theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Chinstrap penguin numbers fall as climate change bites

Numbers of chinstrap penguins have fallen by almost three fifths in half a century in an important Antarctic habitat for the birds , scientists said .
Every colony surveyed on Elephant Island , north east of the Antarctic peninsula , had seen numbers of breeding pairs drop since the last survey in 1971 , with some populations declining as much as 77 per cent over that time .
Overall , the number of chinstrap penguins on Elephant Island has fallen by almost 60 per cent , from 122,550 breeding pairs recorded in the survey 50 years ago to 52,786 today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the drop .
The researchers from Stony Brook University and Northeastern University in the US joined a Greenpeace expedition to the region , and surveyed chinstrap penguins on the important habitat of Elephant Island .
Reduced sea ice and warmer oceans , as a result of climate change , is thought to have led to less krill , the small shrimp-like creatures that the penguins primarily feed on .
Dr Heather J Lynch , from Stony Brook University and one of the expedition ’ s research leads , said : “ Such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern Ocean ’ s ecosystem has fundamentally changed in the last 50 years , and that the impacts of this are rippling up the food web to species like chinstrap penguins .
“ While several factors may have a role to play , all the evidence we have points to climate change as being responsible for the changes we are seeing.
” The new research has been published after a new record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was reported in Antarctica , beating the former record of 17.5 degrees which was set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner , said : “ Penguins are an iconic species but this new research shows how the climate emergency is decimating their numbers and having far-reaching impacts on wildlife in the most remote corners of Earth .
And she urged : “ 2020 is a critical year for our oceans .
“ Governments must respond to the science and agree a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations this spring , that can create a network of ocean sanctuaries to protect marine life and help these creatures adapt to our @ @ @ @ @

Numbers of chinstrap penguins have fallen by almost three fifths in half a century in an important Antarctic habitat for the birds, scientists said.
Every colony surveyed on Elephant Island, north east of the Antarctic peninsula, had seen numbers of breeding pairs drop since the last survey in 1971, with some populations declining as much as 77 per cent over that time.
Overall, the number of chinstrap penguins on Elephant Island has fallen by almost 60 per cent, from 122,550 breeding pairs recorded in the survey 50 years ago to 52,786 today — with climate change thought to be behind the drop.
The researchers from Stony Brook University and Northeastern University in the US joined a Greenpeace expedition to the region, and surveyed chinstrap penguins on the important habitat of Elephant Island.
READ MORE
Reduced sea ice and warmer oceans, as a result of climate change, is thought to have led to less krill, the small shrimp-like creatures that the penguins primarily feed on.
Dr Heather J Lynch, from Stony Brook University and one of the expedition's research leads, said: "Such significant declines in penguin numbers suggest that the Southern Ocean's ecosystem has fundamentally changed in the last 50 years, and that the impacts of this are rippling up the food web to species like chinstrap penguins.
“While several factors may have a role to play, all the evidence we have points to climate change as being responsible for the changes we are seeing.”
The new research has been published after a new record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was reported in Antarctica, beating the former record of 17.5 degrees which was set in March 2015.
Louisa Casson, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner, said: "Penguins are an iconic species but this new research shows how the climate emergency is decimating their numbers and having far-reaching impacts on wildlife in the most remote corners of Earth.
And she urged: “2020 is a critical year for our oceans.
"Governments must respond to the science and agree a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations this spring, that can create a network of ocean sanctuaries to protect marine life and help these creatures adapt to our rapidly changing climate."


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Flying in Storm Ciara: Four landing attempts, vomiting passengers, diversion to Germany

Two men ran down the aircraft aisle clutching dripping sick bags as air stewards held out bin bags to receive them .
Other passengers were crying as the plane jumped and shook .
Storm Ciara was playing with our plane .
I had been booked on the 8.55am Aer Lingus flight on Sunday , from Dublin to London Gatwick .
As I sat at the gate I received a text saying my flight was cancelled , so was delighted when staff moved me onto a 10.50am flight .
Others around me faced a wait until 5pm .
That joy soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The woman beside me was visiting her pregnant daughter and joked they would have to call the baby Ciara .
As the plane wobbled alarmingly in the strong winds on the ground , the captain said we could not leave for an hour .
It looked wild outside , but I saw other planes taking off and was not too worried .
When we finally began took off the plane shuddered and shook , sending my adrenaline soaring and prompting expressions of concern among other passengers .
An hour later , when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shook .
We swooped down and back up violently while attempting to land four times .
People were shouting and breathing deeply into their sick bags .
I gripped the armrests as tightly as I could , terrified .
Others were getting sick – or crying .
After repeated attempts to land , lasting around one hour , the plane climbed above the clouds .
The captain said because we were unable to land safely at Gatwick we needed to go to Luxembourg to refuel .
We ’ d been in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a rush to the toilets despite the seatbelt signs being on , and many people ran up the aisles cupping full sick bags .
The air stewards – upbeat , kind and calm – asked passengers to remain seated .
That wasn ’ t going to happen .
.
.
The captain then said Luxembourg airport was full and that we had to fly to Frankfurt .
Everyone laughed initially at the catalogue of mishaps , but the mood quickly changed to concern that we could run out of fuel , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eventually we landed at 3pm in Frankfurt Hahn , and people started phoning relatives to say we had arrived very late , somewhere very far away from Gatwick after a four-hour flight .
Some tried to recount the events of the flights ; others sought to downplay what happened .
We remained on the plane .
The stewards tried to serve refreshments , but the aisles were full of restless , hungry people , exhausted from adrenaline and seeking answers .
Some people refused to stay on the plane and insisted on getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find and fund their way back .
There are no direct Dublin flights from Frankfurt Hahn .
Eventually we were told “ the powers that be ” wanted the plane back in Dublin , and that Gatwick was accepting very few flights .
Despite the frustration , the camaraderie among passengers was great : one man joked his daughter was delighted she would miss school the next day .
Someone handed out bags from a souvenir multi-pack of Tayto .
We giggled from nerves .
At 5.30pm , the captain confirmed we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stewards prepared for takeoff for the two-hour flight .
As we descended into Dublin , dipping lower and lower , the plane suddenly whooshed up again and people started laughing and screaming .
Were we ever going to be on the ground again ?
The captain said it was too windy to land on this approach so we were going to try again .
My neighbours had their head in hands as I reassured them we were wobbling closer and closer to the ground .
Finally we landed , at 8.30pm .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started , 11 hours later .

Eyewitness footage from around Europe shows pilots struggling to take off and land as Storm Ciara - known as Storm Sabine in Germany - makes its presence felt around Europe. Video: Reuters
Two men ran down the aircraft aisle clutching dripping sick bags as air stewards held out bin bags to receive them. Other passengers were crying as the plane jumped and shook.
Storm Ciara was playing with our plane.
I had been booked on the 8.55am Aer Lingus flight on Sunday, from Dublin to London Gatwick. As I sat at the gate I received a text saying my flight was cancelled, so was delighted when staff moved me onto a 10.50am flight. Others around me faced a wait until 5pm.
That joy soon evaporated. We boarded at 10.30am. The woman beside me was visiting her pregnant daughter and joked they would have to call the baby Ciara.
READ MORE
As the plane wobbled alarmingly in the strong winds on the ground, the captain said we could not leave for an hour.
It looked wild outside, but I saw other planes taking off and was not too worried.
When we finally took off the plane shuddered and shook, sending my adrenaline soaring and prompting expressions of concern among other passengers.
An hour later, when we descended towards Gatwick, the plane jumped and shook.
We swooped down and back up violently while attempting to land four times.
People were shouting and breathing deeply into their sick bags. I gripped the armrests as tightly as I could, terrified. Others were getting sick – or crying.
After repeated attempts to land, lasting around one hour, the plane climbed above the clouds.
The captain said because we were unable to land safely at Gatwick we needed to go to Luxembourg to refuel.
We’d been in the sky for almost three hours.
There was a rush to the toilets despite the seatbelt signs being on, and many people ran up the aisles cupping full sick bags. The air stewards – upbeat, kind and calm – asked passengers to remain seated.
That wasn’t going to happen . . .
The captain then said Luxembourg airport was full and that we had to fly to Frankfurt.
Everyone laughed initially at the catalogue of mishaps, but the mood quickly changed to concern that we could run out of fuel, especially if there were problems during landing.
Eventually we landed at 3pm in Frankfurt Hahn, and people started phoning relatives to say we had arrived very late, somewhere very far away from Gatwick after a four-hour flight.
Some tried to recount the events of the flights; others sought to downplay what happened.
We remained on the plane.
The stewards tried to serve refreshments, but the aisles were full of restless, hungry people, exhausted from adrenaline and seeking answers.
Some people refused to stay on the plane and insisted on getting off even though they would have to find and fund their way back.
There are no direct Dublin flights from Frankfurt Hahn.
Eventually we were told “the powers that be” wanted the plane back in Dublin, and that Gatwick was accepting very few flights.
Despite the frustration, the camaraderie among passengers was great: one man joked his daughter was delighted she would miss school the next day.
Someone handed out bags from a souvenir multi-pack of Tayto. We giggled from nerves.
At 5.30pm, the captain confirmed we were returning to Dublin and the tirelessly helpful stewards prepared for takeoff for the two-hour flight.
As we descended into Dublin, dipping lower and lower, the plane suddenly whooshed up again and people started laughing and screaming. Were we ever going to be on the ground again?
The captain said it was too windy to land on this approach so we were going to try again.
My neighbours had their head in hands as I reassured them we were wobbling closer and closer to the ground.
Finally we landed, at 8.30pm. The passengers cheered to be back where they started, 11 hours later.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Election 2020: Spell in ‘proper’ opposition finds growing support in Fianna Fáil

