theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Man sues his former school over eye injury from laser pen beam

A man has sued his former secondary school in the High Court over a burn injury to his eye allegedly suffered when another schoolboy shone a laser beam in the classroom .
Dillon Breen said he has to wear glasses for life after a part of the retina of his right eye was burned in the 2012 incident at St Kevin ’ s College , Finglas , Dublin , when he was a Fifth Year student .
The other school boy did not mean to do something hurtful to him but had shone the laser pen beam in his right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was doing exam papers and focusing down .
He shone it in my right eye .
I felt a burning sensation immediately .
I didn ’ t tell anybody , I didn ’ t want to be a rat on anybody , ” he told Mr Justice Michael Hanna .
He said he later had headaches and went to hospital where he was told he had “ melted part of my retina ” .
He said he had “ perfect 20:20 vision ” before the incident .
“ Now , I have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my right eye .
It has taken ten per cent of my vision.
” Mr Breen ( 24 ) Ferndale Avenue , Glasnevin , Dublin , has sued the board of management of St Kevin ’ s College , Ballygall Road , Finglas , and the producer and distributor of the sky green beam laser pointer pen Syncron Limited , Rosemount Business Park , Ballycoolin , Dublin over the laser pen incident on May 25th , 2012 .
The court heard that judgement had been obtained previously against Syncron Ltd in default @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school caused pupils under their care to remain unsupervised ; failed to notice in sufficient time or at all , or have any adequate regard , to the fact pupils had upon their person dangerous products which could cause harm to fellow pupils .
It is further claimed there was failure to forbid or properly warn pupils that products which were known or ought reasonably to have been known to be in circulation and dangerous were not to be brought upon school property .
He has also alleged failure to supervise or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils in a safe and effective manner to so as to ensure no injury would be caused to Mr Breen .
In evidence , Mr Breen said the incident happened when the teacher was away from the classroom and had asked the students to fill in exam questions .
He said he was aware another student had brought a laser pen , which had cost about ten euro , into the school , as it had been shone on walls in classrooms .
Crossexamined by Finbarr Fox SC , for the school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to the classroom , he had not directly said to the teacher what had happened .
He said his mother later brought it to the principal ’ s attention .
In evidence , Martina Breen , the plaintiff ’ s mother , said her son never had any problems with his eyes before the accident .
She said he had come home from school on the day in question with a headache and went to bed .
When he got up , it was still sore and he was brought to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she had called into the school and told them what had happened , she said .
There was no follow up from the school and she was never contacted about the incident , she said .
The case before Mr Justice Michael Hanna continues on Thursday .

A man has sued his former secondary school in the High Court over a burn injury to his eye allegedly suffered when another schoolboy shone a laser beam in the classroom.
Dillon Breen said he has to wear glasses for life after a part of the retina of his right eye was burned in the 2012 incident at St Kevin’s College, Finglas, Dublin, when he was a Fifth Year student.
The other school boy did not mean to do something hurtful to him but had shone the laser pen beam in his right eye, he said.
“I was doing exam papers and focusing down. He shone it in my right eye. I felt a burning sensation immediately. I didn’t tell anybody, I didn’t want to be a rat on anybody,” he told Mr Justice Michael Hanna.
READ MORE
He said he later had headaches and went to hospital where he was told he had “melted part of my retina”. He said he had “perfect 20:20 vision” before the incident.
“Now, I have a tick in my vision of the centre of my right eye. It has taken ten per cent of my vision.”
Mr Breen(24) Ferndale Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin, has sued the board of management of St Kevin’s College, Ballygall Road, Finglas, and the producer and distributor of the sky green beam laser pointer pen Syncron Limited, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin over the laser pen incident on May 25th, 2012.
The court heard that judgement had been obtained previously against Syncron Ltd in default of appearance.
Mr Breen has claimed the school caused pupils under their care to remain unsupervised; failed to notice in sufficient time or at all, or have any adequate regard, to the fact pupils had upon their person dangerous products which could cause harm to fellow pupils.
It is further claimed there was failure to forbid or properly warn pupils that products which were known or ought reasonably to have been known to be in circulation and dangerous were not to be brought upon school property.
He has also alleged failure to supervise or otherwise control the school environment and its pupils in a safe and effective manner to so as to ensure no injury would be caused to Mr Breen.
The claims are denied.
In evidence, Mr Breen said the incident happened when the teacher was away from the classroom and had asked the students to fill in exam questions.
He said he was aware another student had brought a laser pen, which had cost about ten euro, into the school, as it had been shone on walls in classrooms.
Crossexamined by Finbarr Fox SC, for the school, Mr Breen agreed, when the teacher returned to the classroom, he had not directly said to the teacher what had happened. He said his mother later brought it to the principal’s attention.
In evidence, Martina Breen, the plaintiff’s mother, said her son never had any problems with his eyes before the accident. She said he had come home from school on the day in question with a headache and went to bed.
When he got up, it was still sore and he was brought to hospital.
On the way home from hospital, she had called into the school and told them what had happened, she said. There was no follow up from the school and she was never contacted about the incident, she said.
The case before Mr Justice Michael Hanna continues on Thursday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Man jailed for 18 months for sexual assault of ‘comatose’ teenager

A man ( 22 ) was on Wednesday jailed for eighteen months for the sexual assault of a “ comatose ” teenager .
At Ennis Circuit Court , Judge Gerald Keys imposed a three year jail term and suspending the final eighteen months on Rene Miko ( 22 ) formerly of Place de Plouzane , Kilrush , Co Clare for the sexual assault of the then 18 -year-old woman at a house on October 9th/10th 2015 .
Mr Miko is currently serving a six year jail term with the final two years suspended imposed last March for the dangerous driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Eugene McNamara ( 42 ) .
Judge Keys staled that by virtue of Mr Miko ’ s guilty plea to the sex assault and the mitigating factors in the case , he was suspending the final 18 months of the three year jail term .
Mr Miko will not serve any additional time in jail for the sexual assault as the sentence for the sexual assault starts immediately .
The complainant in the case only realised that she had been the victim of a sex assault when sent a video clip via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She was sent the 50 to 60 second clip by an a male friend who had videoed the assault .
Mr Miko , who was also aged 18 at the time , the teenage girl and other friends had gone to a party at a house in Corofin .
Judge Keys stated on Wednesdsay Mr Miko had taken advantage of the woman “ when you knew she had become comatose due to excessive quantity of alcohol ” .
Judge Keys stated that the mitigating factors are Mr Miko ’ s plea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardai ; that he had no previous convictions prior to committing this offence ; accepts what he did was very wrong ; apologised for his wrongdoing and has shown remorse .
Judge Keys also stated Mr Miko ’ s conduct “ was not predatory ” and there was no violence .
Judge Keys stated the sexual assault has had a profound impact on the victim .

Rene Miko (22) formerly of Place de Plouzane, Kilrush, Co Clare has pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of the teenager at a house on October 9th/10th 2015. File photograph: Eamon Ward
A man (22) was on Wednesday jailed for eighteen months for the sexual assault of a “comatose” teenager.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Gerald Keys imposed a three year jail term and suspending the final eighteen months on Rene Miko (22) formerly of Place de Plouzane, Kilrush, Co Clare for the sexual assault of the then 18 -year-old woman at a house on October 9th/10th 2015.
Mr Miko is currently serving a six year jail term with the final two years suspended imposed last March for the dangerous driving causing the death of Ennis GAA coach, Eugene McNamara (42).
Judge Keys staled that by virtue of Mr Miko’s guilty plea to the sex assault and the mitigating factors in the case, he was suspending the final 18 months of the three year jail term.
READ MORE
Mr Miko will not serve any additional time in jail for the sexual assault as the sentence for the sexual assault starts immediately.
The complainant in the case only realised that she had been the victim of a sex assault when sent a video clip via Facebook of the assault the following day.
She was sent the 50 to 60 second clip by an a male friend who had videoed the assault.
Mr Miko, who was also aged 18 at the time, the teenage girl and other friends had gone to a party at a house in Corofin.
Judge Keys stated on Wednesdsay Mr Miko had taken advantage of the woman “when you knew she had become comatose due to excessive quantity of alcohol”.
Judge Keys stated that the mitigating factors are Mr Miko’s plea of guilt, that he fully co-operated with gardai; that he had no previous convictions prior to committing this offence; accepts what he did was very wrong; apologised for his wrongdoing and has shown remorse.
Judge Keys also stated Mr Miko’s conduct “was not predatory” and there was no violence .
Judge Keys stated the sexual assault has had a profound impact on the victim.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Nearly €36,000 worth of herbal cannabis seized by Revenue

Revenue officers at the Dublin Mail Centre have seized 1.8kg ( 4lbs ) of herbal cannabis with an estimated street @ @ @ @ @ The narcotic was discovered on Tuesday in 13 separate parcels , all of which originated @ @ @ @ @ They were declared as items such as “ model car ” , “ sweets ” @ @ @ @ @ “ Pez dispensers ” .
All packages were destined for addresses in Dublin .
Investigations @ @ @ @ @ on the discovery which was made during routine operations .
Between January 1st and February @ @ @ @ @ officers in mail centres countrywide have detected and confiscated drugs with an estimated street value @ @ @ @ @ seizures are part of Revenue ’ s attempt to crack down on the importation of @ @ @ @ @ or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling , they can contact Revenue @ @ @ @ @ number 1800-295295 .

