theirishtimes--2020-08-25--Architects appointed for new ‘city quarter’ at O’Connell and Moore Street site

The redevelopment of Dublin ’ s Moore Street and Upper O ’ Connell Street is finally to get under way following the appointment of architects to design a new “ city quarter ” for the old “ Carlton site ” .
UK property group Hammerson has appointed three Irish firms to join London-based Acme Architects to prepare the planning application for the six-acre site , parts of which have lain vacant and derelict for more than 40 years .
Hammerson last year decided to scrap the existing 2010 planning permission for a €1.25 billion enclosed shopping complex on the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moore Street , to Henry Street and Parnell Street .
Instead it plans to seek permission for an “ open ” scheme which will see the historic street pattern restored , the development of a new east-west pedestrian street between O ’ Connell Street and Moore Street , two new civic squares , shops , offices , apartments , a hotel and an underground metro station .
It also proposes a “ historical trail ” to commemorate 1916 Rising events and locations through the site .
Two years ago , the Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and around Moore Street , part of the Hammerson site , constituted a national monument following a case taken by the State .
State-owned buildings at 14-17 Moore Street remain national monuments and are due to be developed separately as a 1916 Rising Commemorative Centre .
Speculation has recently mounted that Hammerson was preparing to offload the project , following reports it was to sell a number of its UK shopping centres to raise cash to ride out the coronavirus pandemic .
However , a spokesman said it was focusing on developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which the “ Dublin Central ” project was a flagship example .
Unlike older-style shopping centres , these developments were open and street-based , making them more suitable to a post-pandemic environment , he said .
Irish architects Grafton , RKD and MOLA will work to develop the concept designs produced last year by Friedrich Ludewig of Acme , with a view to submitting a planning application early next year .
The concept designs included the use of a canopy of tall lily-pad-like structures to shelter the new pedestrian street , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elements .
The structures funnel rain internally , while maintaining an open feel to the street .
The site was for years known as the Carlton site as originally it just encompassed the old Carlton cinema , the plot beside it that had been vacant since 1979 , and some backlands between O ’ Connell Street and Moore Street .
As part of the new scheme , the facade of the old cinema will be restored , though it will be used for retail and the cinema relocated to the northwestern part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pub on Parnell Street .
Three protected structures , 42 O ’ Connell Street – the last remaining Georgian house on the street , O ’ Connell Hall at the back of No 42 , and Conway ’ s pub , will be restored in full .
Hammerson has said it wants to “ restore the unique character and vibrancy ” of the Moore Street markets and will “ respect and enhance street market trading ” in consultation with the stall holders and Dublin City Council .

The redevelopment of Dublin's Moore Street and Upper O'Connell Street is finally to get under way following the appointment of architects to design a new "city quarter" for the old "Carlton site".
UK property group Hammerson has appointed three Irish firms to join London-based Acme Architects to prepare the planning application for the six-acre site, parts of which have lain vacant and derelict for more than 40 years.
Hammerson last year decided to scrap the existing 2010 planning permission for a €1.25 billion enclosed shopping complex on the site which stretches from O’Connell Street and Moore Street, to Henry Street and Parnell Street.
Instead it plans to seek permission for an “open” scheme which will see the historic street pattern restored, the development of a new east-west pedestrian street between O’Connell Street and Moore Street, two new civic squares, shops, offices, apartments, a hotel and an underground metro station.
READ MORE
1916 Rising
It also proposes a “historical trail” to commemorate 1916 Rising events and locations through the site. Two years ago, the Court of Appeal overturned a declaration that buildings on and around Moore Street, part of the Hammerson site, constituted a national monument following a case taken by the State.
State-owned buildings at 14-17 Moore Street remain national monuments and are due to be developed separately as a 1916 Rising Commemorative Centre.
A computer-generated impression of German architect Friedrich Ludewig’s designs that envisage the restoration of historic street patterns, building lines and scale
Speculation has recently mounted that Hammerson was preparing to offload the project, following reports it was to sell a number of its UK shopping centres to raise cash to ride out the coronavirus pandemic.
However, a spokesman said it was focusing on developing its "city quarter" schemes, of which the "Dublin Central" project was a flagship example. Unlike older-style shopping centres, these developments were open and street-based, making them more suitable to a post-pandemic environment, he said.
Rain funnels
Irish architects Grafton, RKD and MOLA will work to develop the concept designs produced last year by Friedrich Ludewig of Acme, with a view to submitting a planning application early next year.
The concept designs included the use of a canopy of tall lily-pad-like structures to shelter the new pedestrian street, leading from O’Connell Street, from the elements. The structures funnel rain internally, while maintaining an open feel to the street.
The site was for years known as the Carlton site as originally it just encompassed the old Carlton cinema, the plot beside it that had been vacant since 1979, and some backlands between O’Connell Street and Moore Street.
As part of the new scheme, the facade of the old cinema will be restored, though it will be used for retail and the cinema relocated to the northwestern part of the site, behind Conway’s pub on Parnell Street. Three protected structures, 42 O’Connell Street – the last remaining Georgian house on the street, O’Connell Hall at the back of No 42, and Conway’s pub, will be restored in full.
Hammerson has said it wants to "restore the unique character and vibrancy" of the Moore Street markets and will "respect and enhance street market trading" in consultation with the stall holders and Dublin City Council.


theirishtimes--2020-08-25--Back-to-school preparations: ‘The Minister is bogged down with letters from us’

School principals around Ireland are scrambling to get classrooms ready for the new term , but for Rachel Kelly , in the north Cork village of Kildorrery , the task has been compounded by delays in building works that have forced the school out of its grounds for more than a year .
The primary school had to relocate last August when one of the workers replacing the roof of the building fell and was critically injured .
Brian McGrath , a 39-year-old father of three from Mitchelstown , died a week later in hospital .
The Health and Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate the incident and because asbestos in the lining of the roof had been disturbed .
Staff had just two weeks to get their new home , 20km away at Mallow GAA complex , ready for about 200 pupils .
“ We set up the school in Mallow from nothing , it was just an empty building , ” says Kelly .
“ We weren ’ t allowed to access the [ Kildorrery ] building , so we had to set up .
.
.
without getting anything , not even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people pulled together , the staff and parents were wonderful to help us get up and running.
” It takes 20-25 minutes to bus pupils and staff back and forth from Kildorrery , with the lost time forcing the school to cut back on extracurricular activities .
Covid-19 guidelines have added further challenges given the need to minimise interaction between classes .
The Department of Education is not providing additional buses to allow for social distancing .
However , after repeated requests , the department has agreed to lay on two extra buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to enable the school to resume its normal tuition time .
Kelly believes the biggest challenge Covid-19 will present for the school will be the availability of substitute teachers .
The department has promised an additional €41 million to help primary schools with cover for the likely rise in sick leave , with 250 posts being allocated to new supply panels .
Kelly says at times it can be “ impossible ” to get substitutes for their 11 teachers .
“ Teachers will work through anything .
A normal little illness that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d work through , but now if they ’ ve any sort of respiratory symptom they ’ ll have to stay at home so we ’ ll have a huge demand on subs , [ but ] I don ’ t know if they ’ re going to be available .
We hope they ’ ll be available.
” Kildorrery is one of several hundred schools undergoing works before reopening .
Department figures show seven schools had “ large-scale projects ” completed up to July 31st this year , with more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department said 405 projects were approved under the summer works scheme this year at a projected cost of €30 million , of which more than 50per cent “ are either completed on site , in construction activity or have been given approval to commence work on site ” .
There have been 253 applications approved for the emergency works scheme and they are “ at various stages of completion ” .
Kelly says “ parents are disappointed , they ’ re angry , they ’ re frustrated , as are the staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing uncertainty over the works in Kildorrery .
“ The Minister is bogged down with letters from us.
” “ We were told initially that we ’ d be out of Kildorrery for 12 weeks .
That was last August.
” One of the major reasons for the delay was the school roof being left open when the site was closed off , and there was a “ huge amount of water damage done over the winter ” .
Work on the roof did not restart until December but was largely complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to all construction stopping until mid-May .
The roof was finished shortly after work recommenced , but only then was the extent of the damage fully assessed .
Contractors had to be brought in to remove any remaining asbestos , and a separate tender process for what is now a full refurbishment began .
Local Labour TD Seán Sherlock says he would like to see temporary accommodation on Kildorrery grounds being considered .
“ That would have alleviated a lot of the stress for parents and for children.
” The department refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer , saying it did “ not represent value for money ” .
A department spokesman said it “ fully appreciates that the additional delays .
.
.
are extremely disappointing and frustrating for the entire school community .
However , we can assure the local community that the school is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school.
” Staff and children will be returning to Mallow in September but they don ’ t know for how long .
Management has been given a 12-16 week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work begins , but that has yet to happen .
“ Everyone ’ s anxious to get back at this stage , ” says Kelly .
“ They ’ ve told us we ’ ll have a state-of-the-art school when we go back .
We ’ ll just have ride out the storm and hopefully we ’ ve only one more hurdle in front of us .
”