As a poor election got substantially worse for Fianna Fáil on the second day of counting , the mood within the party darkened .
TDs emerged from count centres to the news that not only had some candidates failed to win a seat but that outgoing Deputies were losing theirs too .
The roll call of those who lost kept getting longer .
Early casualties such as Eugene Murphy and Lisa Chambers were joined by another high profile name in Timmy Dooley , whose loss in Clare was offset by his running mate Cathal Crowe .
Other sitting TDs lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mates .
These included Kevin O ’ Keeffe losing the Fianna Fáil seat in Cork East to James O ’ Connor ; Margaret Murphy O ’ Mahony losing her Cork South-West seat to Christopher O ’ Sullivan ; and Bobby Aylward being replaced by Jennifer Murnane O ’ Connor in Carlow-Kilkenny .
There were other constituencies where Fianna Fáil suffered outright losses : John Curran in Dublin Mid-West ; Frank O ’ Rourke in Kildare North ; Pat “ The Cope ” Gallagher in Donegal ; Fiona O ’ Loughlin in Kildare South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breathnach in Louth ; Shane Cassells in Meath West ; and Malcolm Byrne in Wexford .
At the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil , Fianna Fáil had 46 TDs , including Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl .
As of Monday night it was struggling to hold 38 .
At the end of the first day of the count Fianna Fáilers knew their results were disappointing but consoled themselves with the belief that they would be the largest party in the Dáil by a comfortable margin .
That belief was shattered by Monday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said one TD .
“ Despair after.
” By Monday evening it was clear that Micheál Martin ’ s party would barely have its nose ahead of Sinn Féin and Fine Gael .
Its candidates could not attract transfers as counts wore on , and some who were elected – such as Jackie Cahill in Tipperary – scraped in for the last seat .
If it wanted to enter government with either Mary Lou McDonald or Leo Varadkar it would be a partnership of equals instead of the usual senior party-junior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate , ” said one TD with evident horror .
The public line taken by Michael McGrath , Barry Cowen , Dara Calleary , Jim O ’ Callaghan and others – that McDonald should be given the opportunity to form a government – was being maintained in private conversations .
“ Let them off for a specified period of time , ” said one party TD , indicating that McDonald could try to form a minority administration if she wanted .
Enthusiasm for coalition with either of the other two larger parties had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hardening view that Fianna Fáil should go into opposition had taken over .
At count centres or in pubs around them , TDs spoke to their election teams about the way ahead for the party .
The prospect of any form of arrangement with Fine Gael was dismissed out of hand by some , while it was suggested that coalition with Sinn Féin would lead to an extremely divisive debate for the party .
Coalescing with Fine Gael , although not ruled out by senior TDs such as McGrath , is rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confidence and supply was the weapon Sinn Féin used to attack Fianna Fáil , and for many any further co-operation between the Civil War parties would be electoral suicide .
“ Not a notion , ” said one frontbencher .
“ No way in the world , ” said another .
Yet another was incredulous that McGrath was even considering Fine Gael as a viable option .
On the issue of the party leadership , some TDs declined to discuss the matter either on or off the record .
Some supported their leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in Micheál Martin has taken a battering .
One long-serving TD said Martin is likely to know his position is under pressure .
“ He knows , ” the TD said .
“ Why would he stay on ?
He has been there three terms.
” In contrast , others were supportive .
“ I am 150 per cent behind him , ” said a senior TD .
Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte said she expected the parliamentary party to meet in the coming days to discuss the way ahead .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to discuss all of the options.
” But none of the options are easy for Martin .
To save his leadership he will need to enter government with either Sinn Féin or Fine Gael .
The first option has the potential to sharply divide Fianna Fáil , and the latter , according to TDs , would be rejected by the parliamentary party and rank-and-file membership .
The third option , and the one finding increasing favour in the party , is returning to full-throated opposition .
The problem for Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand aside as leader .

Micheál Martin at the count for Cork South-Central. One long-serving TD said Martin was likely to know his position was under pressure. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
As a poor election got substantially worse for Fianna Fáil on the second day of counting, the mood within the party darkened.
TDs emerged from count centres to the news that not only had some candidates failed to win a seat but that outgoing Deputies were losing theirs too.
The roll call of those who lost kept getting longer. Early casualties such as Eugene Murphy and Lisa Chambers were joined by another high profile name in Timmy Dooley, whose loss in Clare was offset by his running mate Cathal Crowe.
Other sitting TDs lost their seats but were replaced by running mates. These included Kevin O'Keeffe losing the Fianna Fáil seat in Cork East to James O'Connor; Margaret Murphy O'Mahony losing her Cork South-West seat to Christopher O'Sullivan; and Bobby Aylward being replaced by Jennifer Murnane O'Connor in Carlow-Kilkenny.
READ MORE
There were other constituencies where Fianna Fáil suffered outright losses: John Curran in Dublin Mid-West; Frank O'Rourke in Kildare North; Pat "The Cope" Gallagher in Donegal; Fiona O'Loughlin in Kildare South; Pat Casey in Wicklow; Declan Breathnach in Louth; Shane Cassells in Meath West; and Malcolm Byrne in Wexford.
At the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil, Fianna Fáil had 46 TDs, including Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl. As of Monday night it was struggling to hold 38.
Despair
At the end of the first day of the count Fianna Fáilers knew their results were disappointing but consoled themselves with the belief that they would be the largest party in the Dáil by a comfortable margin. That belief was shattered by Monday afternoon.
“There was hope before lunch,” said one TD. “Despair after.”
By Monday evening it was clear that Micheál Martin's party would barely have its nose ahead of Sinn Féin and Fine Gael. Its candidates could not attract transfers as counts wore on, and some who were elected – such as Jackie Cahill in Tipperary – scraped in for the last seat.
If it wanted to enter government with either Mary Lou McDonald or Leo Varadkar it would be a partnership of equals instead of the usual senior party-junior party relationship.
“It is f***ing desperate,” said one TD with evident horror.
The public line taken by Michael McGrath, Barry Cowen, Dara Calleary, Jim O'Callaghan and others – that McDonald should be given the opportunity to form a government – was being maintained in private conversations.
“Let them off for a specified period of time,” said one party TD, indicating that McDonald could try to form a minority administration if she wanted.
Enthusiasm for coalition with either of the other two larger parties had dropped substantially by Monday evening, and a hardening view that Fianna Fáil should go into opposition had taken over.
“Responsibility doesn’t pay the bills,” a senior party figure said.
At count centres or in pubs around them, TDs spoke to their election teams about the way ahead for the party.
The prospect of any form of arrangement with Fine Gael was dismissed out of hand by some, while it was suggested that coalition with Sinn Féin would lead to an extremely divisive debate for the party.
Electoral suicide
Coalescing with Fine Gael, although not ruled out by senior TDs such as McGrath, is rejected in the strongest terms by many. Confidence and supply was the weapon Sinn Féin used to attack Fianna Fáil, and for many any further co-operation between the Civil War parties would be electoral suicide.
“Not a notion,” said one frontbencher. “No way in the world,” said another.
Yet another was incredulous that McGrath was even considering Fine Gael as a viable option.
On the issue of the party leadership, some TDs declined to discuss the matter either on or off the record. Some supported their leader, but the reticence of others indicated confidence in Micheál Martin has taken a battering.
One long-serving TD said Martin is likely to know his position is under pressure. “He knows,” the TD said. “Why would he stay on? He has been there three terms.”
In contrast, others were supportive. “I am 150 per cent behind him,” said a senior TD.
Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte said she expected the parliamentary party to meet in the coming days to discuss the way ahead. "Fianna Fáil is a party with options. We need to discuss all of the options."
But none of the options are easy for Martin. To save his leadership he will need to enter government with either Sinn Féin or Fine Gael. The first option has the potential to sharply divide Fianna Fáil, and the latter, according to TDs, would be rejected by the parliamentary party and rank-and-file membership.
The third option, and the one finding increasing favour in the party, is returning to full-throated opposition. The problem for Martin is this would likely require him to stand aside as leader.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Diminished Fine Gael preparing for a period in opposition

