theirishtimes--2020-06-25--As the price of space flight falls, more runners enter the race

A new space race has begun ; but this time , it ’ s not superpower-led .
This one is led by industry , government bodies and research groups who have gained access to space thanks to the availability of far cheaper , smaller rocket launchers .
Think of a space rocket .
Many might automatically think of “ traditional rockets ” like the giant Saturn V ; almost twice as tall as Liberty Hall , spitting smoke and flames as it breaks free of the launchpad , carrying US astronauts to the moon .
But , big , powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US federal government .
Saturn V cost the US taxpayer $ 185 million ( €164.8 million ) per launch for the Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972 ; equivalent to $ 1.2 billion ( €1.07 billion ) per launch today .
For decades those kind of costs ensuredspace was off-limits to the private sector .
However , in recent years rockets have begun to get cheaper and smaller .
Smaller rockets are better suited to launch the small satellites that will make up the global satellite constellations planned by ambitious companies such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These constellations will provide global 5G internet and data services , including those places now without internet .
“ The number of these satellites to be launched in the next five to 10 years is in the thousands , ” says Danny Gleeson , chief executive and founder of successful Irish space industry company Realtime Technologies .
“ There are currently more than 100 developments of small launchers around the world – in various commercial ventures – looking to take up the demand to launch these small satellites.
” In 2010 , SpaceX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a pivotal moment for the commercialisation of space .
It was a big , powerful heavy-lifting rocket , much like the rockets that came before it .
Yet it was cheap , at $ 50 million ( €44.5 million ) per launch .
This was possible because it was manufactured using all the standard materials , technologies and techniques of mass production .
It was also partially reusable .
The Falcon 9 cost Nasa about $ 390 million ( €347 million ) to develop , with SpaceX as the “ anchor tenant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close links with Nasa since 2008 when its Dragon Spacecraft was used to carry people and supplies to the International Space Station .
Nasa subsequently selected SpaceX to build the Falcon 9 , which gave it something it needed : a cheaper , reliable rocket launcher .
The United Nations estimates a billion people do not have any access to reliable internet services .
Given the size of the potential market it ’ s no surprise that SpaceX , OneWeb , Amazon and Facebook and others are all engaged in building internet-based satellite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
OneWeb – a joint venture with Airbus – launched the first six of its plan for a constellation of 648 satellites in February 2019 using a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket .
It had launched 74 satellites by March of this year when it declared bankruptcy due to a “ cash crunch ” caused by the coronavirus crisis .
OneWeb is maintaining its satellite operations centre while a court determines where its assets end up .
In May 2019 , SpaceX began to build its Starlink constellation – which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellites positioned all around the globe – with the launch of a batch of 60 satellites on-board Falcon 9 .
To date , SpaceX has launched 420 satellites , and it aims to launch more than 1,500 by 2022 .
The global internet constellations are being built to be able to handle multiple failures of satellites and still operate ; that ’ s why so many satellites are needed .
If a satellite fails , the system re-configures and the service continues to work .
The operators use cheap small rocket launchers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other private company to build a rocket which has carried satellites into Earth orbit is Rocket Labs , a firm founded by Peter Beck , a New Zealand engineer .
The company ’ s Electron rocket – the world ’ s first privately-built small rocket launcher – had its maiden flight in 2017 and has flown 10 times since .
Beck , an engineer who dreamed of building space rockets as a child , has now established Rocket Labs as the first and only micro rocket launch provider in the world .
Rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to launch a small satellite into orbit on a limited budget .
The company has launched 48 small satellites from the US and a private launch pad in New Zealand ; the only one in the world .
In 2013 , Beck sought funding in Silicon Valley for his small rocket idea .
“ I was a guy from New Zealand who required a bilateral treaty between two countries to stand up a small launcher that had never been built before , in a country that had no space industry or heritage.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Beck got his money .
The success of Rocket Lab has led many to ask Beck whether he will start to build larger rockets .
“ I have been asked so often , when are you going to build a larger rocket Pete ?
The answer is never .
We have built a vehicle that is ideally sized and suited for the evolution and explosion of the small satellite industry.
” The Electron rocket stands 56 feet tall and costs $ 6 million ( €5.3 million ) to launch .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 , and eight times cheaper .
The Electron is specifically built to carry a single small satellite into space , and to dispatch it into its specific orbit , like a taxi that drops a passenger right to their door .
Cheaper access to space has made it possible for government agencies and university and research groups to launch small satellites to perform specific data collection tasks , whether it ’ s monitoring wildlife in Africa , assisting with emergency responses to disasters , or watching out for asteroids in space .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer completely out of reach for government agencies , universities , research institutes and data-orientated private firms .
“ For under $ 10 million ( €8.9 million ) you can get your own rocket , your own destination and your own orbit , ” says Beck .
“ It is a very well-proven vehicle.
” Meanwhile , the European Space Agency ( ESA ) is supporting companies to develop a small rocket launcher like Electron .
“ The competitive advantage of the micro-launcher is that they deliver your payload to the exact orbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerome Bertault , head of future space transportation at ESA .
The success of Rocket Labs in becoming the first and only operational micro-launcher in the world has been exceptional , says Bertault .
“ Their achievement has been ground-breaking by showing that you can have an orbital system that is done by private venture , privately funded .
It is a big success , ” Bertault adds .
A micro satellite weighs 10-100kg , while a nano satellite weighs less than 10kg .
These small satellites are cheaper to build , launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those on a limited budget .
These satellites have , up to recently , been launched as a secondary payload on large rocket launchers .
Yet , there is a growing , highly-competitive market for micro launch vehicles to serve the specific needs of these small satellites .
For instance , there is the LauncherOne developed by Virgin Galactic and the Boeing Small Launch Vehicle .
Boeing has said its Launch Vehicle can reduce the cost of a launch to $ 300,000 ( €267 , 249 ) .
These micro and nano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the processing performance , optics and communications technologies proceeds .
A satellite the size of a shoebox can now hold a highly capable payload , and provide many services for the communications and earth imagery industries .
There are companies that are using this capability to build constellations of nano satellites .
One example is the US firm PlanetLabs , which has launched more than 350 satellites into space that provide high quality Earth observation services .
Start-up companies centred on nano satellite-based services are assisted by the fact that as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satellites are easy to assemble and build .
The payloads can quickly become capable , and start providing a service .
Ireland can win a share of the exploding market for small or micro rockets and satellites , because industry here is adaptable and strong in areas like materials , electronics and software that are relevant to these markets , says Gleeson .
ESA ’ s Bertault concurs .
“ We are working with a lot of companies in Ireland with equipment for launchers : you have in Ireland a very strong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in touch with Irish companies .
”