Investigations are ongoing as a result on the discovery which was made during routine operations.
Revenue officers at the Dublin Mail Centre have seized 1.8kg (4lbs) of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of almost €36,000.
The narcotic was discovered on Tuesday in 13 separate parcels, all of which originated from the United States. They were declared as items such as “model car”, “sweets”, “chocolate” and “Pez dispensers”. All packages were destined for addresses in Dublin.
Investigations are ongoing as a result on the discovery which was made during routine operations.
Between January 1st and February 29th this year, Revenue officers in mail centres countrywide have detected and confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of €1.2 million.
READ MORE
These seizures are part of Revenue’s attempt to crack down on the importation of illegal drugs. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on confidential phone number 1800-295295.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--#MeToo has ‘blind spot’ on prostitution, says survivor

Middle class feminists and the # MeToo movement should “ shut up ” with the argument that sex work is a “ job like any other ” , a survivor of prostitution has said .
Fiona Broadfoot ( 51 ) , who was involved in prostitution in London for 11 years from the age of 15 , said it was now her life ’ s work to dispel the “ bullshit notion that prostitution is sex work ” .
“ For the privileged few who do [ choose sex work ] I wish they would shut up and leave us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of women , which is largely what it is .
That small percentage , they need to go away and let us fight this absolute hell for girls and women.
” She was speaking at the start of a new campaign , Prostitution , We Don ’ t Buy It , initiated to “ expose the truth about prostitution and sex trafficking ” .
It aims to counter the argument of some , including the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland ( SWAI ) , that a proportion of women are in sex work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and actually quite sad , ” said Ms Broadfoot .
“ Women are groomed into believing they are empowered and then at the end of it they are crawling out of hell with all kinds of physical and mental health problems .
And , actually , I ’ d like to ask anybody would you see it as a career for your daughter ?
All these people , professionals in their ivory towers , who promote it as a job , get yourselves down there , do it and then come back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Survivor Rachel Moran said there was a “ blind spot ” on the issue “ within the # MeToo movement .
.
.
you simply can ’ t buy consent ” .
The campaign , an initiative of organisations working with women affected by prostitution and sexual violence , published findings from Red C that men ( 41 per cent ) were almost twice as likely as women ( 22 per cent ) to view selling sex as “ a job like any other ” and three times ( 12 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent ) to believe prostitution is a “ freely chosen ” activity .
These views are most prevalent among men aged 18-34 .
The findings indicate a “ desensitising of attitudes with increased access to pornography ” , said Sean Cooke , chief executive of the Men ’ s Development Network ( MDN ) .
A majority ( 70 per cent ) of people know purchasing sex is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act , 2017 and 53 per cent see this as positive , the survey finds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer a crime .
According to Department of Justice figures , however , just one man has been prosecuted for purchasing sex since March 2017 , while 18 migrant women have been , for brothel keeping .
Some 10 were from Romania , five from Hungary and three from China .
According to SWAI , most of these are likely to be women working together for safety .
A further six cases are before the courts for organisation of prostitution .
These concern four women and two men .
The women are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The campaign calls for more resources for gardaí to enforce the legislation .

From left, Amanda Keane, of Ruhama, an NGO that works with women affected by prostitution, with Rachel Moran and Fiona Broadfoot, survivors/activists, at the launch of We Don’t Buy It. Photograph: Laura Hutton
Middle class feminists and the #MeToo movement should “shut up” with the argument that sex work is a “job like any other”, a survivor of prostitution has said.
Fiona Broadfoot (51), who was involved in prostitution in London for 11 years from the age of 15, said it was now her life's work to dispel the "bullshit notion that prostitution is sex work".
“For the privileged few who do [choose sex work] I wish they would shut up and leave us alone to fight the torture and abuse of women, which is largely what it is. That small percentage, they need to go away and let us fight this absolute hell for girls and women.”
She was speaking at the start of a new campaign, Prostitution, We Don't Buy It, initiated to "expose the truth about prostitution and sex trafficking". It aims to counter the argument of some, including the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland (SWAI), that a proportion of women are in sex work by choice.
READ MORE
“They are dangerous and actually quite sad,” said Ms Broadfoot. “Women are groomed into believing they are empowered and then at the end of it they are crawling out of hell with all kinds of physical and mental health problems. And, actually, I’d like to ask anybody would you see it as a career for your daughter? All these people, professionals in their ivory towers, who promote it as a job, get yourselves down there, do it and then come back and have a conversation with me about it.”
Survivor Rachel Moran said there was a "blind spot" on the issue "within the #MeToo movement . . . you simply can't buy consent".
Survey findings
The campaign, an initiative of organisations working with women affected by prostitution and sexual violence, published findings from Red C that men (41 per cent) were almost twice as likely as women (22 per cent) to view selling sex as “a job like any other” and three times (12 per cent) as likely as women (4 per cent) to believe prostitution is a “freely chosen” activity.
These views are most prevalent among men aged 18-34. The findings indicate a "desensitising of attitudes with increased access to pornography", said Sean Cooke, chief executive of the Men's Development Network (MDN).
A majority (70 per cent) of people know purchasing sex is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Act, 2017 and 53 per cent see this as positive, the survey finds. The sale of sexual services is no longer a crime.
According to Department of Justice figures, however, just one man has been prosecuted for purchasing sex since March 2017, while 18 migrant women have been, for brothel keeping.
Some 10 were from Romania, five from Hungary and three from China. According to SWAI, most of these are likely to be women working together for safety.
A further six cases are before the courts for organisation of prostitution. These concern four women and two men. The women are Irish, Hungarian, Chinese and Nigerian.
The campaign calls for more resources for gardaí to enforce the legislation.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Historic lobster ponds near Castletownbere filled with rubble

Thousands of tonnes of building rubble have been dumped on historic lobster ponds on the Beara Peninsula .
The lobster ponds , located just outside Castletowbere , were large concrete tidal enclosures built in the last century to hold lobsters during the year for the lucrative Christmas French market .
Before and after photographs taken by locally-based Friends of the Irish Environmentshow the structure now almost entirely filled with rubble , including construction materials .
The material was also dumped beyond the ponds , on the beach and into Berehaven Bay .
Castletowbere harbour is one of the largest natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Dinish Island to the south , hosting fisheries infrastructure and processing activity , and the town of Castletownbere to the north .
Minister for the Marine Michael Creed officially opened a new harbour administration building in Castletownbere last year and inspected progress on a €23.5 million , 216m-long fishing quay extension project and associated works on Dinish Island as part of Project Ireland 2040 .
The discovery of the dumped rubble in the area came as the Irish Farmers ’ Association called for “ urgent action ” to address increased dumping , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a particular cause for concern .
Farmers are lobbying for changes in the waste-management laws to reduce illegal dumping .
Tony Lowes , a director of Friends of the Irish Environment , said the scale of dumping at the lobster ponds is breathtaking .
He said there had been “ no enforcement and a scoff-law attitude – with residents too scared to speak out publicly ” .
Mr Lowes said Friends of the Irish Environment was alerted to the dumping by an anonymous local , who had said the activities and the operator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the organisation had reported the matter to Cork County Council , who had passed it to on area planner , and to the Castletwonbere harbourmaster , under whose jurisdiction the foreshore falls within .
“ The harbour master responded more quickly than any other agency we have ever approached , ” said Mr Lowes .
A council spokesman also confirmed dumping of rubble on Berehaven Bay is being investigated .

Looking west where the strand below is accessed only through this pathway. Photographs: Courtesy Friends of the Irish Environment
Thousands of tonnes of building rubble have been dumped on historic lobster ponds on the Beara Peninsula.
The lobster ponds, located just outside Castletowbere, were large concrete tidal enclosures built in the last century to hold lobsters during the year for the lucrative Christmas French market.
Before and after photographs taken by locally-based Friends of the Irish Environmentshow the structure now almost entirely filled with rubble, including construction materials. The material was also dumped beyond the ponds, on the beach and into Berehaven Bay.
Castletowbere harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world and is formed by Dinish Island to the south, hosting fisheries infrastructure and processing activity, and the town of Castletownbere to the north.
READ MORE
Minister for the Marine Michael Creed officially opened a new harbour administration building in Castletownbere last year and inspected progress on a €23.5 million, 216m-long fishing quay extension project and associated works on Dinish Island as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The discovery of the dumped rubble in the area came as the Irish Farmers’ Association called for “urgent action” to address increased dumping, citing “builders’ rubble” as a particular cause for concern. Farmers are lobbying for changes in the waste-management laws to reduce illegal dumping.
Tony Lowes, a director of Friends of the Irish Environment, said the scale of dumping at the lobster ponds is breathtaking. He said there had been “no enforcement and a scoff-law attitude – with residents too scared to speak out publicly”.
Mr Lowes said Friends of the Irish Environment was alerted to the dumping by an anonymous local, who had said the activities and the operator were well known locally.
Mr Lowes said the organisation had reported the matter to Cork County Council, who had passed it to on area planner, and to the Castletwonbere harbourmaster, under whose jurisdiction the foreshore falls within.
“The harbour master responded more quickly than any other agency we have ever approached,” said Mr Lowes.
A council spokesman also confirmed dumping of rubble on Berehaven Bay is being investigated.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Gardaí issue warning after Phone Watch customers scammed