Finishing third in first preference vote share and in Dáil seats should not be cause for celebration , but Fine Gaelers see the outcome of the weekend ’ s general election as their Dunkirk moment .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been defeated and will lead the smallest of the big three – Fianna Fáil , Sinn Féin and Fine Gael – into the 33rd Dáil .
Fine Gael will finish with a seat haul in the low to mid 30s , but the TDs who survived the electoral cull – which sees Fine Gael ’ s seat tally drop from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general election – were preparing themselves for a period in opposition .
They have been taking some solace in the fact that Fine Gael had not been hugely outstripped by Fianna Fáil .
With Fine Gael still within touching distance of its two larger rivals , party figures believe it has been left with a base from which to rebuild .
And , despite failing where those who supported him for the party leadership thought he would succeed – in bringing Fine Gael electoral success – there is little sign of any pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary party .
Senator James Reilly , defeated in Dublin Fingal , raised the prospect of Fine Gael looking afresh at Varadkar ’ s position , as did Paudie Coffey , another outgoing Senator , but nobody else followed .
There is some disquiet about Varadkar at grassroots level , however , with one experienced canvasser saying there is “ a growing acceptance that Leo can ’ t continue as leader beyond the short term and that the buck has to stop somewhere ” .
Senior party figures had entertained the idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fianna Fáil – most likely a grand coalition – on Sunday , but soundings throughout the party proved this was not a popular option .
A view has taken hold among members , TDs and defeated candidates that Fine Gael should rebuild and take the opportunity , should it arise , to attack Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin from the opposition benches .
John Paul Phelan , the Minister of State for Electoral Reform , was blunt .
Speaking after his re-election as a TD for Carlow-Kilkenny , where Fine Gael TD Pat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grand coalition is now not an option .
“ There will be no grand coalition , ” he said .
“ People wanted change and that is what they voted for .
I believe Fine Gael should go into opposition.
” Another party figure said a “ hard no ” was developing to the prospect of a grand coalition .
Party sources also suggested Fine Gael is prepared to position itself as the pro-business party in the Dáil , in contrast to the left-wing policies of Sinn Féin and the centre left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon Coveney , who was beaten to the leadership by Varadkar , had already suggested Fine Gael would not be part of another confidence and supply deal and , as of now , the direction the party has set for itself seems clear : opposition under Varadkar .
But that position may come under pressure as the process of forming a government drags on , and if any members make their dissatisfaction with Varadkar known to their local TDs .

Finishing third in first preference vote share and in Dáil seats should not be cause for celebration, but Fine Gaelers see the outcome of the weekend’s general election as their Dunkirk moment.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been defeated and will lead the smallest of the big three – Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael – into the 33rd Dáil.
Fine Gael will finish with a seat haul in the low to mid 30s, but the TDs who survived the electoral cull – which sees Fine Gael’s seat tally drop from the 50 it won at the 2016 general election – were preparing themselves for a period in opposition.
They have been taking some solace in the fact that Fine Gael had not been hugely outstripped by Fianna Fáil.
READ MORE
With Fine Gael still within touching distance of its two larger rivals, party figures believe it has been left with a base from which to rebuild.
And, despite failing where those who supported him for the party leadership thought he would succeed – in bringing Fine Gael electoral success – there is little sign of any pressure on Varadkar’s leadership from the parliamentary party.
Senator James Reilly, defeated in Dublin Fingal, raised the prospect of Fine Gael looking afresh at Varadkar's position, as did Paudie Coffey, another outgoing Senator, but nobody else followed.
Disquiet
There is some disquiet about Varadkar at grassroots level, however, with one experienced canvasser saying there is “a growing acceptance that Leo can’t continue as leader beyond the short term and that the buck has to stop somewhere”.
Senior party figures had entertained the idea of entering into a new government arrangement with Fianna Fáil – most likely a grand coalition – on Sunday, but soundings throughout the party proved this was not a popular option.
A view has taken hold among members, TDs and defeated candidates that Fine Gael should rebuild and take the opportunity, should it arise, to attack Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin from the opposition benches.
John Paul Phelan, the Minister of State for Electoral Reform, was blunt. Speaking after his re-election as a TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, where Fine Gael TD Pat Deering also lost out, Phelan said a grand coalition is now not an option.
“There will be no grand coalition,” he said. “People wanted change and that is what they voted for. I believe Fine Gael should go into opposition.”
Pressure
Another party figure said a “hard no” was developing to the prospect of a grand coalition. Party sources also suggested Fine Gael is prepared to position itself as the pro-business party in the Dáil, in contrast to the left-wing policies of Sinn Féin and the centre left positions taken by Fianna Fáil.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who was beaten to the leadership by Varadkar, had already suggested Fine Gael would not be part of another confidence and supply deal and, as of now, the direction the party has set for itself seems clear: opposition under Varadkar.
But that position may come under pressure as the process of forming a government drags on, and if any members make their dissatisfaction with Varadkar known to their local TDs.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Teenagers who spend too much time inactive at higher risk of depression

Adolescents who spend too much time sitting still are at a higher risk of depression , according to a new study .
The research , published in the Lancet Psychiatry , indicates that an additional hour of light activity – such as walking or doing chores – is associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms .
The findings are based on longitudinal data collected by a research team led by UCL ( University College London ) from more than 4,000 young people who wore accelerometers to track their movement .
It comes at a time when studies indicate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which some say is linked to increased use of digital devices .
The study ’ s authors say that while many initiatives promote exercise in young people , these latest findings suggest that light activity should be given more attention as well .
The study ’ s lead author , PhD student Aaron Kandola , said : “ We found that it ’ s not just more intense forms of activity that are good for our mental health , but any degree of physical activity that can reduce the time we spend sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Brendan Kelly , professor of psychiatry Trinity College Dublin , said some children and adolescents find that very competitive or energetic sports are off-putting , and they tend not to participate as a result .
“ This research says that light and moderate activity also has demonstrable benefits for mental health .
“ In other words , adolescents don ’ t necessarily need to win medals at school sports days or be on the school ’ s number one rugby team .
They just need to sit down less.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or playing a musical instrument has measurable , lasting benefits for mental health – as well as benefits for physical wellbeing and personal accomplishment , .
“ The best advice for parents is to lead by example .
We are all creatures of habit , so we should integrate more light physical activity into everyday routines , for us and for our children.
” The study team found that an additional 60 minutes of light activity daily at age 12 was associated with a 10 per cent reduction in depressive symptoms at age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low mood , loss of pleasure and poor concentration – were measured with a clinical questionnaire .
The study ’ s senior author , Dr Joseph Hayes said light activity should be given more attention .
“ Light activity could be particularly useful because it doesn ’ t require much effort and it ’ s easy to fit into the daily routines of most young people , ” he said .
“ Schools could integrate light activity into their pupils ’ days , such as with standing or active lessons .
Small changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all of us to be a little bit less sedentary .
”

Adolescents who spend too much time sitting still are at a higher risk of depression, according to a new study. Photograph: iStock
Adolescents who spend too much time sitting still are at a higher risk of depression, according to a new study.
The research, published in the Lancet Psychiatry, indicates that an additional hour of light activity – such as walking or doing chores – is associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms.
The findings are based on longitudinal data collected by a research team led by UCL (University College London) from more than 4,000 young people who wore accelerometers to track their movement.
It comes at a time when studies indicate that physical activity is declining among adolescents, which some say is linked to increased use of digital devices.
READ MORE
The study’s authors say that while many initiatives promote exercise in young people, these latest findings suggest that light activity should be given more attention as well.
The study's lead author, PhD student Aaron Kandola, said: "We found that it's not just more intense forms of activity that are good for our mental health, but any degree of physical activity that can reduce the time we spend sitting down is likely to be beneficial."
Competitive
Dr Brendan Kelly, professor of psychiatry Trinity College Dublin, said some children and adolescents find that very competitive or energetic sports are off-putting, and they tend not to participate as a result.
Suggesting the girl may have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the number of State agencies involved, the report says the identification of one key agency to provide a trusting working relationship ‘may have provided an anchoring for both the family and the services involved’. File photograph: David Cheskin/PA Wire
“This research says that light and moderate activity also has demonstrable benefits for mental health.
“In other words, adolescents don’t necessarily need to win medals at school sports days or be on the school’s number one rugby team. They just need to sit down less.”
He said something as simple as walking to school or playing a musical instrument has measurable, lasting benefits for mental health – as well as benefits for physical wellbeing and personal accomplishment,.
“The best advice for parents is to lead by example. We are all creatures of habit, so we should integrate more light physical activity into everyday routines, for us and for our children.” The study team found that an additional 60 minutes of light activity daily at age 12 was associated with a 10 per cent reduction in depressive symptoms at age 18.
Depressive symptoms – such as low mood, loss of pleasure and poor concentration – were measured with a clinical questionnaire.
The study's senior author, Dr Joseph Hayes said light activity should be given more attention.
“Light activity could be particularly useful because it doesn’t require much effort and it’s easy to fit into the daily routines of most young people,” he said.
“Schools could integrate light activity into their pupils’ days, such as with standing or active lessons. Small changes to our environments could make it easier for all of us to be a little bit less sedentary.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Ireland hosts campaign to encourage countries to education adolescent girls

The Government on Tuesday night hosted the formal launch of a global campaign to encourage governments to ensure better access to education for adolescent girls .
U2 ’ s Bono and former president Mary Robinson were among the speakers at the Drive For 5 campaign at the UN headquarters in New York .
The event highlights that 130 million girls worldwide do not attend school .
The initiative calls for governments around the world to commit to five transformative actions including access to 12 years of free quality education for girls , a supportive school environment and adequate water , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , Ireland ’ s permanent representative to the UN , Geraldine Byrne Nason , described the scale of the number of girls not receiving education in the world as “ one of the great injustices of our time ” .
Ms Byrne Nason said the Drive For 5 initiative was designed to pull such females out of poverty and inequality .
“ It ’ s not about charity but investment , ” she added .
The UN heard that the Irish Government has committed €250 million over the next five years towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland wanted to provoke a collective action by UN states in what was a “ once in a generation opportunity ” .
She said Ireland had been transformed from one of the poorest countries to one of the most highly developed in Europe in the space of two generations , which she attributed to the introduction of free secondary education in the 1960s .
“ It was simply revolutionary and particularly for girls , and we have seen the results of such investment.
” Addressing the launch ceremony , UN secretary general António @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first priority for creating a better world was ensuring a quality education for all .
Mr Guterres , a former teacher , said countries also had to ensure there was gender parity in their educational systems .
Although great strides had been made since a UN conference in Beijing 25 years ago when education was declared a human right , Mr Guterres said many gaps remained , with girls still being disadvantaged .
He pointed out that the gender pay gap stood at 20 per cent globally , while social and institutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking up positions in the STEM ( science , technology , engineering and maths ) sector .
Mr Gutteres described one of the most worrying trends as how the technology sector and particularly Silicon Valley firms still had a male-dominated culture .
“ These are shaping economies and societies of the future.
” Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said political will at the highest level was needed to bring about change , and she expressed hope that political leaders would put themselves in the “ shoes and minds ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important for the economies of countries that we educate girls.
” U2 singer and co-founder of the ONE campaign to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease , Bono told the gathering that the entire success of the Irish economy has due to the country ’ s investment in education .
“ I ’ ve done very well out of it .
I went to a school where I met my three other band members as well as my missus , ” he joked .

