theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Confusion at the Border as things are open on one side and closed on the other

In Blacklion , Co Cavan , Neven Maguire has closed his restaurant because of coronavirus ; in Belcoo , Co Fermanagh , “ 30 seconds over the Border , the pubs are open ” .
“ Surreal , ” is how Maguire describes it .
He is chef proprietor of the award-winning MacNean House and Restaurant , which employs 75 people in the small Cavan village .
On Sunday night he gathered his staff and broke the news .
“ I ’ m heartbroken , ” he says .
“ It was one of the most emotional days we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t an easy call to make , but we want people to stay healthy , that ’ s the bigger picture , and people understand that .
“ The staff are very sad , but we will get through this , and we will reopen .
I said to them , ‘ this isn ’ t goodbye , this is good luck and take care of yourself and each other ’ .
” He is one of many in the Republic who have made that decision .
On Sunday the Government called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,000 pubs until at least the end of March ; on Monday morning the Restaurants Association of Ireland appealed to the Government to shut the sector down “ in the best interests of public health ” .
“ Blacklion is like a ghost town , ” says Maguire .
“ We are so close to the Border , it ’ s defeating the purpose of closing everything on one side if everything ’ s open on the other .
There are parents living in Cavan whose children go to school in the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to school today.
” On the Northern side of the Border other parents are making that same decision .
Catherine Doran ’ s daughters Charlotte ( 9 ) and Lucy ( 6 ) should have been in school in Drumahoe , Co Derry , on Monday .
Instead they are at home “ doing maths homework , not watching TV or playing computer games ” , Ms Doran emphasises .
Ms Doran has MS. She is currently well , but is on medication which lowers her immune system .
“ Nobody knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out with people with MS , so you just have to make the best choices you can .
“ We made a considered decision which we felt was sensible for us .
We ’ re two miles away from a different decision [ in the Republic of Ireland ] , and two miles feels too little.
” The North ’ s education minister , the DUP ’ s Peter Weir , has stressed in recent days that it is not yet time to close schools in the North .
In a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would “ not be giving weight to popular opinion on social media as regards Covid-19 but instead will be following the expert clinical advice provided to me ” .
Yet the voices to the contrary are growing .
The SDLP and Sinn Féin have both called for schools to be closed , as has the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland , Archbishop Eamon Martin .
A number of schools have taken their own steps .
The principal of Lisneal College in Derry , Michael Allen , wrote to parents to explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponed ” to allow teachers time to prepare for any potential closure .
“ It is evident that our political leadership can not even agree on the best way forward , ” he wrote .
“ The current situation we face is like no other I have seen in my lifetime .
My priorities at the moment are to protect vulnerable children , staff and family members , and to prepare learning resources for our pupils.
” Others have also been making their own decisions .
Some councils have closed leisure centres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and community centres in Border areas have chosen to close , and the Belfast marathon has been postponed .
On the list of closures is the Museum of Free Derry in the city ’ s Bogside .
Manager Maeve McLaughlin is a former Sinn Féin MLA who was chair of the Stormont health committee .
She felt they had no choice but to shut to protect staff and visitors .
“ The last few days we ’ ve been glued to news reports and social media reports , and trying to make our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , and trying to do our own risk assessments and get in place remote working action plans and all of that .
“ There ’ s no doubt there ’ s confusion .
I ’ m someone who works in Derry and lives in Donegal , and I can see that people are stepping up and taking on their own responsibilities and attempting to show leadership in the best way they can .
It ’ s a difficult situation.
” This applies on both sides of the Border .
Adrian Grant is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Buncrana , Co Donegal .
At home he has watched people “ making massive sacrifices to stay indoors as much as possible and not to go out unless it ’ s essential ” .
It is for this reason that he has chosen to work from home rather than travel to work in Northern Ireland .
“ I just don ’ t think it ’ s advisable .
I think you have a social responsibility to make sure you ’ re not spreading it.
” James Huey agrees .
He is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derry , a restaurant and on-site brewery .
It is among a number of pubs and restaurants in the city which have chosen to close .
“ We had a really busy weekend but it just didn ’ t feel right to me to think that one of our customers or staff could get coronavirus just by being here .
“ It ’ s almost like two different sides of the world in terms of what ’ s going on down South compared to what ’ s going on here .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not helping .
You ’ d think we ’ d all be on the same page , but we ’ re not .
”

In Blacklion, Co Cavan, Neven Maguire has closed his restaurant because of coronavirus; in Belcoo, Co Fermanagh, "30 seconds over the Border, the pubs are open".
“Surreal,” is how Maguire describes it. He is chef proprietor of the award-winning MacNean House and Restaurant, which employs 75 people in the small Cavan village. On Sunday night he gathered his staff and broke the news.
“I’m heartbroken,” he says. “It was one of the most emotional days we’ve ever had. It wasn’t an easy call to make, but we want people to stay healthy, that’s the bigger picture, and people understand that.
“The staff are very sad, but we will get through this, and we will reopen. I said to them, ‘this isn’t goodbye, this is good luck and take care of yourself and each other’.”
READ MORE
He is one of many in the Republic who have made that decision. On Sunday the Government called for the closure of the State's 7,000 pubs until at least the end of March; on Monday morning the Restaurants Association of Ireland appealed to the Government to shut the sector down "in the best interests of public health".
“Blacklion is like a ghost town,” says Maguire. “We are so close to the Border, it’s defeating the purpose of closing everything on one side if everything’s open on the other. There are parents living in Cavan whose children go to school in the North, and they didn’t send them to school today.”
On the Northern side of the Border other parents are making that same decision. Catherine Doran’s daughters Charlotte (9) and Lucy (6) should have been in school in Drumahoe, Co Derry, on Monday. Instead they are at home “doing maths homework, not watching TV or playing computer games”, Ms Doran emphasises.
Ms Doran has MS. She is currently well, but is on medication which lowers her immune system. “Nobody knows how it’s going to play out with people with MS, so you just have to make the best choices you can.
“We made a considered decision which we felt was sensible for us. We’re two miles away from a different decision [in the Republic of Ireland], and two miles feels too little.”
The North's education minister, the DUP's Peter Weir, has stressed in recent days that it is not yet time to close schools in the North. In a letter to principals on Monday, he said he would "not be giving weight to popular opinion on social media as regards Covid-19 but instead will be following the expert clinical advice provided to me" .
Yet the voices to the contrary are growing. The SDLP and Sinn Féin have both called for schools to be closed, as has the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Classes
A number of schools have taken their own steps. The principal of Lisneal College in Derry, Michael Allen, wrote to parents to explain that classes on Monday would be "postponed" to allow teachers time to prepare for any potential closure.
“It is evident that our political leadership cannot even agree on the best way forward,” he wrote. “The current situation we face is like no other I have seen in my lifetime. My priorities at the moment are to protect vulnerable children, staff and family members, and to prepare learning resources for our pupils.”
Others have also been making their own decisions. Some councils have closed leisure centres, civic offices and public buildings; businesses and community centres in Border areas have chosen to close, and the Belfast marathon has been postponed.
On the list of closures is the Museum of Free Derry in the city’s Bogside. Manager Maeve McLaughlin is a former Sinn Féin MLA who was chair of the Stormont health committee. She felt they had no choice but to shut to protect staff and visitors.
“The last few days we’ve been glued to news reports and social media reports, and trying to make our own judgements with our directors and our staff, and trying to do our own risk assessments and get in place remote working action plans and all of that.
"There's no doubt there's confusion. I'm someone who works in Derry and lives in Donegal, and I can see that people are stepping up and taking on their own responsibilities and attempting to show leadership in the best way they can. It's a difficult situation."
This applies on both sides of the Border. Adrian Grant is a lecturer at Ulster University who lives in Buncrana, Co Donegal. At home he has watched people "making massive sacrifices to stay indoors as much as possible and not to go out unless it's essential".
It is for this reason that he has chosen to work from home rather than travel to work in Northern Ireland. "I just don't think it's advisable. I think you have a social responsibility to make sure you're not spreading it."
Chosen to close
James Huey agrees. He is the co-owner of the Walled City Brewery in Derry, a restaurant and on-site brewery. It is among a number of pubs and restaurants in the city which have chosen to close.
“We had a really busy weekend but it just didn’t feel right to me to think that one of our customers or staff could get coronavirus just by being here.
“It’s almost like two different sides of the world in terms of what’s going on down South compared to what’s going on here. There’s so much confusion and, really, it’s not helping. You’d think we’d all be on the same page, but we’re not.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Retailers introduce dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable

Some Irish retailers have moved to protect vulnerable customers by creating dedicated periods when access to their store is restricted to older customers and carers in bid to reduce the risk of them contracting Covid-19 .
From Tuesday , Lidl Ireland will introduce dedicated shopping mornings between 9am and 11am for elderly customers until further notice .
The retailer is asking the public to respect this time period .
The aim is to allow vulnerable customers shop for the food and supplies they need when there a minimal number of customers in the store .
The initiative will include prioritised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our top priority is to continue to support the towns and communities we serve across the country , while ensuring the health and safety of our team during this challenging time , ” said Lidl ’ s managing director JP Scally .
“ We ’ re confident in our robust and agile supply chain , and all of our stores are continuing to receive daily deliveries as planned .
“ However , we have seen stronger customer numbers in recent days and as members of the public , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable in society in these challenging times , ” he continued .
“ We ask that our customers be considerate and responsible when shopping with us and respect this new measure we are introducing to support the elderly , as there is enough stock in our supply chain for everyone.
’ Tesco Ireland has also announced measures to help those most in need .
It is offering over 65-year olds and family carers dedicated times for them to shop .
Every Monday , Wednesday and Friday , starting this Wednesday 18th March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Tesco stores up to 9am .
Tesco stores open at 7am or 8am , every morning , depending on location .
Kari Daniels , chief executive , Tesco Ireland said the retailer recognised that people over 65 and family carers who are looking after vulnerable family members at home , have specific needs during this time .
“ In liaison with the HSE and following discussions with Age Action Ireland and Family Carers Ireland , together we agreed that this is the right thing to do , at this time .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us at any time , we hope that offering this dedicated time will give these customers some peace of mind during their shopping trip with us .
We would ask that all our other customers understand and support this initiative to help protect those most in need at this time , ” Ms Daniels added .
Family Carers Ireland welcome the initiative and said they hoped “ it will give family carers and their loved ones some reassurance in terms of minimising contact risks during this crisis which is impacting on all in @ @ @ @

A file image of empty shelves in a Tesco store in Dublin last week. Retailers have insisted that their supply chains remain robust. Photograph: PA
Some Irish retailers have moved to protect vulnerable customers by creating dedicated periods when access to their store is restricted to older customers and carers in bid to reduce the risk of them contracting Covid-19.
From Tuesday, Lidl Ireland will introduce dedicated shopping mornings between 9am and 11am for elderly customers until further notice.
The retailer is asking the public to respect this time period.
The aim is to allow vulnerable customers shop for the food and supplies they need when there a minimal number of customers in the store.
READ MORE
The initiative will include prioritised queuing and additional assistance during these times.
“Our top priority is to continue to support the towns and communities we serve across the country, while ensuring the health and safety of our team during this challenging time,” said Lidl’s managing director JP Scally.
“We’re confident in our robust and agile supply chain, and all of our stores are continuing to receive daily deliveries as planned.
“However, we have seen stronger customer numbers in recent days and as members of the public, it’s our responsibility to look after the more vulnerable in society in these challenging times,” he continued.
“We ask that our customers be considerate and responsible when shopping with us and respect this new measure we are introducing to support the elderly, as there is enough stock in our supply chain for everyone.’
Tesco Ireland has also announced measures to help those most in need. It is offering over 65-year olds and family carers dedicated times for them to shop.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting this Wednesday 18th March, these customers will have dedicated access to all Tesco stores up to 9am. Tesco stores open at 7am or 8am, every morning, depending on location.
Kari Daniels, chief executive, Tesco Ireland said the retailer recognised that people over 65 and family carers who are looking after vulnerable family members at home, have specific needs during this time.
“In liaison with the HSE and following discussions with Age Action Ireland and Family Carers Ireland, together we agreed that this is the right thing to do, at this time.
“While these customers can obviously shop with us at any time, we hope that offering this dedicated time will give these customers some peace of mind during their shopping trip with us. We would ask that all our other customers understand and support this initiative to help protect those most in need at this time,” Ms Daniels added.
Family Carers Ireland welcome the initiative and said they hoped “it will give family carers and their loved ones some reassurance in terms of minimising contact risks during this crisis which is impacting on all in our society.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Kerins damages case adjourned on consent at High Court

Proceedings by former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins seeking damages over her treatment by the Dáil Public Accounts Committee at hearings in 2014 have been adjourned at the High Court to next month .
Ms Kerins ’ s action against the Dáil and State was listed for further case management before High Court president Mr justice Peter Kelly on Monday but , in an email , the parties communicated they had agreed to have it adjourned on consent to April 20th .
Ms Kerins ’ s action was initiated in 2014 and the first module concerned whether the courts had jurisdiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In its judgment on that module in January 2017 , a three-judge High Court was strongly critical of the PAC ’ s treatment of Ms Kerins but concluded , because of the constitutional separation of powers , the courts could not intervene .
Ms Kerins appealed to the Supreme Court which , in a landmark judgment , found the PAC acted unlawfully in its treatment of Ms Kerins in acting outside its terms of reference and of its invitation to Ms Kerins to appear before it .
It granted a declaration to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any further dispute between the sides , including about damages , should be decided in the first instance by the High Court .
It could not be assumed there was an entitlement to damages and any such claim raised “ novel ” issues of law , it said .
The second leg of Ms Kerins ’ s case involves claims for misfeasance in public office , breach of constitutional rights and damages .
She wants substantial damages over her treatment before the PAC when she was questioned by some members about matters including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other Rehab officials .
She has described her treatment as a “ witchhunt ” and says it led to an attempt by her to take her own life and significant financial loss , including of her annual salary , bonuses and company car with Rehab from the time of her resignation in 2014 to retirement age .
She is also expected to claim over the impact of her resignation on her pension .

Proceedings by former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins seeking damages over her treatment by the Dáil Public Accounts Committee at hearings in 2014 have been adjourned at the High Court to next month.
Ms Kerins’s action against the Dáil and State was listed for further case management before High Court president Mr justice Peter Kelly on Monday but, in an email, the parties communicated they had agreed to have it adjourned on consent to April 20th. Ms Kerins’s action was initiated in 2014 and the first module concerned whether the courts had jurisdiction to interfere with hearings before Oireachtas Committees. In its judgment on that module in January 2017, a three-judge High Court was strongly critical of the PAC’s treatment of Ms Kerins but concluded, because of the constitutional separation of powers, the courts could not intervene.
Ms Kerins appealed to the Supreme Court which, in a landmark judgment, found the PAC acted unlawfully in its treatment of Ms Kerins in acting outside its terms of reference and of its invitation to Ms Kerins to appear before it. It granted a declaration to that effect against the Dáil and said any further dispute between the sides, including about damages, should be decided in the first instance by the High Court.
It could not be assumed there was an entitlement to damages and any such claim raised “novel” issues of law, it said. The second leg of Ms Kerins’s case involves claims for misfeasance in public office, breach of constitutional rights and damages. She wants substantial damages over her treatment before the PAC when she was questioned by some members about matters including her €240,000 annual salary and the salaries of other Rehab officials. She has described her treatment as a “witchhunt” and says it led to an attempt by her to take her own life and significant financial loss, including of her annual salary, bonuses and company car with Rehab from the time of her resignation in 2014 to retirement age. She is also expected to claim over the impact of her resignation on her pension.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Family of man who died after arrest awarded €117,000

The family of a 39-year-old father of three who died after being arrested 10 years ago has settled their High Court action for a total of €117,000 .
John Nevin , who had barricaded himself into a house in Co Tipperary , was taken into custody by gardaí .
He later became unwell and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead .
The State pathologist had concluded the cause of death was acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication .
Approving the settlement in the High Court on Monday , Mr Justice Garrett Simons said it was a tragic case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of circumstances , where Mr Nevin had unfortunately taken a “ very dangerous ” concoction of alcohol and anti-depressant medication .
The judge said he had huge sympathy for the Nevin family who obviously have a grievance against the gardaí but there was a real risk , should the case go to trial , given the liability situation .
John O ’ Donnell SC , for the family , earlier outlined that Mr Nevin had barricaded himself into the bedroom of his house at Templetuohy on April 24th , 2010 and was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were significant difficulties with liability in the case and the inquest into Mr Nevin ’ s death made clear the cause of death was not as a result of the arrested man being in the garda car or in custody at the station .
The State pathologist had concluded the cause of death was acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication .
Mr Nevin ’ s widow , Margaret Nevin , Dalton Park , Mullingar , Co Westmeath and his father John Nevin Snr , Mountfing , Urlingford , Co Kilkenny had taken proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda Commissioner and the State in relation to Mr Nevin ’ s death .
They alleged negligence in allegedly failing to secure the attendance at the scene of a suitably qualified person known to the deceased .
It was also alleged there was failure to honour an agreement reached by Garda negotiators thereby reducing the possibility of a peaceful resolution at the house .
It was claimed Mr Nevin had been brought to the Garda station instead of directly to hospital and there was failure to summons appropriate medical assistance in a timely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the defendants pleaded all reasonable care had been taken in the circumstances .
It was further contended the death of Mr Nevin was due to acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication .

The family of a 39-year-old father of three who died after being arrested 10 years ago has settled their High Court action for a total of €117,000.
John Nevin, who had barricaded himself into a house in Co Tipperary, was taken into custody by gardaí. He later became unwell and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The State pathologist had concluded the cause of death was acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication.
Approving the settlement in the High Court on Monday, Mr Justice Garrett Simons said it was a tragic case arising out of a very sad set of circumstances, where Mr Nevin had unfortunately taken a “very dangerous” concoction of alcohol and anti-depressant medication.
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The judge said he had huge sympathy for the Nevin family who obviously have a grievance against the gardaí but there was a real risk, should the case go to trial, given the liability situation.
John O’Donnell SC, for the family, earlier outlined that Mr Nevin had barricaded himself into the bedroom of his house at Templetuohy on April 24th, 2010 and was arrested after a four-hour stand-off.
Counsel said there were significant difficulties with liability in the case and the inquest into Mr Nevin’s death made clear the cause of death was not as a result of the arrested man being in the garda car or in custody at the station. The State pathologist had concluded the cause of death was acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication.
Mr Nevin’s widow, Margaret Nevin, Dalton Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath and his father John Nevin Snr, Mountfing, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny had taken proceedings on behalf of the family against the Garda Commissioner and the State in relation to Mr Nevin’s death.
They alleged negligence in allegedly failing to secure the attendance at the scene of a suitably qualified person known to the deceased. It was also alleged there was failure to honour an agreement reached by Garda negotiators thereby reducing the possibility of a peaceful resolution at the house.
It was claimed Mr Nevin had been brought to the Garda station instead of directly to hospital and there was failure to summons appropriate medical assistance in a timely manner.
Liability was denied in full and the defendants pleaded all reasonable care had been taken in the circumstances. It was further contended the death of Mr Nevin was due to acute alcohol and citalopram intoxication.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Share your Covid-19 story: Have you lost your job or business?

An estimated 140,000 people have already lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 crisis , with another 200,000 retail jobs @ @ @ @ @ If you are an employee who has lost their job , a self-employed person whose @ @ @ @ @ , or a business owner who has had to let people go or are worried @ @ @ @ @ Irish Times would like to hear from you .
Have you applied for an emergency @ @ @ @ @ you worried about paying bills , rent , or mortgages ?
Do you think enough @ @ @ @ @ those who have lost their jobs , or struggling businesses ?
You can use this @ @ @ @ @ ( max 200 words ) .
You can attach a photograph of yourself if you @ @ @ @ @ like to remain anonymous , please indicate this in your submission .
A selection of @ @ @ @ @ and/or in print .

An estimated 140,000 people have already lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 crisis, with another 200,000 retail jobs in jeopardy this week.
If you are an employee who has lost their job, a self-employed person whose income has rapidly dried up, or a business owner who has had to let people go or are worried about the future, The Irish Times would like to hear from you. Have you applied for an emergency social welfare payment? Are you worried about paying bills, rent, or mortgages? Do you think enough is being done to support those who have lost their jobs, or struggling businesses?
You can use this form to submit your experiences (max 200 words).
You can attach a photograph of yourself if you wish.
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If you would like to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission.
A selection of responses may be published online and/or in print.
Thank you.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Social media helpers join forces in north Wicklow

Communities across north Co Wicklow are using social media to connect and support those in self-isolation or just in need of the help of a good neighbour during the coronavirus outbreak .
Aileen Lennon from Delgany said she initially saw a post “ somewhere on Facebook ” about HSE advice which featured contact numbers of people available to help with grocery deliveries or running errands and thought “ I can copy that locally ” .
She is one of more than 10,000 members of the Greystones Open Forum group on Facebook .
While Ms Lennon was planning to print a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to homes on her road , she saw Michelle Power from Newtownmountkennedy offering to help others on the forum .
Ms Power said she had a car and did not want to see anyone who was vulnerable and in self-isolation going without essentials .
Then there was another post was from Éire Óg GAA Club in Gresytones , members of which had put up mobile numbers asking anyone who needed help to call them .
Damien English said some of the club ’ s members felt there was “ something they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media .
Soon the number of people offering to help was rising fast and Ms Power and others decided to move the offers of help to a dedicated Facebook page .
It started out as “ Gresytones Area Covid-19 Self-Isolation Help ” but rapidly it evolved into being the “ Greystones , Delgany , Kilcoole , Newcastle , Newtownmountkennedy Covid-19 Self-Isolation Help ” as more and more groups became involved .
The name may be unwieldy but it has not stopped interest growing and in the space of a few days the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the offers of help were practical , while some aimed to use social media and technology to amuse , entertain and occupy those in isolation .
One post offered a link to 12 famous museums offering virtual tours that can be taken from a person ’ s couch , another offered help in applying for social welfare online and several shared activities for children stuck up at home during schools closures .
Keith Scanlon , who has been involved in coordinating a leaflet drop to ensure every house in north Wicklow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said one of the ideas was for children to keep diaries , which he said would be a valuable social account of the events in years to come .
Mr Scanlon said organising the initiative on Facebook had proven more effective than on Twitter as the posts could be longer and “ people on Twitter can be anxious to be too smart ” .
He said he had reservations about data usage by social media companies but that helping people in isolation was a good example of how social media could be @ @ @ @

Keith Scanlon, from Delgany, Co Wicklow, is pictured with dinners for four self-isolating local people donated by his local pub.
Communities across north Co Wicklow are using social media to connect and support those in self-isolation or just in need of the help of a good neighbour during the coronavirus outbreak.
Aileen Lennon from Delgany said she initially saw a post “somewhere on Facebook” about HSE advice which featured contact numbers of people available to help with grocery deliveries or running errands and thought “I can copy that locally”. She is one of more than 10,000 members of the Greystones Open Forum group on Facebook.
While Ms Lennon was planning to print a leaflet with her contact details and deliver it to homes on her road, she saw Michelle Power from Newtownmountkennedy offering to help others on the forum.
Ms Power said she had a car and did not want to see anyone who was vulnerable and in self-isolation going without essentials.
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Then there was another post was from Éire Óg GAA Club in Gresytones, members of which had put up mobile numbers asking anyone who needed help to call them.
‘Something they could do’
Damien English said some of the club’s members felt there was “something they could do” and word then spread around social media.
Soon the number of people offering to help was rising fast and Ms Power and others decided to move the offers of help to a dedicated Facebook page.
It started out as “Gresytones Area Covid-19 Self-Isolation Help” but rapidly it evolved into being the “Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle, Newtownmountkennedy Covid-19 Self-Isolation Help” as more and more groups became involved.
The name may be unwieldy but it has not stopped interest growing and in the space of a few days the group had more than 600 members.
Many of the offers of help were practical, while some aimed to use social media and technology to amuse, entertain and occupy those in isolation.
One post offered a link to 12 famous museums offering virtual tours that can be taken from a person’s couch, another offered help in applying for social welfare online and several shared activities for children stuck up at home during schools closures.
Keith Scanlon, who has been involved in coordinating a leaflet drop to ensure every house in north Wicklow gets information on people will to help, said one of the ideas was for children to keep diaries, which he said would be a valuable social account of the events in years to come.
Mr Scanlon said organising the initiative on Facebook had proven more effective than on Twitter as the posts could be longer and “people on Twitter can be anxious to be too smart”.
He said he had reservations about data usage by social media companies but that helping people in isolation was a good example of how social media could be a positive force.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Full time public order unit to deal with disruption