Gardaí have received multiple reports of householders being scammed by a man posing as a worker for an alarm company who has taken their bank cards and withdrawn money at ATMs .
Detectives are now linking at least six cases in counties Cork , Tipperary and Limerick but they believe many others could have fallen victim to the scam , which gardaí suspect is being carried out by one person .
In some cases , cash has been taken out of bank accounts via ATMs several times before the card owner , and victim of the scam , realised they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to houses posing as an employee of Phone Watch , the monitored home alarm company , and been invited into those homes .
“ This man , who possesses apparent Phone Watch paraphernalia and literature , stated he would upgrade their system for a fee , ” the Garda said in a statement in relation to one case in Clonmel , Co Tipperary , last Saturday , February 29th .
“ When the victim handed over his debit card for payment , the man asked the injured party to enter his pin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying .
He then retained the debit card and handed back a different one.
” In that case cash was then withdrawn on the bank card from a number of banks in Tipperary and Limerick on the day the card was stolen and the following day .
Garda sources said in the cases that have been linked to the same perpetrator , described as having glasses and dark hair , several thousand euros had been taken .
Gardaí have appealed for people to be careful when providing any details to people not known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , especially bank details .
They have urged people not to invite callers into their home if they had any doubts about their bona fides , but to instead call gardai .
Garda sources said older people were more vulnerable to such scams but added the man involved in the latest incidents has been describing as “ very convincing ” .

Gardaí have received multiple reports of householders being scammed by a man posing as a worker for an alarm company who has taken their bank cards and withdrawn money at ATMs.
Detectives are now linking at least six cases in counties Cork, Tipperary and Limerick but they believe many others could have fallen victim to the scam, which gardaí suspect is being carried out by one person.
In some cases, cash has been taken out of bank accounts via ATMs several times before the card owner, and victim of the scam, realised they were being targeted.
The man has called to houses posing as an employee of Phone Watch, the monitored home alarm company, and been invited into those homes.
READ MORE
"This man, who possesses apparent Phone Watch paraphernalia and literature, stated he would upgrade their system for a fee," the Garda said in a statement in relation to one case in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, last Saturday, February 29th.
“When the victim handed over his debit card for payment, the man asked the injured party to enter his pin number into a small device he was carrying. He then retained the debit card and handed back a different one.”
In that case cash was then withdrawn on the bank card from a number of banks in Tipperary and Limerick on the day the card was stolen and the following day.
Garda sources said in the cases that have been linked to the same perpetrator, described as having glasses and dark hair, several thousand euros had been taken.
Gardaí have appealed for people to be careful when providing any details to people not known to them but who call to their homes, especially bank details.
They have urged people not to invite callers into their home if they had any doubts about their bona fides, but to instead call gardai.
Garda sources said older people were more vulnerable to such scams but added the man involved in the latest incidents has been describing as “very convincing”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Controversial Howth apartment scheme secures permission

Plans for 177 apartments at the old Baily Court Hotel in Howth village have been approved by An Bord Pleanála less than two months since the High Court quashed permission for a smaller scheme at the site .
Locals in Howth opposed the construction of the 177 apartments in three blocks up to five storeys high , as well as the earlier development of 164 apartments , on a site overlooking Howth harbour and close to the village Martello tower .
Crekav , a subsidiary of developer Pat Crean ’ s Marlet Property Group , was granted permission for 164 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , a judicial review challenge to the board ’ s decision was brought by Balscadden Road SAA Residents Association Ltd .
Residents claimed the board had not adhered to an EU directive and had insufficient information before it to consider the effects of the development .
They also had concerns about the extent and impact of excavated material from the site prior to construction .
It was claimed it was proposed to remove 80,000sq m of material including clay , sand and gravel and this was likely to have a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beings , flora , fauna , habitats and ecosystems .
The board in January consented to the High Court quashing its decision on the original application and told the court that an assessment of the impact of excavation had since been made .
In its decision issued this week , the board said it had conducted an “ appropriate assessment screening exercise ” and had concluded the development would “ not be likely to have a significant effect ” on local conservation and protection sites .
It said development of the 177 apartments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and architectural character of the area ” and would be acceptable in terms of height and “ quantum of development ” .
It acknowledged the number of apartments could contravene the Fingal County Development plan which allocated a total of 498 new homes for Howth , but said the development was “ justified ” and in line with Government policies on housing and homelessness .
Residents had urged the board to refuse permission and had pointed out that in 2014 Fingal County Council had granted approval for just 17 houses and six apartments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also argued that a replacement hotel would be more suitable for the site .
Local residents on Wednesday said they were seeking legal advice on the board ’ s decision .
Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin had previously organised support for the judicial review of the grant of permission for the 164 apartments on the site .

Former Baily Court Hotel, Howth where a proposed housing development has been approved by An Bord Pleanála. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/ The Irish Times
Plans for 177 apartments at the old Baily Court Hotel in Howth village have been approved by An Bord Pleanála less than two months since the High Court quashed permission for a smaller scheme at the site.
Locals in Howth opposed the construction of the 177 apartments in three blocks up to five storeys high, as well as the earlier development of 164 apartments, on a site overlooking Howth harbour and close to the village Martello tower.
Crekav, a subsidiary of developer Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group, was granted permission for 164 apartments by the board in September 2018. However, a judicial review challenge to the board's decision was brought by Balscadden Road SAA Residents Association Ltd.
Residents claimed the board had not adhered to an EU directive and had insufficient information before it to consider the effects of the development. They also had concerns about the extent and impact of excavated material from the site prior to construction.
READ MORE
It was claimed it was proposed to remove 80,000sq m of material including clay, sand and gravel and this was likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment, human beings, flora, fauna, habitats and ecosystems.
The board in January consented to the High Court quashing its decision on the original application and told the court that an assessment of the impact of excavation had since been made.
Screening exercise
In its decision issued this week, the board said it had conducted an “appropriate assessment screening exercise” and had concluded the development would “not be likely to have a significant effect” on local conservation and protection sites.
It said development of the 177 apartments would “respect and enhance the historic and architectural character of the area” and would be acceptable in terms of height and “quantum of development”.
It acknowledged the number of apartments could contravene the Fingal County Development plan which allocated a total of 498 new homes for Howth, but said the development was “justified” and in line with Government policies on housing and homelessness.
Residents had urged the board to refuse permission and had pointed out that in 2014 Fingal County Council had granted approval for just 17 houses and six apartments at the same site. They had also argued that a replacement hotel would be more suitable for the site.
Local residents on Wednesday said they were seeking legal advice on the board’s decision. Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin had previously organised support for the judicial review of the grant of permission for the 164 apartments on the site.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Flat set ablaze in suspected suicide attempt, court told

A man allegedly set fire to his home while he was inside during a suspected suicide attempt , the High Court heard today .
Raymond Jackson was found unconscious after making a 999 call to say the flat at Drumawhey Gardens in Bangor , Co Down , was ablaze , a judge was told .
The 58-year-old faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger the lives of residents in the apartment complex .
Prosecutors claimed he phoned the emergency services on September 25th last year and told them his home was on fire and he wanted to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line as firefighters went to the scene , the court heard .
But when a crew entered the property Mr Jackson was unconscious , apparently having been overcome by fumes .
Mr Jackson was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation .
Investigators concluded that the fire was started deliberately in the living room .
Cassette tapes and PVC coverings located on the floor are believed to have been set alight and caused significant damage .
The cost of repairing the housing executive property is estimated to reach £3,000 ( €3,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other flats were occupied at the time , although residents were unaware of the blaze until fire crews arrived .
During subsequent interviews Mr Jackson claimed he had blacked out after drinking two pints of cider , but denied being suicidal .
“ He said he couldn ’ t recall anything from approximately 11am until he woke up in hospital later on that date , ” counsel added .
Opposing bail , the prosecution argued that he had informed authorities that he wanted to die and would have known other flats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that Mr Jackson should be released due to delays in the case .
“ This is a man with mental health difficulties , so the need for expedition must be greater than in normal circumstances , ” Mr Doherty submitted .
Adjourning the application , Lord Justice Treacy said he wanted an explanation for the apparent delay .
The judge also stressed the need to ensure other people are not harmed by any alleged activities .
He said : “ So far we have been very fortunate nobody has been injured and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The cost of repairing the housing executive property at Drumawhey Gardens in Bangor, Co Down, is estimated to reach £3,000 (€3,400). Photograph: Google Street View
A man allegedly set fire to his home while he was inside during a suspected suicide attempt, the High Court heard today.
Raymond Jackson was found unconscious after making a 999 call to say the flat at Drumawhey Gardens in Bangor, Co Down, was ablaze, a judge was told. The 58-year-old faces a charge of arson with intent to endanger the lives of residents in the apartment complex.
Prosecutors claimed he phoned the emergency services on September 25th last year and told them his home was on fire and he wanted to kill himself. He was kept on the line as firefighters went to the scene, the court heard. But when a crew entered the property Mr Jackson was unconscious, apparently having been overcome by fumes.
Mr Jackson was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Investigators concluded that the fire was started deliberately in the living room. Cassette tapes and PVC coverings located on the floor are believed to have been set alight and caused significant damage. The cost of repairing the housing executive property is estimated to reach £3,000 (€3,400).
READ MORE
A prosecuting lawyer said some of the other flats were occupied at the time, although residents were unaware of the blaze until fire crews arrived. During subsequent interviews Mr Jackson claimed he had blacked out after drinking two pints of cider, but denied being suicidal.
“He said he couldn’t recall anything from approximately 11am until he woke up in hospital later on that date,” counsel added.
Delays in the case
Opposing bail, the prosecution argued that he had informed authorities that he wanted to die and would have known other flats were occupied. Defence counsel Seán Doherty argued that Mr Jackson should be released due to delays in the case.
“This is a man with mental health difficulties, so the need for expedition must be greater than in normal circumstances,” Mr Doherty submitted.
Adjourning the application, Lord Justice Treacy said he wanted an explanation for the apparent delay. The judge also stressed the need to ensure other people are not harmed by any alleged activities. He said: “So far we have been very fortunate nobody has been injured and no very serious damage done.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Four cases confirmed in family from west of Ireland