A new space race has begun; but this time, it’s not superpower-led. This one is led by industry, government bodies and research groups who have gained access to space thanks to the availability of far cheaper, smaller rocket launchers.
Think of a space rocket. Many might automatically think of "traditional rockets" like the giant Saturn V; almost twice as tall as Liberty Hall, spitting smoke and flames as it breaks free of the launchpad, carrying US astronauts to the moon. But, big, powerful rockets are expensive, even for the US federal government.
Saturn V cost the US taxpayer $185 million (€164.8 million) per launch for the Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972; equivalent to $1.2 billion (€1.07 billion) per launch today. For decades those kind of costs ensuredspace was off-limits to the private sector. However, in recent years rockets have begun to get cheaper and smaller.
A view of the the Electron rocket: Photograph: Courtesy of Rocket Labs
Smaller rockets are better suited to launch the small satellites that will make up the global satellite constellations planned by ambitious companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon. These constellations will provide global 5G internet and data services, including those places now without internet.
READ MORE
"The number of these satellites to be launched in the next five to 10 years is in the thousands," says Danny Gleeson, chief commercial officer and founder of successful Irish company Réaltra Space Systems Engineering. "There are currently more than 100 developments of small launchers around the world – in various commercial ventures – looking to take up the demand to launch these small satellites."
In 2010, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket. This was a pivotal moment for the commercialisation of space. It was a big, powerful heavy-lifting rocket, much like the rockets that came before it. Yet it was cheap, at $50 million (€44.5 million) per launch. This was possible because it was manufactured using all the standard materials, technologies and techniques of mass production. It was also partially reusable.
The Falcon 9 cost Nasa about $390 million (€347 million) to develop, with SpaceX as the "anchor tenant" for the project. SpaceX had close links with Nasa since 2008 when its Dragon Spacecraft was used to carry people and supplies to the International Space Station. Nasa subsequently selected SpaceX to build the Falcon 9, which gave it something it needed: a cheaper, reliable rocket launcher.
Constellations
The United Nations estimates a billion people do not have any access to reliable internet services. Given the size of the potential market it's no surprise that SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon and Facebook and others are all engaged in building internet-based satellite constellations, or are actively making efforts to do so.
OneWeb – a joint venture with Airbus – launched the first six of its plan for a constellation of 648 satellites in February 2019 using a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket. It had launched 74 satellites by March of this year when it declared bankruptcy due to a "cash crunch" caused by the coronavirus crisis. OneWeb is maintaining its satellite operations centre while a court determines where its assets end up.
In May 2019, SpaceX began to build its Starlink constellation – which will be made up of 12,000 networked, small satellites positioned all around the globe – with the launch of a batch of 60 satellites on-board Falcon 9. To date, SpaceX has launched 420 satellites, and it aims to launch more than 1,500 by 2022.
The global internet constellations are being built to be able to handle multiple failures of satellites and still operate; that’s why so many satellites are needed. If a satellite fails, the system re-configures and the service continues to work. The operators use cheap small rocket launchers to replace the failed satellites.
The only other private company to build a rocket which has carried satellites into Earth orbit is Rocket Labs, a firm founded by Peter Beck, a New Zealand engineer. The company's Electron rocket – the world's first privately-built small rocket launcher – had its maiden flight in 2017 and has flown 10 times since.
Beck, an engineer who dreamed of building space rockets as a child, has now established Rocket Labs as the first and only micro rocket launch provider in the world. Rocket Labs is where people go if they want to launch a small satellite into orbit on a limited budget.
The company has launched 48 small satellites from the US and a private launch pad in New Zealand; the only one in the world.
In 2013, Beck sought funding in Silicon Valley for his small rocket idea. “I was a guy from New Zealand who required a bilateral treaty between two countries to stand up a small launcher that had never been built before, in a country that had no space industry or heritage.” The odds weren’t great, but Beck got his money.
The success of Rocket Lab has led many to ask Beck whether he will start to build larger rockets. “I have been asked so often, when are you going to build a larger rocket Pete? The answer is never. We have built a vehicle that is ideally sized and suited for the evolution and explosion of the small satellite industry.”
Cheaper
The Electron rocket stands 56 feet tall and costs $6 million (€5.3 million) to launch. That’s one-quarter the height of Falcon 9, and eight times cheaper. The Electron is specifically built to carry a single small satellite into space, and to dispatch it into its specific orbit, like a taxi that drops a passenger right to their door.
Cheaper access to space has made it possible for government agencies and university and research groups to launch small satellites to perform specific data collection tasks, whether it's monitoring wildlife in Africa, assisting with emergency responses to disasters, or watching out for asteroids in space.
The cost of a satellite is no longer completely out of reach for government agencies, universities, research institutes and data-orientated private firms. “For under $10 million (€8.9 million) you can get your own rocket, your own destination and your own orbit,” says Beck. “It is a very well-proven vehicle.”
Meanwhile, the European Space Agency (ESA) is supporting companies to develop a small rocket launcher like Electron. "The competitive advantage of the micro-launcher is that they deliver your payload to the exact orbit you are looking for," says Jerome Bertault, head of future space transportation at ESA.
The success of Rocket Labs in becoming the first and only operational micro-launcher in the world has been exceptional, says Bertault. “Their achievement has been ground-breaking by showing that you can have an orbital system that is done by private venture, privately funded. It is a big success,” Bertault adds.
A micro satellite weighs 10-100kg, while a nano satellite weighs less than 10kg. These small satellites are cheaper to build, launch and operate, which makes them attractive to those on a limited budget. These satellites have, up to recently, been launched as a secondary payload on large rocket launchers.
Yet, there is a growing, highly-competitive market for micro launch vehicles to serve the specific needs of these small satellites. For instance, there is the LauncherOne developed by Virgin Galactic and the Boeing Small Launch Vehicle. Boeing has said its Launch Vehicle can reduce the cost of a launch to $300,000 (€267, 249).
These micro and nano satellites have become more capable as miniaturisation of the processing performance, optics and communications technologies proceeds. A satellite the size of a shoebox can now hold a highly capable payload, and provide many services for the communications and earth imagery industries.
There are companies that are using this capability to build constellations of nano satellites. One example is the US firm PlanetLabs, which has launched more than 350 satellites into space that provide high quality Earth observation services.
Start-up companies centred on nano satellite-based services are assisted by the fact that as well as being cheap to launch, these satellites are easy to assemble and build. The payloads can quickly become capable, and start providing a service.
Ireland can win a share of the exploding market for small or micro rockets and satellites, because industry here is adaptable and strong in areas like materials, electronics and software that are relevant to these markets, says Gleeson.
ESA’s Bertault concurs. “We are working with a lot of companies in Ireland with equipment for launchers: you have in Ireland a very strong, very dynamic industrial base and micro-launcher companies are in touch with Irish companies.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-25--Suspended garda says failure to establish truth in case ‘inexcusable’

A failure to establish the truth behind the reasons for a garda superintendent ’ s suspension from the force is inexcusable , the High Court has heard .
The claim was made on behalf of Supt Edmund Anthony O ’ Neill ( 53 ) , who is based at Roxboro Road in Limerick .
He says the allegations over which he was suspended a year ago are false and “ ” preposterous and mischievous in the extreme ” .
He was arrested and questioned over claims that he leaked confidential information and was in the presence of another officer who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supt O ’ Neill is seeking an order requiring the Garda Commissioner and the State to lift the suspension , first imposed in May of last year and extended a number of times since , so that when he is medically fit to do so , he can return to duty .
Opening the hearing of an injunction application aimed at restraining the continued suspension , Louis McEntagart SC , with Breffni Gordon BL , said despite a large amount of correspondence with the defendants there had still not been a serious effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is public policy that allegations such as this be dealt with expeditiously .
In his action , Supt O ’ Neill says he was arrested after he awoke in his bedroom on the morning of May 15th last year and found several gardaí around him .
He was taken to Athlone Garda station where he was questioned during what he described as a “ shambolic ” interview process .
There were headlines in the national media that day about the arrest and he was later released and served with a suspension notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a garda being investigated by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation that a listening device had been placed on his car .
That garda has since been charged with serious criminal conduct .
Supt O ’ Neill says he never did so and fully co-operated with an investigation in relation to the alleged leak .
It was also alleged he was present in the Hurler ’ s Bar in Limerick on January 9th , 2019 , where a garda inspector was alleged to have taken cocaine in his presence .
In relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer never took cocaine and was “ the least likely candidate to take or ingest an illicit substance ” .
CCTV camera footage showed that the height of what is alleged against the other officer is that he is seen wiping his nose , he says .
He says the officer has not been charged and it was reasonable to conclude there was no evidence of cocaine use .

A failure to establish the truth behind the reasons for a garda superintendent’s suspension from the force is inexcusable, the High Court has heard.
The claim was made on behalf of Supt Edmund Anthony O’Neill (53), who is based at Roxboro Road in Limerick. He says the allegations over which he was suspended a year ago are false and “”preposterous and mischievous in the extreme”.
He was arrested and questioned over claims that he leaked confidential information and was in the presence of another officer who allegedly took cocaine in a pub.
Supt O’Neill is seeking an order requiring the Garda Commissioner and the State to lift the suspension, first imposed in May of last year and extended a number of times since, so that when he is medically fit to do so, he can return to duty.
READ MORE
The defendants oppose the application.
Opening the hearing of an injunction application aimed at restraining the continued suspension, Louis McEntagart SC, with Breffni Gordon BL, said despite a large amount of correspondence with the defendants there had still not been a serious effort to establish the truth, even though it is public policy that allegations such as this be dealt with expeditiously.
‘Shambolic’
In his action, Supt O’Neill says he was arrested after he awoke in his bedroom on the morning of May 15th last year and found several gardaí around him. He was taken to Athlone Garda station where he was questioned during what he described as a “shambolic” interview process.
There were headlines in the national media that day about the arrest and he was later released and served with a suspension notice.
It was alleged that he told a garda being investigated by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation that a listening device had been placed on his car. That garda has since been charged with serious criminal conduct.
Supt O’Neill says he never did so and fully co-operated with an investigation in relation to the alleged leak. It was also alleged he was present in the Hurler’s Bar in Limerick on January 9th, 2019, where a garda inspector was alleged to have taken cocaine in his presence.
In relation to that allegation, he says the other officer never took cocaine and was “the least likely candidate to take or ingest an illicit substance”.
CCTV camera footage showed that the height of what is alleged against the other officer is that he is seen wiping his nose, he says. He says the officer has not been charged and it was reasonable to conclude there was no evidence of cocaine use.
The case continues before Mr Justice Senan Allen.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Backpack, book, laptop recovered in search for Belfast teen Noah Donohue

Police searching for missing Belfast teenager Noah Donohue have found his missing backpack , book and laptop .
Supt Muir Clark said they were recovered in north Belfast following a call from a member of the public , and are now being examined by specialist officers .
He described the recovery of the laptop as “ significant ” , and said that with other electronic devices “ that will form a major line of inquiry now as to where Noah possibly is or if Noah was going to see someone , who that was.
” Inquiries were ongoing , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and laptop came to be in that location .
“ We do not believe that at this stage the current find is related to Noah going missing , ” he said .
A 26-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of improper use of the public electronic communications network , and is currently helping police with their enquiries .
Speaking at a press conference in north Belfast on Friday , Supt Clark said he had “ previously commented about various rumours circulating about Noah ’ s disappearance ” and had explained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was distressing for Noah ’ s family and unhelpful as we continue our search to find Noah .
“ Last night we became aware of social media posts .
We are aware of the content of these social media posts and are content at there is no truth behind their content , ” he said .
It is understood there is not believed to be any connection between the social media posts and Noah ’ s disappearance .
A large-scale search for 14-year-old Noah Donohue been taking place in north Belfast since Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the Antrim Road and the city centre .
Noah ’ s school , St Malachy ’ s College in north Belfast , has also been searched .
Supt Clark said on Friday that the main search area continues to be in the area of Shore Road , bounded by Premier Drive and Skegoneill Avenue .
“ There is significant work ongoing this morning in clearing vegetation in that area so that we can check it again , ” he said , adding that he appealed to householders in that area to again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of garden or premises where Noah might be .
“ That is the key bit of our investigation at the moment , ” he said The teenager was last seen in the Northwood Road area in the north of the city just after 6pm .
He had cycled across the city from his home in south Belfast to north Belfast , where police believe he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head .
He was seen discarding his clothes and cycling naked , actions which police and his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Police believe he then discarded his bicycle and left the area on foot .
Supt Clark said the police ’ s main line of inquiry was that Noah had fallen off his bicycle and may have suffered some form of trauma which had left him either disorientated or incapacitated .
He also made a specific appeal for two items of Noah ’ s clothing - khaki green North Face coat and grey sweat shorts - which have not yet been found by police .
“ We need to find these outstanding items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these items and not yet come forward , please call us immediately on 101 , ” he said .
“ Again , I would like to thank everyone who has contacted police so far with information .
If you have any information that you think might help .
“ If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage that you think might help and have not yet come forward , please call us on 101 straight away .
”