A permanently standing public order unit has been set up in the Dublin region to respond to any major disorder arising from the coronavirus outbreak .
In a statement , An Garda Síochána said the force has had full time public order capability in the Dublin Metropolitan Region since Thursday , “ which would be normal over a weekend and particularly a bank holiday weekend , or normal St Patrick ’ s Bank Holiday festivities.
” However , the unit will continue to operate on a “ temporarily permanent basis ” in light of the coronavirus , officially known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unit will be made up of four sets of 25 gardaí , and would be tasked with patrolling risk locations and responding to any incidents of protest or unrest .
It will be the first time the same 100 gardaí will be posted to a public order unit on a standing basis .
“ This is not a significant escalation in policing but prudent in the current climate of potential public unease and disquiet as the Covid-19 situation develops , ” the spokesman said .
Garda headquarters decided it was logistically easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing public order unit for the duration of the public health crisis , rather than resource members into a rolling unit on a daily basis .
“ The temporary allocation of members to a dedicated role protects against potential internal spread of the Covid-19 virus and provides resilience and prevents contagion , rather than units being resourced on a daily basis cross contaminating across the organisation , ” the Garda spokesman said .
The decision comes as the Government is considering extraordinary powers as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet will look to give itself dramatic new enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings and venues with the force of law , and also to enable the State to detain and isolate people suspected of having coronavirus on public health grounds .
On Monday night , the Department of Health confirmed 54 new cases of the virus , bringing the total in the State to 223 .
Current department models predict the spread of the coronavirus will continue to gather pace , with estimates showing the country could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A permanently standing public order unit has been set up in the Dublin region to respond to any major disorder arising from the coronavirus outbreak Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty
A permanently standing public order unit has been set up in the Dublin region to respond to any major disorder arising from the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said the force has had full time public order capability in the Dublin Metropolitan Region since Thursday, "which would be normal over a weekend and particularly a bank holiday weekend, or normal St Patrick's Bank Holiday festivities."
However, the unit will continue to operate on a “temporarily permanent basis” in light of the coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19, a Garda spokesman said.
The unit will be made up of four sets of 25 gardaí, and would be tasked with patrolling risk locations and responding to any incidents of protest or unrest.
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It will be the first time the same 100 gardaí will be posted to a public order unit on a standing basis.
“This is not a significant escalation in policing but prudent in the current climate of potential public unease and disquiet as the Covid-19 situation develops,” the spokesman said.
Logistics
Garda headquarters decided it was logistically easier to staff the same members to a standing public order unit for the duration of the public health crisis, rather than resource members into a rolling unit on a daily basis.
“The temporary allocation of members to a dedicated role protects against potential internal spread of the Covid-19 virus and provides resilience and prevents contagion, rather than units being resourced on a daily basis cross contaminating across the organisation,” the Garda spokesman said.
The decision comes as the Government is considering extraordinary powers as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said yesterday that the Cabinet will look to give itself dramatic new enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings and venues with the force of law, and also to enable the State to detain and isolate people suspected of having coronavirus on public health grounds.
On Monday night, the Department of Health confirmed 54 new cases of the virus, bringing the total in the State to 223.
Current department models predict the spread of the coronavirus will continue to gather pace, with estimates showing the country could be seeing 355 cases per day by Sunday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Criminals may be taking advantage of Covid-19 disruption - gardaí

Criminal gangs may bet attempting to take advantage of disruption caused by coronavirus , An Garda Síochána has said .
Assistant commissioner John O ’ Driscoll made the comments following the seizure of about €350,000 of cocaine in Dublin .
Gardaí searched a property in Cherry Orchard , Ballyfermot , on Monday where they seized a “ substantial quantity ” of cocaine as well as “ encrypted communications devices ” .
A man ( 29 ) was arrested at the scene and brought to Clondalkin Garda station .
Subject to analysis and confirmation , the estimated street value of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assistant commissioner John O ’ Driscoll said organised crime groups may try to take advantage of disruption caused by coronavirus .
“ The Garda Síochána is alert to the fact that particular criminals and organised crime groups may continue to operate while we are tackling issues associated with the existence of the Coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) or may attempt to take advantage of its existence , ” he said .
“ For this purpose , each of the bureaus within special crime operations is targeting particular criminals and organised crime groups who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide range of criminal activity and will continue to do so until the virus no longer represents a problem within the communities we serve ” .

A man (29) was arrested after the drugs seizure and brought to Clondalkin Garda station. Photograph: Garda
Criminal gangs may bet attempting to take advantage of disruption caused by coronavirus, An Garda Síochána has said.
Assistant commissioner John O’Driscoll made the comments following the seizure of about €350,000 of cocaine in Dublin.
Gardaí searched a property in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, on Monday where they seized a “substantial quantity” of cocaine as well as “encrypted communications devices”.
A man (29) was arrested at the scene and brought to Clondalkin Garda station.
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Subject to analysis and confirmation, the estimated street value of the cocaine is €350,000, gardaí said.
Assistant commissioner John O’Driscoll said organised crime groups may try to take advantage of disruption caused by coronavirus.
"The Garda Síochána is alert to the fact that particular criminals and organised crime groups may continue to operate while we are tackling issues associated with the existence of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or may attempt to take advantage of its existence," he said.
“For this purpose, each of the bureaus within special crime operations is targeting particular criminals and organised crime groups who are known or suspected to engage in a wide range of criminal activity and will continue to do so until the virus no longer represents a problem within the communities we serve”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Retail group fears 200,000 jobs could be lost this week

Some 340,000 people could be out of work in the retail sector by the end of this week because of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak , the head of a lobby group has said .
David Fitzsimons , chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland , predicted that 200,000 could lose their jobs this week because of restrictions linked to the virus .
He said this would be in addition to 140,000 who had already lost jobs .
DublinTown , a group representing some city centre businesses , on Tuesday said footfall on the capital ’ s streets was 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 9th to 15th than in the same week last year .
It said Grafton Street had seen a reduction of 34 per cent compared with the same week last year while footfall on O ’ Connell Street was 28 per cent down .
South William Street , which has a large number of restaurants and pubs , had been hardest hit with consumer traffic dropping by 44 per cent .
Mr Fitzsimons called on the Government to introduce drastic measures to support retailers who have had to close because of Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be stopped for a period .
“ We ’ re in a bit of a crisis at the moment , ” he told RTE ’ s Morning Ireland .
“ We need Government support to lead us through a period of great concern.
” He said “ all non-essential retail should be shut down now ” and that “ we need common sense in this crisis ” .
“ We need our Government to support us , to lead us through a period of great concern .
Let ’ s start planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in six to eight weeks ...
This is desperate.
” Mr Fitzsimons said he had a heart attack last year and as a result would be vulnerable so he was going into self isolation from his family for the foreseeable future .
Speaking on the same programme , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe acknowledged “ the strain ” retail operators and those working in “ many parts ” of the economy were experiencing .
He declined to say if the Government would cease seeking Vat payments from businesses but said his department was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to ease pressures on people and business would follow .
“ We [ MUST ] handle these matters in the same spirit that our public health crisis is now being handled at the moment , ” the Minister said .
“ We have to be honest , while offering justified hope.
” Mr Donohoe added : “ We can recover from this public health challenge.
” However , he cautioned that the coronavirus was expected to spread further and that “ a relentless campaign over the coming weeks and months ” would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The closure of pubs and limits being placed on the size of gatherings will see many hospitality businesses miss out on St Patrick ’ s Day , one of their busiest occasions of the year .
Dr Jack Lambert , the head of the national isolation unit at the Mater Hospital in Dublin , urged people not to have parties to celebrate St Patrick ’ s Day in the absence of other gatherings .
He said being in the same room as someone who has the virus , but is asymptomatic , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done as simply as by using a door handle that has been touched by an infected person .
Dr Lambert said anyone who has a cough should be tested and go into self-isolation to prevent onward spread .
He paid tribute to healthcare workers , but cautioned that in other countries it had been found that high proportions of medics had tested positive for the virus , which put vulnerable patients at risk .
Immunologist Prof Kingston Mills told Newstalk Breakfast said he was happy with the approach to containing the virus taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would have liked to see travel curtailed and pubs closed sooner than they were .
He described the efforts of healthcare workers as “ miraculous ” and said testing should also be “ cranked up ” and extended to include those who are asymptomatic .