School principals around Ireland are scrambling to get classrooms ready for the new term, but for Rachel Kelly, in the north Cork village of Kildorrery, the task has been compounded by delays in building works that have forced the school out of its grounds for more than a year.
The primary school had to relocate last August when one of the workers replacing the roof of the building fell and was critically injured. Brian McGrath, a 39-year-old father of three from Mitchelstown, died a week later in hospital. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) closed the site to investigate the incident and because asbestos in the lining of the roof had been disturbed. Staff had just two weeks to get their new home, 20km away at Mallow GAA complex, ready for about 200 pupils.
“We set up the school in Mallow from nothing, it was just an empty building,” says Kelly. “We weren’t allowed to access the [Kildorrery] building, so we had to set up . . . without getting anything, not even a biro or a folder. So many people pulled together, the staff and parents were wonderful to help us get up and running.”
It takes 20-25 minutes to bus pupils and staff back and forth from Kildorrery, with the lost time forcing the school to cut back on extracurricular activities. Covid-19 guidelines have added further challenges given the need to minimise interaction between classes. The Department of Education is not providing additional buses to allow for social distancing. However, after repeated requests, the department has agreed to lay on two extra buses so children can be collected en route and to enable the school to resume its normal tuition time.
READ MORE
Substitute teachers
Kelly believes the biggest challenge Covid-19 will present for the school will be the availability of substitute teachers. The department has promised an additional €41 million to help primary schools with cover for the likely rise in sick leave, with 250 posts being allocated to new supply panels. Kelly says at times it can be “impossible” to get substitutes for their 11 teachers.
“Teachers will work through anything. A normal little illness that they’d have before, they’d work through, but now if they’ve any sort of respiratory symptom they’ll have to stay at home so we’ll have a huge demand on subs, [but] I don’t know if they’re going to be available. We hope they’ll be available.”
Kildorrery is one of several hundred schools undergoing works before reopening. Department figures show seven schools had “large-scale projects” completed up to July 31st this year, with more than 340 in progress.
A spokeswoman for the department said 405 projects were approved under the summer works scheme this year at a projected cost of €30 million, of which more than 50 per cent “are either completed on site, in construction activity or have been given approval to commence work on site”.
There have been 253 applications approved for the emergency works scheme and they are “at various stages of completion”.
Kelly says “parents are disappointed, they’re angry, they’re frustrated, as are the staff and the board of management” with the ongoing uncertainty over the works in Kildorrery. “The Minister is bogged down with letters from us.”
“We were told initially that we’d be out of Kildorrery for 12 weeks. That was last August.”
School roof
One of the major reasons for the delay was the school roof being left open when the site was closed off, and there was a “huge amount of water damage done over the winter”.
Work on the roof did not restart until December but was largely complete when, in March, Covid-19 restrictions led to all construction stopping until mid-May. The roof was finished shortly after work recommenced, but only then was the extent of the damage fully assessed.
Contractors had to be brought in to remove any remaining asbestos, and a separate tender process for what is now a full refurbishment began.
Local Labour TD Seán Sherlock says he would like to see temporary accommodation on Kildorrery grounds being considered. "That would have alleviated a lot of the stress for parents and for children."
The department refused that request last August and again in the summer, saying it did “not represent value for money”.
A department spokesman said it “fully appreciates that the additional delays . . . are extremely disappointing and frustrating for the entire school community. However, we can assure the local community that the school is doing everything it can to ensure the earliest possible return to the school.”
Staff and children will be returning to Mallow in September but they don’t know for how long. Management has been given a 12-16 week estimate for the school refurbishment once the work begins, but that has yet to happen.
“Everyone’s anxious to get back at this stage,” says Kelly. “They’ve told us we’ll have a state-of-the-art school when we go back. We’ll just have ride out the storm and hopefully we’ve only one more hurdle in front of us.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-25--Dublin City Council’s €2.5m plan to curb ‘sideswiping’ cyclists

Dublin City Council is to spend up to €2.5 million on traffic wands to protect cyclists from “ sideswiping ” by motorists .
The wands or lane separators , which will include barriers up to 1m tall that deter vehicles from entering the lane , and 40cm high “ bounce-back wands ” which can be driven over if necessary , are expected to cost more than €100 each .
Last April the council began a programme of installing barrier wands to create new segregated cycle lanes on the Liffey quays , and to protect existing lanes around the city from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the barriers to reallocate parking spaces outside a small number of shops to pedestrians , mostly in locations where footpaths were narrow , to enable social distancing , particularly in areas where queuing was likely .
The wands are also being used in some locations where illegal parking on footpaths is prevalent and causes access problems for pedestrians , particularly those with mobility difficulties .
The council has also received a large number of requests for additional space to be allocated to pedestrians and cyclists around the city , including large numbers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing use and demand for barriers , it has had difficulty sourcing sufficient wands to meet requirements .
It is now planning to put in place a 12-month contract , which may be extended up to 2023 , at a cost of up to €2.5 million .
This year alone , the council said it could potentially spend €500,000 on 4,000 short and tall wands including base units to attach them to the roadway , and 500 separate wands or bases .
The council has been installing additional wands in recent days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which will be pedestrianised this weekend and on the three following weekends .
The roads closed to traffic from 11am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday , as well as the August bank holiday Monday , are : South Anne Street from the junction of Dawson Street ; Duke Street from the junction of Dawson Street ; South William Street from the Brown Thomas carpark exit to Chatham Row ; Drury Street from Fade Street to the Drury Street carpark ; and Dame Court from Exchequer Street .
Businesses that have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put tables and chairs outside their premises will , if they have been granted permission , be allowed to use the roadway , but all existing footpaths are to remain clear of “ street furniture and obstructions ” , the council said .
Disabled parking spaces will be relocated to adjoining streets and access to all public car parks will remain open .

The wands or lane separators, which will include barriers up to 1m tall, are expected to cost more than €100 each. Photograph: Laura Hutton
Dublin City Council is to spend up to €2.5 million on traffic wands to protect cyclists from "sideswiping" by motorists.
The wands or lane separators, which will include barriers up to 1m tall that deter vehicles from entering the lane, and 40cm high “bounce-back wands” which can be driven over if necessary, are expected to cost more than €100 each.
Last April the council began a programme of installing barrier wands to create new segregated cycle lanes on the Liffey quays, and to protect existing lanes around the city from encroachment by motorists.
It also used the barriers to reallocate parking spaces outside a small number of shops to pedestrians, mostly in locations where footpaths were narrow, to enable social distancing, particularly in areas where queuing was likely. The wands are also being used in some locations where illegal parking on footpaths is prevalent and causes access problems for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility difficulties.
READ MORE
The council has also received a large number of requests for additional space to be allocated to pedestrians and cyclists around the city, including large numbers from businesses. However, due to the increasing use and demand for barriers, it has had difficulty sourcing sufficient wands to meet requirements.
Extended
It is now planning to put in place a 12-month contract, which may be extended up to 2023, at a cost of up to €2.5 million. This year alone, the council said it could potentially spend €500,000 on 4,000 short and tall wands including base units to attach them to the roadway, and 500 separate wands or bases.
The council has been installing additional wands in recent days in the streets surrounding Grafton Street, several of which will be pedestrianised this weekend and on the three following weekends.
The roads closed to traffic from 11am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the August bank holiday Monday, are: South Anne Street from the junction of Dawson Street; Duke Street from the junction of Dawson Street; South William Street from the Brown Thomas carpark exit to Chatham Row; Drury Street from Fade Street to the Drury Street carpark; and Dame Court from Exchequer Street.
Businesses that have already applied to the council for permission to put tables and chairs outside their premises will, if they have been granted permission, be allowed to use the roadway, but all existing footpaths are to remain clear of “street furniture and obstructions”, the council said. Disabled parking spaces will be relocated to adjoining streets and access to all public car parks will remain open.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Almost half of secondary schools can’t find builders for Covid-linked work

Almost half of all secondary schools in the State are having problems hiring builders to carry out works to allow for Covid-19 physical distancing rules , a new survey suggests .
On the back of the findings , the Teachers Union of Ireland is insisting on delaying the reopening of any schools which can not safely space out teachers and pupils over the coming days and weeks .
Michael Gillespie , TUI general secretary , warned extended closures are the “ only acceptable option ” where schools can not strictly enforce public health measures .
“ Should a school not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled in a manner consistent with the physical distancing requirements set out by the public health authorities , a delay in opening is the only acceptable option , ” he said .
“ There can be no departure from the specified physical distancing measures in schools .
Every school must adhere to this key protection.
” The union has polled principals and deputy principals at 124 schools between August 11th and August 18th .
It found 47 per cent of schools were having difficulties “ employing builders or other contractors with the required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The survey also found 66 per cent of principals and deputy principals who responded are aware of teachers in their schools with underlying health issues that puts them in the high-risk category for contracting Covid-19 .
Almost three quarters ( 73 per cent ) knew teachers in their school who live with family members with medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to the disease .
“ This is a hugely stressful time for them , ” said Mr Gillespie .
The vast majority of school heads ( 95 per cent ) believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching and learning , but that it must be done “ in a manner that protects the health and safety of all ” .
Almost three quarters ( 73 per cent ) do not believe that students have the required technology to take part in remote learning if their school was required to close for a period , the poll found .
The survey further suggests that virtually every school ( 98 per cent ) in the country has had difficulties employing substitute teachers over the the past 12 months .
Adrian Power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Principals ’ Association branch of the TUI , said the lack of supply teachers was a cause for concern .
“ This will undoubtedly pose problems in the coming months should the need arise due to absences and there will be an ongoing need for funding from the Department of Education , ” he added .