U2’s Bono and António Guterres, the UN secretary general, in New York for the launch of Drive for Five. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The Government on Tuesday night hosted the formal launch of a global campaign to encourage governments to ensure better access to education for adolescent girls.
U2’s Bono and former president Mary Robinson were among the speakers at the Drive For 5 campaign at the UN headquarters in New York. The event highlights that 130 million girls worldwide do not attend school.
The initiative calls for governments around the world to commit to five transformative actions including access to 12 years of free quality education for girls, a supportive school environment and adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Launching the campaign, Ireland’s permanent representative to the UN, Geraldine Byrne Nason, described the scale of the number of girls not receiving education in the world as “one of the great injustices of our time”.
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Ms Byrne Nason said the Drive For 5 initiative was designed to pull such females out of poverty and inequality. “It’s not about charity but investment,” she added.
The UN heard that the Irish Government has committed €250 million over the next five years towards global education.
Ms Byrne Nason said Ireland wanted to provoke a collective action by UN states in what was a “once in a generation opportunity”.
Two generations
She said Ireland had been transformed from one of the poorest countries to one of the most highly developed in Europe in the space of two generations, which she attributed to the introduction of free secondary education in the 1960s.
“It was simply revolutionary and particularly for girls, and we have seen the results of such investment.”
Addressing the launch ceremony, UN secretary general António Guterres said he had no doubt that the first priority for creating a better world was ensuring a quality education for all.
Mr Guterres, a former teacher, said countries also had to ensure there was gender parity in their educational systems.
Although great strides had been made since a UN conference in Beijing 25 years ago when education was declared a human right, Mr Guterres said many gaps remained, with girls still being disadvantaged.
He pointed out that the gender pay gap stood at 20 per cent globally, while social and institutional barriers were still preventing many females from taking up positions in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) sector.
Mr Gutteres described one of the most worrying trends as how the technology sector and particularly Silicon Valley firms still had a male-dominated culture. “These are shaping economies and societies of the future.”
Political will
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson said political will at the highest level was needed to bring about change, and she expressed hope that political leaders would put themselves in the “shoes and minds” of uneducated young girls. “It is important for the economies of countries that we educate girls.”
U2 singer and co-founder of the ONE campaign to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease, Bono told the gathering that the entire success of the Irish economy has due to the country’s investment in education.
“I’ve done very well out of it. I went to a school where I met my three other band members as well as my missus,” he joked.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Winning €17m EuroMillions ticket sold in Ireland

One lucky person in Ireland is €17 million richer after scooping the jackpot in Tuesday night ’ s EuroMillions draw .
The National Lottery has confirmed that the winning ticket in the latest EuroMillions draw was bought in the Republic .
It is the first EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2020 and the 15th Irish win since the international lottery draw was introduced in 2004 .
The winning numbers were : 24 , 26 , 32 , 43 , 46 and Lucky Star numbers 6 and 10 .
A National Lottery spokesman described Tuesday night ’ s €17 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money ” .
The National Lottery has asked all players to check their tickets carefully to see if they are the lucky winner .
The company is advising the holder of the winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket , keep it safe and to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 01-8364444 .
The National Lottery said it would release further details about where the winning ticket was sold in the coming days .
The biggest individual Irish winner of a EuroMillions jackpot to date was Limerick woman Dolores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in July 2005 .
The most recent winners were a family syndicate from Naul , Co Dublin , who shared a € 175.4 million jackpot in February 2019 .
Tuesday night ’ s jackpot of € 17 million is one of the smallest won by an Irish player .
The previous EuroMillions jackpot of €130 million on Friday was won by a ticket holder in Spain .
There was also one winner of the EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 on Tuesday .
Its winning numbers were 8 , 19 , 26 @ @ @ @ @ @

The winning ticket in the EuroMillions jackpot has been sold in Ireland. File photograph: iStock
One lucky person in Ireland is €17 million richer after scooping the jackpot in Tuesday night’s EuroMillions draw.
The National Lottery has confirmed that the winning ticket in the latest EuroMillions draw was bought in the Republic.
It is the first EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2020 and the 15th Irish win since the international lottery draw was introduced in 2004.
The winning numbers were: 24, 26, 32, 43, 46 and Lucky Star numbers 6 and 10.
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A National Lottery spokesman described Tuesday night’s €17 million jackpot as “a mindblowing sum of money”.
The National Lottery has asked all players to check their tickets carefully to see if they are the lucky winner.
The company is advising the holder of the winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe and to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 01-8364444.
The National Lottery said it would release further details about where the winning ticket was sold in the coming days.
The biggest individual Irish winner of a EuroMillions jackpot to date was Limerick woman Dolores McNamara, who scooped more than €115 million in July 2005.
The most recent winners were a family syndicate from Naul, Co Dublin, who shared a € 175.4 million jackpot in February 2019.
Tuesday night’s jackpot of € 17 million is one of the smallest won by an Irish player. The previous EuroMillions jackpot of €130 million on Friday was won by a ticket holder in Spain.
There was also one winner of the EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 on Tuesday. Its winning numbers were 8, 19, 26, 34, and 49.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Suspected coronavirus cases in Ireland total 65

Sixty-five people suspected of having the new coronavirus have been tested in Ireland , the Department of Health has said , but all results were negative .
The department ’ s national public health emergency team ( NPHET ) added that it remains the case that there are no confirmed cases here of Covid-19 – the official name given to the virus by the World Health Organisation on Tuesday .
The State remains prepared for a confirmed case of the virus , the chief medical officer at the department , Dr Tony Holohan , said .
“ The Irish health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line with global practice , and all our efforts are focused on identifying suspected cases as they arise and initiating measures to prevent onward transmission of the virus.
” The NPHET is continuing to co-ordinate the response effort between the health service and other Government agencies , to ensure a comprehensive response in the event of a confirmed case .
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said all hospitals have plans in place to deal with any increase in demand due to a viral threat , including from Covid-19 .
“ A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a range of options are being looked at to deal with all scenarios.
” According to Mr Reid , more than 4,800 packs of personal protective equipment – including gowns and masks – have been supplied to GP out-of-hours services and surgeries , while a further 1,200 packs were due to go out to GP practices on Tuesday .
The number of confirmed cases in the EU remains “ low ” , and no new countries have reported cases in the past 24 hours , Dr Cillian de Gascun , chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noted .

Sixty-five people suspected of having the new coronavirus have been tested in Ireland, the Department of Health has said, but all results were negative.
The department's national public health emergency team (NPHET) added that it remains the case that there are no confirmed cases here of Covid-19 – the official name given to the virus by the World Health Organisation on Tuesday.
The State remains prepared for a confirmed case of the virus, the chief medical officer at the department, Dr Tony Holohan, said.
“The Irish health system is currently operating a containment strategy in line with global practice, and all our efforts are focused on identifying suspected cases as they arise and initiating measures to prevent onward transmission of the virus.”
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The NPHET is continuing to co-ordinate the response effort between the health service and other Government agencies, to ensure a comprehensive response in the event of a confirmed case.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said all hospitals have plans in place to deal with any increase in demand due to a viral threat, including from Covid-19. "A lot of preparation work has been done and a range of options are being looked at to deal with all scenarios."
According to Mr Reid, more than 4,800 packs of personal protective equipment – including gowns and masks – have been supplied to GP out-of-hours services and surgeries, while a further 1,200 packs were due to go out to GP practices on Tuesday.
The number of confirmed cases in the EU remains “low”, and no new countries have reported cases in the past 24 hours, Dr Cillian de Gascun, chair of the State’s Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group, noted.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Judge criticises hospital after girl sexually assaulted by man (63) on ward