Subdued scenes in Dublin’s Temple Bar area on the eve of St Patrick’s Day. DublinTown, a group representing some city centre businesses, said footfall on the capital’s streets was 28 per cent lower during the week of March 9th to 15th than in the same week last year. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times.
Some 340,000 people could be out of work in the retail sector by the end of this week because of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the head of a lobby group has said.
David Fitzsimons, chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland, predicted that 200,000 could lose their jobs this week because of restrictions linked to the virus. He said this would be in addition to 140,000 who had already lost jobs.
DublinTown, a group representing some city centre businesses, on Tuesday said footfall on the capital’s streets was 28 per cent lower during the week of March 9th to 15th than in the same week last year.
It said Grafton Street had seen a reduction of 34 per cent compared with the same week last year while footfall on O’Connell Street was 28 per cent down. South William Street, which has a large number of restaurants and pubs, had been hardest hit with consumer traffic dropping by 44 per cent.
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Mr Fitzsimons called on the Government to introduce drastic measures to support retailers who have had to close because of Covid-19. He suggested that VAT and rates payments should be stopped for a period.
“We’re in a bit of a crisis at the moment,” he told RTE’s Morning Ireland. “We need Government support to lead us through a period of great concern.”
He said “all non-essential retail should be shut down now” and that “we need common sense in this crisis”.
“We need our Government to support us, to lead us through a period of great concern. Let’s start planning a response to jolt our economy back in six to eight weeks...This is desperate.”
Mr Fitzsimons said he had a heart attack last year and as a result would be vulnerable so he was going into self isolation from his family for the foreseeable future.
‘Strain’
Speaking on the same programme, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe acknowledged “the strain” retail operators and those working in “many parts” of the economy were experiencing.
He declined to say if the Government would cease seeking Vat payments from businesses but said his department was planning for a recovery and that further measures to ease pressures on people and business would follow.
“We [MUST]handle these matters in the same spirit that our public health crisis is now being handled at the moment,” the Minister said. “We have to be honest, while offering justified hope.”
Mr Donohoe added: “We can recover from this public health challenge.”
However, he cautioned that the coronavirus was expected to spread further and that “a relentless campaign over the coming weeks and months” would be needed to halt the outbreak.
The closure of pubs and limits being placed on the size of gatherings will see many hospitality businesses miss out on St Patrick’s Day, one of their busiest occasions of the year.
No gatherings
Dr Jack Lambert, the head of the national isolation unit at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, urged people not to have parties to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the absence of other gatherings.
He said being in the same room as someone who has the virus, but is asymptomatic, would increase its spread and this could be done as simply as by using a door handle that has been touched by an infected person.
Dr Lambert said anyone who has a cough should be tested and go into self-isolation to prevent onward spread.
He paid tribute to healthcare workers, but cautioned that in other countries it had been found that high proportions of medics had tested positive for the virus, which put vulnerable patients at risk.
Immunologist Prof Kingston Mills told Newstalk Breakfast said he was happy with the approach to containing the virus taken in Ireland so far, but that he would have liked to see travel curtailed and pubs closed sooner than they were.
He described the efforts of healthcare workers as “miraculous” and said testing should also be “cranked up” and extended to include those who are asymptomatic.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: ‘You want to reassure her but then you can’t give her a hug or a kiss’

On Monday afternoon Elena Tintori ( 7 ) and her younger sister Lucy ( 5 ) climbed into the car with their parents Piero and Joyce and set off into Dublin to visit their grandmother Sheela .
It was the second time the sisters had visited their granny since their school closed last week .
On Friday they stayed in the car and chatted to Sheela through the open window while on Monday , Sheela remained inside her house while the two girls waved from the driveway .
“ We couldn ’ t really hear her , it wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was lovely to see her , ” says Elena later that afternoon .
“ We ’ re not allowed in the house with her because we might have the virus but not know it , ” she explains .
“ If you hug granny you could pass it on.
” Piero Tintori is an only child and is conscious of staying in regular contact with his mother throughout the coming weeks .
“ Even though we have to be very cautious about being physically apart it ’ s so important to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalised for a fortnight earlier this year after contracting a bad dose of the flu , he explains .
“ Doctors told her that because she ’ d had the flu jab she only experienced about 20 per cent of what it could have been .
But it gave her a taste of what could happen .
Because of her age and that experience we weren ’ t taking any risks .
“ It ’ s so important we play this by the book and take the advice being given , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Luckily my mother agrees with all of this and she ’ s self-isolating for her own benefit.
” Piero has visited his mother several times in recent days to carry out some maintenance jobs in the house but brings a bottle of Dettol to wipe down any surfaces he touches .
Visiting his mother without any physical contact , however , feels unnatural and sometimes upsetting .
“ You want to reassure her but then you can ’ t give her a hug or a kiss .
It ’ s tough going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother is very open to using different technology to stay in touch , she ’ s saying she must learn how to use WhatsApp video .
But I also think the girls should see their grandmother as much as possible in person before there ’ s a full lockdown .
It ’ s also a bit of expedition for them and get a bit of fresh air.
” Watching the two girls speak to Sheela through a pane of glass on Monday was also difficult , admits Piero and his wife Joyce .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching the photo being taken but the distance is necessary , ” she says .
“ It ’ s really heartbreaking.
” Joyce was already based at home before the outbreak of the virus and Piero is now working from home so the family are not struggling with childcare issues .
“ I think the over-riding feeling right now is we don ’ t know how long this is going to last , ” she said .
“ Will it be two weeks , six weeks or into the summer ?
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned .
”

On Monday afternoon Elena Tintori (7) and her younger sister Lucy (5) climbed into the car with their parents Piero and Joyce and set off into Dublin to visit their grandmother Sheela.
It was the second time the sisters had visited their granny since their school closed last week. On Friday they stayed in the car and chatted to Sheela through the open window while on Monday, Sheela remained inside her house while the two girls waved from the driveway.
“We couldn’t really hear her, it wasn’t must of a chat, but it was lovely to see her,” says Elena later that afternoon. “We’re not allowed in the house with her because we might have the virus but not know it,” she explains. “If you hug granny you could pass it on.”
Piero Tintori is an only child and is conscious of staying in regular contact with his mother throughout the coming weeks. "Even though we have to be very cautious about being physically apart it's so important to keep the emotional connection up."
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Hospitalised
Sheela was hospitalised for a fortnight earlier this year after contracting a bad dose of the flu, he explains. “Doctors told her that because she’d had the flu jab she only experienced about 20 per cent of what it could have been. But it gave her a taste of what could happen. Because of her age and that experience we weren’t taking any risks.
“It’s so important we play this by the book and take the advice being given, there’s no point in taking a gamble. Luckily my mother agrees with all of this and she’s self-isolating for her own benefit.”
Piero has visited his mother several times in recent days to carry out some maintenance jobs in the house but brings a bottle of Dettol to wipe down any surfaces he touches. Visiting his mother without any physical contact, however, feels unnatural and sometimes upsetting.
“You want to reassure her but then you can’t give her a hug or a kiss. It’s tough going but it could be worse. My mother is very open to using different technology to stay in touch, she’s saying she must learn how to use WhatsApp video. But I also think the girls should see their grandmother as much as possible in person before there’s a full lockdown. It’s also a bit of expedition for them and get a bit of fresh air.”
Difficult
Watching the two girls speak to Sheela through a pane of glass on Monday was also difficult, admits Piero and his wife Joyce.
“We were both nearly in tears watching the photo being taken but the distance is necessary,” she says. “It’s really heartbreaking.”
Joyce was already based at home before the outbreak of the virus and Piero is now working from home so the family are not struggling with childcare issues.
“I think the over-riding feeling right now is we don’t know how long this is going to last,” she said. “Will it be two weeks, six weeks or into the summer? I’m not worried yet but I am concerned.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Gardaí appeal for witnesses after fatal hit and run