An appeal has been made for two items of Noah’s clothing - khaki green North Face coat and grey sweat shorts - which have not yet been found by police. Photograph: PSNI/PA Wire
Police searching for missing Belfast teenager Noah Donohue have found his missing backpack, book and laptop.
Superintendent Muir Clark said they were recovered in north Belfast following a call from a member of the public, and are now being examined by specialist officers.
He described the recovery of the laptop as “significant”, and said that with other electronic devices “that will form a major line of inquiry now as to where Noah possibly is or, if Noah was going to see someone, who that was.”
A member of the PSNI hazardous environment search team search a drain in Seaview Park during the search for missing Noah Donohoe who was last seen in the Shore Road area of north Belfast at the weekend. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The police have not revealed the precise location where the bag and laptop were found, but Supt Clark said inquiries were ongoing as to how they came to be there.
READ MORE
A large-scale search for the 14-year-old has been underway in north Belfast since he went missing on Sunday.
Noah had cycled approximately 4km across the city from his home in south Belfast to north Belfast, where police believe he may have fallen off his bicycle and hit his head. He was seen discarding his clothes and cycling naked, actions which police and his family said were “completely out of character.”
Supt Clark said the police’s main line of inquiry was that Noah had fallen off his bicycle and may have suffered some form of trauma which had left him either disorientated or incapacitated.
Earlier this week he said it was still not entirely clear why Noah had gone to that area of north Belfast.
The search area was widened on Thursday to include the Antrim Road and the city centre. Noah's school, St Malachy's College in north Belfast, has also been searched.
Speaking at a press conference in north Belfast on Friday, Supt Clark said the main search area continues to be in the area of Shore Road, bounded by Premier Drive and Skegoneill Avenue.
“There is significant work ongoing in clearing vegetation in that area so that we can check it again,” he said, as he appealed to householders in that area to again check outbuildings, shrubbery, and any area of garden or premises where Noah might be.
“That is the key bit of our investigation at the moment,” he said
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the teenager left his home in South Belfast at about 5.30pm on Sunday. He was riding a black Apollo mountain bike and wearing a black skateboarding helmet, khaki green North Face jacket, grey sweat shorts with an emblem on one leg, a tie-die blue hoody, Nike trainers with a bright yellow tick and carrying a khaki rucksack containing a book and a laptop.
He was seen on Ormeau Avenue at 5.45pm and on Royal Avenue heading towards York Street a short time after, then on North Queen Street heading towards the Limestone Road at 5.57pm.
He was last seen cycling naked on Northwood Road in north Belfast, where police believe he dropped his bicycle and left the area on foot. There have been no further confirmed sightings since 6.11pm on Sunday.
On Wednesday police recovered his bicycle, black crash helmet, trainers, hoody and mobile phone. Police would not give the location of where they were found.
Meanwhile a 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with social media posts about the teenager’s disappearance.
“Distressing and unhelpful” speculation and rumours had previously been condemned by the police.
Supt Clark said on Friday that police had become aware of social media posts on Thursday night, and “are content there is no truth behind their content.”
The police have issued a specific appeal for information about two items of Noah’s clothing - a khaki green North Face coat and grey sweat shorts - which have not yet been found, and for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact them on 101 immediately.
Members of the public who believe they have significant information which could help the investigation into the disappearance of the teenager can now use the PSNI’s major incident public portal (MIPP), a 24/7 online reporting platform.
Supt Clark said: “We recognise that huge amounts of public information is coming into us, and we are extremely thankful for that. However, I want to stress that the activation of the MIPP does not mean that police think a crime has been committed. The investigation into the teenager’s disappearance remains very much a missing person enquiry at this time.
“By activating MIPP we are simply providing the public with another way in which to report what they believe to be significant information and we would ask that the public only use MIPP if they have information in relation to Noah’s disappearance”.
The portal can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk . It can be accessed from any device with internet access and videos and images can be uploaded onto it.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Irish Covid-19 patients to be recruited for international clinical trials

Irish patients with Covid-19 are to be recruited for international clinical trials of potential new treatments from next week , after the Government formally signed up to a World Health Organisation research collaboration .
After signing an agreement on behalf of the Government on Friday to enable Ireland ’ s participation in the WHO Covid-19 Solidarity trial , Minister for Health Simon Harris announced €2.4 million in funding to support hospitals recruiting patients for the trial .
The trial , an international collaboration between the WHO and member states to evaluate potential treatments for the virus , has recruited over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another 100 countries are awaiting approval to participate in the trial .
In Ireland , recruitment is to start at hospitals around the country within days , according to the Department of Health .
The trial will examine the efficacy and safety of a number of anti-viral , anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory drugs that have been put forward as potential treatments for Covid-19 .
Mr Harris said he was delighted Ireland was playing its part in the global response to the crisis “ in solidarity with out international partners ” .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it is really important that any potential treatments are prescribed within the context of clinical trials where patients provide consent and everything is controlled and monitored.
” While acknowledging the number of patients with the disease in hospital is much reduced now , he said the trial would offer hope for those patients currently in hospital .
“ In addition , while it is impossible to predict the future shape of the pandemic , we can not be complacent and this trial is a key element in our national preparedness for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave .
Successful treatments will decrease the impact of Covid-19 on patients and on Irish society , and the potential need for future lockdowns ” .
The trial is being coordinated by the Health Research Board and supported by University College Cork , where lead investigator Prof Joe Eustace said the six main university-based clinical research facilities and affiliated hospitals will all be involved .
“ The trial may allow us to identify treatments that will reduce the severity of the infection , decease the need for ITU ( intensive treatment unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s mortality rate .
”

The trial will examine the efficacy and safety of a number of anti-viral, anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory drugs that have been put forward as potential treatments for Covid-19.
Irish patients with Covid-19 are to be recruited for international clinical trials of potential new treatments from next week, after the Government formally signed up to a World Health Organisation research collaboration.
After signing an agreement on behalf of the Government on Friday to enable Ireland's participation in the WHO Covid-19 Solidarity trial, Minister for Health Simon Harris announced €2.4 million in funding to support hospitals recruiting patients for the trial.
The trial, an international collaboration between the WHO and member states to evaluate potential treatments for the virus, has recruited over 5,000 patients to date across 35 countries. Another 100 countries are awaiting approval to participate in the trial.
In Ireland, recruitment is to start at hospitals around the country within days, according to the Department of Health.
READ MORE
The trial will examine the efficacy and safety of a number of anti-viral, anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory drugs that have been put forward as potential treatments for Covid-19.
Mr Harris said he was delighted Ireland was playing its part in the global response to the crisis “in solidarity with out international partners”.
“There are still no proven treatments for Covid-19 and it is really important that any potential treatments are prescribed within the context of clinical trials where patients provide consent and everything is controlled and monitored.”
While acknowledging the number of patients with the disease in hospital is much reduced now, he said the trial would offer hope for those patients currently in hospital.
“In addition, while it is impossible to predict the future shape of the pandemic, we cannot be complacent and this trial is a key element in our national preparedness for the risk of a further outbreak or a second wave. Successful treatments will decrease the impact of Covid-19 on patients and on Irish society, and the potential need for future lockdowns”.
The trial is being coordinated by the Health Research Board and supported by University College Cork, where lead investigator Prof Joe Eustace said the six main university-based clinical research facilities and affiliated hospitals will all be involved.
“The trial may allow us to identify treatments that will reduce the severity of the infection, decease the need for ITU (intensive treatment unit) care and reduce the infection’s mortality rate.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Supreme Court rules out ‘hurt to male pride’ as provocation defence in murder cases