Almost three quarters of teachers do not believe that students have the required technology to take part in remote learning if their school was required to close for a period, the poll found. Photograph: iStock
Almost half of all secondary schools in the State are having problems hiring builders to carry out works to allow for Covid-19 physical distancing rules, a new survey suggests.
On the back of the findings, the Teachers Union of Ireland is insisting on delaying the reopening of any schools which cannot safely space out teachers and pupils over the coming days and weeks.
Michael Gillespie, TUI general secretary, warned extended closures are the "only acceptable option" where schools cannot strictly enforce public health measures.
“Should a school not be in a position to open as scheduled in a manner consistent with the physical distancing requirements set out by the public health authorities, a delay in opening is the only acceptable option,” he said.
READ MORE
“There can be no departure from the specified physical distancing measures in schools. Every school must adhere to this key protection.”
The union has polled principals and deputy principals at 124 schools between August 11th and August 18th. It found 47 per cent of schools were having difficulties “employing builders or other contractors with the required skills/expertise to make required adjustments”.
Health issues
The survey also found 66 per cent of principals and deputy principals who responded are aware of teachers in their schools with underlying health issues that puts them in the high-risk category for contracting Covid-19.
Almost three quarters (73 per cent) knew teachers in their school who live with family members with medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to the disease.
“This is a hugely stressful time for them,” said Mr Gillespie.
The vast majority of school heads (95 per cent) believe their teachers want to return to face-to-face teaching and learning, but that it must be done “in a manner that protects the health and safety of all”.
Almost three quarters (73 per cent) do not believe that students have the required technology to take part in remote learning if their school was required to close for a period, the poll found.
Substitute teachers
The survey further suggests that virtually every school (98 per cent) in the country has had difficulties employing substitute teachers over the the past 12 months.
Adrian Power, president of the Principals' and Deputy Principals' Association branch of the TUI, said the lack of supply teachers was a cause for concern.
“This will undoubtedly pose problems in the coming months should the need arise due to absences and there will be an ongoing need for funding from the Department of Education,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Back to school blues: Get pupils ready for classroom changes

Crisp new shirts , smudge-free copies and a belly full of butterflies are the key ingredients for that first day back to school .
This year , however , there will be an additional component behind the excitement of the new school year .
For many , both parent and child , this day may now include an additional pinch of anxiety .
While there are still unknowns about the logistics of school reopening , there are many ways in which parents can prepare their child for the return to the classroom .
School is a very social space and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to socialising with other children before they return .
Nóirín Hayes , expert in early childhood education at Trinity College , says children may become overwhelmed with the social aspect of school when they return if they have not met friends since March .
“ I certainly would encourage play dates within the boundaries of the guidelines because socialising on Zoom calls and social media is a bit different , ” says Hayes .
“ Organise play dates with the other children from your child ’ s class so that the children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Marian Quinn , chief executive of the Childhood Development Initiative .
“ If you are not happy to have children in your home then go the park so that your child is seeing other children and has the opportunity to play with other children in the playground.
” Many children will have spent a lot of time in close proximity to their parents and it will be important for them to begin to spend some time apart from their parents before they return to school .
“ We know that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their parents ’ side for months , ” says Quinn .
“ So , for those , there is going to be a real concern about separation anxiety.
” This anxiety is as much a concern for the parent as it is for the child .
“ Some parents I know have relished the opportunity to be at home with the little ones in a way that they would never have been able to do , so they are going to miss being with their child every day , ” says Quinn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ child if possible .
“ Start looking to see if your child can go and stay with a friend for an hour .
Gently start to have some time apart.
” Never before has the topic of “ back to school ” been so robustly discussed and by so many , but including the children in the conversation can help ease any concerns they may have .
“ As parents what we need to do is talk to them about all the positives and the great things that will be there when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is their first time , ” says Quinn .
It is also important to be mindful of the conversations you may be having around the children .
“ Even if the children aren ’ t involved in the conversation , they are listening and they pick up on things like tone and body language in a way that we often underestimate in children , ” says Quinn .
“ Children will pick up if we are anxious about them returning to school from the conversations that we have.
” Clodagh Carroll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Barnardos , suggests suggests talking to your child about what may be different and acknowledging the worries they may have .
“ Talking to them and helping them understand that things that might be different will help , ” says Carroll , “ let them know it is okay for them to have worries and how they can talk to you about them.
” Whether it is your child ’ s first day at primary school or they are returning for another year , walking the route to school before they return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and ease the first day nerves .
“ Before they go back to school do the route with them , ” says Carroll , “ Little rituals like buying the lunch box or school bag signify a positive about getting ready to go back to school.
” Hayes suggests looking at photos of the school or classroom on the school website and talking about the logistics of where they might stand in line .
“ Attending to the physical realities and the physical health and safety is something that we can all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What we have to do is trust our professionals to be professional and do the job that they were trained to do , ” says Quinn .
If you have noticed any concerning behaviour or are worried about a developmental delay , it is important to communicate this with the class teacher promptly .
“ Let the school know .
It is so much easier for them if they know in advance , ” she says .
Some parents may be concerned about the re-emergence of school-refusal behaviours .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link in with the school as soon as you can and flag it , ” says Carroll .
“ Find a teacher that had a good relationship with your child to encourage them back .
Connect your child back in with that teacher before school starts to relieve that stress and anxiety.
” Many parents may have concerns about children ’ s need to “ catch up ” academically , but Hayes explains that the first month of school should be viewed differently this time around .
“ We need to allow children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Of course children will be expecting to be learning things and to be taught but there needs to be a certain flexibility .
Parents shouldn ’ t be disturbed if their children aren ’ t coming home with the same level of homework .
It is no harm to think about the first month as a settling-in period.
” While the return to school may go more smoothly than expected , Hayes says it is important for parents and teachers to be aware that issues may not present themselves straight away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the excitement of going back , ” says Hayes .
“ So the issues may not happen in the transition.
” She says it is important for parents to be mindful of changes in behaviour or sleep patterns that may happen in the weeks that follow the initial back-to-school period .
“ Self-care as a parent is one of the things that helps us be as good a parent as we can be , ” says Quinn .
“ Being good to myself is not a selfish act.
” She explains that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take time for themselves .
“ It is what enables me to be the best parent I can be.
” Carroll says it is important for parents to acknowledge how hard this has been for them .
“ There is something about parents saying “ It ’ s okay , I did my best.
” - Heart , Body and Mind : This Barnardos resource focuses on emotional regulation , and helps introduce relaxation habits and thought awareness .
The section that focuses on parental wellbeing reminds parents of the importance of self-care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autism charity AsIAm , in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College and Supervalu , has developed a booklet with activities that focus on social and communication skills , self-regulation and preparing for the return to schools .
- Mo Scéal : This transition resource pack is available on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment website and helps parents and children share information about their learning and development with their junior infant teacher .
- Ready for School : This resource is available on the gov.ie website and has advice and guidance for parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expect on that first day of school .