Gardaí have begun an investigation after a man was killed in a hit and run while walking along a main road in East Cork in the early hours of the morning .
The man , understood to be a 34-year-old from Blackpool on Cork ’ s northside , was hit by a car that failed to stop on the main N25 Cork-Waterford Road .
The collision happened at Tullagreine near Cobh Cross outside Carrigtwohill at around 1.50am on the west bound carriage of the dual carriageway .
Gardaí were alerted when a caller rang to say that they had seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the N25 .
Gardaí responded quickly but by the time that they got to the scene , they found the man lying seriously injured on the roadway west of Cobh Cross .
The emergency services were alerted and paramedics attended to the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene .
The road has been closed and diversions put in place for a Garda forensic crash investigation .
Gardaí found debris at the scene and they hope to establish the make , model and colour of the car from the recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying out a scene of crime forensic examination .
Gardaí are also trying to establish the last known movements of the deceased and where he was walking when he was hit by the vehicle that failed to stop .
They are also hoping that a post-mortem due to be carried out at Cork University Hospital later today will shed information on what happened .
Supt Adrian Gamble of Midleton Garda Station appealed for anyone with information to contact Midleton Garda station .
He said gardaí want to speak to any road users who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.30am .
They are also keen to speak to drivers who have dash cam footage , and have asked them to contact Midleton Garda station on 021 462 1550 .

Gardaí at the scene near Carrigtwohill in Cork of a fatal incident at Junction 3 of the N25 Rosslare to Cork road. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision.
Gardaí are investigating two fatal collisions that occured in the early hours of Tuesday in Cork and Clare.
A man (34) died in east Co Cork after being injured in a hit-and-run incident along the N25 Cork-Rosslare road at around 1.50am.
The man, understood to be a 34-year-old from Blackpool on Cork's northside, was hit by a car that failed to stop on the west bound section of the dual carriageway at Tullagreine near Cobh Cross outside Carrigtwohill.
Gardaí were alerted when a caller phoned to say they had seen a man walking on the westbound lane of the road. Gardaí responded quickly but by the time that they got to the scene, they found the man lying seriously injured west of Cobh Cross.
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The emergency services were alerted and paramedics attended to the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí found debris at the scene and hope to establish the make, model and colour of the car from the recovered material.
Investigators are also trying to establish the last known movements of the deceased and where he was walking to when he was hit by the vehicle.
Officers are checking if the deceased may have been involved in a single vehicle collision earlier after a Toyota Avensis crashed on the Fota Road.
The Toyota, which was fitted with three space saver tyres, hit a wall at the Slatty Bridge near Bramley Lodge.
Abandoned car
The car was abandoned and gardaí are trying to establish if the victim of the hit and run left the damaged car and was walking back to Cork when he was hit.
The scene of the fatal hit and run on the N25 is around 750m from where the Toyota Avensis was found damaged and abandoned.
The N25 has been partly closed and diversions put in place to allow a forensic crash investigator examine the scene to try and establish what happened. There is currently no description of the vehicle involved in the hit and run but initial inquiries suggest it was driving towards Cork city.
It is hoped that a postmortem due to be carried out on the deceased at Cork University Hospital later will provide information on what happened.
Supt Adrian Gamble appealed to anyone with information, particularly any road users who were in the area between 1.30am and 2.30am, to contact Midleton Garda station on (021) 462 1550.
Clare crash
Meanwhile, gardaí in Co Clare are investigating a fatal single vehicle crash that happened in the Cratloekeel area in Cratloe at around 2.55am.
The crash happened at a point where vehicles have to slow down to cross a rail line at a sharp angle. The car is understood to have collided with an upright steel girder at the level-crossing before going on fire.
The 18-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene, which is being preserved so it can undergo a technical examination.
Irish Rail confirmed that significant damage had been caused to the level crossing on the Limerick to Galway line, but services are not affected as the line is currently closed due to flooding at Ballycar.
Anyone with information, particularly road users who may have dash cam footage, is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on (061) 212 400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--St James’s Hospital under investigation over demolition of historic houses

The demolition of a terrace of historic houses owned by St James ’ s Hospital in Dublin is under investigation by Dublin City Council amid concerns the work was undertaken without planning permission .
The council had two years ago warned the hospital that demolition of the four 19th-century houses at Brandon Terrace , next to the hospital in Dublin 8 , was not acceptable in principle .
However , the hospital said the razing of the terrace , which took place one week ago over the weekend , was necessary to ensure public safety .
The hospital bought 1-4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rear of the houses , in 2014 .
It planned to redevelop the site for the relocation of adult hospital services to make room for the construction of the new national children ’ s hospital .
However , it later decided it did not require the site immediately , and put its redevelopment under review .
The houses and other buildings on the site , which had already been vacant for several years before being bought by the hospital , had become increasingly derelict and subject to vandalism and illegal dumping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the council for their demolition saying they had recently become “ the subject of dangerous structural concern ” .
It told the council it wanted to level the houses and the rest of the buildings on the site , and would determine the use of the site at a later date .
However , the council said it did “ not accept the principle of demolition ” of the houses on the site .
“ The demolition of this terrace of houses is contrary to the retention and reuse of buildings/structures of historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the character and identity of streetscapes , ” it said .
The houses were not on the Record of Protected Structures , but their destruction “ would set a precedent for the demolition of historic structures , which are not protected structures , throughout the city ” , the council said .
In January 2018 the council gave the hospital six months to submit a comprehensive historical survey of the houses and a “ design rationale for the demolition of these structures ” .
It also instructed the hospital to consider “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demolition of nos .
1-4 Brandon Terrace ” .
One year later , in January 2019 , the council wrote to the hospital to say , that as none of the above information had been submitted by the deadline , the application for demolition had lapsed and was considered to be withdrawn .
However , the hospital went ahead with the demolition work over the weekend of March 7th .
In a statement the hospital said : “ The derelict buildings were reduced to ground-floor level due to safety issues as the façade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools.
” A spokesman for the council said there did not appear to be any permission in place for the demolition .
“ The demolition on this site is currently under investigation , ” he said .

St James’s Hospital said the demolition, which took place one week ago over the weekend, was necessary to ensure public safety. Photograph: Alan Betson
The demolition of a terrace of historic houses owned by St James's Hospital in Dublin is under investigation by Dublin City Council amid concerns the work was undertaken without planning permission.
The council had two years ago warned the hospital that demolition of the four 19th-century houses at Brandon Terrace, next to the hospital in Dublin 8, was not acceptable in principle.
However, the hospital said the razing of the terrace, which took place one week ago over the weekend, was necessary to ensure public safety.
The hospital bought 1-4 Brandon Terrace, and old industrial buildings to the rear of the houses, in 2014. It planned to redevelop the site for the relocation of adult hospital services to make room for the construction of the new national children’s hospital. However, it later decided it did not require the site immediately, and put its redevelopment under review.
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The houses and other buildings on the site, which had already been vacant for several years before being bought by the hospital, had become increasingly derelict and subject to vandalism and illegal dumping.
In 2017 the hospital applied to the council for their demolition saying they had recently become “the subject of dangerous structural concern”. It told the council it wanted to level the houses and the rest of the buildings on the site, and would determine the use of the site at a later date.
‘Historic value’
However, the council said it did “not accept the principle of demolition” of the houses on the site. “The demolition of this terrace of houses is contrary to the retention and reuse of buildings/structures of historic value which make a positive contribution to the character and identity of streetscapes,” it said.
The houses were not on the Record of Protected Structures, but their destruction “would set a precedent for the demolition of historic structures, which are not protected structures, throughout the city”, the council said.
In January 2018 the council gave the hospital six months to submit a comprehensive historical survey of the houses and a “design rationale for the demolition of these structures”. It also instructed the hospital to consider “a revised proposal which does not involve the demolition of nos. 1-4 Brandon Terrace”.
Deadline
One year later, in January 2019, the council wrote to the hospital to say, that as none of the above information had been submitted by the deadline, the application for demolition had lapsed and was considered to be withdrawn.
However, the hospital went ahead with the demolition work over the weekend of March 7th. In a statement the hospital said: “The derelict buildings were reduced to ground-floor level due to safety issues as the façade became unstable along the footpath to the schools.”
A spokesman for the council said there did not appear to be any permission in place for the demolition. “The demolition on this site is currently under investigation,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus testing capacity under strain as demand surges