A significant new test set by the Supreme Court for those pursuing provocation as a partial defence to murder includes ruling out provocation on the basis of “ hurt to male pride ” .
The former test for a person losing self-control was entirely subjective but the new test requires people to exercise ordinary restraint , such as would be applied by an ordinary person of the same age and state of health of the accused .
Mr Justice Peter Charleton said provocation has to be “ serious provocation ” and “ trivial insults ” are out .
Provocation can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warped notions of honour ” or “ unacceptable ” ideas as to the proper romantic or sexual conduct of men or women .
“ Women should be as entitled as men not only to say no to sexual propositions but to leave those to whom they were apparently committed and move on to seek happiness elsewhere without that being trapped in a situation where violence could even partially excuse homicide , ” he said .
“ It is not acceptable.
” Objective elements have never been entirely abandoned here from application of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The provocative act , by action or “ gross insult ” , is required to be “ outside the bounds of any ordinary interaction acceptable in our society ” .
An accused is also to be judged as if sober and race may be relevant if an insult is racial .
A trial judge is required to filter claims of provocation so that only those with “ an air of reality ” are to be allowed to go to a jury , he said .
The new test was set out in significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday by Mr Justice Charleton on two separate appeals .
The court dismissed the first appeal , by motorbiker Alan McNamara , against his conviction for the murder of a member of a rival club in Co Limerick , after finding there was no basis to allow a provocation defence go to the jury .
It allowed the second appeal , by Zoltan Amasi , against his conviction for the May 2014 murder of Joseph Dunne in Naas , Co Kildare , quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial after finding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McNamara ( 52 ) , from Mountfune , Murroe , Co Limerick , was found guilty in 2017 of the murder of Andrew O ’ Donoghue , who died after being shot by McNamara at the gates of the Road Tramps motorcycle club at Mountfune on June 20th 2015 .
McNamara denied murder and his core argument was the trial judge erred in not permitting a defence of provocation go to the jury .
He claimed he was provoked arising from an attack on him and his wife outside a pub the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tramps who claimed he was in their “ territory ” .
That was followed by a drive by incident at his home later that night where three members of the rival club made threats to kill him .
Mr O ’ Donoghue was not involved in either of those incidents .
Mr Justice Charleton said McNamara had time to restrain emotion and to seek lawful means of redress , such as complaining of a criminal wrong to the authorities , and there was no basis for letting provocation go as a defence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary to any proper analysis of the level of provocation in this case to consider any ordinary person in this context , of the same age , sex and without mental infirmity and of general intelligence , “ could lose self control to the degree of shooting someone in the face with a sawn-off shotgun ” .
The victim was also disconnected from the attack on McNamara and was merely a member of the same biker group as the original assailants , he said .
The second appeal arose after Zoltan Amasi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ View , Naas , was convicted in 2016 by a majority jury verdict of the murder of 20-year-old Joseph Dunne in May 2014 .
Mr Dunne , from Athy , had been out with friends in Naas and thumped a van which was parked on the road on which he was walking .
The van belonged to Almasi who chased after him with a baseball bat and hit him once on the side of the head .
Almasi told gardaí he only intended to swing the bat towards the young man , did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely an accident if he did .
Mr Dunne died from a severe traumatic head injury caused by one blow .
Mr Justice Charleton said certain evidence was excluded by the trial judge from the jury on the basis of wrong submissions from the prosecution to the trial judge and on appeal .
There was a “ provocative event ” , the attack by Mr Dunne on the van , he said .
Events unfolded in a “ deeply regrettable ” way from there but there was no break in how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reality ” about a provocation defence in this case , the assessment of which was a matter for the jury .
In consequence of the “ serious ” errors in the prosecution submissions , the correct result was to overturn the conviction and order a retrial .

The judge said women should be “as entitled as men not only to say no to sexual propositions but to leave those to whom they were apparently committed and move on to seek happiness elsewhere without that being trapped in a situation where violence could even partially excuse homicide”.
A significant new test set by the Supreme Court for those pursuing provocation as a partial defence to murder includes ruling out provocation on the basis of "hurt to male pride".
The former test for a person losing self-control was entirely subjective but the new test requires people to exercise ordinary restraint, such as would be applied by an ordinary person of the same age and state of health of the accused.
Mr Justice Peter Charleton said provocation has to be "serious provocation" and "trivial insults" are out.
Provocation cannot merely be gang vengeance, “warped notions of honour” or “unacceptable” ideas as to the proper romantic or sexual conduct of men or women.
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“Women should be as entitled as men not only to say no to sexual propositions but to leave those to whom they were apparently committed and move on to seek happiness elsewhere without that being trapped in a situation where violence could even partially excuse homicide,” he said. “It is not acceptable.”
Objective elements have never been entirely abandoned here from application of the defence of provocation, he stressed.
The provocative act, by action or “gross insult”, is required to be “outside the bounds of any ordinary interaction acceptable in our society”.
An accused is also to be judged as if sober and race may be relevant if an insult is racial.
A trial judge is required to filter claims of provocation so that only those with “an air of reality” are to be allowed to go to a jury, he said.
Two separate appeals
The new test was set out in significant judgments of the five judge court delivered on Friday by Mr Justice Charleton on two separate appeals.
The court dismissed the first appeal, by motorbiker Alan McNamara, against his conviction for the murder of a member of a rival club in Co Limerick, after finding there was no basis to allow a provocation defence go to the jury.
It allowed the second appeal, by Zoltan Amasi, against his conviction for the May 2014 murder of Joseph Dunne in Naas, Co Kildare, quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial after finding a provocation defence was available to Mr Amasi.
McNamara (52), from Mountfune, Murroe, Co Limerick, was found guilty in 2017 of the murder of Andrew O'Donoghue, who died after being shot by McNamara at the gates of the Road Tramps motorcycle club at Mountfune on June 20th 2015. McNamara denied murder and his core argument was the trial judge erred in not permitting a defence of provocation go to the jury.
He claimed he was provoked arising from an attack on him and his wife outside a pub the previous evening by members of the Road Tramps who claimed he was in their “territory”. That was followed by a drive by incident at his home later that night where three members of the rival club made threats to kill him. Mr O’Donoghue was not involved in either of those incidents.
Mr Justice Charleton said McNamara had time to restrain emotion and to seek lawful means of redress, such as complaining of a criminal wrong to the authorities, and there was no basis for letting provocation go as a defence to the jury.
It would also be contrary to any proper analysis of the level of provocation in this case to consider any ordinary person in this context, of the same age, sex and without mental infirmity and of general intelligence, “could lose self control to the degree of shooting someone in the face with a sawn-off shotgun”.
The victim was also disconnected from the attack on McNamara and was merely a member of the same biker group as the original assailants, he said.
Baseball bat
The second appeal arose after Zoltan Amasi, aged in his forties, from Harbour View, Naas, was convicted in 2016 by a majority jury verdict of the murder of 20-year-old Joseph Dunne in May 2014.
Mr Dunne, from Athy, had been out with friends in Naas and thumped a van which was parked on the road on which he was walking. The van belonged to Almasi who chased after him with a baseball bat and hit him once on the side of the head.
Almasi told gardaí he only intended to swing the bat towards the young man, did not deliberately hit him and it was most likely an accident if he did. Mr Dunne died from a severe traumatic head injury caused by one blow.
Mr Justice Charleton said certain evidence was excluded by the trial judge from the jury on the basis of wrong submissions from the prosecution to the trial judge and on appeal.
There was a “provocative event”, the attack by Mr Dunne on the van, he said. Events unfolded in a “deeply regrettable” way from there but there was no break in how they progressed and there was “some air of reality” about a provocation defence in this case, the assessment of which was a matter for the jury.
In consequence of the “serious” errors in the prosecution submissions, the correct result was to overturn the conviction and order a retrial.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Four family members jailed for covering up Patricia O’Connor murder

Four people were jailed on Friday for helping to cover up the murder of grandmother Patricia O ’ Connor .
Justice Paul McDermott said the reaction of those present in the house following the murder of Ms O ’ Connor was “ dreadful ” and the impact of what happened to her has been “ devastating and heartbreaking ” for her siblings , her son Richard and her friends and former colleagues .
The victim was , the judge said , “ a person who had a life and a future until it was ended by Kieran Greene .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deceased ’ s granddaughter Stephanie O ’ Connor ( 22 ) to two years in prison with the final six months suspended .
Mother-of-five Louise O ’ Connor ( 41 ) was sentenced to three years with the final six months suspended while family friend Keith Johnston ( 43 ) of Avonbeg Gardens , Tallaght , Dublin 24 was sentenced to three years .
The trial heard evidence that Stephanie of Millmount Court , Dundrum Road , Dublin 14 engaged in a “ ruse ” whereby she dressed as her grandmother to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the house and left on the day of the murder .
The jury accepted the State ’ s case that her mother Louise O ’ Connor of the same address had agreed to or acquiesced in her daughter Stephanie disguising herself as Mrs O ’ Connor in order to conceal the fact that she was dead .
The court heard that Johnston bought tools that were to be used in what Justice McDermott termed the “ grotesque ” dismemberment of Ms O ’ Connor , whose remains were found scattered across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were found guilty of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene ( 35 ) who was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this week for murdering the retired grandmother in the bathroom of her Rathfarnham home on May 29th , 2017 .
The deceased ’ s husband Augustine ‘ Gus ’ O ’ Connor was earlier on Friday sentenced to 18 months for reporting his wife as a missing person when he knew she was already dead .
Mr Justice Paul McDermott said it was “ appalling ” that on hearing his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his home O ’ Connor suggested calling emergency services but when that was rejected did nothing about it and went to bed .
His actions in later reporting his wife as a missing person knowing she had been murdered was a betrayal of his wife and his son , he said .
The 76-year-old from Mill Close Glasheen , Stamullen , Co Meath pleaded guilty to the impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his wife ’ s murderer just before his trial was due to begin .
The judge set a headline sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Connor ’ s late plea of guilty , expression of remorse , that he has led a blameless life up to this and has no previous convictions .
He therefore fixed a sentence of 18 months .