Ireland ’ s first cluster of coronavirus cases has been confirmed , after a family of four tested positive for the disease on Wednesday evening .
The group comprises two males and two females , and are in the west of the country .
The four people are being cared for in a hospital in the west .
The latest positive tests from the National Virus Reference Laboratory bring to six the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic , and nine on the island of Ireland .
As with the two previous cases in the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent travel from northern Italy .
Two new cases of coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) in Northern Ireland were confirmed earlier on Wednesday .
Dr Tony Holohan , Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health , said : “ Tonight we can confirm there are now six cases of COVID-19 in Ireland .
Contact tracing is underway for these four new cases.
” Dr Ronan Glynn , Deputy Chief Medical Officer said : “ There is still no evidence of widespread or sustained community transmission in Ireland , as seen in some other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland , we continue our containment efforts , central to which is that the public know what to do in the event they have symptoms.
” The development has major implications for the current containment strategy being followed by public health officials .
The tracing of contacts of all four confirmed cases is likely to begin immediately , but is likely to pose a far greater challenges than in the two individual cases reported in the Republic up to now .
Separately , Health Service Executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is facing a potentially unprecedented health situation arising from the Covid-19 outbreak .
In a bulletin on Wednesday evening , Paul Reid said the health service , although still in a containment phase , was planning for all eventualities .
“ From what we are learning , however , as we see how the virus spreads in countries across Europe and in the UK , we are facing a potentially unprecedented situation in this country and across all of our health services .
“ So we must continue to be vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , to protect ourselves , our patients , and our colleagues.
” One of two new cases in Northern Ireland is a student from Queen ’ s University , Belfast who recently returned from northern Italy and who is believed to have been in contact with other students from the college .
After the North ’ s Minister of Health Robin Swann confirmed the two new cases , bringing the number in Northern Ireland to three , Queen ’ s University said it was working with the North ’ s Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Mr Swann said the two cases were not connected .
“ One individual travelled from Northern Italy .
The other had recent contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 , ” he said .
“ Both patients are adults and are receiving appropriate care .
Public Health Agency personnel are working rapidly to identify contacts they may have had , with the aim of preventing further spread , ” he added .
“ I would stress that Northern Ireland remains in containment phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As I have said from the beginning it was a matter of when not if we received positive cases here in Northern Ireland.
” Northern Ireland ’ s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said neither patient had travelled through the Republic .
“ There are no implications for the Republic of Ireland , ” he said .
In a statement , it said : “ The university is working with the Public Health Agency to ensure that anyone who has been in contact with the infected individual is identified and supported to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and to protect the welfare of all within the university community and the wider public .
“ The university remains open and is operating as normal .
The university will continue to closely monitor the situation , ” it added .
Queen ’ s said it has provided online guidance for staff and students and encouraged them to follow the latest official guidance from the PHA .
“ The university ’ s major incident team has been convened and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be communicated to staff and students when appropriate , ” it added .
While the Northern Ireland health authorities earlier said they were planning to send Covid-19 patients to England if they required further clinical treatment , Dr McBride said not all such patients would require such care .
“ We have a regional infectious disease unit here in Northern Ireland and indeed we have other facilities which are able to provide appropriate treatment and care , ” he added .
“ We know that for the vast majority of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness and they will get appropriate care based on where the appropriate place is to treat the individual .
Not all cases are being transferred to high-consequence infectious disease units because it is not clinically necessary.
” He added that there was no connection between either of these two latest cases and the Northern Ireland woman who tested positive for coronavirus last week .
Dr Gerry Waldron of the PHA said the authorities were now working to trace all those the patients were in contact with .
He said they were following an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was applied in the initial Northern Ireland case and was well under way in relation to the latest cases .
Those who were in contact with the patients would be given information and advice on what action they needed to take , added Dr Waldron .
The first confirmed case in Northern Ireland , revealed last weekend , had travelled from Italy through Dublin Airport to Belfast before testing positive .

An Emergency Department Nurse during a demonstration of the Coronavirus pod and COVID-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland. Photograph: Michael Cooper/PA Wire
Ireland’s first cluster of coronavirus cases has been confirmed, after a family of four tested positive for the disease on Wednesday evening.
The group comprises two males and two females, and are in the west of the country. The four people are being cared for in a hospital in the west.
The latest positive tests from the National Virus Reference Laboratory bring to six the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic, and nine on the island of Ireland.
As with the two previous cases in the Republic, the latest cases are linked to recent travel from northern Italy.
READ MORE
Two new cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in Northern Ireland were confirmed earlier on Wednesday.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: “Tonight we can confirm there are now six cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Contact tracing is underway for these four new cases.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “There is still no evidence of widespread or sustained community transmission in Ireland, as seen in some other EU countries.
“While we now have six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, we continue our containment efforts, central to which is that the public know what to do in the event they have symptoms.”
The development has major implications for the current containment strategy being followed by public health officials. The tracing of contacts of all four confirmed cases is likely to begin immediately, but is likely to pose a far greater challenges than in the two individual cases reported in the Republic up to now.
Separately, Health Service Executive chief executive Paul Reid has warned that the country is facing a potentially unprecedented health situation arising from the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a bulletin on Wednesday evening, Paul Reid said the health service, although still in a containment phase , was planning for all eventualities.
“From what we are learning, however, as we see how the virus spreads in countries across Europe and in the UK, we are facing a potentially unprecedented situation in this country and across all of our health services.
“So we must continue to be vigilant and practise good infection prevention and control measures, to protect ourselves, our patients, and our colleagues.”
College students
One of two new cases in Northern Ireland is a student from Queen's University, Belfast who recently returned from northern Italy and who is believed to have been in contact with other students from the college.
After the North’s Minister of Health Robin Swann confirmed the two new cases, bringing the number in Northern Ireland to three, Queen’s University said it was working with the North’s Public Health Agency (PHA) to contain the virus.
Mr Swann said the two cases were not connected.
“One individual travelled from Northern Italy. The other had recent contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.
“Both patients are adults and are receiving appropriate care. Public Health Agency personnel are working rapidly to identify contacts they may have had, with the aim of preventing further spread,” he added .
“I would stress that Northern Ireland remains in containment phase,” said Mr Swann. “As I have said from the beginning it was a matter of when not if we received positive cases here in Northern Ireland.”
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said neither patient had travelled through the Republic. “There are no implications for the Republic of Ireland,” he said.
Queen’s confirmed the coronavirus case “within the university”.
In a statement, it said: “The university is working with the Public Health Agency to ensure that anyone who has been in contact with the infected individual is identified and supported to receive medical attention if required, and to take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and to protect the welfare of all within the university community and the wider public.
“The university remains open and is operating as normal. The university will continue to closely monitor the situation,” it added.
Queen’s said it has provided online guidance for staff and students and encouraged them to follow the latest official guidance from the PHA.
“The university’s major incident team has been convened and is putting in place the appropriate contingency measures which will be communicated to staff and students when appropriate,” it added.
While the Northern Ireland health authorities earlier said they were planning to send Covid-19 patients to England if they required further clinical treatment, Dr McBride said not all such patients would require such care.
“We have a regional infectious disease unit here in Northern Ireland and indeed we have other facilities which are able to provide appropriate treatment and care,” he added.
“We know that for the vast majority of people it will be a mild to moderate illness and they will get appropriate care based on where the appropriate place is to treat the individual. Not all cases are being transferred to high-consequence infectious disease units because it is not clinically necessary.”
He added that there was no connection between either of these two latest cases and the Northern Ireland woman who tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Dr Gerry Waldron of the PHA said the authorities were now working to trace all those the patients were in contact with. He said they were following an “established method of contact tracing” which was applied in the initial Northern Ireland case and was well under way in relation to the latest cases.
Those who were in contact with the patients would be given information and advice on what action they needed to take, added Dr Waldron.
The first confirmed case in Northern Ireland, revealed last weekend, had travelled from Italy through Dublin Airport to Belfast before testing positive.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Gene therapy used in clinical trial for person with haemophilia