A judge has criticised a hospital for putting a 17-year-old girl with serious injuries in a mixed ward where she was sexually assaulted by a man ( 63 ) with a history of psychiatric problems .
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said serious questions had to be asked of Cork University Hospital management over the way they operated their ward system after hearing how Andrew O ’ Donovan sexually assaulted the teenager .
“ This is a very , very troubling case where you have two patients presenting to Cork University Hospital and were placed side by side in a mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the late night/early morning , ” he said .
“ You have to question the management of the ward system that allowed this young girl to be placed in close proximity to a man who was known to have a history of schizophrenic tendencies and a long psychiatric history.
” Judge Ó Donnabháin made his comments after O ’ Donovan , of Butlersgift , Drimoleague , Co Cork pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the girl in CUH on May 14th , 2018 .
Det Garda Caroline Keogh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the girl was in the four bed ward with three adult men when O ’ Donovan appeared in a gap in the curtains around her bed at around 5am .
He came inside the curtain and began talking to her before he started stroking her arm and then placed his hand on breast and touched her vagina through the sheet and her pyjamas .
He then tried to kiss her but she moved her face to one side as he asked her out for dinner and invited her to go the cinema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own bed .
Det Garda Keogh said the girl was unable to use the alert bell because of her injuries but nursing staff were alerted when they noticed O ’ Donovan ’ s heart started racing and his heart monitor reached elevated levels .
In her victim impact statement , the teenager said an accident had left her completely immobilised but she thought she was safe in hospital .
“ The hospital placed me into a separate room but despite being separated from the defendant , I was very fearful and distressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same building as him and therefore , I wanted to go home.
” She told how she was so fearful the following night that her father had to sleep in a chair beside her bed in the hospital and that since the incident she had developed a fear of older men and coming into contact with them on her own .
The assault affected her study for her Leaving Cert as she was suffered anxiety and flashbacks and she could not concentrate on school and she did not get the points she needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was within her ability .
“ This has changed my whole career path in life .
During the Leaving Cert exam , the incident was headlined on the papers which led to my friends finding out about it , therefore increasing my anxiety , ” she said .
The teenager , who said she saw no remorse in O ’ Donovan when he appeared in court , said she hoped the age for teenagers to be treated as paediatric patients would be raised from 16 to 18 as a result of “ this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to show up for sentencing on Tuesday afternoon but the judge said it was clear to him from seeing him at earlier court appearances that he had “ limitations ” .
Det Garda Keogh agreed that O ’ Donovan , whose wife died just before Christmas , had limitations and she confirmed that he no previous convictions and lived a fairly basic existence in a remote rural area .
Defence counsel Dermot Sheehan SC said his client had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Bantry General Hospital since the 1980s and he pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trauma of a trial with his guilty plea .
The judge said O ’ Donovan presented a sentencing problem given his psychiatric history but he noted his guilty plea was of benefit to the victim in that it was a public acknowledgement that he was guilty and she was innocent .

A judge has criticised a hospital for putting a 17-year-old girl with serious injuries in a mixed ward where she was sexually assaulted by a man (63) with a history of psychiatric problems.
A judge has criticised a hospital for putting a 17-year-old girl with serious injuries in a mixed ward where she was sexually assaulted by a man (63) with a history of psychiatric problems.
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said serious questions had to be asked of Cork University Hospital management over the way they operated their ward system after hearing how Andrew O’Donovan sexually assaulted the teenager.
“This is a very, very troubling case where you have two patients presenting to Cork University Hospital and were placed side by side in a mixed ward and one sexually assaulted the other in the late night/early morning,” he said.
“You have to question the management of the ward system that allowed this young girl to be placed in close proximity to a man who was known to have a history of schizophrenic tendencies and a long psychiatric history.”
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Judge Ó Donnabháin made his comments after O'Donovan, of Butlersgift, Drimoleague, Co Cork pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the girl in CUH on May 14th, 2018.
Det Garda Caroline Keogh of the Cork Protective Services Unit told how the girl was in the four bed ward with three adult men when O'Donovan appeared in a gap in the curtains around her bed at around 5am.
He came inside the curtain and began talking to her before he started stroking her arm and then placed his hand on breast and touched her vagina through the sheet and her pyjamas.
He then tried to kiss her but she moved her face to one side as he asked her out for dinner and invited her to go the cinema before he moved away and returned to his own bed.
Heart racing
Det Garda Keogh said the girl was unable to use the alert bell because of her injuries but nursing staff were alerted when they noticed O’Donovan’s heart started racing and his heart monitor reached elevated levels.
In her victim impact statement, the teenager said an accident had left her completely immobilised but she thought she was safe in hospital.
“The hospital placed me into a separate room but despite being separated from the defendant, I was very fearful and distressed, knowing that I was in the same building as him and therefore, I wanted to go home.”
She told how she was so fearful the following night that her father had to sleep in a chair beside her bed in the hospital and that since the incident she had developed a fear of older men and coming into contact with them on her own.
The assault affected her study for her Leaving Cert as she was suffered anxiety and flashbacks and she could not concentrate on school and she did not get the points she needed for her chosen course even though it was within her ability.
“This has changed my whole career path in life. During the Leaving Cert exam, the incident was headlined on the papers which led to my friends finding out about it, therefore increasing my anxiety,” she said.
Horrible situation
The teenager, who said she saw no remorse in O’Donovan when he appeared in court, said she hoped the age for teenagers to be treated as paediatric patients would be raised from 16 to 18 as a result of “this horrible situation”.
O’Donovan failed to show up for sentencing on Tuesday afternoon but the judge said it was clear to him from seeing him at earlier court appearances that he had “limitations”.
Det Garda Keogh agreed that O’Donovan, whose wife died just before Christmas, had limitations and she confirmed that he no previous convictions and lived a fairly basic existence in a remote rural area.
Defence counsel Dermot Sheehan SC said his client had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Bantry General Hospital since the 1980s and he pointed out that he had saved his victim the trauma of a trial with his guilty plea.
The judge said O’Donovan presented a sentencing problem given his psychiatric history but he noted his guilty plea was of benefit to the victim in that it was a public acknowledgement that he was guilty and she was innocent.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Widow of deceased consultant sues hospitals over alleged negligence

The widow of a deceased hospital consultant has sued two Dublin hospitals and a consultant alleging negligence in his care and treatment .
Among various claims , Meraid Hyland-McGuire alleges failure to act appropriately in response to an electrocardiogram ( ECG ) carried out on Dr Patrick Hyland-McGuire ( 58 ) which indicated he had had a heart attack .
Had there been an appropriate response , he would probably have survived , it is claimed .
Ms Hyland-McGuire was married for some 30 years to Dr Hyland-McGuire who , who at the time of his death in 2016 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant in emergency medicine at locations , including the Beacon Clinic , which has since named its A & E department after him .
The couple , who have no children , were very close and Ms Hyland-McGuire has been “ devastated ” by her husband ’ s death , her counsel Denis McCullough SC said on Tuesday .
Ms Hyland-McGuire , of Stonebridge Road , Rathmichael , Co Dublin , was entirely financially dependent on her husband and the case includes a claim for €2.8 million relating to loss of earnings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also claiming damages for nervous shock arising from his death .
The case is against Prof Des Winter , a general/laparoscopic and gastrointestinal surgeon attached to St Vincent ’ s Private Hospital ( SVPH ) , Merrion Road , Dublin 4 and St Vincent ’ s University Hospital ( SVUH ) and is also against both of those hospitals .
Opening the case , Mr McCullough said Dr Hyland McGuire was working at the Beacon Clinic in the hours before he admitted himself to SVPH on the night of July 28th 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with Prof Winter in which he described various symptoms including abdominal distention and fever and diagnosed himself as having a digestive tract disease .
He opted to be admitted to SVPH as an in-patient under the care of Prof Winter , counsel said .
When his wife left him at SVPH at about midnight , he had some discomfort but otherwise appeared clear and coherent , counsel said .
It seemed the deceased was not seen at all by Prof Winter during his time in the hospital , counsel said .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dizzy spell as a result of which an ECG was carried out at 5.23am .
The ECG unequivocally showed evidence of an acute inferior miocardial infarction or heart attack , counsel said .
Their case was that the defendants failed to take any or any appropriate action arising from the results of the ECG .
Nursing staff contacted Prof Winters about 6.27am requesting that Dr Hyland-McGuire be transferred to SVUH for urgent cardiac care but Prof Winters refused to sanction this at that stage and suggested a cardiac consultation later that morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.48am confirmed the findings of two earlier ECGs and the consultant cardiologist on call was contacted , leading to drugs being administered and Dr Hyland-McGuire being transferred to SVUH about 8am .
Dr Hyland-McGuire spoke to his wife by phone before being brought to the cath lab by 8.15am for an angiogram and attempted coronary intervention , counsel said .
Their case was that he should have been transferred to the nearest hospital for dealing with Percutaneous Coronary Interventions ( PCI ) , St James or the Mater , as SVUH had permanently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or around April 2015 .
Dr Hyland-McGuire developed cardiogenic shock about 8.40am and lost consciousness , counsel said .
Despite further attempts at resuscitation and coronary medical interventions , he was pronounced dead at 10.59am .
In separate defences , the defendants deny his death was caused or contributed to by any wrongdoing , negligence , breach of duty or breach of agreement on their part .
In his defence , Prof Winter says he had advised Dr Hyland-McGuire , during their phone conversation on the afternoon of July 28th , 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beacon Hospital for an evaluation and a CT scan and to attend either Blackrock Clinic or SVUH but the deceased declined those suggestions and advice .
He says the agreed plan was for Dr Hyland-McGuire to come and see him immediately in his clinic and have a CT scan performed but Dr Hyland-McGuire did not come and texted at 8.15pm stating he was still at work at the Beacon Clinic .
Prof Winter says he then left SVUH as he understood the deceased was declining a CT scan and clinic visit and deferring @ @ @