Crisp new shirts, smudge-free copies and a belly full of butterflies are the key ingredients for that first day back to school.
This year, however, there will be an additional component behind the excitement of the new school year. For many, both parent and child, this day may now include an additional pinch of anxiety.
While there are still unknowns about the logistics of school reopening, there are many ways in which parents can prepare their child for the return to the classroom.
1. Get reacquainted
READ MORE
School is a very social space and it is important that children are reintroduced to socialising with other children before they return.
Nóirín Hayes, expert in early childhood education at Trinity College, says children may become overwhelmed with the social aspect of school when they return if they have not met friends since March.
“I certainly would encourage play dates within the boundaries of the guidelines because socialising on Zoom calls and social media is a bit different,” says Hayes.
"Organise play dates with the other children from your child's class so that the children are getting reacquainted with each other," says Marian Quinn, chief executive of the Childhood Development Initiative. "If you are not happy to have children in your home then go the park so that your child is seeing other children and has the opportunity to play with other children in the playground."
Many children will have spent a lot of time in close proximity to their parents and it will be important for them to begin to spend some time apart from their parents before they return to school.
“We know that there are lots of children who have not left their parents’ side for months,” says Quinn. “So, for those, there is going to be a real concern about separation anxiety.”
This anxiety is as much a concern for the parent as it is for the child. “Some parents I know have relished the opportunity to be at home with the little ones in a way that they would never have been able to do, so they are going to miss being with their child every day,” says Quinn.
She recommends having time apart from your child if possible. “Start looking to see if your child can go and stay with a friend for an hour. Gently start to have some time apart.”
2. Talk the talk
Never before has the topic of “back to school” been so robustly discussed and by so many, but including the children in the conversation can help ease any concerns they may have.
“As parents what we need to do is talk to them about all the positives and the great things that will be there when they return to school, or indeed if it is their first time,” says Quinn.
It is also important to be mindful of the conversations you may be having around the children.
“Even if the children aren’t involved in the conversation, they are listening and they pick up on things like tone and body language in a way that we often underestimate in children,” says Quinn.
“Children will pick up if we are anxious about them returning to school from the conversations that we have.”
Clodagh Carroll, assistant director of children's services at Barnardos, suggests suggests talking to your child about what may be different and acknowledging the worries they may have.
“Talking to them and helping them understand that things that might be different will help,” says Carroll, “let them know it is okay for them to have worries and how they can talk to you about them.”
3. Walk the walk
Whether it is your child’s first day at primary school or they are returning for another year, walking the route to school before they return can help prepare them (and you) and ease the first day nerves.
“Before they go back to school do the route with them,” says Carroll, “Little rituals like buying the lunch box or school bag signify a positive about getting ready to go back to school.”
Hayes suggests looking at photos of the school or classroom on the school website and talking about the logistics of where they might stand in line.
“Attending to the physical realities and the physical health and safety is something that we can all relate to,” says Hayes.
Talk to your child to help them understand how things might be different when school resumes. Photograph: iStock
4. Trust the teachers
“What we have to do is trust our professionals to be professional and do the job that they were trained to do,” says Quinn.
If you have noticed any concerning behaviour or are worried about a developmental delay, it is important to communicate this with the class teacher promptly.
“Let the school know. It is so much easier for them if they know in advance,” she says.
Some parents may be concerned about the re-emergence of school-refusal behaviours.
“If you’re worried about school refusal, link in with the school as soon as you can and flag it,” says Carroll. “Find a teacher that had a good relationship with your child to encourage them back. Connect your child back in with that teacher before school starts to relieve that stress and anxiety.”
5. Catch-up concerns
Many parents may have concerns about children’s need to “catch up” academically, but Hayes explains that the first month of school should be viewed differently this time around.
“We need to allow children time and space,” says Hayes “Of course children will be expecting to be learning things and to be taught but there needs to be a certain flexibility. Parents shouldn’t be disturbed if their children aren’t coming home with the same level of homework. It is no harm to think about the first month as a settling-in period.”
6. Remain vigilant
While the return to school may go more smoothly than expected, Hayes says it is important for parents and teachers to be aware that issues may not present themselves straight away.
“For many children there really is just the excitement of going back,” says Hayes. “So the issues may not happen in the transition.”
She says it is important for parents to be mindful of changes in behaviour or sleep patterns that may happen in the weeks that follow the initial back-to-school period.
7. Self-care
“Self-care as a parent is one of the things that helps us be as good a parent as we can be,” says Quinn. “Being good to myself is not a selfish act.”
She explains that it is really important for parents to take time for themselves. “It is what enables me to be the best parent I can be.”
Carroll says it is important for parents to acknowledge how hard this has been for them. “There is something about parents saying “It’s okay, I did my best.”
Back to school nerves? Useful resources
- Heart, Body and Mind: This Barnardos resource focuses on emotional regulation, and helps introduce relaxation habits and thought awareness. The section that focuses on parental wellbeing reminds parents of the importance of self-care.
- Bridge Back to School: Autism charity AsIAm, in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College and Supervalu, has developed a booklet with activities that focus on social and communication skills, self-regulation and preparing for the return to schools.
- Mo Scéal: This transition resource pack is available on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment website and helps parents and children share information about their learning and development with their junior infant teacher.
- Ready for School: This resource is available on the gov.ie website and has advice and guidance for parents on how to prepare for and what to expect on that first day of school.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--More than 2,000 workers exit pandemic unemployment scheme

More than 2,000 workers have exited the Government ’ s Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment ( PUP ) scheme .
The number of people still claiming the payment , which is up to €350 a week for those who lost their job as a result of the pandemic , dropped from 232,400 to 230,400 in the last week .
This represents a decrease of more than 60 per cent compared to when a peak of 598,000 workers claimed the payment on May 5th .
Total payments , which will be made on Tuesday , will be €71.7 million .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment have fallen off .
The top sectors in which employees are returning to work this week are accomodation and food services ; wholesale and retail trade , garage repairs and construction .
The largest cohort returning to work is in the 35-44 age group .
At the beginning of the pandemic , all workers who were laid off as a result of it received the €350 payment .
That was amended at the end of June so that those who earned less than €200 gross in January and February are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than what they were earning .
Some 60,800 people will receive the €203 rate of payment this week which is 950 less than last week .
The majority of people - 169,600 - will continue to receive the €350 rate of payment , which is 1,050 less than last week .
Almost 70,000 employers have registered with the Revenue Commissioners for the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme ( TWSS ) .
An estimated 370,000 employees are currently being supported by the scheme having received a subsidy in their most recent pay period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 244,600 people who were reported on the Live Register as of the end of July .
All Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payments issued will be in recipients ’ bank accounts or at their local post office on Tuesday .
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said : “ The Pandemic Unemployment Payment continues to be a vital source of income for thousands of individuals and families across the country and that ’ s why the Government has taken the decision to extend the payment until April 2021 .
”

More than 2,000 workers have exited the Government’s Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) scheme.
The number of people still claiming the payment, which is up to €350 a week for those who lost their job as a result of the pandemic, dropped from 232,400 to 230,400 in the last week.
This represents a decrease of more than 60 per cent compared to when a peak of 598,000 workers claimed the payment on May 5th.
Total payments, which will be made on Tuesday, will be €71.7 million.
READ MORE
As the country has reopened, the numbers claiming the payment have fallen off. The top sectors in which employees are returning to work this week are accomodation and food services; wholesale and retail trade, garage repairs and construction.
The largest cohort returning to work is in the 35-44 age group. At the beginning of the pandemic, all workers who were laid off as a result of it received the €350 payment.
That was amended at the end of June so that those who earned less than €200 gross in January and February are being paid €203 a week, slightly more than what they were earning.
Some 60,800 people will receive the €203 rate of payment this week which is 950 less than last week. The majority of people - 169,600 - will continue to receive the €350 rate of payment, which is 1,050 less than last week.
Almost 70,000 employers have registered with the Revenue Commissioners for the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
An estimated 370,000 employees are currently being supported by the scheme having received a subsidy in their most recent pay period.
The above payments are in addition to the 244,600 people who were reported on the Live Register as of the end of July.
All Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payments issued will be in recipients’ bank accounts or at their local post office on Tuesday.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said: “The Pandemic Unemployment Payment continues to be a vital source of income for thousands of individuals and families across the country and that’s why the Government has taken the decision to extend the payment until April 2021.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Clifden golf dinner: Former junior minister Áine Brady apologises for attendance

Former junior minister Áine Brady has apologised for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden , Co Galway last week , describing it as a distraction from the work of her charity .
Ms Brady is chief executive of Third Age , the organisation that supports older people in Ireland .
She became the latest of the more than 80 guests at the controversial event to publicly acknowledge her error and apologise .
The dinner was held by the society after it hosted two days of golf at the nearby Connemara Golf Course in Ballyconneely , Co Galway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and senators , along with former TDs and senators .
Ms Brady had accompanied her husband Gerry , who had played in the golf tournament , to the function in Clifden .
Third Age did not immediately supply a comment from Ms Brady when contacted but in a statement reported by the Leinster Leader , she said she wished to sincerely apologise .
“ I am disappointed that my actions may have distracted from the tremendous work that the organisation does , and I will re-double my efforts to ensure that these programmes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older people and communities in Ireland , ” she said .
“ I unreservedly apologise and deeply regret my attendance at last week ’ s event.
” Ms Brady lost her Kildare North seat in the 2011 general election , having represented the constituency as a Fianna Fail TD since 2007 .
She became minister of state with responsibility for older people in April 2009 and was appointed head of Third Age 2013 .
On Monday morning , another former TD , Dr Michael Harty also apologised for his attendance .
Media interviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare but Dr Harty told his local station Clare FM that he had made an error of judgment and did not initially suspect there was anything wrong with the event .
He said he was not aware of the changes to Covid guidelines made the day before which further limited indoor gatherings .
“ I turned off completely in relation to what was going on in the outside world for two days , ” he said .
“ I have been working hard in relation to this pandemic for the past six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February and ya , I let my guard down.
” He said he should have known something was amiss when he walked into the room and used his common sense but he assumed the dinner was in compliance with the rules .
He explained he was not a member of the “ tight knit ” committee group who organised the meal and that he “ certainly would have seen the dangers ” if he had been .
“ I walked into a trap basically .
I walked into a room which looked fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t see any difficulty.
” The former Clare independent TD and GP , said he intended to learn from his mistakes which have cost him personally and professionally .
“ I acknowledge the hurt and distress that it has caused and has undermined the commitment and sacrifice that everyone has been making during this pandemic , ” he said .