Four people were jailed on Friday for helping to cover up the murder of a Dublin grandmother whose dismembered remains were later found scattered across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the reaction of those present in the house following the murder of Patricia O’Connor (61) was “dreadful” and the impact of what happened to her has been “devastating and heartbreaking” for her siblings, her son Richard and her friends and former colleagues.
The victim was, the judge said, "a person who had a life and a future until it was ended by Kieran Greene. "
Patricia O’Connor, a retired grandmother, was murdered in the bathroom of her Rathfarnham home on May 29th, 2017
Earlier this week, Greene (35) was sentenced to life in prison for murdering the retired hospital worker in the bathroom of her Rathfarnham home on May 29th, 2017.
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Mr Justice McDermott on Friday sentenced the deceased’s granddaughter Stephanie O’Connor (22) to two years in prison with the final six months suspended.
Her mother Louise O'Connor (41) was sentenced to three years with the final six months suspended while Keith Johnston (43) - who is father to two of Louise O'Connor's five children including Stephanie O'Connor - and from Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Dublin 24 was sentenced to three years.
The trial heard evidence that Stephanie O’Connor of Millmount Court, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14 engaged in a “ruse” whereby she dressed as her grandmother to make it seem as if she stormed out of the house and left on the day of the murder.
The jury accepted the State’s case that her mother Louise O’Connor of the same address had agreed to or acquiesced in her daughter disguising herself as Patricia O’Connor in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O’Connor was dead.
The court heard that Johnston bought tools that were to be used in what Mr Justice McDermott termed the “grotesque” dismemberment of Patricia O’Connor.
All three were found guilty of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, who was Louise O’Connor’s former partner.
Referring to Louise O’Connor, who agreed to “a ruse” in which her daughter had disguised herself as her grandmother, the judge said she bore substantial culpability and a greater role in the case than her daughter due to her dominant role in the household.
Patricia O’Connor, a retired grandmother, was murdered in the bathroom of her Rathfarnham home on May 29th, 2017
Mr Justice McDermott said he did not accept her daughter Stephanie O’Connor had told the full truth about her involvement in the matter but bore a lesser responsibility for the offence than her mother. She was likely not to be the originator or to have come up with the idea for “the pretence” but she had committed a serious offence, he said.
Referring to the two women, the judge said no attempt had been made to help or assist Patricia O’Connor, who was their mother and grandmother. “Their reaction as to what was done to her and what followed was shocking and callous and compounded by the connection between all involved,” he stressed.
The judge said Keith Johnston, a “trusted member” of Patricia O’Connor’s extended family who helped her murderer buy DIY tools which he knew were to be used in the dismemberment of the grandmother’s remains, took part in a “grotesque idea” and it was clear that he intended that the deceased’s remains were never to be found. His actions were a callous disregard and total disrespect for Patricia O’Connor, he said.
The deceased’s husband Augustine ‘Gus’ O’Connor was also sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for reporting his wife as a missing person when he knew she was already dead.
Mr Justice McDermott said it was “appalling” that on hearing his wife had been murdered by Kieran Greene in his home O’Connor suggested calling emergency services but when that was rejected did nothing about it and went to bed.
His actions in later reporting his wife as a missing person knowing she had been murdered was a betrayal of his wife and his son, he said. The 76-year-old from Mill Close Glasheen, Stamullen, Co Meath pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of his wife's murderer just before his trial was due to begin.
The judge set a headline sentence of three years but took into account O’Connor’s late plea of guilty, expression of remorse, that he has led a blameless life up to this and has no previous convictions. He therefore fixed a sentence of 18 months.
The family of Patricia O’Connor said afterwards they believed no sentence could ever be enough for those who helped to cover up her murder.
Wearing flowers to symbolise their loss and the dead woman’s love of gardening, family and friends of the deceased gathered outside the Criminal Courts of Justice building.
‘Kind and loving’
Her son Richard thanked the gardaí, Director of Public Prosecutions, the jury, Defence Forces and everyone involved in gaining guilty verdicts for those involved in his mother’s murder and the subsequent cover-up.
He also thanked the people who found his mother’s remains scattered at different locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains and reported what they had seen to gardaí.
He said: “My mam was a kind and loving person, a mother, a sister and a grandmother, who had many years left to live that were so cruelly taken from her.
“The sentences given today, we feel is not enough but no length of time is long enough for the crimes they have committed. May they live with this on their consciences for the rest of their lives.”
Asking for privacy, he said the family will try to heal the pain.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Man accused of murdering Colm Horkan deemed unfit to attend court

A 43-year-old man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan was deemed unfit to attend a court sitting by video link in Castlerea , Co Roscommon on Friday morning .
Mr Silver is receiving medical attention , according to documentation received by the court from the Central Mental Hospital .
Harristown Court heard that Mr Silver , a mechanic with an address at Aughaward , Foxford , Co Mayo , had been transferred from Castlerea Prison but confusion arose as to his whereabouts .
He had been remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison on Friday , June 19th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horkan , who was based in Castlerea Garda station , died at the junction of Main Street and St Patrick Street in the town just before midnight last Wednesday .
Solicitor for Mr Silver , Gearoid Geraghty , said he had on Friday morning received an email from the governor of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise to say that Mr Silver would not be present via video link and that a sick note would follow .
He said he did not know why the accused was being treated at the Central Mental Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why he was being detained there .
During proceedings , Judge Alan Mitchell received a note from the administrator of the Central Mental Hospital which clarified the situation .
Judge Mitchell said : “ It is clear that he is unwell and unable to attend the court today.
” Mr Geraghty requested that legal aid be extended to cover a consultant forensic psychiatrist to produce a report in relation to his client ’ s fitness to plea .
Judge Mitchell remanded the accused in custody to appear before Harristown Court , Castlerea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10th .
He also extended legal aid for a psychiatrist ’ s report and requested that an up-to-date medical certificate be made available by the remand date .

A 43-year-old man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan was deemed unfit to attend a court sitting by video link in Castlerea, Co Roscommon on Friday morning.
Mr Silver is receiving medical attention, according to documentation received by the court from the Central Mental Hospital.
Harristown Court heard that Mr Silver, a mechanic with an address at Aughaward, Foxford, Co Mayo, had been transferred from Castlerea Prison but confusion arose as to his whereabouts. He had been remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison on Friday, June 19th after he was charged.
Det Gda Horkan, who was based in Castlerea Garda station, died at the junction of Main Street and St Patrick Street in the town just before midnight last Wednesday.
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Solicitor for Mr Silver, Gearoid Geraghty, said he had on Friday morning received an email from the governor of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise to say that Mr Silver would not be present via video link and that a sick note would follow. He said he did not know why the accused was being treated at the Central Mental Hospital and was "anxious" to know why he was being detained there.
During proceedings, Judge Alan Mitchell received a note from the administrator of the Central Mental Hospital which clarified the situation. Judge Mitchell said: "It is clear that he is unwell and unable to attend the court today."
Mr Geraghty requested that legal aid be extended to cover a consultant forensic psychiatrist to produce a report in relation to his client’s fitness to plea.
Judge Mitchell remanded the accused in custody to appear before Harristown Court, Castlerea, via video link on Friday, July 10th. He also extended legal aid for a psychiatrist’s report and requested that an up-to-date medical certificate be made available by the remand date.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Coronavirus: Half of North’s deaths among care home residents, NIRSA finds

The weekly number of deaths involving coronavirus has fallen in Northern Ireland .
Figures published on Friday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( NISRA ) recorded 12 such deaths in the week ending 19th June , eight fewer than the previous week .
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths , according to NISRA , is 816 .
This is about 33 per cent higher than the figure reported in the daily statistics released by the North ’ s Department of Health ( DoH ) , which was 545 during the same period .
The agency also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined as deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years - had been registered in Northern Ireland in the last 12 weeks .
According to NISRA , 414 of the fatalities involving coronavirus to June 19th were among care home residents , representing 50.7 per cent of the total number of deaths involving Covid-19 to June 19th .
A total of 82.1 per cent - or 340 deaths - occurred in a care home , with the remaining 74 taking place in hospital .
However , NISRA noted that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to where or when the deceased contracted the disease.
” Overall , 420 - or 51.5 per cent - of deaths involving coronavirus took place in hospital .
Over the last 12 weeks in total , 975 “ excess deaths ” ( deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years ) have been registered in Northern Ireland , with the number of “ excess deaths ” in the year to date to 19th June totalling 716 .
Northern Ireland releases two sets of data on coronavirus fatalities .
The DoH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously tested positive for Covid-19 .
The NISRA figures , which are released weekly , are based on information entered on death certificates completed by medical professionals , whether or not there was a positive test for the virus .
No new deaths from Covid-19 were reported in Northern Ireland on Thursday , according to the DoH .
The total number of coronavirus-related fatalities recorded by the department since the beginning of the outbreak remains at 547 .
The current Covid-19 reproduction number – R number – in Northern Ireland was also published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be between 0.6 and 0.9 .
The reproduction number is a way of rating a disease ’ s ability to spread .
As of June 21st , the seven-day rolling average of new cases is two , and there have been four deaths reported in the seven days from June 18th .