The widow of a deceased hospital consultant has sued two Dublin hospitals and a consultant alleging negligence in his care and treatment. File photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times.
The widow of a deceased hospital consultant has sued two Dublin hospitals and a consultant alleging negligence in his care and treatment.
Among various claims, Meraid Hyland-McGuire alleges failure to act appropriately in response to an electrocardiogram (ECG) carried out on Dr Patrick Hyland-McGuire (58) which indicated he had had a heart attack. Had there been an appropriate response, he would probably have survived, it is claimed.
Ms Hyland-McGuire was married for some 30 years to Dr Hyland-McGuire who, who at the time of his death in 2016 was earning some €500,000 a year as a consultant in emergency medicine at locations, including the Beacon Clinic, which has since named its A&E department after him.
The couple, who have no children, were very close and Ms Hyland-McGuire has been “devastated” by her husband’s death, her counsel Denis McCullough SC said on Tuesday.
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Ms Hyland-McGuire, of Stonebridge Road, Rathmichael, Co Dublin, was entirely financially dependent on her husband and the case includes a claim for €2.8 million relating to loss of earnings and opportunities, counsel outlined. She is also claiming damages for nervous shock arising from his death.
The case is against Prof Des Winter, a general/laparoscopic and gastrointestinal surgeon attached to St Vincent’s Private Hospital (SVPH), Merrion Road, Dublin 4 and St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) and is also against both of those hospitals.
Opening the case, Mr McCullough said Dr Hyland McGuire was working at the Beacon Clinic in the hours before he admitted himself to SVPH on the night of July 28th 2016.
Symptoms
Earlier that day, he had phone contact with Prof Winter in which he described various symptoms including abdominal distention and fever and diagnosed himself as having a digestive tract disease. He opted to be admitted to SVPH as an in-patient under the care of Prof Winter, counsel said.
When his wife left him at SVPH at about midnight, he had some discomfort but otherwise appeared clear and coherent, counsel said. It seemed the deceased was not seen at all by Prof Winter during his time in the hospital, counsel said.
At about 5am, Dr Hyland-McGuire experienced a dizzy spell as a result of which an ECG was carried out at 5.23am. The ECG unequivocally showed evidence of an acute inferior miocardial infarction or heart attack, counsel said.
Their case was that the defendants failed to take any or any appropriate action arising from the results of the ECG.
Nursing staff contacted Prof Winters about 6.27am requesting that Dr Hyland-McGuire be transferred to SVUH for urgent cardiac care but Prof Winters refused to sanction this at that stage and suggested a cardiac consultation later that morning, he said.
A third ECG at 6.48am confirmed the findings of two earlier ECGs and the consultant cardiologist on call was contacted, leading to drugs being administered and Dr Hyland-McGuire being transferred to SVUH about 8am.
Dr Hyland-McGuire spoke to his wife by phone before being brought to the cath lab by 8.15am for an angiogram and attempted coronary intervention, counsel said.
Transferred
Their case was that he should have been transferred to the nearest hospital for dealing with Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI), St James or the Mater, as SVUH had permanently ceased to have on-site PCI facilities in or around April 2015.
Dr Hyland-McGuire developed cardiogenic shock about 8.40am and lost consciousness, counsel said. Despite further attempts at resuscitation and coronary medical interventions, he was pronounced dead at 10.59am.
In separate defences, the defendants deny his death was caused or contributed to by any wrongdoing, negligence, breach of duty or breach of agreement on their part.
In his defence, Prof Winter says he had advised Dr Hyland-McGuire, during their phone conversation on the afternoon of July 28th, 2016, to attend the emergency department of the Beacon Hospital for an evaluation and a CT scan and to attend either Blackrock Clinic or SVUH but the deceased declined those suggestions and advice.
He says the agreed plan was for Dr Hyland-McGuire to come and see him immediately in his clinic and have a CT scan performed but Dr Hyland-McGuire did not come and texted at 8.15pm stating he was still at work at the Beacon Clinic.
Prof Winter says he then left SVUH as he understood the deceased was declining a CT scan and clinic visit and deferring his admission.
The case continues before Mr Justice Kevin Cross.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--President donates 700 books from his personal collection to libraries

President Michael D Higgins has said that if he was allowed one wish for Ireland ’ s children “ it would be that they would all have access to reading and access to a musical instrument and , possibly , to be able to swim ” .
“ Then you had the greatest equipment for life , ” he said .
Speaking at Cabra library in north Dublin on Tuesday as he donated an initial 700 books from his personal collection to the Public Library Service , Mr Higgins said reading had been very important in his life .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be read ” .
“ The best place for books is where they will be picked up and read by many people .
Our public libraries are a wonderful place for the sharing of ideas , allowing the writers to encourage creativity , and to share the ideas and concepts contained in the books , with their readers.
” Among the books donated to the library service are a number that Mr Higgins bought himself and others received as gifts from authors since he became President in 2011 .
Most of the books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrow at libraries throughout the country , while some of the personally inscribed books will be made available for reference .
A list of the books can be viewed at libraries.ie by searching for ‘ The President Michael D Higgins Collection ’ .

President Michael D. Higgins is donating his personal book collection to Dublin City Libraries. At an event in Cabra Library he made an initial donation of 700 copies from his collection, which will be added to annually. Video: Bryan O’Brien
President Michael D Higgins has said that if he was allowed one wish for Ireland's children "it would be that they would all have access to reading and access to a musical instrument and, possibly, to be able to swim".
“Then you had the greatest equipment for life,” he said.
Speaking at Cabra library in north Dublin on Tuesday as he donated an initial 700 books from his personal collection to the Public Library Service, Mr Higgins said reading had been very important in his life.
The President said books were “meant to be read”.
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“The best place for books is where they will be picked up and read by many people. Our public libraries are a wonderful place for the sharing of ideas, allowing the writers to encourage creativity, and to share the ideas and concepts contained in the books, with their readers.”
Among the books donated to the library service are a number that Mr Higgins bought himself and others received as gifts from authors since he became President in 2011.
Most of the books will be available to the public to borrow at libraries throughout the country, while some of the personally inscribed books will be made available for reference.
A list of the books can be viewed at libraries.ie by searching for 'The President Michael D Higgins Collection'.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Patricia O’Connor’s husband said he reported her missing knowing she was dead