Former junior minister Aine Brady is chief executive of Third Age, the organisation that supports older people in Ireland. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Former junior minister Áine Brady has apologised for attending the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden, Co Galway last week, describing it as a distraction from the work of her charity.
Ms Brady is chief executive of Third Age, the organisation that supports older people in Ireland.
She became the latest of the more than 80 guests at the controversial event to publicly acknowledge her error and apologise. The dinner was held by the society after it hosted two days of golf at the nearby Connemara Golf Course in Ballyconneely, Co Galway. The event was attended by several TDs and senators, along with former TDs and senators.
Ms Brady had accompanied her husband Gerry, who had played in the golf tournament, to the function in Clifden.
READ MORE
Third Age did not immediately supply a comment from Ms Brady when contacted but in a statement reported by the Leinster Leader, she said she wished to sincerely apologise.
“I am disappointed that my actions may have distracted from the tremendous work that the organisation does, and I will re-double my efforts to ensure that these programmes will continue to deliver positive outcomes for older people and communities in Ireland,” she said.
“I unreservedly apologise and deeply regret my attendance at last week’s event.”
Ms Brady lost her Kildare North seat in the 2011 general election, having represented the constituency as a Fianna Fail TD since 2007.
She became minister of state with responsibility for older people in April 2009 and was appointed head of Third Age 2013.
On Monday morning, another former TD, Dr Michael Harty also apologised for his attendance.
Media interviews with those at the dinner have been rare but Dr Harty told his local station Clare FM that he had made an error of judgment and did not initially suspect there was anything wrong with the event.
He said he was not aware of the changes to Covid guidelines made the day before which further limited indoor gatherings.
“I turned off completely in relation to what was going on in the outside world for two days,” he said. “I have been working hard in relation to this pandemic for the past six months since it started at the beginning of February and ya, I let my guard down.”
He said he should have known something was amiss when he walked into the room and used his common sense but he assumed the dinner was in compliance with the rules.
He explained he was not a member of the “tight knit” committee group who organised the meal and that he “certainly would have seen the dangers” if he had been.
“I walked into a trap basically. I walked into a room which looked fine; the tables were distanced. I didn’t see any difficulty.”
The former Clare independent TD and GP, said he intended to learn from his mistakes which have cost him personally and professionally.
“I acknowledge the hurt and distress that it has caused and has undermined the commitment and sacrifice that everyone has been making during this pandemic,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Supreme Court requests report on Seamus Woulfe’s attendance at Clifden golf dinner

The Supreme Court has asked former Chief Justice Susan Denham to review whether Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe should have attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Co Galway last week .
Ms Justice Denham has been asked by the court to report her conclusions and recommendations on Mr Justice Woulfe ’ s attendance at the event to Chief Justice Frank Clarke .
The retired judge has been asked and has agreed to commence her work immediately to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe should have accepted the invitation to the dinner .
The court has requested that Ms Justice Denham “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance of Mr Justice Woulfe “ at an event in the west of Ireland last week.
” Mr Justice Woulfe , the former attorney general , was among more than 80 guests who attended a dinner in the Station House Hotel in Clifden , Co Galway last Wednesday night .
The dinner was held by the society after it hosted two days of golf at the nearby Connemara Golf Course in Ballyconneely , Co Galway .
The event was attended by several TDs and senators , along with former TDs and senators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said that the event was not in line with public health guidelines introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The controversy surrounding the event has led to the resignation of Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary as minister for agriculture , Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer as Seanad leas-cathaoirleach and several senators losing their party whips .
In a statement , the Supreme Court said that Ms Justice Denham has been asked to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe “ should , in all the circumstances , have left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation prevailing ” and whether he should played golf without attending the dinner .
“ In the context of those question Ms Justice Denham has also been asked to consider whether there are any relevant codes of practice or guidelines and to make any recommendations in that regard which she considers appropriate , ” the court said .
The court said that “ this non-statutory approach ” to the review is required because the sections of the legislation establishing the Judicial Council , the newly created body covering codes of conduct and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not yet been commenced .
Mr Justice Woulfe issued a lengthy statement last week in response to his attendance at the dinner , saying that he attended the dinner on the understanding that it would be adhering to public health guidelines and apologised for any unintentional breach of them .
Ms Justice Denham retired as chief justice in 2017 and was succeeded by Mr Justice Frank Clarke , the judge she will now report to on Mr Justice Woulfe .
She was the first woman to hold the position of chief justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court for 25 years .

The Supreme Court has asked former Chief Justice Susan Denham to review whether Mr Justice Seamus Woulfe should have attended the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Co Galway last week.
Ms Justice Denham has been asked by the court to report her conclusions and recommendations on Mr Justice Woulfe's attendance at the event to Chief Justice Frank Clarke.
The retired judge has been asked and has agreed to commence her work immediately to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe should have accepted the invitation to the dinner.
The court has requested that Ms Justice Denham "consider certain questions arising out of the attendance of Mr Justice Woulfe "at an event in the west of Ireland last week."
READ MORE
Mr Justice Woulfe, the former attorney general, was among more than 80 guests who attended a dinner in the Station House Hotel in Clifden, Co Galway last Wednesday night.
The dinner was held by the society after it hosted two days of golf at the nearby Connemara Golf Course in Ballyconneely, Co Galway. The event was attended by several TDs and senators, along with former TDs and senators.
The State's acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said that the event was not in line with public health guidelines introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The controversy surrounding the event has led to the resignation of Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary as minister for agriculture, Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer as Seanad leas-cathaoirleach and several senators losing their party whips.
In a statement, the Supreme Court said that Ms Justice Denham has been asked to consider whether Mr Justice Woulfe “should, in all the circumstances, have left the hotel in the light of the situation prevailing” and whether he should played golf without attending the dinner.
“In the context of those question Ms Justice Denham has also been asked to consider whether there are any relevant codes of practice or guidelines and to make any recommendations in that regard which she considers appropriate,” the court said.
The court said that "this non-statutory approach" to the review is required because the sections of the legislation establishing the Judicial Council, the newly created body covering codes of conduct and a mechanism to handle complaints against judges, has not yet been commenced.
Mr Justice Woulfe issued a lengthy statement last week in response to his attendance at the dinner, saying that he attended the dinner on the understanding that it would be adhering to public health guidelines and apologised for any unintentional breach of them.
Ms Justice Denham retired as chief justice in 2017 and was succeeded by Mr Justice Frank Clarke, the judge she will now report to on Mr Justice Woulfe. She was the first woman to hold the position of chief justice in the State and served on the Supreme Court for 25 years.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Belfast woman sentenced to 20 years for attempting to kill police officers

A Belfast woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to kill police officers .
Christine Connor ( 35 ) , was convicted at Belfast Crown Court last month of attempted murder and causing an explosion likely to endanger life .
During sentencing at Belfast Crown Court on Monday , Judge Stephen Fowler said Connor remains in his view a “ committed dissident republican ” .
“ She is still wedded to violence .
.
.
the defendant ’ s role in these attacks demonstrates her high level of commitment to the dissident republican cause and willingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I consider the culpability of the defendant high and the harm intended murderous .
“ The defendant is suffering from significant ill health , mental and physical .
She suffers from diabetes and hyperthyroidism , she has in the past and continues to suffer mental health issues .
She is clinically obese and at present vulnerable if she was to contract Covid-19 .
“ I have no doubt that custody will present significant difficulties for her and indeed for those treating her in Hydebank Wood.
” The judge said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 24 years .
However , taking into account mitigating factors including the defendant ’ s poor health , he sentenced her to 20 years with four years ’ extended licence .
Connor appeared at Belfast Crown Court via videolink from Hydebank Wood prison to hear the sentencing .
The court previously heard how she had posed as a Swedish model to entrap men into taking part in a terror plot that involved pipe bomb attacks on police in north Belfast in May 2013 .
Connor , whose address is subject to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to two incidents in the north of the city in May 2013 .
However , in a lengthy judgment in July , Judge Fowler dismissed her explanations .
During the first incident on May 16 2013 , an early morning 999 call was made by a female who claimed she had seen an object she thought was a bomb in a garden on the Ligoniel Road .
Officers observed a large plume of smoke in the area shortly after the call on CCTV and when police went to the scene they observed two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second incident on May 20 of the same year , police officers attended the Crumlin Road after receiving a call from a woman who claimed she had been attacked by her boyfriend .
It was there that two pipe bombs were thrown from an alleyway .
The first exploded close to an officer ’ s foot , who ran away but tripped on a kerb , after which the second device was thrown .
Nobody was seriously injured .
Following a non-jury trial which commenced at the end of last November and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ compelling circumstantial and forensic case ” had been presented .
The sentence was welcomed by police .
Det Supt Richard Campbell , of the Police Service of Northern Ireland ’ s Serious Crime Branch said : “ Today ’ s sentencing is the result of excellent joint working between the PSNI and West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and other UK police services .
I would like to thank all officers who were involved in bringing Christine Connor to justice .
“ Thankfully she is now in prison paying the ultimate price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has called for an “ urgent review ” of sentencing laws .
Chairman Mark Lindsay said : “ Connor was given a 20-year sentence but with time served on remand and parole , she may only actually serve eight years .
“ This is not a sentence which wholly reflects the impact of her crimes on the victims .
The Executive should act to correct this situation , to at least bring us into line with England and Wales , where the attempted murder of a police officer would attract a more substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and realistic review of sentencing guidelines is needed to reassure officers that those who set out to murder or maim them will be adequately punished .
“ Thankfully , this dangerous terrorist is out of circulation , but the time she will serve behind bars , in my view , does not reflect the seriousness of her crimes and the impact it has had on my colleagues.
” – PA