The total number of coronavirus-related deaths, according to NISRA, is 816. Photograph: iStock
The weekly number of deaths involving coronavirus has fallen in Northern Ireland.
Figures published on Friday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) recorded 12 such deaths in the week ending 19th June, eight fewer than the previous week.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths, according to NISRA, is 816. This is about 33 per cent higher than the figure reported in the daily statistics released by the North's Department of Health (DoH), which was 545 during the same period.
The agency also reported that 975 “excess deaths” - defined as deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years - had been registered in Northern Ireland in the last 12 weeks.
READ MORE
According to NISRA, 414 of the fatalities involving coronavirus to June 19th were among care home residents, representing 50.7 per cent of the total number of deaths involving Covid-19 to June 19th.
A total of 82.1 per cent - or 340 deaths - occurred in a care home, with the remaining 74 taking place in hospital. However, NISRA noted that “no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease.”
Care homes and hospices accounted for 348 deaths involving 78 separate establishments.
Overall, 420 - or 51.5 per cent - of deaths involving coronavirus took place in hospital.
Over the last 12 weeks in total, 975 “excess deaths” (deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years) have been registered in Northern Ireland, with the number of “excess deaths” in the year to date to 19th June totalling 716.
Northern Ireland releases two sets of data on coronavirus fatalities. The DoH figures are based on patients who have previously tested positive for Covid-19.
The NISRA figures, which are released weekly, are based on information entered on death certificates completed by medical professionals, whether or not there was a positive test for the virus.
No new deaths from Covid-19 were reported in Northern Ireland on Friday, according to the DoH. The total number of coronavirus-related fatalities recorded by the department since the beginning of the outbreak remains at 547.
The current Covid-19 reproduction number – R number – in Northern Ireland was also published on Thursday, and is estimated to be between 0.6 and 0.9. The reproduction number is a way of rating a disease’s ability to spread.
As of June 21st, the seven-day rolling average of new cases is two, and there have been four deaths reported in the seven days from June 18th.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--Phoenix Park gates to remain closed to traffic with no date set for reopening

The entrance gates to Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park that have been closed since March in response to coronavirus travel restrictions , will not be reopened on Monday as previously planned , the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) has said .
Motorists are also set to face new restrictions in the coming months to “ curb traffic volumes ” and for “ maintaining safe , quiet , open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy ” in the park the OPW confirmed .
Following the introduction of the 2km travel restrictions in March , the OPW closed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances .
These gates remained open to allow the continued use of Chesterfield Avenue as a through-road , and to maintain access for park residences , such as Áras an Uachtaráin and the US ambassador ’ s residence , as well as Garda Headquarters .
However , all car parking in the park was banned .
In line with the Government ’ s roadmap for the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions , the OPW reopened some car parks , including the facility beside the papal cross , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Chesterfield Avenue with the hard shoulder instead converted into cycle lanes .
It had planned to reopen all the gates from 10am on June 8th , in line with phase two of the roadmap , but following consultation with the Garda it decided to delay the reopening until June 29th .
However , the OPW on Friday morning said it will not reopen the gates on Monday , and has not set any future date for their reopening .
It has also given its strongest signal yet that the use of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city could be brought to an end and said “ further measures to curb traffic volumes in the park are likely to be introduced in the coming months.
” Thousands of people signed an online petition , initiated by Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon last month , calling for the end of the use of the park as a throughway for motorists .
The OPW was “ determined to ensure that the park is a safe , quiet , green space for our visitors , where flora and fauna thrives and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced through experiencing the natural environment in the park , ” OPW commissioner John McMahon said “ With this in mind , reducing the volume of ‘ through-traffic ’ is critical and maintaining safe , quiet , open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy is a key priority for OPW.
” Cars can still access the park through the Castleknock and Parkgate Street gates and the current parking arrangements will be maintained .
However , the OPW said : “ These measures are being kept under constant review with An Garda Síochána @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is monitoring and measuring the impact of these initiatives.
” Visitors are asked to ensure that they park responsibly in designated car parking areas only .

The OPW on Friday morning said it will not reopen all the Phoenix Park gates on Monday, and has not set any future date for their reopening. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
The entrance gates to Dublin's Phoenix Park that have been closed since March in response to coronavirus travel restrictions, will not be reopened on Monday as previously planned, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has said.
Motorists are also set to face new restrictions in the coming months to “curb traffic volumes” and for “maintaining safe, quiet, open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy” in the park the OPW confirmed.
Following the introduction of the 2km travel restrictions in March, the OPW closed the park gates to traffic with the exception of the Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances.
These gates remained open to allow the continued use of Chesterfield Avenue as a through-road, and to maintain access for park residences, such as Áras an Uachtaráin and the US ambassador’s residence, as well as Garda Headquarters. However, all car parking in the park was banned.
READ MORE
In line with the Government’s roadmap for the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the OPW reopened some car parks, including the facility beside the papal cross, on May 18th, but parking remains banned on Chesterfield Avenue with the hard shoulder instead converted into cycle lanes.
It had planned to reopen all the gates from 10am on June 8th, in line with phase two of the roadmap, but following consultation with the Garda it decided to delay the reopening until June 29th.
However, the OPW on Friday morning said it will not reopen the gates on Monday, and has not set any future date for their reopening. It has also given its strongest signal yet that the use of the park as a “throughway” to the city could be brought to an end and said “further measures to curb traffic volumes in the park are likely to be introduced in the coming months.”
Thousands of people signed an online petition, initiated by Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon last month, calling for the end of the use of the park as a throughway for motorists.
The OPW was “determined to ensure that the park is a safe, quiet, green space for our visitors, where flora and fauna thrives and where visitors’ health and wellbeing can be enhanced through experiencing the natural environment in the park,” OPW commissioner John McMahon said
“With this in mind, reducing the volume of ‘through-traffic’ is critical and maintaining safe, quiet, open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy is a key priority for OPW.”
Cars can still access the park through the Castleknock and Parkgate Street gates and the current parking arrangements will be maintained. However, the OPW said: "These measures are being kept under constant review with An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders and the OPW is monitoring and measuring the impact of these initiatives."
Visitors are asked to ensure that they park responsibly in designated car parking areas only.


theirishtimes--2020-06-26--How are Irish charities responding to the fundraising collapse from Covid-19?