A man whose wife ’ s dismembered remains were found scattered in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains has pleaded guilty to reporting her as a missing person , knowing she was already dead , a murder trial jury has been told .
The Central Criminal Court heard that Augustine ‘ Gus ’ O ’ Connor ( 75 ) of Mill Close , Glasheen , Stamullen , Co Meath was charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of an offender in October 2018 .
Det Insp Brian O ’ Keeffe told the jury that Mr O ’ Connor was originally part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began , he pleaded guilty to reporting his wife Patricia O ’ Connor as a missing person at Rathfarnham Garda station on June 1st , 2017 , when he knew she was already dead .
Father-of-three Kieran Greene ( 35 ) , has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs O ’ Connor ( 61 ) at her home in Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 .
The deceased ’ s daughter Louise O ’ Connor ( 41 ) and granddaughter Stephanie O ’ Connor ( 22 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , Dublin 14 , and Louise O ’ Connor ’ s ex-partner Keith Johnston ( 43 ) , of Avonbeg Gardens , Tallaght , Dublin 24 are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene , knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence , to wit the murder of Mrs O ’ Connor on May 29th , 2017 .
The trial has heard the body of Mrs O ’ Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations over a 30km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between June 10th and 14th , 2017 .
Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis has given evidence that Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s head was struck a minimum of three blows with a solid implement and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head .
Evidence has already been given to the jury that Mr O ’ Connor and the deceased ’ s son Richard O ’ Connor made a missing person report concerning Mrs O ’ Connor to gardai at Rathfarnham Garda station on June 1st , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pulse system .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe , a senior investigating officer in the case , was on Tuesday tendered by the prosecution at the request of defence counsel Conor Devally SC , for Mr Greene .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe agreed with Mr Devally that matters commenced with Mr Greene presenting himself at Rathfarnham Garda station on a voluntary basis on June 12th , 2017 to say that he was involved in the incident .
The witness said Mr Greene told gardaí that Mrs O ’ Connor had attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it resulted in her being injured and lying on the bathroom floor .
Mr Greene told gardai that he buried her in a shallow grave in Wexford and he was later arrested at the graveside , said Det Insp O ’ Keeffe .
Following this , Mr Greene was detained at a Garda station and interviewed on a more formal basis , he said .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe agreed with counsel that Mr Greene maintained he was the only participant involved in the physical altercation with Mrs O ’ Connor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing her body from Mountainview , driving her to Wexford , burying her and subsequently returning there to dismember her .
Mr Devally put it to the witness that his client stated in his interviews that he did not want the other people in the house to find out .
“ I recall a reference to the kids being safe , ” he replied .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe said gardaí spoke to Mr O ’ Connor on June 14th , 2017 because of the missing person report he had provided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Connor was arrested on suspicion of his involvement in his wife ’ s alleged murder on September 2nd , 2017 , said the witness , adding that he was questioned by gardai and subsequently released .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe agreed with Mr Devally that nothing in Mr Greene ’ s statements from June 12th and 13th , 2017 “ had given rise ” to anyone else being arrested .
However , Mr Greene made contact with gardai on December 6th , 2017 as he wished to speak to them about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended at Cloverhill Prison to meet with Mr Greene on December 9th , said the witness .
As a result of the December interview , “ more than a couple of steps were taken ” , said Det Insp O ’ Keeffe , including a search of the Dodder river where two hacksaws and an axe were found .
The witness agreed that this information was only obtained by Det Sgt Hanley as a result of meeting Mr Greene in Cloverhill Prison on December 9th and if it was not for this interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have searched the area .
Det Insp O ’ Keeffe further agreed that one of the hacksaws appeared to have human hair caught in the blade .
A warrant for the re-arrest of Mr Johnston for impeding a prosecution had also been sought as a result of the December interview , said the witness , adding that there were no other re-arrests .
Subsequent to that , the co-accused were charged with the offences they are now on trial for , he said .
Mr O ’ Connor was charged with impeding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 18th , 2018 , he said .
The witness agreed with counsel that Mr O ’ Connor had been part of this trial but on the first date it was listed for hearing , some weeks ago , he took “ a step ” which dispensed with the need to continue with his trial and pleaded guilty to reporting his wife missing on June 1st , 2017 , when he knew she was already dead , thereby impeding the apprehension of an offender .
Mr O ’ Connor was invited to react @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Greene , said Det Insp O ’ Keeffe .
Following this , prosecution counsel Roisin Lacey SC told the the jury that the prosecution had closed its case .
Defence barristers for each of the accused said they had applications to make to the court in the absence of the jury .
The trial has already heard that six months after he was charged with her murder , Mr Greene changed his account of killing and dismembering his partner ’ s mother .
The accused man told gardai on December 9th that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and felt he was being set-up , as his girlfriend Louise O ’ Connor subsequently started going back out with her ex-boyfriend Keith Johnston .
In the December interview , Mr Greene told interviewing detectives that Mrs O ’ Connor attacked him with a hurley .
He said Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s husband , Augustine ‘ Gus ’ O ’ Connor , came into the bathroom after he fell to the ground and gave out to his wife saying : “ What the f**k are you doing ?
” Mr Greene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hit Mr O ’ Connor with the hurley but missed and Mr O ’ Connor then hit his wife twice on the head with a crowbar before she fell on the bathroom floor .
Mr Greene told gardai that Mr O ’ Connor said to him at this point : “ I ’ m defending you so you can take the rap for this.
” Mr Greene told detectives that Mr O ’ Connor had killed his wife using the crowbar and he [ Mr Greene ] had taken the blame .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O ’ Connor disguising herself as Patricia O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O ’ Connor was dead .
Stephanie O ’ Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie ’ s , Mr Price , B & Q and Shoe Zone , Tallaght , Dublin 24 on June 9 , 2017 , which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O ’ Connor .
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 between May 31st , 2017 and June 9th , 2017 , in order to destroy or conceal any evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Connor .
Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked the jury of six men and six women to return on Wednesday at 12pm .

A man whose wife's dismembered remains were found scattered in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains has pleaded guilty to reporting her as a missing person, knowing she was already dead, a murder trial jury has been told.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor (75) of Mill Close,Glasheen, Stamullen, Co Meath was charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of an offender in October 2018.
Det Insp Brian O'Keeffe told the jury that Mr O'Connor was originally part of the trial but shortly before it began, he pleaded guilty to reporting his wife Patricia O'Connor as a missing person at Rathfarnham Garda station on June 1st, 2017, when he knew she was already dead.
Father-of-three Kieran Greene (35), has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mrs O'Connor (61) at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017.
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The deceased's daughter Louise O'Connor (41) and granddaughter Stephanie O'Connor (22), both of Millmount Court, Dundrum Road, Dublin 14, and Louise O'Connor's ex-partner Keith Johnston (43), of Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, Dublin 24 are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Mrs O'Connor on May 29th, 2017.
The trial has heard the body of Mrs O’Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations over a 30km range in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10th and 14th, 2017.
Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis has given evidence that Mrs O'Connor's head was struck a minimum of three blows with a solid implement and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Missing report
Evidence has already been given to the jury that Mr O’Connor and the deceased’s son Richard O’Connor made a missing person report concerning Mrs O’Connor to gardai at Rathfarnham Garda station on June 1st, 2017 and her details were entered into the Pulse system.
Det Insp O’Keeffe, a senior investigating officer in the case, was on Tuesday tendered by the prosecution at the request of defence counsel Conor Devally SC, for Mr Greene.
Det Insp O'Keeffe agreed with Mr Devally that matters commenced with Mr Greene presenting himself at Rathfarnham Garda station on a voluntary basis on June 12th, 2017 to say that he was involved in the incident.
The witness said Mr Greene told gardaí that Mrs O'Connor had attacked him in the bathroom on May 29th and it resulted in her being injured and lying on the bathroom floor. Mr Greene told gardai that he buried her in a shallow grave in Wexford and he was later arrested at the graveside, said Det Insp O'Keeffe. Following this, Mr Greene was detained at a Garda station and interviewed on a more formal basis, he said.
Det Insp O’Keeffe agreed with counsel that Mr Greene maintained he was the only participant involved in the physical altercation with Mrs O’Connor and said he had acted alone in removing her body from Mountainview, driving her to Wexford, burying her and subsequently returning there to dismember her.
Mr Devally put it to the witness that his client stated in his interviews that he did not want the other people in the house to find out. “I recall a reference to the kids being safe,” he replied.
Det Insp O’Keeffe said gardaí spoke to Mr O’Connor on June 14th, 2017 because of the missing person report he had provided to them on June 1st.
Mr O’Connor was arrested on suspicion of his involvement in his wife’s alleged murder on September 2nd, 2017, said the witness, adding that he was questioned by gardai and subsequently released.
Det Insp O’Keeffe agreed with Mr Devally that nothing in Mr Greene’s statements from June 12th and 13th, 2017 “had given rise” to anyone else being arrested.
However, Mr Greene made contact with gardai on December 6th, 2017 as he wished to speak to them about the case. Detective Sergeant Brian Hanley attended at Cloverhill Prison to meet with Mr Greene on December 9th, said the witness.
As a result of the December interview, “more than a couple of steps were taken”, said Det Insp O’Keeffe, including a search of the Dodder river where two hacksaws and an axe were found. The witness agreed that this information was only obtained by Det Sgt Hanley as a result of meeting Mr Greene in Cloverhill Prison on December 9th and if it was not for this interview with Mr Greene, gardai would not have searched the area. Det Insp O’Keeffe further agreed that one of the hacksaws appeared to have human hair caught in the blade.
A warrant for the re-arrest of Mr Johnston for impeding a prosecution had also been sought as a result of the December interview, said the witness, adding that there were no other re-arrests.
Pleaded guilty
Subsequent to that, the co-accused were charged with the offences they are now on trial for, he said. Mr O’Connor was charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of an offender on October 18th, 2018, he said.
The witness agreed with counsel that Mr O’Connor had been part of this trial but on the first date it was listed for hearing, some weeks ago, he took “a step” which dispensed with the need to continue with his trial and pleaded guilty to reporting his wife missing on June 1st, 2017, when he knew she was already dead, thereby impeding the apprehension of an offender.
Mr O’Connor was invited to react to what was said about him by Mr Greene, said Det Insp O’Keeffe.
Following this, prosecution counsel Roisin Lacey SC told the the jury that the prosecution had closed its case. Defence barristers for each of the accused said they had applications to make to the court in the absence of the jury.
The trial has already heard that six months after he was charged with her murder, Mr Greene changed his account of killing and dismembering his partner’s mother.
The accused man told gardai on December 9th that he had taken “the rap” and felt he was being set-up, as his girlfriend Louise O’Connor subsequently started going back out with her ex-boyfriend Keith Johnston.
Attack with hurley
In the December interview, Mr Greene told interviewing detectives that Mrs O’Connor attacked him with a hurley. He said Mrs O’Connor’s husband, Augustine ‘Gus’ O’Connor, came into the bathroom after he fell to the ground and gave out to his wife saying: “What the f**k are you doing?”
Mr Greene maintained that Mrs O’Connor tried to hit Mr O’Connor with the hurley but missed and Mr O’Connor then hit his wife twice on the head with a crowbar before she fell on the bathroom floor. Mr Greene told gardai that Mr O’Connor said to him at this point: “I’m defending you so you can take the rap for this.” Mr Greene told detectives that Mr O’Connor had killed his wife using the crowbar and he [Mr Greene] had taken the blame.
Mother-of-five Louise O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O’Connor disguising herself as Patricia O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O’Connor was dead.
Stephanie O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O’Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 at a point in time after her murder on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that she was already dead.
Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q and Shoe Zone, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on June 9, 2017, which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O'Connor.
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 between May 31st, 2017 and June 9th, 2017, in order to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O’Connor.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott asked the jury of six men and six women to return on Wednesday at 12pm.