Gene therapy has been used to treat a person with haemophilia for the first time in Ireland , a patient group has announced .
The Irish Haemophilia Society ( IHS ) confirmed on Thursday morning that the person received gene therapy as part of a clinical trial .
IHS chief executive Brian O ’ Mahony said the treatment is “ a momentous occasion for the haemophilia community in Ireland ” .
The general term haemophilia describes a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a life-long defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood .
Since the 1970s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration of intravenous infusions of the missing clotting factor .
However , work done by companies and academic institutions has given new hope that an effective treatment could be based on gene therapy , the IHS said .
The clinical trial uses a “ viral vector ” to deliver gene therapy to the person ’ s liver intravenously .
“ In the past , viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C decimated the haemophilia population in Ireland through contaminated blood .
It is ironic that a virus could now be the delivery system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical cure for severe haemophilia , ” Mr O ’ Mahony said .
“ It is hoped that the effect of the gene therapy infusion will last for many years and possibly for a lifetime.
” The principal investigator on the trial in Ireland is Dr Niamh O ’ Connell of the National Coagulation Centre in St. James ’ s Hospital .
She said the gene therapy was “ ground breaking ” .
“ The opportunity to participate in clinical trials is part of the commitment of the National Haemophilia Service to personalise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life and outcomes for people with haemophilia.
” The study , which is being run by drug manufacturer Unicare , involves three Irish patients among a total of 60 around the world .
There will be an intensive period of monitoring of effectiveness at first , followed by a longer term evaluation over five years .
Only one treatment is administered to trial patients .
The particular gene therapy is focused on patients who are missing clotting factor IX , the second most-common type of haemophilia .
Earlier results show that the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent - generally seen as severe haemophilia - to between 33 and 51 per cent in a small number of individuals treated , levels seen in mild cases or even amongst the non-haemophiliac population .
Professor Martina Hennessy of the Wellcome HRB Clinicial Research facility in St James ’ s , where the gene therapy was infused , said that “ access to high quality research is an integral part of good healthcare because it raises standards and pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved .
“ Delivering gene therapy requires specialised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing with Dr O ’ Connell and her team for over a year to undertake this exciting work , in partnership with the Irish Haemophilia Society .
Other trials are planned , we hope this expertise leads other Irish patient groups also being able to access potentially life changing treatments in the future , ” she said .

The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) confirmed on Thursday morning that the person received gene therapy as part of a clinical trial. Photograph: iStock
Gene therapy has been used to treat a person with haemophilia for the first time in Ireland, a patient group has announced.
The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) confirmed on Thursday morning that the person received gene therapy as part of a clinical trial. IHS chief executive Brian O'Mahony said the treatment is "a momentous occasion for the haemophilia community in Ireland".
The general term haemophilia describes a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a life-long defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood.
Since the 1970s, haemophilia has been treated by the administration of intravenous infusions of the missing clotting factor. However, work done by companies and academic institutions has given new hope that an effective treatment could be based on gene therapy, the IHS said.
READ MORE
The clinical trial uses a “viral vector” to deliver gene therapy to the person’s liver intravenously. “In the past, viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C decimated the haemophilia population in Ireland through contaminated blood. It is ironic that a virus could now be the delivery system which offers the best hope of a practical cure for severe haemophilia,” Mr O’Mahony said.
“It is hoped that the effect of the gene therapy infusion will last for many years and possibly for a lifetime.”
The principal investigator on the trial in Ireland is Dr Niamh O’Connell of the National Coagulation Centre in St. James’s Hospital. She said the gene therapy was “ground breaking”.
“The opportunity to participate in clinical trials is part of the commitment of the National Haemophilia Service to personalise treatment and to improve the quality of life and outcomes for people with haemophilia.”
The study, which is being run by drug manufacturer UniQure, involves three Irish patients among a total of 60 around the world. There will be an intensive period of monitoring of effectiveness at first, followed by a longer term evaluation over five years. Only one treatment is administered to trial patients.
The particular gene therapy is focused on patients who are missing clotting factor IX, the second most-common type of haemophilia. Earlier results show that the level of clotting factor increased from 1 per cent - generally seen as severe haemophilia - to between 33 and 51 per cent in a small number of individuals treated, levels seen in mild cases or even amongst the non-haemophiliac population.
Professor Martina Hennessy of the Wellcome HRB Clinicial Research facility in St James's, where the gene therapy was infused, said that "access to high quality research is an integral part of good healthcare because it raises standards and pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved.
“Delivering gene therapy requires specialised training and equipment, we have been preparing with Dr O’Connell and her team for over a year to undertake this exciting work, in partnership with the Irish Haemophilia Society. Other trials are planned, we hope this expertise leads other Irish patient groups also being able to access potentially life changing treatments in the future,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus patient worked shift in emergency department in west of Ireland

A healthcare professional in the west of Ireland is among the latest group of people to test positive for the coronavirus , The Irish Times understands .
The person worked a shift in a hospital emergency department since returning from northern Italy , it is also understood .
They were one of four people , two males and two females , who tested positive for the disease on Wednesday evening .
It is believed the group had returned from Italy for a substantial number of days before they experienced symptoms and required testing .
The process of tracing the contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it is likely to provide arduous given the number of people involved and their work and educational routines .
The cases , the first cluster of positive tests in the Republic , has forced the closure of three schools today as a precautionary measure .
Authorities at the three schools in the west of the country decided to close the schools following the confirmation of the four new cases of coronavirus by the Department of Health on Wednesday .
Two of the schools - a primary school and a secondary school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 18th .
The third school is closed for one day pending advice from the Health Service Executive .
Parents of children attending the national school were advised of the two-week precautionary closure on Wednesday night .
In a text to parents last , management at the school said : “ A child in our school has tested positive for Covid-19 and as a precaution , school is closed from tomorrow ( Thursday ) for 14 days .
Re-opening 18th March .
Public health doctors will contact you individually from tomorrow on.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremony for the school has been cancelled as a result .
One parent of a child attending the school said : “ We ( parents ) all got a text tonight confirming that a child in the school had been confirmed as testing positive for the virus .
We really don ’ t know what to do now .
There ’ s been a lot of talk on the parent ’ s WhatsApp group and we haven ’ t a clue what will happen next.
” “ My child is off school for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have to stay at home and take time off my job .
That ’ s going to be very very tough .
I can ’ t really ask someone else to mind him in case he has picked it up .
I don ’ t know what do , ” she added .
Parents at the secondary school received a similar text last night and , overnight , parents attending another secondary school in the same area were advised that the school would remain closed today .
The text said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thurs 5th March pending advice from HSE re Covid-19 ( coronavirus ) cases in locality .
Will advise further tomorrow .
”

The process of tracing contacts of the four people is underway. Photograph: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Bloomberg
A healthcare professional in Clare is among the latest group of people to test positive for the coronavirus, The Irish Times understands.
The person worked a shift in a hospital emergency department since returning from northern Italy, it is also understood. They were one of four people, two males and two females from the same family, who tested positive for the disease on Wednesday evening.
Students nurses who worked at the hospital on the day the person worked the shift have been advised to self-isolate.
In a text message, the student nurses were told to isolate until Thursday, March 12th if they were in the ED on that day and were told to “await further instructions” via an in-house messaging system, and that “there is currently an emergency hospital meeting regarding same”.
READ MORE
It is believed the group had returned from Italy for a substantial number of days before they experienced symptoms and required testing.
The process of tracing the contacts of the four people is under way, but it is likely to provide arduous given the number of people involved and their work and educational routines.
The cases, the first cluster of positive tests in the Republic, has forced the closure of three schools on Thursday as a precautionary measure.
Authorities at the three schools in Clare decided to close the schools following the confirmation of the four new cases of coronavirus by the Department of Health on Wednesday. Two of the schools – a primary school and a secondary school – are closed for two weeks until March 18th. The third school is closed for one day pending advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Parents of children attending the national school were advised of the two-week precautionary closure on Wednesday night. In a text to parents, management at the school said: “A child in our school has tested positive for Covid-19 and as a precaution, school is closed from tomorrow (Thursday) for 14 days. Re-opening 18th March. Public health doctors will contact you individually from tomorrow on.”
The text also stated that a confirmation ceremony for the school has been cancelled as a result.
One parent of a child attending the school said: “We (parents) all got a text tonight confirming that a child in the school had been confirmed as testing positive for the virus. We really don’t know what to do now. There’s been a lot of talk on the parent’s WhatsApp group and we haven’t a clue what will happen next.”
She added: “My child is off school for the next two weeks which means I’ll have to stay at home and take time off my job. That’s going to be very very tough. I can’t really ask someone else to mind him in case he has picked it up. I don’t know what do.”
Parents at the secondary school received a similar text last night and overnight, parents attending another secondary school in the same area were advised that the school would remain closed today. The text said: “(School) will remained closed Thurs 5th March pending advice from HSE re Covid-19 (coronavirus) cases in locality. Will advise further tomorrow.”
‘Unprecedented’
Paul Reid, the director general of the HSE, on Thursday described the coronavirus as “an unprecedented situation” and called on the public to “keep focused.”
Mr Reid told Newstalk’s Pat Kenny show that he was urging the public to do everything asked of them by the HSE and public health officials. People should not create a sense of panic nor should there be a sense of complacency, he said.
He said €20 million is being spent to bring 25 new ICU beds into operation, with recruitment taking place to staff them. A further €20 million has also been spent on protective equipment for staff.
Mr Reid said he understood the frustration after the HSE declined to name schools involved, but said that it was a challenge for the HSE to “get the right balance” for the appropriate actions for the benefit of “everyone across the country.”
He encouraged everyone to go to the HSE website for detailed advice and said that the contact traceability process is ongoing in Clare and that where schools were involved they have been informed. “We have to ensure we don’t have areas stigmatised or panic. It is not good practice to identify anyone in this process,” he said.
Hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette were important to keep the virus in the containment phase, he said. “We are following WHO and ECDC advice. We are monitoring the situation on an hourly basis,” said Mr Reid.
A longer containment phase meant that the health service can build capacity, he said.
Mr Reid declined to predict the numbers that could be infected by the virus. The aim is to prevent a surge of people going to hospital which was why home testing by the ambulance service have been introduced, he said.
Part of the HSE’s escalation plan is to contain the surge, to increase ICU beds and for hospitals to plan “a pathway” of where cases will be brought.
The HSE will do what is required and resources will be provided to contain the virus for as long as possible, he said. If staff get sick themselves, agency nurses will be brought in.
Mr Reid said the HSE has gotten the fullest support from the Government. He went on to thank the staff in the public health service for their “very inspiring response which has been phenomenal”.
He said: “There is a need for the public to take this seriously, if they do we will contain this for as long as possible. But we have to prepare for the next scenario.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Man (60s) dies following car crash in Limerick