Charities operating in Ireland are among the many sectors struggling due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Many have been forced to cancel key annual funding raising events due to the restrictions , often leading to an acute funding shortfall .
The Wheel , the national association of charities , warned in May that up to half of the charitable organisations operating in Ireland may be forced to close within six months .
However , in response , some charities have created alternative sponsorship events and also issued renewed appeals for direct , online support .
Below is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charitable service providers and their fundraising plans for the rest of the year .
Who they are : A community of survivors , families , patients , friends , nurses , doctors , scientists , professionals , supporters and volunteers , dedicated to preventing cancer , detecting cancer early and fighting it .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : Almost all ( 98 per cent ) of the Irish Cancer Society ’ s income ( €22 million ) comes from public donations .
Cost of running services : Seventy-four per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is spent on running core services such as Night Nursing , Counselling , the seven day Cancer Nurseline ( Freephone 1800 200 700 ) and hospital-based Daffodil Centres and the running of the Volunteer Driver Service .
Estimated income this year : With the cancellation of major fundraising events including Daffodil Day , it is projected that the Society ’ s income will be down between up to 40 per cent in 2020 .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Supporters have adapted with a range of virtual events such as head shaves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges , all within public health guidelines .
Get involved : Virtual events planned for over the summer include Marathon in a Month - more details can be found on www.cancer.ie Who they are : Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm , with suicidal ideation , or bereaved by suicide .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : Over €11 million is raised through public donations every year .
Cost of running services : Pieta says it needs about €14 million annually to deliver its services , 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donations .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Instead of the annual “ Darkness into Light ” fundraiser , Pieta ran a ‘ Sunrise ’ appeal which was featured on the Late Late Show .
It said delivered €4 million .
Who they are : The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting stroke and heart disease and blood vessel disease .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : The Irish Heart Foundation has an annual income of between €5million and €6 million , the majority of which comes from members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Ireland .
In 2018 , income was €5.4 million of which 83 per cent came through public fundraising .
Cost of running services : Annual expenditure is generally between €6million and €7 million .
Estimated income this year : It is expected that fundraising revenue will be down approximately 40 per cent .
Adapted activities in 2020 : All in-person support services moved to telephone and online support and a new stroke check-in service has been developed with the HSE for people being discharged from hospital after a stroke .
Plans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who they are : The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides dementia specific services and supports and advocates for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers .
Cost of running services : €19.8 million ( 58 per cent of funding is provided by the HSE ) .
Estimated income this year : The Society ’ s biggest fundraising event of the year , Alzheimer ’ s Tea Day , due to be held on May 7th , was cancelled .
It is estimated the Society will see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting in a fundraising figure of €2.8 million for 2020 .
Adapted activities in 2020 : People can join # TeamASI for their first Virtual Mini Marathon .
Alzheimer ’ s Memory Walk in September ; Memory Ribbon , Christmas cards and postcards .
Who they are : The Society of St Vincent de Paul ’ s goal is to fight poverty in all its forms through giving practical assistance to people in need , offering direct , personal assistance that is non-judgemental and based on the needs of the individual or family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-Covid-19 ) : Income from donations , church collections and legacies in 2018 was just under €32 million .
Cost of running services : In 2018 €30 million was spent on direct assistance , with a further €4.7 million for management , support and administration costs for 11,500 volunteers across national and eight regional offices .
Estimated income this year : As of yet it is unclear the extent of which the loss in fundraising revenue will be .
This will only become clear when the restrictions are lifted .
Adapted activities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national appeal at the beginning of May .
An appeal on the Late Late Show on May 22nd has raised over €1.1 million so far .
Who they are : The Jack and Jill Children ’ s Foundation is a nationwide charity that offers support , advocacy and an in-home nursing service to help children and their families under the age of five years who have a significant neurodevelopmental delay involving severe learning difficulties .
Cost of running services : €3.2 million to run the services directly .
Adapted activities in 2020 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the beginning of the pandemic , and have also been able to move several fundraising activities online , including their incognito art sale and the Part of Eire lottery , due to be launched in August and the Up The Hill campaign in October .
Who they are : Aware provides support and information for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder and their concerned loved ones .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : Average annual income of just over €1.9 million .
This comes from a combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the running of Aware fundraising events , community fundraising events , and State support .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Aware has been attempting to find alternative sources of income since March .
They have had strong support from several corporate partners , and some community fundraising activity is beginning to take place again within the confines of current social distancing rules .
They are hoping to be able to run their own fundraising events later this year , but it is still too early for them to commit to anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( ISPCC ) is Ireland ’ s national child protection charity , whose purpose is to listen to , empower and strengthen their resilience and enable them to live their best possible lives .
Cost of running services : €3.5 million , 90 per cent of which is from fund raising .
Adapted activities in 2020 : On May 31st , Kerry ladies Gaelic football club MKL Gaels and friends kicked one million solos for Childline in a virtual sporting challenge , so that children don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solo .
Who they are : Irish Wheelchair Association ( IWA ) works with , and on behalf of , people with physical disabilities to drive positive change in Ireland through the influencing of public policy , the provision of quality services and enabling accessibility to all aspects of society .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Stevo Timothy took part in a charity cycle , and has raised €67,000 through his GoFundMe page .
The Association is also relying on online donations .
Who they are : NCBI is Ireland ’ s national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services nationwide to people experiencing sight loss .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : €2 million , and €1.5 million from charity shops .
Cost of running services : The funding shortfall annually is €3million which is made up by a combination of fundraising and charity shop activity .
Adapted activities in 2020 : A major direct mail appeal to service users , as well as the Eye Can lottery which will be held online .
Get involved : National Council for the Blind Who they are : The Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage .
Adapted activities in 2020 : The Peter McVerry Trust have put together a number of virtual fundraising initiatives for individuals and companies to support .
This includes the ongoing appeal Locks4Keys which is encouraging people to undertake a DIY haircut and donate the normal cost of that to Peter McVerry Trust .
Who they are : The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has worked to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of sexual violence , working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic institutions , and the general public to ensure that all available resources to prevent sexual violence are utilised .
Adapted activities in 2020 : The Centre have organised ‘ Cook up A Storm ’ , where a host of celebrity chefs and foodies make and share their favourite recipes via social media , headlined by chef Derry Clarke of l ’ Ecrivain and his wife Sallyanne .
Who they are : Belong to Youth Services is the national organisation supporting lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender , and intersex ( LGBTI+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities in 2020 : June is Pride month , which is generally the biggest fundraising season for Belong To , so the organisation is renewing efforts to take their fundraising activities online , including bingo , quizzes and others .
Who they are : Trócaire works with local partners to support communities in over 20 developing countries with a focus on food and resource rights , women ’ s empowerment and humanitarian response .
Estimated income this year : Trócaire ’ s biggest concern at present is the Lenten Appeal Trócaire boxes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing a decline of up to 60 per cent - up to €5 million - in donations for the Lenten Appeal as people are unable to return their Trócaire boxes .
Adapted activities in 2020 : As people have been unable to return their Trócaire boxes in the normal way , they are asking people to count or estimate what is in their box and donate online ( trocaire.org ) or over the phone ( 1850 408 408 in RoI , 0800 912 1200 in NI ) .
Who they are : Epilepsy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy in Ireland , and to achieve a society where no person ’ s life is limited by epilepsy .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Epilepsy Ireland are hoping it will be possible to reorganise or adapt some of their fundraising events for later this year , such as the Ancient East Peaks Challenge , and the Rose Week public collections .
They are also appealing for online donations on their website .
Who they are : MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Multiple Sclerosis community .
Estimated income this year : Predicted to be around €1.9 million .
Adapted activities in 2020 : They held a Virtual balloon race in May , and are trying to postpone rather than cancel events for later this year .
Who they are : Dogs Trust is Ireland ’ s largest dog welfare charity , who seek to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life , free from the threat of unnecessary destruction .
Estimated annual income through fundraising ( pre-Covid-19 ) : In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts Adapted activities in 2020 : Evaluating fund raising efforts and appealing to public not to buy dogs in haste during pandemic Who they are : Barnardos ’ mission is to deliver services and work with families , communities , to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences .
Estimated income this year : Barnardos is likely to raise less this year because of the closure of charity shops due to Covid-19 restrictions , and they also expect an impact on the number of people who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 : Barnardos is running a Covid-19 Crisis Appeal for Children , urging people to donate what they can afford at www.barnardos.ie Who they are : Self Help Africa is an international development charity with an expertise in small-scale farming and growing family-farm businesses , dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa .
Estimated income this year : €24 million ( we are fortunate to have a strong regular base of support ) Adapted activities in 2020 : Digital fund raising activities such as One Million Trees campaign in collaboration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get involved : Self Help Africa one million trees Who they are : Focus Ireland works with people who are homeless or are at risk or losing their homes across Ireland .
Adapted activities in 2020 : Focus Ireland is asking people to take part in their Virtual Camino Walk , where you will be provided with walking notes each week explaining what to expect along the way , the Camino symbols , the food and drink of the area and many other fun facts to make you imagine and feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who they are : GOAL is an Irish international humanitarian response agency who believe in a world where poverty no longer exists , where vulnerable communities are resilient , where barriers to well-being are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities .
Estimated income this year : Expecting a 30 per cent drop in fund raising income Adapted activities in 2020 : Fund raising efforts have had to be cancelled/revised , but it is hoped that the annual Goal Mile will still go ahead this winter .