Christine Connor (35), was convicted at Belfast Crown Court last month of attempted murder and causing an explosion likely to endanger life. Photograph: Alan Lewis/Photopress
A Belfast woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to kill police officers.
Christine Connor (35), was convicted at Belfast Crown Court last month of attempted murder and causing an explosion likely to endanger life.
During sentencing at Belfast Crown Court on Monday, Judge Stephen Fowler said Connor remains in his view a “committed dissident republican”.
“She is still wedded to violence . . . the defendant’s role in these attacks demonstrates her high level of commitment to the dissident republican cause and willingness to murder without remorse,” he said.
READ MORE
“I find the defendant dangerous.
“I consider the culpability of the defendant high and the harm intended murderous.
“The defendant is suffering from significant ill health, mental and physical. She suffers from diabetes and hyperthyroidism, she has in the past and continues to suffer mental health issues. She is clinically obese and at present vulnerable if she was to contract Covid-19.
“I have no doubt that custody will present significant difficulties for her and indeed for those treating her in Hydebank Wood.”
The judge said the appropriate sentencing would be in the region of 24 years. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the defendant’s poor health, he sentenced her to 20 years with four years’ extended licence.
Connor appeared at Belfast Crown Court via videolink from Hydebank Wood prison to hear the sentencing.
The court previously heard how she had posed as a Swedish model to entrap men into taking part in a terror plot that involved pipe bomb attacks on police in north Belfast in May 2013.
Connor, whose address is subject to a reporting restriction, denied the charges linked to two incidents in the north of the city in May 2013. However, in a lengthy judgment in July, Judge Fowler dismissed her explanations.
During the first incident on May 16 2013, an early morning 999 call was made by a female who claimed she had seen an object she thought was a bomb in a garden on the Ligoniel Road.
Officers observed a large plume of smoke in the area shortly after the call on CCTV and when police went to the scene they observed two scorch marks on the road.
In the second incident on May 20 of the same year, police officers attended the Crumlin Road after receiving a call from a woman who claimed she had been attacked by her boyfriend.
It was there that two pipe bombs were thrown from an alleyway. The first exploded close to an officer’s foot, who ran away but tripped on a kerb, after which the second device was thrown. Nobody was seriously injured.
Following a non-jury trial which commenced at the end of last November and ran until mid-December, Judge Fowler said a “compelling circumstantial and forensic case” had been presented.
The sentence was welcomed by police.
Det Supt Richard Campbell, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Serious Crime Branch said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of excellent joint working between the PSNI and West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and other UK police services. I would like to thank all officers who were involved in bringing Christine Connor to justice.
“Thankfully she is now in prison paying the ultimate price for her crimes.”
The Police Federation has called for an “urgent review” of sentencing laws.
Chairman Mark Lindsay said: “Connor was given a 20-year sentence but with time served on remand and parole, she may only actually serve eight years.
“This is not a sentence which wholly reflects the impact of her crimes on the victims. The Executive should act to correct this situation, to at least bring us into line with England and Wales, where the attempted murder of a police officer would attract a more substantial period of imprisonment.
“An urgent and realistic review of sentencing guidelines is needed to reassure officers that those who set out to murder or maim them will be adequately punished.
“Thankfully, this dangerous terrorist is out of circulation, but the time she will serve behind bars, in my view, does not reflect the seriousness of her crimes and the impact it has had on my colleagues.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Ninth person charged in Northern Ireland amid New IRA crackdown

A ninth person has been charged with terrorism offences in Northern Ireland as part of a police crackdown on the dissident republican group the New IRA .
Eight people had already appeared before Belfast Magistrates ’ Court following 10 arrests as part of a crackdown under Operation Arbacia .
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray described the operation as “ significant and carefully planned ” .
“ Last week the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested 10 people , eight men and two women , under the terrorism Act as part of a significant and carefully planned operation called Arbacia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an ongoing and co-ordinated investigation into activities of the New IRA and involves partners such as MI5 , An Garda Síochána , Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police Service .
“ Eight people have been charged with a total of 34 terrorist offences .
All have been remanded in custody .
“ I can now confirm a ninth person has been charged with four terrorist offences .
Overall , these offences include directing terrorism , preparatory acts of terrorism , membership of a proscribed organisation , conspiracy .
.
.
[ to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life and conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life .
These offences speak for themselves , ” she added .
The New IRA is believed to be responsible for the shooting death of journalist Lyra McKee while she observed a riot in Derry in April 2019 .
It is currently believed to be the largest of the dissident republican groups in Northern Ireland , and has been blamed for a number of attacks on police , including a bomb attack in Wattle Bridge , Co Fermanagh , in August 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at locations across Britain and the Republic in March 2019 .
Ms Gray described Operation Arbacia as a “ longer term ” inquiry into “ every aspect of the activities of the New IRA in its entirety ” .
“ Keeping the public safe is at the heart of this operation , ” she said .
“ We have seen the New IRA does not care who it hurts or what it destroys .
They do not care about the communities they come from , they care for no one .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploit .
“ It is really disappointing that decades on from the Good Friday [ Belfast ] Agreement there are still groups who are using and hiding bombs and bullets in residential areas and putting their own agendas above the rights of the community who want to live and thrive in peace.
” – PA

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray during a press conference at Knock Street in Belfast in relation to Operation Arbacia on Monday. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A ninth person has been charged with terrorism offences in Northern Ireland as part of a police crackdown on the dissident republican group the New IRA.
Eight people had already appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court following 10 arrests as part of a crackdown under Operation Arbacia.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray described the operation as “significant and carefully planned”.
"Last week the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested 10 people, eight men and two women, under the terrorism Act as part of a significant and carefully planned operation called Arbacia," she said.
READ MORE
"This is an ongoing and co-ordinated investigation into activities of the New IRA and involves partners such as MI5, An Garda Síochána, Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police Service.
“Eight people have been charged with a total of 34 terrorist offences. All have been remanded in custody.
“I can now confirm a ninth person has been charged with four terrorist offences. Overall, these offences include directing terrorism, preparatory acts of terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation, conspiracy . . . [to] possess explosives with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life. These offences speak for themselves,” she added.
Lyra McKee
The New IRA is believed to be responsible for the shooting death of journalist Lyra McKee while she observed a riot in Derry in April 2019.
It is currently believed to be the largest of the dissident republican groups in Northern Ireland, and has been blamed for a number of attacks on police, including a bomb attack in Wattle Bridge, Co Fermanagh, in August 2019, as well as five letter bombs found at locations across Britain and the Republic in March 2019.
Ms Gray described Operation Arbacia as a “longer term” inquiry into “every aspect of the activities of the New IRA in its entirety”.
“Keeping the public safe is at the heart of this operation,” she said.
“We have seen the New IRA does not care who it hurts or what it destroys. They do not care about the communities they come from, they care for no one. They are reckless, they are manipulative and they exploit.
“It is really disappointing that decades on from the Good Friday [Belfast] Agreement there are still groups who are using and hiding bombs and bullets in residential areas and putting their own agendas above the rights of the community who want to live and thrive in peace.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Coronavirus Ireland: Glynn sounds ‘note of caution’ about cases increasing in Dublin