There is a simple reason for the alarming rise in confirmed cases of coronavirus in recent days , a trend that will only accelerate as this week progresses .
The number of positive tests is surging because more tests are being carried out , in more locations , with a simplified process for accessing them .
What is alarming , of course , is the underlying evidence of widespread circulation of the virus that these positive tests reveal .
This is not surprising ; we have known since March 5th , almost two weeks ago , that the virus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy or contact with confirmed cases .
That first instance of community transmission has been joined by others since .
Doctors have been saying for weeks they suspect the disease is far more prevalent than was known from the limited official testing then ongoing .
No one knows exactly how many people have the virus in Ireland , though Prof Liam Glynn of University of Limerick Medical School has estimated the true number of cases at 5,000 and rising .
It certainly feels that way given the number of people I personally know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have tested positive .
This is just anecdote , I know .
On the positive side , the growing demand for testing is evidence that the message about the virus , and about testing for symptoms , is getting out there .
But it has also put a nascent system under incredible pressure .
There were reports of up to 800 suspected cases awaiting callback at the end of last week , and of people – including healthcare workers – waiting over two days to be tested .
A move to direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , had to refer suspect cases to public health staff ) and online ordering of tests have been accompanied by IT glitches .
Further confusion saw people wrongly ringing 999/112 seeking a test ( instead of their GP ) and even calling to the doors of hospitals in Galway .
These problems , hopefully , will be shortlived , though it remains to be seen whether the capacity of the system is up to meeting demand as it surges .
An individual concerned they might have the virus will obviously want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for are a new fever or cough .
The system too wants people tested , but its priorities may be different , especially when the number of people seeking to be tested exceeds available capacity .
People can not expect , therefore , that they will be given a test , or that they will be given a test ahead of others .
What they do need to do immediately , on experiencing symptoms , is to self-isolate .
This , if done effectively , removes the threat of the disease being passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be understandably anxious to get tested , so long as their symptoms are mild , they do not need to worry unduly .
Public health doctors will prioritise other patients with greater clinical need .
Consideration will also have to be given to prioritising the testing of healthcare workers .
Efforts to fight the virus in China were badly stymied as doctors and nurses fell ill , and many infected fellow staff before showing symptoms .
The same scenario is playing out , in equally stark terms , in Italy at present .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ report a shortage of personal protective equipment , or that sectors such as dentistry or homecare workers say they don ’ t have clear guidelines to follow .
Again , hopefully , these gaps will be rectified shortly .
Testing is only one half of the two-pronged approach needed now .
Once confirmed cases are identified , any people they have been in close contact with have to be tracked down as quickly as possible and told to self-quarantine .
We haven ’ t heard much about this work , though large numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public service are being trained up to carry out this vital activity .
If we are to arrest the spread of the virus , at least 70 per cent of these contacts have to be tracked down ; for the virus to be “ pushed back ” , so it will eventually fizzle out , at least 90 per cent have to be tracked down .

The National Ambulance Service have made a video showing how a Covid-19 remote testing centre will work. Video: National Ambulance Service
There is a simple reason for the alarming rise in confirmed cases of coronavirus in recent days, a trend that will only accelerate as this week progresses.
The number of positive tests is surging because more tests are being carried out, in more locations, with a simplified process for accessing them.
What is alarming, of course, is the underlying evidence of widespread circulation of the virus that these positive tests reveal.
This is not surprising; we have known since March 5th, almost two weeks ago, that the virus was circulating independently of any travel back from Italy or contact with confirmed cases.
READ MORE
Prof Liam Glynn of University of Limerick Medical School has estimated the true number of cases at 2,000 and rising
That first instance of community transmission has been joined by others since. Doctors have been saying for weeks they suspect the disease is far more prevalent than was known from the limited official testing then ongoing.
No one knows exactly how many people have the virus in Ireland, though Prof Liam Glynn of University of Limerick Medical School has estimated the true number of cases at 2,000 and rising.
It certainly feels that way given the number of people I personally know, including healthcare workers and journalists, who have tested positive. This is just anecdote, I know.
Demand for tests
On the positive side, the growing demand for testing is evidence that the message about the virus, and about testing for symptoms, is getting out there. But it has also put a nascent system under incredible pressure.
There were reports of up to 800 suspected cases awaiting callback at the end of last week, and of people – including healthcare workers – waiting over two days to be tested.
A move to direct referral by GPs (who, before this, had to refer suspect cases to public health staff) and online ordering of tests have been accompanied by IT glitches.
Further confusion saw people wrongly ringing 999/112 seeking a test (instead of their GP) and even calling to the doors of hospitals in Galway.
These problems, hopefully, will be shortlived, though it remains to be seen whether the capacity of the system is up to meeting demand as it surges.
An individual concerned they might have the virus will obviously want a test. The symptoms to watch out for are a new fever or cough.
The system too wants people tested, but its priorities may be different, especially when the number of people seeking to be tested exceeds available capacity.
It doesn't help that staff report a shortage of personal protective equipment, or that sectors such as dentistry or homecare workers say they don't have clear guidelines
People cannot expect, therefore, that they will be given a test, or that they will be given a test ahead of others. What they do need to do immediately, on experiencing symptoms, is to self-isolate. This, if done effectively, removes the threat of the disease being passed on.
And while the person might be understandably anxious to get tested, so long as their symptoms are mild, they do not need to worry unduly. Public health doctors will prioritise other patients with greater clinical need.
Healthcare workers
Consideration will also have to be given to prioritising the testing of healthcare workers. Efforts to fight the virus in China were badly stymied as doctors and nurses fell ill, and many infected fellow staff before showing symptoms. The same scenario is playing out, in equally stark terms, in Italy at present.
It doesn’t help that staff report a shortage of personal protective equipment, or that sectors such as dentistry or homecare workers say they don’t have clear guidelines to follow. Again, hopefully, these gaps will be rectified shortly.
Testing is only one half of the two-pronged approach needed now. Once confirmed cases are identified, any people they have been in close contact with have to be tracked down as quickly as possible and told to self-quarantine.
We haven’t heard much about this work, though large numbers of staff from other areas of the public service are being trained up to carry out this vital activity. If we are to arrest the spread of the virus, at least 70 per cent of these contacts have to be tracked down; for the virus to be “pushed back”, so it will eventually fizzle out, at least 90 per cent have to be tracked down.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Government coronavirus plans call for extraordinary measures

The decision to ask schools , pubs and clubs to close was just the first in a series of changes that will have to be made as Ireland faces into its first full week of major restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Cabinet committee on Covid-19 met on Monday afternoon and discussed the Government ’ s plan for the coming weeks across different sectors .
Despite calls from the CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland , Adrian Cummins , to do so , the Government decided against instructing all restaurants to close .
Mr Cummins said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done but it was also imperative that it was done before St Patrick ’ s Day .
What is now more likely to happen in the short term is that smaller restaurants which can not adhere to social distancing guidelines will have no choice but to close .
Some restaurants may switch to collection or delivery only .
But the instructions to pubs and on mass gatherings are just that : instructions .
Mindful of this , the Government is looking to give itself more powers to enforce extraordinary measures if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Cabinet will look to give itself dramatic new enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings and venues with the force of law , and also to enable the State to detain and isolate people suspected of having coronavirus on public health grounds .
Minister for Health Simon Harris has also said that the Government is considering activating a set of laws which previously have not been used .
Further regulations can be added to the 1948 infectious diseases regulations by the Minister for Health of the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second schedule ” which can be applied , if needed , to that legislation .
These provisions , which can be activated in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases , include the following : the requiring of adults to remain in their homes or for parents to keep their children at home ; requiring people to stay away from a specified place ; restrictions on the holding of wakes and also precautions against the spread of infectious disease from vessels or aircraft coming into or leaving the State or from passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In aviation there will be severe restrictions on flights in and out of the country .
As of Monday night travel advice was simplified to advise all Irish residents against any non-essential travel overseas , and those who arrive at Irish airports will now be asked to restrict their movements for two weeks .
So Irish airports will suddenly become very quiet .
Furthermore , Ryanair said it expects to ground the majority of its aircraft fleet across Europe over the next seven to 10 day , s with a reduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April and May .
The company pointed out that over the past seven days , Italy , Malta , Hungary , Czech Republic , Slovakia , Austria , Greece , Morocco , Spain , Portugal , Denmark , Poland , Norway and Cyprus had all imposed flight bans of varying degrees from all flights to/from the country , or banned flights to/from countries with high risk of Covid-19 .
The face of healthcare is also likely to look very different over the coming days too , with more GPs moving to online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially in light of increased pressure on their services because of coronavirus testing .
The purpose and use of several buildings may change .
Hotels may be used to treat patients .
Mr Harris said that as the HSE assesses its capacity to deal with an influx of seriously ill patients , offers have come in from hotels and other private healthcare facilities for the use of their space .
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said on Monday that he has also suggested that chemotherapy patients be treated outside normal hospital settings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gyms will be closed .
As ever , the message from the Government as we move into the next phase will be that while the health service can potentially save the lives of hundreds of sick people , the public can save the lives of thousands by adhering to instructions on gatherings , parties , respiratory etiquette and social distancing .