A man in his 60s has died following a car crash in Limerick on Wednesday night .
The man was @ @ @ @ @ was driving hit a stationary vehicle and then a wall on O ’ Curry Street @ @ @ @ @ stationary vehicle then hit another stationary vehicle .
The driver was treated at the scene @ @ @ @ @ Limerick , where he later died .
Both stationary vehicles were unoccupied at the time @ @ @ @ @ road is currently closed and gardaí are at the scene .
Gardaí have appealed to @ @ @ @ @ the area , particularly those who may have dashcam footage , to contact Henry Street @ @ @ @ @ 400 ) , the Garda confidential line ( 1800 666 111 ) or any Garda @ @

The road is currently closed and gardaí are at the scene
A man in his 60s has died following a car crash in Limerick on Wednesday night.
The man was injured when the car he was driving hit a stationary vehicle and then a wall on O’Curry Street at about 9.40pm. The stationary vehicle then hit another stationary vehicle.
The driver was treated at the scene and removed to University Hospital Limerick, where he later died. Both stationary vehicles were unoccupied at the time of the crash.
The road is currently closed and gardaí are at the scene.
READ MORE
Gardaí have appealed to road users who were in the area, particularly those who may have dashcam footage, to contact Henry Street Garda station (061 212 400), the Garda confidential line (1800 666 111) or any Garda station.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Teenagers due in court in connection with murder of student Cameron Blair

Gardaí in Bridewell , Co. Cork investigating the murder of student Cameron Blair have arrested two teenagers .
A second @ @ @ @ @ Cork Institute of Technology ( CIT ) , Blair from Ballinascarthy , Co Cork died @ @ @ @ @ being stabbed at house party in the city on January 16th , 2020 .
Both @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , March 4th will appear before Cork City District Court , Washington Street on @ @ @ @ @ A third male who was previously charged in relation to the investigation will also appear @ @ @ @ @ Thursday morning .
That boy ( 17 ) , who can not be named as @ @ @ @ @ was before Cork City Children ’ s Court on February 21st for his third court @ @ @ @ @ of Cameron Blair .
Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused into continuing detention at Oberstown @ @ @ @ @ two weeks .
Gardaí subsequently sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions ( @ @ @

Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with offences relating to the murder of Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) student Cameron Blair in the city on January 16th.
Cameron Blair (20) died at Cork University Hospital on January 16th after being stabbed in the neck while attending a party on Bandon Road on the southside of Cork city.
At a sitting of Cork Juvenile Court Detective this morning Sgt Martin Canny gave evidence of the arrest charge and caution of a 14-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. The teenager made no reply when the charges were put to him after caution.
He will go on trial in relation to a charge of violent disorder contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice Act 19. He also faces one count of producing an article capable of inflicting serious harm contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The alleged offences occurred on Bandon Road in Cork on January 16th last.
READ MORE
Insp Brian O’Donovan said that the DPP had directed the case be sent forward for trial at the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. He stated the teenager had no objection to the agreed bail conditions. He will continue to reside at his home, obey a curfew from 7pm to 7am and sign on daily at his local Garda station.
Solicitor Emma Leahy made an application for free legal aid – which was granted. She said the matter was serious and required a senior counsel. Judge Mary Dorgan granted free legal aid in the case.
Judge Dorgan declined to hear the case of another teenager (18) charged with the same offences arising out of his age. She directed he be sent to Cork District Court in Anglesea Street so the case could be heard in an adult setting. The teenager brought from Washington Street courthouse to Anglesea Street.
Det Sgt Canny told Cork District Court the 18-year-old had been charged with producing a knife and engaging in a violent disorder on January 16th at Bandon Road in Cork city.
In reply to the violent disorder charge where it specified he engaged with the two co-accused the youth said “I wasn’t in any argument against anyone with [two named co-accused].”
A book of evidence was served on the youth, and he was sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Dublin.
Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly applied for free legal aid to be extended to a barrister and senior counsel for the trial. Judge Olann Kelleher agreed to the application.
While it is legally permissible to name the 18-year-old he is not being named because of the likelihood of identifying his two-co accused who are under the age of 18.
Judge Kelleher remanded the youth on bail on condition he would reside at home, keep a 10pm to 7am curfew and sign daily at his local Garda station.
Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy previously charged with the murder of Cameron Blair has been sent forward for trial to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. Legal aid was granted in the name of Eddie Burke solicitor after an application was made to Judge Mary Dorgan.
The youth first appeared before Cork District Court in January where he was charged with the murder of Mr Blair at Bandon Road on the southside of Cork city. He made no reply to the charge of murder when it was first put to him after caution. The youth will remain in detention in Oberstown until his next court appearance.
Mr Blair, who was a native of Ballinascarthy in west Cork, was a second-year chemical engineering student at CIT.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Report reveals three UDR soldiers were questioned over Cappagh killings

Three serving Ulster Defence Regiment ( UDR ) soldiers were arrested and questioned about the UVF murders of four men at Boyle ’ s Bar in Cappagh , Co Tyrone in 1991 , according to a draft report by the North ’ s Historical Enquiries Team ( HET ) .
Siobhán Nugent , the sister of one of the victims , said that to have this stated in an official report was a “ breakthrough ” for the families .
Her brother Malcolm Nugent , 20 , Dwayne O ’ Donnell , 17 , and John Quinn , 23 – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – died when loyalist gunmen opened fire on their car outside the bar in March 1991 .
A man inside the bar , 52-year-old Thomas Armstrong , was also killed .
None of the victims are believed to have been the intended targets .
There have been long-standing claims of security force collusion in the attack .
The HET report into the killing of Mr O ’ Donnell was obtained by the families of the victims this week .
According to the report , which has been seen by The Irish Times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack “ which named three serving members of the UDR as responsible for Dwayne ’ s murder ” .
“ The same men were also named as responsible for other murders , ” it stated .
The three men and a “ close associate ” were arrested in December 1991 “ and interviewed over several days in relation to the Cappagh murders ” .
They were released without charge .
Their arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the British Army and the RUC which “ examined all the available intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1988 and 1991 ” .
This was carried out “ as a result of raised concerns of security service collusion in east Tyrone ” , the report stated .
Two other men – one of whom is believed to have been then leader of the UVF in mid-Ulster , Billy Wright – were arrested on the night of the killings and released without charge .
The report links two VZ58 assault rifles to the Cappagh murders and to a total of 11 other “ incidents ” between 1988 and 1994 , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox in the Moy in Co Tyrone in 1992 .
Research published in 2016 by the Belfast-based victims group Relatives for Justice linked the weapons to a total of 18 murders and three attempted murders in the east Tyrone and Armagh area .
Ms Nugent said the families “ always knew ” the attack on Boyle ’ s Bar “ had all the hallmarks of collusion ” and they would now consider the contents of the report carefully .
“ Obviously for the four families this is very important , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , tight-knit community .
“ It was a family-run bar , that family was affected , and the people who were in the bar that night and who lifted the bodies were affected , too .
It ’ ll be closure for us all , ” she said .
The HET report concluded that the review “ has not uncovered any potential new lines of inquiry ” and said that with the passage of time “ it is unlikely that new investigative opportunities will arise ” .