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Brian Cowen ‘hopes to walk again’ soon after having stroke last July

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen is slowly recovering from a stroke and suspected bleed on the brain he suffered last July and “ hopes to walk again ” soon , his wife Mary Cowen has said .
Mr Cowen ( 60 ) fell ill last summer and spent five months in St Vincent ’ s Hospital receiving treatment .
However , his wife Mrs Cowen said the former Fianna Fáil leader has now been moved from a hospital setting into a rehabilitation centre and hopes to return home in the near future .
Speaking to radio station Midlands 103 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mrs Cowen said her husband was making “ slow and steady progress ” .
“ He ’ s beginning to see progress now himself , which is very encouraging for him , whereas we ’ ve seen progress before him because we ’ ve been with him from day one when he was very seriously ill , ” she said .
“ He ’ s very encouraged by what he ’ s doing at the moment , he ’ s very determined and hopes to walk again and get out and come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband was not feeling well a couple of days prior to the stroke .
He was due to see a consultant at the Beacon hospital on July 4th last .
“ When he got there he was admitted , they were going to do a procedure on him the next day which was an everyday procedure .
It wasn ’ t anything out of the ordinary .
That night , Brian collapsed and he had a very bad stroke and a very bad bleed to the brain , ” she said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital where Mrs Cowen said he was resuscitated and then transferred to ICU .
Mrs Cowen said the past seven months had been a very difficult time for the family and she thanked the public for their support and good wishes .
Mr and Mrs Cowen ’ s daughter , Sinead , said the family has been encouraged by the progress her father is making .
“ He ’ s been inspirational , really , in his determination to get better and that ’ s made it a lot easier for us .
@

The former Taoiseach Brian Cowen is making “slow and steady progress”, his wife said. File photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Former taoiseach Brian Cowen is slowly recovering from a stroke and suspected bleed on the brain he suffered last July and "hopes to walk again" soon, his wife Mary Cowen has said.
Mr Cowen (60) fell ill last summer and spent five months in St Vincent’s Hospital receiving treatment.
However, his wife Mrs Cowen said the former Fianna Fáil leader has now been moved from a hospital setting into a rehabilitation centre and hopes to return home in the near future.
Speaking to radio station Midlands 103 at the Laois-Offaly general election count over the weekend, Mrs Cowen said her husband was making “slow and steady progress”.
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“He’s beginning to see progress now himself, which is very encouraging for him, whereas we’ve seen progress before him because we’ve been with him from day one when he was very seriously ill,” she said.
“He’s very encouraged by what he’s doing at the moment, he’s very determined and hopes to walk again and get out and come home soon.”
Mrs Cowen said her husband was not feeling well a couple of days prior to the stroke. He was due to see a consultant at the Beacon hospital on July 4th last.
“When he got there he was admitted, they were going to do a procedure on him the next day which was an everyday procedure. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. That night, Brian collapsed and he had a very bad stroke and a very bad bleed to the brain,” she said.
He was transferred to St Vincent’s Hospital where Mrs Cowen said he was resuscitated and then transferred to ICU.
Mrs Cowen said the past seven months had been a very difficult time for the family and she thanked the public for their support and good wishes.
Mr and Mrs Cowen’s daughter, Sinead, said the family has been encouraged by the progress her father is making.
“He’s been inspirational, really, in his determination to get better and that’s made it a lot easier for us.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-11--Mannix Flynn challenges homeless hub plan for Dublin’s Aungier Street

Dublin city councillor Mannix Flynn has been given permission by the High Court to seek to quash a decision to develop a family hub for the homeless off Aungier Street .
The challenge is over the city council ’ s plan , in partnership with the Peter McVerry Trust , to convert a former tourist hostel at Avalon House on Whitefriar Street into a hub containing 25 individual family units .
The council ’ s original plan was for an emergency hostel for single people but , the court heard , that was dropped following local opposition and replaced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the council failed to follow legal requirements in proceeding with the plan or to comply with planning legislation .
He argues it was done without any form of oversight , planning control or notification to interested parties .
He says the council also failed to comply with its own development plan including a provision that here should not be an over concentration of institutional type facilities in the one area in order not to have a detrimental effect on a community .
There are seven other institutional type facilities within an 800m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Prison ” in Aungier Street , the Salvation Army in Longford Street Little and the supervised injection facility at the Merchants Quay food and drug outreach service , he says .
There were rumours about a homeless hostel proposal during the summer but it was only as a result of questions asked by him that information about the council entering into a lease with the McVerry Trust came into the public domain , he claims .
The lease is to be for 20 years at a cost of €2 million per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the council and the McVerry Trust “ has at all times been characterised by secrecy ” , an absence of transparency and a failure to notify interested parties about decisions with a potential impact on their interests and rights , Cllr Flynn says in an affidavit .
The failure to disclose information and properly notify an elected representative for the area was “ a peculiar and disturbing feature ” of the matter , Cllr Flynn ’ s lawyer Paul Gallagher SC told the court when seeking leave to bring the challenge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plight of the homeless , this proposal was without transparency or any notification in circumstances where the facility would place additional demands on local services particularly as there are so many other facilities in the nearby area , counsel said .
A brief meeting of residents and representatives took place at short notice in December with city officials but there was no opportunity to be heard or make submissions , counsel said .
Subsequently , Pat Doyle , chief executive of the McVerry Trust wrote an open letter saying it had been decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one for a family hub following feedback from the community .
He also said the hub service would be delivered with “ the minimum impact on people living or working in the local area.
” Mr Gallagher said it was his client ’ s case the council is obliged to “ obey the law like everyone else ” and that he got no notice of the proposal in any capacity or that the previous emergency hostel plan had been abandoned .
The plan is “ opposed by the overwhelming majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
It was also argued that the lack of transparency in making the decision is a breach of fair procedures .
Mr Justice Charles Meenan was satisfied arguable and substantial grounds had been made out to grant leave to bring judicial review .
He said the background to this application was the homeless crisis which is “ probably the most serious social crisis facing the authorities ” .
While he had not doubt about the commitment of the council , and the McVerry Trust as notice party , to trying to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done in accordance with the rights of all those involved which necessarily involves a degree of consultation and the opportunity to make submissions .
The council could argue under planning legislation the decision was necessary to deal urgently with the homeless situation and for that reason he said the case should come back in two weeks time .

Dublin city councillor Mannix Flynn has been given permission by the High Court to seek to quash a decision to develop a family hub for the homeless off Aungier Street. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times.
Dublin city councillor Mannix Flynn has been given permission by the High Court to seek to quash a decision to develop a family hub for the homeless off Aungier Street.
The challenge is over the city council’s plan, in partnership with the Peter McVerry Trust, to convert a former tourist hostel at Avalon House on Whitefriar Street into a hub containing 25 individual family units.
The council’s original plan was for an emergency hostel for single people but, the court heard, that was dropped following local opposition and replaced with a family hub proposal.
Cllr Flynn says the council failed to follow legal requirements in proceeding with the plan or to comply with planning legislation. He argues it was done without any form of oversight, planning control or notification to interested parties.
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He says the council also failed to comply with its own development plan including a provision that here should not be an over concentration of institutional type facilities in the one area in order not to have a detrimental effect on a community.
There are seven other institutional type facilities within an 800m radius of Avalon House including “Care After Prison” in Aungier Street, the Salvation Army in Longford Street Little and the supervised injection facility at the Merchants Quay food and drug outreach service, he says.
Questions
There were rumours about a homeless hostel proposal during the summer but it was only as a result of questions asked by him that information about the council entering into a lease with the McVerry Trust came into the public domain, he claims. The lease is to be for 20 years at a cost of €2 million per year, he says.
The process adopted by the council and the McVerry Trust “has at all times been characterised by secrecy”, an absence of transparency and a failure to notify interested parties about decisions with a potential impact on their interests and rights, Cllr Flynn says in an affidavit.
The failure to disclose information and properly notify an elected representative for the area was “a peculiar and disturbing feature” of the matter, Cllr Flynn’s lawyer Paul Gallagher SC told the court when seeking leave to bring the challenge.
While Cllr Flynn is concerned about the plight of the homeless, this proposal was without transparency or any notification in circumstances where the facility would place additional demands on local services particularly as there are so many other facilities in the nearby area, counsel said.
A brief meeting of residents and representatives took place at short notice in December with city officials but there was no opportunity to be heard or make submissions, counsel said.
Subsequently, Pat Doyle, chief executive of the McVerry Trust wrote an open letter saying it had been decided to change the original homeless hostel plan to one for a family hub following feedback from the community. He also said the hub service would be delivered with “the minimum impact on people living or working in the local area.”
Abandoned
Mr Gallagher said it was his client’s case the council is obliged to “obey the law like everyone else” and that he got no notice of the proposal in any capacity or that the previous emergency hostel plan had been abandoned.
The plan is “opposed by the overwhelming majority of the business and residential community,” counsel said.
It was also argued that the lack of transparency in making the decision is a breach of fair procedures.
Mr Justice Charles Meenan was satisfied arguable and substantial grounds had been made out to grant leave to bring judicial review.
He said the background to this application was the homeless crisis which is “probably the most serious social crisis facing the authorities”.
While he had not doubt about the commitment of the council, and the McVerry Trust as notice party, to trying to deal with that issue, it does have to be done in accordance with the rights of all those involved which necessarily involves a degree of consultation and the opportunity to make submissions.
The council could argue under planning legislation the decision was necessary to deal urgently with the homeless situation and for that reason he said the case should come back in two weeks time.