly given what was potentially a long wait for trial .
He said the economic impact on defendants and their families of denying bail could be severe and he asked that the presumption of innocence be taken into account for his client .
However , the judge said , given the serious nature of the charges , he was remanding Mr Quinn in custody to appear before Clondalkin District Court by videolink @ @ @ @

The men were charged with possession and possession with intent to supply drugs.
Two men have been refused bail after being charged in relation to the seizure on Wednesday of a €3 million heroin consignment.
Keith Quinn (31) and Andrew Noonan (41) were remanded in custody by judge John Brennan in separate hearings on Saturday at the Criminal Courts of Justice.
Both men were charged with two counts of possession and with possession with intent to supply drugs, contrary to Sections Three and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Garda Redmond O’Leary of Dun Laoghaire Garda station gave evidence of arresting Mr Noonan, with an address at Red Rose, Ellistown, Co Kildare, in the Rosemount Industrial Estate in Dublin 11, on August 5th.
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He told the court the Garda was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the possibility that the defendant was a flight risk.
Mr Noonan’s solicitor Claire Usher told the judge Mr Noonan was a father of four and deeply involved in sporting organisations in the community, where he was a football trainer.
She said his passport was in possession of gardaí and he would be willing to surrender it, as well as making a substantial cash lodgement. She said her client was entitled to the presumption of innocence.
However, the judge ruled that given the serious nature of the alleged offences he would remand Mr Noonan in custody to appear before Clondalkin District Court by videolink on August 13th.
Addressing the court on behalf of Mr Quinn, with an address at Monastery Gare Avenue Clondalkin, Dublin, Karl Monahan BL said his client was well-known in football circles and was a father-of-one who enjoyed a good relationship with his partner and child.
Mr Monahan said Mr Quinn was a footballer who played in the League of Ireland and was entitled to bail, particularly given what was potentially a long wait for trial.
He said the economic impact on defendants and their families of denying bail could be severe and he asked that the presumption of innocence be taken into account for his client.
However, the judge said, given the serious nature of the charges, he was remanding Mr Quinn in custody to appear before Clondalkin District Court by videolink on August 13th.