Loyalist gunmen opened fire on a car outside Boyle’s Bar in Cappagh, Co Tyrone in 1991, killling three men in the car and one man inside the pub.
Three serving Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers were arrested and questioned about the UVF murders of four men at Boyle's Bar in Cappagh, Co Tyrone in 1991, according to a draft report by the North's Historical Enquiries Team (HET).
Siobhán Nugent, the sister of one of the victims, said that to have this stated in an official report was a “breakthrough” for the families.
Her brother Malcolm Nugent, 20, Dwayne O'Donnell, 17, and John Quinn, 23 – who were all members of the IRA – died when loyalist gunmen opened fire on their car outside the bar in March 1991. A man inside the bar, 52-year-old Thomas Armstrong, was also killed. None of the victims are believed to have been the intended targets.
There have been long-standing claims of security force collusion in the attack.
READ MORE
The HET report into the killing of Mr O’Donnell was obtained by the families of the victims this week.
According to the report, which has been seen by The Irish Times, intelligence was received some time after the attack “which named three serving members of the UDR as responsible for Dwayne’s murder”.
“The same men were also named as responsible for other murders,” it stated.
The three men and a “close associate” were arrested in December 1991 “and interviewed over several days in relation to the Cappagh murders”. They were released without charge.
Joint investigation
Their arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the British Army and the RUC which "examined all the available intelligence relating to several murders and attempted murders between 1988 and 1991".
This was carried out “as a result of raised concerns of security service collusion in east Tyrone”, the report stated.
Two other men – one of whom is believed to have been then leader of the UVF in mid-Ulster, Billy Wright – were arrested on the night of the killings and released without charge.
The report links two VZ58 assault rifles to the Cappagh murders and to a total of 11 other "incidents" between 1988 and 1994, including the UVF murders of Charles and Theresa Fox in the Moy in Co Tyrone in 1992.
Research published in 2016 by the Belfast-based victims group Relatives for Justice linked the weapons to a total of 18 murders and three attempted murders in the east Tyrone and Armagh area.
Ms Nugent said the families “always knew” the attack on Boyle’s Bar “had all the hallmarks of collusion” and they would now consider the contents of the report carefully.
“Obviously for the four families this is very important,” she said, “but we’re a small, tight-knit community.
“It was a family-run bar, that family was affected, and the people who were in the bar that night and who lifted the bodies were affected, too. It’ll be closure for us all,” she said.
The HET report concluded that the review “has not uncovered any potential new lines of inquiry” and said that with the passage of time “it is unlikely that new investigative opportunities will arise”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Cluster of cases in west brings State total to six

Health Service Executive ( HSE ) chief executive Paul Reid has warned of a “ potentially unprecedented ” situation for the health service , as Ireland ’ s first cluster of coronavirus cases was confirmed last night .
Two males and two females in the west of the country tested positive for the virus on Wednesday evening , bringing to six the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic .
Northern Ireland also reported two new cases on Wednesday , one of them a Queen ’ s University Belfast student , bringing its total to three .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) is understood to involve members of the same family recently returned from northern Italy .
They are being cared for in a hospital in the west .
The process of tracing people who came into contact with them has already begun , but is likely to be more complex than it was with the individual cases previously reported .
All of the cases reported in the Republic are in travellers returning from Italy .
Separately , Mr Reid has warned the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Covid-19 outbreak .
In a bulletin on Wednesday evening , he said the health service , although still in a containment phase , was planning for all eventualities .
“ From what we are learning , however , as we see how the virus spreads in countries across Europe and in the UK , we are facing a potentially unprecedented situation in this country and across all of our health services .
“ So we must continue to be vigilant and practise good infection prevention and control measures , to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Neither of the two new cases in the North involved travel through the Republic .
The North ’ s minister for health Robin Swann said the two cases were not connected .
“ One individual travelled from northern Italy .
The other had recent contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 , ” he said .
Northern Ireland ’ s chief medical officer , Dr Michael McBride , said there were “ no implications ” for the Republic .
In the North , Antrim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing service for the virus .
With new cases outside China now far outnumbering those in that country , the number of cases in Italy passed the 3,000 mark , with 107 deaths .
Schools and universities have been ordered to close and Serie A teams will play games in empty stadiums to try to slow the spread of the disease .
In Ireland , no public events are facing restrictions arising from the coronavirus outbreak , Dr Tony Holohan , chief medical officer with the Department of Health , said .
Guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently being finalised with a view to restricting the spread of the virus .
The outbreak has already forced the postponement of the Ireland-Italy rugby match due to take place this weekend .
However , Dr Holohan said “ at the moment , there are no implications for any event , large or small , in this country ” .
“ As things stand , on the basis of our assessment , we see no implication for the St Patrick ’ s Day parade , and we don ’ t see that changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing from NPHET on Wednesday .
He warned against “ unilateral actions ” by “ well-intentioned ” people in communities that run the risk of creating confusion or reinforcing stereotypes .
While not referring to specific incidents – a Co Meath school closed on Wednesday due to fears over the virus – Dr Holohan said it was important that whatever happened in local communities was “ informed by clear advice ” .
He said he understood why people might be concerned but there was information and guidance available on what to do from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again defending NPHET ’ s stance on not naming the school where the first confirmed case is a student , he said the confidentiality of people had to be protected and there was no public interest in “ going further ” .
The HSE warned sick people not to attend religious services and said churches should plan for the possible suspension of activities if clergy fall ill with coronavirus .
The shaking of hands at services should be suspended , holy water fonts should not be used and priests have been advised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of exchanging the sign of peace , it has advised .
The UK on Wednesday saw its biggest day-on-day increase in coronavirus cases , with 85 people now confirmed to have the virus .
Three of the 29 new cases in England were passed on in the UK , raising fears that community transmission may be taking hold .

Dr John Cuddihy, Health Protection Surveillance Centre director, Department of Health chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan and deputy chief medical offier Dr Ronan Glynn during a media update on Covid-19 at the Department of Health, Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street, Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Health Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Paul Reid has warned of a “potentially unprecedented” situation for the health service, as Ireland’s first cluster of coronavirus cases was confirmed last night.
Two males and two females in the west of the country tested positive for the virus on Wednesday evening, bringing to six the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic.
Northern Ireland also reported two new cases on Wednesday, one of them a Queen's University Belfast student, bringing its total to three.
The group of four new cases reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is understood to involve members of the same family recently returned from northern Italy. They are being cared for in a hospital in the west.
READ MORE
The process of tracing people who came into contact with them has already begun, but is likely to be more complex than it was with the individual cases previously reported.
All of the cases reported in the Republic are in travellers returning from Italy.
Separately, Mr Reid has warned the country is facing a potentially unprecedented health situation arising from the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a bulletin on Wednesday evening, he said the health service, although still in a containment phase, was planning for all eventualities.
“From what we are learning, however, as we see how the virus spreads in countries across Europe and in the UK, we are facing a potentially unprecedented situation in this country and across all of our health services.
An emergency department nurse during a demonstration of the coronavirus pod and Covid-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim. Photograph: Michael Cooper/PA Wire
“So we must continue to be vigilant and practise good infection prevention and control measures, to protect ourselves, our patients and our colleagues.”
Northern Ireland
Neither of the two new cases in the North involved travel through the Republic.
The North's minister for health Robin Swann said the two cases were not connected.
“One individual travelled from northern Italy. The other had recent contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, said there were “no implications” for the Republic.
In the North, Antrim Area Hospital has set up a drive-through testing service for the virus.
With new cases outside China now far outnumbering those in that country, the number of cases in Italy passed the 3,000 mark, with 107 deaths. Schools and universities have been ordered to close and Serie A teams will play games in empty stadiums to try to slow the spread of the disease.
In Ireland, no public events are facing restrictions arising from the coronavirus outbreak, Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer with the Department of Health, said.
Guidelines on the holding of mass gatherings are currently being finalised with a view to restricting the spread of the virus. The outbreak has already forced the postponement of the Ireland-Italy rugby match due to take place this weekend.
However, Dr Holohan said “at the moment, there are no implications for any event, large or small, in this country”.
Confusion and stereotypes
“As things stand, on the basis of our assessment, we see no implication for the St Patrick’s Day parade, and we don’t see that changing,” he said at the daily briefing from NPHET on Wednesday.
He warned against “unilateral actions” by “well-intentioned” people in communities that run the risk of creating confusion or reinforcing stereotypes.
While not referring to specific incidents – a Co Meath school closed on Wednesday due to fears over the virus – Dr Holohan said it was important that whatever happened in local communities was “informed by clear advice”.
He said he understood why people might be concerned but there was information and guidance available on what to do from the HSE which could assuage concerns.
Again defending NPHET’s stance on not naming the school where the first confirmed case is a student, he said the confidentiality of people had to be protected and there was no public interest in “going further”.
The HSE warned sick people not to attend religious services and said churches should plan for the possible suspension of activities if clergy fall ill with coronavirus.
The shaking of hands at services should be suspended, holy water fonts should not be used and priests have been advised to “nod” or “smile” instead of exchanging the sign of peace, it has advised.
The UK on Wednesday saw its biggest day-on-day increase in coronavirus cases, with 85 people now confirmed to have the virus. Three of the 29 new cases in England were passed on in the UK, raising fears that community transmission may be taking hold.
England's chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, warned a UK epidemic was looking "likely".