The State ’ s public health emergency team has issued a “ note of caution ” about rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in Dublin where people should take “ extra care ” to prevent spreading the virus .
There were a further 147 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team , including 73 in Dublin .
No further deaths were reported .
This brings total confirmed cases to 28,116 with the death toll from the virus remaining at 1,777 .
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn told a press briefing that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Dublin over the last number of days but that it was “ something that we are watching closely.
” “ It is not an alarm ; it is simply a note of caution for people to take care and take all the basic measures , ” he said , referring to the long-standing public health measures that people should follow and last week ’ s specific guidance to avoid house parties and other larger gatherings .
The increased cases in Dublin were spread across the county but the number of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West , Dublin North West and Dublin North Central , he said .
“ Unlike what we saw in Kildare , Laois and Offaly , there isn ’ t one or two defined clusters guiding this in Dublin .
It is spread out across areas , across settings , across workplaces and with a significant proportion of community transmission , ” he said .
One in three Dublin cases are from community transmission , which is higher than one-in-five national average .
Some 34 of the 73 Dublin cases are close contacts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no suggestion ” that a county lockdown or any further restrictions were needed in Dublin and that if people followed guidance , the benefits would be seen next week , said Dr Glynn .
Countrywide , there were 27 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospitals , including six in critical care units , and that this was up from 17 last Thursday .
“ We do need to monitor that very closely , ” said Dr Glynn .
He challenged claims from some commentators that the pandemic was now a “ case-demic ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop worrying ” and that “ the virus has weakened.
” “ That is simply not the case , ” he said .
If cases kept rising , “ it will only be a matter of time before it spreads into other groups , ” he said .
Dr Mary Favier , president of the Irish College of General Practitioners , acknowledged the anxiety amongst parents with schools reopening this week .
She said parents should not worry about children who “ have a runny nose for every single day of winter ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” when children have a high temperature , a cough or other respiratory symptoms and should keep them home for 48 hours until symptoms settle .
Dr Glynn said it “ won ’ t be a surprise ” if there are cases among schoolchildren but the challenge was “ to response to that appropriately and listen to the appropriate information sources.
” There were 84 children under the age of 14 last week who tested positive for Covid-19 and overall children under 14 accounted for less than three per cent of cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Covid have very mild , if any symptoms , ” he said .
“ If we can suppress this and keep this low in our community , we can protect our children and protect our education system.
” Dr Glynn said he didn ’ t believe that it was possible to pursue a strategy to eliminate Covid-19 completely and that Nphet ’ s strategy was to “ keep the cases as low as possible ” and to protect education , vulnerable people and healthcare .
Dr Cillian De Gascun , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that alternative testing methods were being evaluated for children , including saliva testing .
Some 57,670 Covid-19 tests were conducted last week with a 1.3 per cent positivity rate .
There were two new Covid-19 outbreaks reported at direct provision centres , in Bray and in Limerick and eight new cases spread over all eight outbreaks in these centres .
Separately , another 10 cases of Covid-19 have been reported across Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.There have been no more deaths .
The first pupils have returned to schools across Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
Some parents have expressed concerns while teachers ’ unions say educators had not been given enough time to respond to rules issued earlier this month .
Northern Ireland ’ s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has insisted it is safe to return .
However three schools did not reopen following the detection of Covid-19 cases .

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer said evidence suggests "children do not commonly transmit Covid-19 to other children or adults in school settings." Video: RTE
The State’s public health emergency team has issued a “note of caution” about rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in Dublin where people should take “extra care” to prevent spreading the virus.
There were a further 147 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team, including 73 in Dublin. No further deaths were reported.
This brings total confirmed cases to 28,116 with the death toll from the virus remaining at 1,777.
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn told a press briefing that there was not a major problem with rising cases in Dublin over the last number of days but that it was "something that we are watching closely."
READ MORE
“It is not an alarm; it is simply a note of caution for people to take care and take all the basic measures,” he said, referring to the long-standing public health measures that people should follow and last week’s specific guidance to avoid house parties and other larger gatherings.
The increased cases in Dublin were spread across the county but the number of infections were “slightly higher” in Dublin West, Dublin North West and Dublin North Central, he said.
“Unlike what we saw in Kildare, Laois and Offaly, there isn’t one or two defined clusters guiding this in Dublin. It is spread out across areas, across settings, across workplaces and with a significant proportion of community transmission,” he said.
One in three Dublin cases are from community transmission, which is higher than one-in-five national average. Some 34 of the 73 Dublin cases are close contacts of other Covid-19 cases.
There was “no suggestion” that a county lockdown or any further restrictions were needed in Dublin and that if people followed guidance, the benefits would be seen next week, said Dr Glynn.
Countrywide, there were 27 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospitals, including six in critical care units, and that this was up from 17 last Thursday. “We do need to monitor that very closely,” said Dr Glynn.
He challenged claims from some commentators that the pandemic was now a “case-demic”, that public health officials should “stop worrying” and that “the virus has weakened.” “That is simply not the case,” he said. If cases kept rising, “it will only be a matter of time before it spreads into other groups,” he said.
Schools
Dr Mary Favier, president of the Irish College of General Practitioners, acknowledged the anxiety amongst parents with schools reopening this week.
She said parents should not worry about children who “have a runny nose for every single day of winter” but should “start to pay attention” when children have a high temperature, a cough or other respiratory symptoms and should keep them home for 48 hours until symptoms settle.
Dr Glynn said it “won’t be a surprise” if there are cases among schoolchildren but the challenge was “to response to that appropriately and listen to the appropriate information sources.”
There were 84 children under the age of 14 last week who tested positive for Covid-19 and overall children under 14 accounted for less than three per cent of cases.
“The vast, vast majority who have Covid have very mild, if any symptoms,” he said.
“If we can suppress this and keep this low in our community, we can protect our children and protect our education system.”
Dr Glynn said he didn’t believe that it was possible to pursue a strategy to eliminate Covid-19 completely and that Nphet’s strategy was to “keep the cases as low as possible” and to protect education, vulnerable people and healthcare.
Dr Cillian De Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said that alternative testing methods were being evaluated for children, including saliva testing.
Some 57,670 Covid-19 tests were conducted last week with a 1.3 per cent positivity rate.
There were two new Covid-19 outbreaks reported at direct provision centres, in Bray and in Limerick and eight new cases spread over all eight outbreaks in these centres.
Separately, another 10 cases of Covid-19 have been reported across Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.There have been no more deaths.
The first pupils have returned to schools across Northern Ireland since the coronavirus lockdown started in March. Some parents have expressed concerns while teachers’ unions say educators had not been given enough time to respond to rules issued earlier this month.
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has insisted it is safe to return. However three schools did not reopen following the detection of Covid-19 cases.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Hand sanitiser Q&A: Should send my child to school with a bottle?

What ’ s this I read about the dangers of hand sanitiser , I thought it was a good thing ?
Oh , it is a good thing and one of the key – one of the only , truth be told – weapons we have in the fight against Covid-19 .
However , concerns have been expressed in recent days about the alcohol content and presentation of some products particularly when in the hands of young children heading off to school for the first time in six months .
Great , another thing to worry about .
Who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Information Centre ( NPIC ) based in Beaumont Hospital .
In a Facebook post over the weekend it asked a simple question .
“ Would you send your child to school with a naggin of vodka ?
” Of course not , why would they even as that ?
Because , as the NPIC points out , a 100ml bottle of 80 per cent alcohol hand sanitiser has the same amount of alcohol as a 200ml bottle of 40 per cent vodka .
Yes the NPIC warns that even small amounts of hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( their caps ) .
The social media post also points out that some hand-sanitiser bottles look like water bottles and may be mistaken for a drink and it expresses concern that “ toy-like novelty hand-sanitiser containers may appear attractive to children and their contents easily ingested.
” Are they suggesting the kids will drink the stuff ?
Have they ever tasted it ?
It is vile tasting all right but the NPIC is still erring on the side of caution .
It is true that consumption of it would pose a risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not one , perhaps , that many people will have considered until now .
The Department of Education has also made it clear that young children should not have independent use of containers of alcohol hand sanitiser .
How did the warning go down online ?
Not entirely well .
Many parents posting on the NPIC ’ s Facebook post criticising it for being alarmist and are seeking actual evidence that children have been ingesting hand sanitiser and asking whether it has been a previously documented problem .
Others said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children not drink their hand sanitiser .
But my school is asking us to send hand sanitiser in with my child ?
Many schools are doing that , even those who are saying they have sufficient stocks in school dispensing units .
So , what should I do ?
Talk to your school and talk to your child .
Obviously sending a very young child to school with a potentially toxic or liquid in an attractive container in the school bag alongside their lunchbox is probably not a good idea , particularly if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottle easily opened .
But there is probably less risk if the hand sanitiser is a thick gel or foam and comes in a bottle that could in absolutely no way be confused with a drink .
Make sure to avoid any gels that smell nice and this is one instance when the more toxic smelling and tasting the product is , the better .