Many charities have been forced to cancel parts of their fundraising programme this year and are running alternative events that comply with social distancing rules.
Charities operating in Ireland are among the many sectors struggling due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many have been forced to cancel key annual funding raising events due to the restrictions, often leading to an acute funding shortfall.
The Wheel, the national association of charities, warned in May that up to half of the charitable organisations operating in Ireland may be forced to close within six months.
However, in response, some charities have created alternative sponsorship events and also issued renewed appeals for direct, online support.
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Below is a selection of some of the larger charitable service providers and their fundraising plans for the rest of the year.
Irish Cancer Society
Who they are: A community of survivors, families, patients, friends, nurses, doctors, scientists, professionals, supporters and volunteers, dedicated to preventing cancer, detecting cancer early and fighting it.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Almost all (98 per cent) of the Irish Cancer Society's income (€22 million) comes from public donations.
Cost of running services: Seventy-four per cent of the Society's expenditure is spent on running core services such as Night Nursing, Counselling, the seven day Cancer Nurseline ( Freephone 1800 200 700) and hospital-based Daffodil Centres and the running of the Volunteer Driver Service.
Estimated income this year: With the cancellation of major fundraising events including Daffodil Day, it is projected that the Society's income will be down between up to 40 per cent in 2020.
Adapted activities in 2020: Supporters have adapted with a range of virtual events such as head shaves, sponsored walks, jersey auctions and other challenges, all within public health guidelines.
Get involved: Virtual events planned for over the summer include Marathon in a Month - more details can be found on www.cancer.ie
Pieta House
Who they are: Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Over €11 million is raised through public donations every year.
Cost of running services: Pieta says it needs about €14 million annually to deliver its services, 80 per cent of which is through public donations.
Estimated income this year: Uncertain.
Adapted activities in 2020: Instead of the annual "Darkness into Light" fundraiser, Pieta ran a 'Sunrise' appeal which was featured on the Late Late Show. It said delivered €4 million.
Get involved: Pieta House
Irish Heart Foundation
Who they are: The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting stroke and heart disease and blood vessel disease.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): The Irish Heart Foundation has an annual income of between €5million and €6 million, the majority of which comes from members of the public, organisations and businesses across Ireland.
In 2018, income was €5.4 million of which 83 per cent came through public fundraising.
Cost of running services: Annual expenditure is generally between €6million and €7 million.
Estimated income this year: It is expected that fundraising revenue will be down approximately 40 per cent.
Adapted activities in 2020: All in-person support services moved to telephone and online support and a new stroke check-in service has been developed with the HSE for people being discharged from hospital after a stroke.
Plans are underway to address the funding shortfall.
Get involved: Irish Heart Foundation
Alzheimer’s Society
Who they are: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides dementia specific services and supports and advocates for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Approximately €4 million a year.
Cost of running services: €19.8 million (58 per cent of funding is provided by the HSE).
Estimated income this year: The Society's biggest fundraising event of the year, Alzheimer's Tea Day, due to be held on May 7th, was cancelled. It is estimated the Society will see a drop in fundraising of €1.2 million, resulting in a fundraising figure of €2.8 million for 2020.
Adapted activities in 2020: People can join #TeamASI for their first Virtual Mini Marathon. Alzheimer's Memory Walk in September; Memory Ribbon, Christmas cards and postcards.
Get involved: Alzheimer's Society
The Society of St Vincent de Paul
Who they are: The Society of St Vincent de Paul's goal is to fight poverty in all its forms through giving practical assistance to people in need, offering direct, personal assistance that is non-judgemental and based on the needs of the individual or family.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Income from donations, church collections and legacies in 2018 was just under €32 million.
Cost of running services: In 2018 €30 million was spent on direct assistance, with a further €4.7 million for management, support and administration costs for 11,500 volunteers across national and eight regional offices.
Estimated income this year: As of yet it is unclear the extent of which the loss in fundraising revenue will be. This will only become clear when the restrictions are lifted.
Adapted activities in 2020: The Society launched an urgent national appeal at the beginning of May. An appeal on the Late Late Show on May 22nd has raised over €1.1 million so far.
Get involved: Society of St Vincent de Paul
Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation
Who they are: The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is a nationwide charity that offers support, advocacy and an in-home nursing service to help children and their families under the age of five years who have a significant neurodevelopmental delay involving severe learning difficulties.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €3.5 million.
Cost of running services: €3.2 million to run the services directly.
Estimated income this year: €3 million directly through fundraising.
Adapted activities in 2020: The Foundation issued an SOS emergency appeal at the beginning of the pandemic, and have also been able to move several fundraising activities online, including their incognito art sale and the Part of Eire lottery, due to be launched in August and the Up The Hill campaign in October.
Get involved: Jack and Jill Children's Foundation
Aware
Who they are: Aware provides support and information for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder and their concerned loved ones.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Average annual income of just over €1.9 million. This comes from a combination of sources; public donations, corporate support, the running of Aware fundraising events, community fundraising events, and State support.
Cost of running services: €1.9 million plus.
Estimated income this year: €1.1 to €1.3 million.
Adapted activities in 2020: Aware has been attempting to find alternative sources of income since March. They have had strong support from several corporate partners, and some community fundraising activity is beginning to take place again within the confines of current social distancing rules. They are hoping to be able to run their own fundraising events later this year, but it is still too early for them to commit to anything.
Get involved: Aware
ISPCC
Who they are: The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is Ireland's national child protection charity, whose purpose is to listen to, empower and strengthen their resilience and enable them to live their best possible lives.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Roughly €3.15 million.
Cost of running services: €3.5 million, 90 per cent of which is from fund raising.
Estimated income this year: Unknown.
Adapted activities in 2020: On May 31st, Kerry ladies Gaelic football club MKL Gaels and friends kicked one million solos for Childline in a virtual sporting challenge, so that children don't have to face their challenges solo.
Get involved: ISPCC
Irish Wheelchair Association
Who they are: Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) works with, and on behalf of, people with physical disabilities to drive positive change in Ireland through the influencing of public policy, the provision of quality services and enabling accessibility to all aspects of society.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €3 million.
Cost of running services: €63 million.
Estimated income this year: Uncertain
Adapted activities in 2020: Stevo Timothy took part in a charity cycle, and has raised €67,000 through his GoFundMe page. The Association is also relying on online donations.
Get involved: Irish Wheelchair Association
National Council for the Blind
Who they are: NCBI is Ireland's national sight loss agency which provides support and services nationwide to people experiencing sight loss.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €2 million, and €1.5 million from charity shops.
Cost of running services: The funding shortfall annually is €3million which is made up by a combination of fundraising and charity shop activity.
Estimated income this year: €500,000
Adapted activities in 2020: A major direct mail appeal to service users, as well as the Eye Can lottery which will be held online.
Get involved: National Council for the Blind
The Peter McVerry Trust
Who they are: The Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €9 million.
Cost of running services: Over €40 million.
Estimated income this year: Approximately €7.5 million.
Adapted activities in 2020: The Peter McVerry Trust have put together a number of virtual fundraising initiatives for individuals and companies to support. This includes the ongoing appeal Locks4Keys which is encouraging people to undertake a DIY haircut and donate the normal cost of that to Peter McVerry Trust.
Get involved: The Peter McVerry Trust
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
Who they are: The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has worked to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of sexual violence, working with the government, non-profit organisations, academic institutions, and the general public to ensure that all available resources to prevent sexual violence are utilised.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €750,000
Cost of running services: €3.75 million
Estimated income this year: Uncertain
Adapted activities in 2020: The Centre have organised 'Cook up A Storm', where a host of celebrity chefs and foodies make and share their favourite recipes via social media, headlined by chef Derry Clarke of l'Ecrivain and his wife Sallyanne.
Get involved: Dublin Rape Crisis Centre cook up a storm
Belong To
Who they are: Belong to Youth Services is the national organisation supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Roughly €550,000 from direct fundraising
Cost of running services: €1.4million
Estimated income this year: Estimate €352,000
Adapted activities in 2020: June is Pride month, which is generally the biggest fundraising season for Belong To, so the organisation is renewing efforts to take their fundraising activities online, including bingo, quizzes and others.
Get involved: Belong To
Trócaire
Who they are: Trócaire works with local partners to support communities in over 20 developing countries with a focus on food and resource rights, women's empowerment and humanitarian response.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €23 million in 2019.
Cost of running services: €75 million.
Estimated income this year: Trócaire's biggest concern at present is the Lenten Appeal Trócaire boxes and if they are returned. They are facing a decline of up to 60 per cent - up to €5 million - in donations for the Lenten Appeal as people are unable to return their Trócaire boxes.
Adapted activities in 2020: As people have been unable to return their Trócaire boxes in the normal way, they are asking people to count or estimate what is in their box and donate online (trocaire.org) or over the phone (1850 408 408 in RoI, 0800 912 1200 in NI).
Get involved: Trócaire
Epilepsy Ireland
Who they are: Epilepsy Ireland was established with the goal of improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy in Ireland, and to achieve a society where no person's life is limited by epilepsy.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Approximately €800,000
Cost of running services: €1.7million - €1.8 million.
Estimated income this year: €350,000 - €400,000
Adapted activities in 2020: Epilepsy Ireland are hoping it will be possible to reorganise or adapt some of their fundraising events for later this year, such as the Ancient East Peaks Challenge, and the Rose Week public collections. They are also appealing for online donations on their website.
Get involved: Epilepsy Ireland
MS Ireland
Who they are: MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information, vital services and support to the Multiple Sclerosis community.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Approximately €2.9 million in 2019
Cost of running services: Approximately €6.35 million in 2019.
Estimated income this year: Predicted to be around €1.9 million.
Adapted activities in 2020: They held a Virtual balloon race in May, and are trying to postpone rather than cancel events for later this year.
Get involved: MS Ireland
Dogs Trust
Who they are: Dogs Trust is Ireland's largest dog welfare charity, who seek to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): In 2019 €112,000 was raised through fund raising efforts
Cost of running services: €6.1million
Estimated income this year: Uncertain
Adapted activities in 2020: Evaluating fund raising efforts and appealing to public not to buy dogs in haste during pandemic
Get involved: Dogs Trust
Barnardos
Who they are: Barnardos' mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €8 million.
Cost of running services: €23 million.
Estimated income this year: Barnardos is likely to raise less this year because of the closure of charity shops due to Covid-19 restrictions, and they also expect an impact on the number of people who can support with monthly donations.
Adapted activities in 2020: Barnardos is running a Covid-19 Crisis Appeal for Children, urging people to donate what they can afford at www.barnardos.ie
Get involved: Barnardos
Self Help Africa
Who they are: Self Help Africa is an international development charity with an expertise in small-scale farming and growing family-farm businesses, dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Unavailable.
Cost of running services: €26 million
Estimated income this year: €24 million (we are fortunate to have a strong regular base of support)
Adapted activities in 2020: Digital fund raising activities such as One Million Trees campaign in collaboration with Glenisk, the GAA and INTO.
Get involved: Self Help Africa one million trees
Focus Ireland
Who they are: Focus Ireland works with people who are homeless or are at risk or losing their homes across Ireland.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): €11.5 million.
Cost of running services: €26.8 million.
Estimated income this year: Around €9 million.
Adapted activities in 2020: Focus Ireland is asking people to take part in their Virtual Camino Walk, where you will be provided with walking notes each week explaining what to expect along the way, the Camino symbols, the food and drink of the area and many other fun facts to make you imagine and feel like you are walking the actual Camino.
Get involved: Focus Ireland
GOAL
Who they are: GOAL is an Irish international humanitarian response agency who believe in a world where poverty no longer exists, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to well-being are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.
Estimated annual income through fundraising (pre-Covid-19): Around €3 million.
Cost of running services: €110million across 13 countries
Estimated income this year: Expecting a 30 per cent drop in fund raising income
Adapted activities in 2020: Fund raising efforts have had to be cancelled/revised, but it is hoped that the annual Goal Mile will still go ahead this winter.
Get involved: GOAL