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Public are not panicking, says Cork GP

An Italian man who works in a fast food outlet in Cork was asked by his employer to go for a test to prove he didn ’ t have coronavirus when he returned from a holiday in his native country , a GP has said .
Dr Nick Flynn , who has several practices in Cork city , said while the public was reasonably well informed on the coronavirus , doctors would no doubt have a few jarring incidents .
“ I had an Italian gentleman who worked for a fast food chain .
He was just home from Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a GP to get a fitness to work cert because of the coronavirus .
That is the employer totally not understanding what he is supposed to do .
And not understanding that there is no test that you can use for a person like that with no symptoms .
“ The man himself had the wherewithal to ring me about it instead of just turning up at the surgery .
He phoned [ reception ] and said ‘ Look , my employer has said this ’ and he was put through to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t sick .
You don ’ t need to see a doctor .
You have come from an at-risk zone but you are not symptomatic.
’ “ They couldn ’ t tell him not to work .
But I thought it was a bit loose and fast from the employer.
” Dr Flynn , who is a partner with MyCorkGP.ie , said the public health information about the coronavirus seemed to be resonating with most people .
His clinics are not over-run with calls from anxious patients .
A typical call in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled through Hong Kong in early December who had felt sick for a few weeks .
She was perfectly fine and had a normal run-of-the-mill illness .
Dr Flynn said he wasn ’ t seeing panic from his patients .
He is responsible for the care of a vulnerable cohort of patients at the Cope Foundation in the city and extra precautions are being taken to keep them safe .
“ Cope Foundation provides residential care for adults with intellectual disabilities .
A lot of those would be elderly and have compromised immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have complex heart and lung problems would all be vulnerable should there be an outbreak .
“ We are making sure that all of the nurses in the various sites are aware of the risks .
But it is still far more likely in Ireland that people have regular flu or the common cold.
” Dr Flynn added that he remained positive that the virus could be kept under control .

An Italian man who works in a fast food outlet in Cork was asked by his employer to go for a test to prove he didn’t have coronavirus when he returned from a holiday in his native country, a GP has said.
Dr Nick Flynn, who has several practices in Cork city, said while the public was reasonably well informed on the coronavirus, doctors would no doubt have a few jarring incidents.
“I had an Italian gentleman who worked for a fast food chain. He was just home from Italy and they asked him to go to a GP to get a fitness to work cert because of the coronavirus. That is the employer totally not understanding what he is supposed to do. And not understanding that there is no test that you can use for a person like that with no symptoms.
“The man himself had the wherewithal to ring me about it instead of just turning up at the surgery. He phoned [reception] and said ‘Look, my employer has said this’ and he was put through to me and I said, ‘You aren’t sick. You don’t need to see a doctor. You have come from an at-risk zone but you are not symptomatic.’
READ MORE
“They couldn’t tell him not to work. But I thought it was a bit loose and fast from the employer.”
Dr Flynn, who is a partner with MyCorkGP.ie, said the public health information about the coronavirus seemed to be resonating with most people. His clinics are not over-run with calls from anxious patients.
A typical call in recent days involved a female patient who travelled through Hong Kong in early December who had felt sick for a few weeks. She was perfectly fine and had a normal run-of-the-mill illness.
Extra precautions
Dr Flynn said he wasn’t seeing panic from his patients. He is responsible for the care of a vulnerable cohort of patients at the Cope Foundation in the city and extra precautions are being taken to keep them safe.
“Cope Foundation provides residential care for adults with intellectual disabilities. A lot of those would be elderly and have compromised immune systems. Patients with Down syndrome who have complex heart and lung problems would all be vulnerable should there be an outbreak.
“We are making sure that all of the nurses in the various sites are aware of the risks. But it is still far more likely in Ireland that people have regular flu or the common cold.”
Dr Flynn added that he remained positive that the virus could be kept under control.


theirishtimes--2020-03-04--Before and after: Flood waters badly damage former home of William Butler Yeats

Extensive damage has been done to the former home of William Butler Yeats , which has been submerged under six feet of water for more than a week .
Thoor Ballylee at Gort in County Galway was purchased by the Nobel Prize winning poet in 1916 and was used during his many visits to Lady Gregory at nearby Coole Park in the 1920s and 30s .
The 15th century castle , known locally as Yeats ’ Tower , and an attached cottage and studio have flooded on a number of occasions in recent years — most recently in 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates the property as a cultural centre and tourist attraction , last year spent €70,000 renovating the studio at Thoor Ballylee .
Colm Farrell , a board member of the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society , says that the group were assured that drainage works carried out in the wake of the 2015 flood would prevent future flooding .
The flooding began on February 24th when the Cloone River , which runs alongside Thoor Ballylee , rose by more than 10 feet in a matter of hours .
“ We were promised after 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been carried out , that it would never be flooded again , ” said Mr Farrell .
“ We thought the problem was fixed , so last year we went ahead with a €70,000 renovation of the studio attached to the cottage and tower .
We understood from the politicians that the problem had been fixed after 2015 .
We got as far as February this year without anything happening , we thought we were out of the woods , and then this flood hits overnight .
“ It was incredibly sudden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
The water came like a shot , pretty much overnight.
” The tower , which is not insured for flooding , is expected to be inaccessible for a number of weeks until the flood waters recede .
The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society has already received offers of financial support from patrons in America to undertake fresh renovations .
“ We have no idea how much it will cost to get this off the ground again .
It ’ s impossible to say , it could be €25,000 or €30,000 to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Mr Farrell .
“ We have no insurance .
The insurance for this site ran out 15 years ago and there is no way that we would ever get cover for flooding again .
“ We have had offers of help [ to fund repairs ] .
We have some great friends in America and around the world .
A number of people have already been in touch with offers of support to get the clean up done and get the place opened again.
” Owned by Fáilte Ireland , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term lease on the property in 2010 .
It has attracted thousands of tourists to the area each year since 2010 , including a large number of American visitors .
In 2014 , Gort was identified by the Commission for the Economic Development for Rural Areas ( CEDRA ) as the Irish town worst affected by the economic recession .
“ We have been quite successful with the place since we took over in 2010 , except that it flooded again in 2015 , ” said Mr Farrell .
“ Since we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 to 4,000 visitors every summer .
We only open from April to September so this is a significant number of tourists for a town like Gort .
“ It ’ s been an unbelievable success for Gort with the history of Yeats , Coole Park and connection to the whole area .
I don ’ t think a lot of people here realise how well he is known all over the world .
It ’ s been a great success.
” Thoor Ballylee Castle was built in 1485 and was owned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1939 .
The attached cottage and studio was built in the early 1800s .

Thoor Ballylee near Gort, Co.Galway, the home of poet W.B. Yeats between 1921 and 1929, has suffered extensive damage following recent flooding. Video: John Mangan
Extensive damage has been done to the former home of William Butler Yeats, which has been submerged under six feet of water for more than a week.
Thoor Ballylee at Gort in County Galway was purchased by the Nobel Prize winning poet in 1916 and was used during his many visits to Lady Gregory at nearby Coole Park in the 1920s and 30s.
The 15th century castle, known locally as Yeats’ Tower, and an attached cottage and studio have flooded on a number of occasions in recent years — most recently in 2015.
The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society, which operates the property as a cultural centre and tourist attraction, last year spent €70,000 renovating the studio at Thoor Ballylee.
READ MORE
Colm Farrell, a board member of the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society, says that the group were assured that drainage works carried out in the wake of the 2015 flood would prevent future flooding.
The flooding began on February 24th when the Cloone River, which runs alongside Thoor Ballylee, rose by more than 10 feet in a matter of hours.
James and Jimmy Curley from Gort passing Thoor Ballylee in Gort. Photograph John Mangan
The Yeats tower, Thoor Ballylee, near Gort, Co Galway, pictured in 2012. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy
The Yeats Tower - Thoor Ballylee, near Gort, Co Galway. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy
“We were promised after 2015 that because of drainage works that had been carried out, that it would never be flooded again,” said Mr Farrell.
“We thought the problem was fixed, so last year we went ahead with a €70,000 renovation of the studio attached to the cottage and tower. We understood from the politicians that the problem had been fixed after 2015. We got as far as February this year without anything happening, we thought we were out of the woods, and then this flood hits overnight.
“It was incredibly sudden. I’ve never seen anything like it. The water came like a shot, pretty much overnight.”
The tower, which is not insured for flooding, is expected to be inaccessible for a number of weeks until the flood waters recede. The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society has already received offers of financial support from patrons in America to undertake fresh renovations.
“We have no idea how much it will cost to get this off the ground again. It’s impossible to say, it could be €25,000 or €30,000 to get it back to what it was,” said Mr Farrell.
“We have no insurance. The insurance for this site ran out 15 years ago and there is no way that we would ever get cover for flooding again.
“We have had offers of help [to fund repairs]. We have some great friends in America and around the world. A number of people have already been in touch with offers of support to get the clean up done and get the place opened again.”
Owned by Fáilte Ireland, the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society secured a long term lease on the property in 2010. It has attracted thousands of tourists to the area each year since 2010, including a large number of American visitors.
In 2014, Gort was identified by the Commission for the Economic Development for Rural Areas (CEDRA) as the Irish town worst affected by the economic recession.
“We have been quite successful with the place since we took over in 2010, except that it flooded again in 2015,” said Mr Farrell.
“Since we have reopened it, we’ve had 3,000 to 4,000 visitors every summer. We only open from April to September so this is a significant number of tourists for a town like Gort.
“It’s been an unbelievable success for Gort with the history of Yeats, Coole Park and connection to the whole area. I don’t think a lot of people here realise how well he is known all over the world. It’s been a great success.”
Thoor Ballylee Castle was built in 1485 and was owned by Yeats from 1916 until his death in 1939. The attached cottage and studio was built in the early 1800s.