Chris Donnelly, principal of St John The Baptist Primary School in West Belfast uses sanitiser on pupils’ hands, as schools in Northern Ireland reopen on Monday. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
What’s this I read about the dangers of hand sanitiser, I thought it was a good thing?
Oh, it is a good thing and one of the key – one of the only, truth be told – weapons we have in the fight against Covid-19. However, concerns have been expressed in recent days about the alcohol content and presentation of some products particularly when in the hands of young children heading off to school for the first time in six months.
Great, another thing to worry about. Who has expressed this concern?
The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) based in Beaumont Hospital. In a Facebook post over the weekend it asked a simple question. "Would you send your child to school with a naggin of vodka?"
READ MORE
Of course not, why would they even as that?
Because, as the NPIC points out, a 100ml bottle of 80 per cent alcohol hand sanitiser has the same amount of alcohol as a 200ml bottle of 40 per cent vodka.
Anything else?
Yes the NPIC warns that even small amounts of hand sanitiser if consumed can lead to INTOXICATION (their caps). The social media post also points out that some hand-sanitiser bottles look like water bottles and may be mistaken for a drink and it expresses concern that “toy-like novelty hand-sanitiser containers may appear attractive to children and their contents easily ingested.”
Are they suggesting the kids will drink the stuff? Have they ever tasted it?
It is vile tasting all right but the NPIC is still erring on the side of caution. It is true that consumption of it would pose a risk for a young child even if it is not one, perhaps, that many people will have considered until now. The Department of Education has also made it clear that young children should not have independent use of containers of alcohol hand sanitiser.
How did the warning go down online?
Not entirely well. Many parents posting on the NPIC’s Facebook post criticising it for being alarmist and are seeking actual evidence that children have been ingesting hand sanitiser and asking whether it has been a previously documented problem. Others said it was the parents’ responsibility to teach their children not drink their hand sanitiser.
But my school is asking us to send hand sanitiser in with my child?
Many schools are doing that, even those who are saying they have sufficient stocks in school dispensing units.
So, what should I do?
Talk to your school and talk to your child. Obviously sending a very young child to school with a potentially toxic or liquid in an attractive container in the school bag alongside their lunchbox is probably not a good idea, particularly if the hand sanitiser is liquid and the bottle easily opened. But there is probably less risk if the hand sanitiser is a thick gel or foam and comes in a bottle that could in absolutely no way be confused with a drink. Make sure to avoid any gels that smell nice and this is one instance when the more toxic smelling and tasting the product is, the better.


theirishtimes--2020-08-24--Earth has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice in less than 30 years

A total of 28 trillion tonnes of ice have disappeared from the surface of the Earth since 1994 .
That is the stunning conclusion of UK scientists who have analysed satellite surveys of the planet ’ s poles , mountains and glaciers to measure how much ice coverage has been lost because of global heating triggered by rising greenhouse gas emissions .
The scientists – based at Leeds and Edinburgh universities and University College London – describe the level of ice loss as “ staggering ” and warn that their analysis indicates that sea level rises , triggered by melting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a metre by the end of the century .
“ To put that in context , every centimetre of sea level rise means about a million people will be displaced from their low-lying homelands , ” said Prof Andy Shepherd , director of Leeds University ’ s Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling .
The scientists also warn that the melting of ice in these quantities is now seriously reducing the planet ’ s ability to reflect solar radiation back into space .
White ice is disappearing and the dark sea or soil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more heat , further increasing the warming of the planet .
In addition , cold fresh water pouring from melting glaciers and ice sheets is causing major disruptions to the biological health of Arctic and Antarctic waters , while loss of glaciers in mountain ranges threatens to wipe out sources of fresh water on which local communities depend .
“ In the past researchers have studied individual areas – such as the Antarctic or Greenland – where ice is melting .
But this is the first time anyone has looked at all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet , ” said Prof Shepherd .
“ What we have found has stunned us.
” The level of ice loss revealed by the group matches the worst-case scenario predictions outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) , he added .
The group studied satellite surveys of glaciers in South America , Asia , Canada and other regions ; sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic ; ice sheets that cover the ground in Antarctica and Greenland ; and ice shelves that protrude from the Antarctic mainland into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1994 to 2017 .
The researchers ’ conclusion is that all the regions have suffered devastating reductions in ice cover in the past three decades and these losses are continuing .
“ To put the losses we ’ ve already experienced into context , 28 trillion tonnes of ice would cover the entire surface of the UK with a sheet of frozen water that is 100m thick , ” added group member Tom Slater from Leeds University .
“ It ’ s just mind-blowing.
” As to the cause of these staggering losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There can be little doubt that the vast majority of Earth ’ s ice loss is a direct consequence of climate warming , ” they state in their review paper , which is published in the online journal Cryosphere Discussions .
“ On average , the planetary surface temperature has risen by 0.85C since 1880 , and this signal has been amplified in the polar regions , ” they state .
Both sea and atmospheric temperatures have risen , triggering the catastrophic ice losses uncovered by the group .
In the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising sea temperatures have been the main driver while increasing atmospheric temperatures have been the cause of ice loss from inland glaciers such as those in the Himalayas .
In Greenland , ice loss has been triggered by a combination of rising sea and atmospheric temperatures .
The team stressed that not all the ice that was lost over that period would have contributed to sea level rises .
“ A total of 54 per cent of the lost ice was from sea ice and from ice shelves , ” said Leeds University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on water and their melting would not have contributed to sea level rises .
The other 46 per cent of meltwater came from glaciers and ice sheets on the ground , and they would have added to sea level rise.
” The group ’ s results were published 30 years after the first assessment report of the IPCC was published , at the end of August 1990 .
This outlined , in stark terms , that global warming was real and was being triggered by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists , these emissions have continued to rise as global temperatures continued to soar .
According to figures released by the Met Office last week , there was a 0.14 degrees increase in global temperatures between the decade 1980-89 and the decade 1990-1999 , then a 0.2 degrees increase between each of the following decades .
This rate of increase is expected to rise , possibly to about 0.3 degrees a decade , as carbon emissions continue on their upward trajectory .
– Guardian/Observer

The scientists also warn that the melting of ice in these quantities is now seriously reducing the planet’s ability to reflect solar radiation back into space. Photograph: Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP
A total of 28 trillion tonnes of ice have disappeared from the surface of the Earth since 1994. That is the stunning conclusion of UK scientists who have analysed satellite surveys of the planet’s poles, mountains and glaciers to measure how much ice coverage has been lost because of global heating triggered by rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The scientists – based at Leeds and Edinburgh universities and University College London – describe the level of ice loss as "staggering" and warn that their analysis indicates that sea level rises, triggered by melting glaciers and ice sheets, could reach a metre by the end of the century.
"To put that in context, every centimetre of sea level rise means about a million people will be displaced from their low-lying homelands," said Prof Andy Shepherd, director of Leeds University's Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling.
The scientists also warn that the melting of ice in these quantities is now seriously reducing the planet’s ability to reflect solar radiation back into space. White ice is disappearing and the dark sea or soil exposed beneath it is absorbing more and more heat, further increasing the warming of the planet.
READ MORE
In addition, cold fresh water pouring from melting glaciers and ice sheets is causing major disruptions to the biological health of Arctic and Antarctic waters, while loss of glaciers in mountain ranges threatens to wipe out sources of fresh water on which local communities depend.
"In the past researchers have studied individual areas – such as the Antarctic or Greenland – where ice is melting. But this is the first time anyone has looked at all the ice that is disappearing from the entire planet," said Prof Shepherd. "What we have found has stunned us."
The level of ice loss revealed by the group matches the worst-case scenario predictions outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), he added.
The group studied satellite surveys of glaciers in South America, Asia, Canada and other regions; sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic; ice sheets that cover the ground in Antarctica and Greenland; and ice shelves that protrude from the Antarctic mainland into the sea. The study covered the years 1994 to 2017.
The researchers’ conclusion is that all the regions have suffered devastating reductions in ice cover in the past three decades and these losses are continuing.
"To put the losses we've already experienced into context, 28 trillion tonnes of ice would cover the entire surface of the UK with a sheet of frozen water that is 100m thick," added group member Tom Slater from Leeds University. "It's just mind-blowing."
As to the cause of these staggering losses, the group is adamant: “There can be little doubt that the vast majority of Earth’s ice loss is a direct consequence of climate warming,” they state in their review paper, which is published in the online journal Cryosphere Discussions.
“On average, the planetary surface temperature has risen by 0.85C since 1880, and this signal has been amplified in the polar regions,” they state. Both sea and atmospheric temperatures have risen, triggering the catastrophic ice losses uncovered by the group.
Sea and atmospheric temperatures
In the case of the melting ice sheet in Antarctica, rising sea temperatures have been the main driver while increasing atmospheric temperatures have been the cause of ice loss from inland glaciers such as those in the Himalayas. In Greenland, ice loss has been triggered by a combination of rising sea and atmospheric temperatures.
The team stressed that not all the ice that was lost over that period would have contributed to sea level rises. "A total of 54 per cent of the lost ice was from sea ice and from ice shelves," said Leeds University researcher Isobel Lawrence. "These float on water and their melting would not have contributed to sea level rises. The other 46 per cent of meltwater came from glaciers and ice sheets on the ground, and they would have added to sea level rise."
The group’s results were published 30 years after the first assessment report of the IPCC was published, at the end of August 1990. This outlined, in stark terms, that global warming was real and was being triggered by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.
Despite warnings from scientists, these emissions have continued to rise as global temperatures continued to soar. According to figures released by the Met Office last week, there was a 0.14 degrees increase in global temperatures between the decade 1980-89 and the decade 1990-1999, then a 0.2 degrees increase between each of the following decades.
This rate of increase is expected to rise, possibly to about 0.3 degrees a decade, as carbon emissions continue on their upward trajectory. – Guardian/Observer