The State could activate powers to detain and isolate people suspected of having coronavirus on public health grounds. Photograph: Aidan Crawley/EPA
The decision to ask schools, pubs and clubs to close was just the first in a series of changes that will have to be made as Ireland faces into its first full week of major restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Cabinet committee on Covid-19 met on Monday afternoon and discussed the Government’s plan for the coming weeks across different sectors.
Despite calls from the CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, to do so, the Government decided against instructing all restaurants to close.
Mr Cummins said it was inevitable that this would eventually have to be done but it was also imperative that it was done before St Patrick’s Day.
READ MORE
What is now more likely to happen in the short term is that smaller restaurants which cannot adhere to social distancing guidelines will have no choice but to close.
Some restaurants may switch to collection or delivery only.
But the instructions to pubs and on mass gatherings are just that: instructions.
Mindful of this, the Government is looking to give itself more powers to enforce extraordinary measures if needed.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that the Cabinet will look to give itself dramatic new enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings and venues with the force of law, and also to enable the State to detain and isolate people suspected of having coronavirus on public health grounds.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has also said that the Government is considering activating a set of laws which previously have not been used.
Further regulations can be added to the 1948 infectious diseases regulations by the Minister for Health of the day, and these are contained in a “second schedule” which can be applied, if needed, to that legislation.
These provisions, which can be activated in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, include the following: the requiring of adults to remain in their homes or for parents to keep their children at home; requiring people to stay away from a specified place; restrictions on the holding of wakes and also precautions against the spread of infectious disease from vessels or aircraft coming into or leaving the State or from passengers or crews of such vessels or aircraft.
Swedish tourists in Merrion Row, Dublin, on the eve of St Patrick’s Day. Photograph: Tom Honan
In aviation there will be severe restrictions on flights in and out of the country.
As of Monday night travel advice was simplified to advise all Irish residents against any non-essential travel overseas, and those who arrive at Irish airports will now be asked to restrict their movements for two weeks. So Irish airports will suddenly become very quiet.
Furthermore, Ryanair said it expects to ground the majority of its aircraft fleet across Europe over the next seven to 10 day,s with a reduction of 80 per cent or more in flights in April and May.
The company pointed out that over the past seven days, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Cyprus had all imposed flight bans of varying degrees from all flights to/from the country, or banned flights to/from countries with high risk of Covid-19.
Online consultation
The face of healthcare is also likely to look very different over the coming days too, with more GPs moving to online consultations and consultations over the phone, especially in light of increased pressure on their services because of coronavirus testing.
The purpose and use of several buildings may change. Hotels may be used to treat patients.
Mr Harris said that as the HSE assesses its capacity to deal with an influx of seriously ill patients, offers have come in from hotels and other private healthcare facilities for the use of their space.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said on Monday that he has also suggested that chemotherapy patients be treated outside normal hospital settings.
On our main shopping streets, hairdressers and gyms will be closed.
As ever, the message from the Government as we move into the next phase will be that while the health service can potentially save the lives of hundreds of sick people, the public can save the lives of thousands by adhering to instructions on gatherings, parties, respiratory etiquette and social distancing.


theirishtimes--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: 40,000 close contacts ‘will have to be traced’ by end of week

Irish residents have been advised not to leave the island until March 29th as the number of coronavirus cases is forecast to reach 1,300 by the end of the week .
Everyone entering the country , including Irish residents , is being told to restrict their movements for 14 days , even if they have no symptoms , the National Public Health Emergency Team said last night .
The restriction does not apply to Northern Ireland .
A further 54 new confirmed cases were reported on Monday evening , the biggest daily increase yet seen .
Most were in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the south ( 11 ) .
The Republic now has a total of 223 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , while Northern Ireland has 52 .
By the end of the week , 40,000 people who are close contacts of confirmed cases will have to be traced , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told journalists .
• Airlines set to halt most flights over the next 10 days • Coronavirus restrictions : the measures still to come • No plan to combat sharing of misinformation on WhatsApp • Q & A : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers ?
• Civil service staff reassigned to help those signing on Earlier , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said cases would rise by 30 per cent every day and could reach 15,000 by the end of the month .
“ That is inevitable , that can not be stopped .
We are at the very start of that curve .
So there will be a very significant increase in the number of cases every day for the next couple of weeks.
” New enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to detain and isolate people on public health grounds are planned in legislation to be published later this week .
The Taoiseach said the Government had secured more ventilators but said he could not guarantee there would be enough to meet the potential demand .
Mr Varadkar warned the economy would slow down dramatically and that not all businesses that closed would be in a position to reopen .
Up to 140,000 could lose their jobs in the short term given the closure of pubs and clubs , and some restaurants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan on Covid-19 .
It states that the key objective for Ireland is slowing the rate of spread of the disease , as well as reducing the number of people who become infected “ as much as possible ” .
“ With the appropriate concerted and co-ordinated national response , there is scope for Ireland to reduce the spread of infection and minimise the impact for everyone and especially those in our society who are most likely to be affected more seriously by the disease , ” the plan says .
Officials acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before being tested .
The build-up over the weekend worsened on Monday morning , when the HSE ’ s new online system for booking tests failed and had to be replaced by an email system .
Dublin GP Dr Mark Murphy said he had been unable to get any patient tested for Covid-19 for about six days , adding that “ most GPs would have a similar experience ” .
Testing is available in 19 sites , and the HSE plans to expand availability to 34 locations .
Croke Park is to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in north Dublin from Tuesday , the HSE has said .
The service will be “ drive-thru ” rather than “ walk-in ” , local residents have been told .
Efforts are continuing to get retired doctors to return to work in the current emergency .
“ The precise roles that the HSE are seeking to fill or other employment details are not yet clear , nor are the details in relation to Medical Council registration and indemnity , but we expect these to be resolved in the coming days , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told its members .
An Garda Síochána said it would use more than 200 vehicles it is renting to assist vulnerable and isolated members of the public with vital tasks , such as collecting prescription drugs or bringing them to medical appointments .
The HSE also advised Covid-19 patients on Monday it was okay for them to take paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen at the same time .
Its statement was issued in response to false information circulating online .
The economic impact of the coronavirus measures sent share prices sharply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ index losing almost 13 per cent in a frantic sell-off .
The drop came despite a cut in US interest rates announced late on Sunday and measures to support lending from international central banks .
Earlier in Dublin the Iseq index lost 8 per cent , with shares in Ryanair and the banks dropping sharply .
The World Health Organisation called on all countries on Monday to ramp up their testing programmes as the best way to slow the advance of the pandemic , and also urged companies to boost production of vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a simple message to all countries – test , test , test , ” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom told a news conference in Geneva , calling the pandemic “ the defining global health crisis of our time ” .
“ All countries should be able to test all suspected cases .
They can not fight this pandemic blindfolded.
” Without testing , cases can not be isolated and the chain of infection will not be broken , he said .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned of an “exponential increase” in confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the coming days.
Irish residents have been advised not to leave the island until March 29th as the number of coronavirus cases is forecast to reach 1,300 by the end of the week.
Everyone entering the country, including Irish residents, is being told to restrict their movements for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, the National Public Health Emergency Team said last night. The restriction does not apply to Northern Ireland.
A further 54 new confirmed cases were reported on Monday evening, the biggest daily increase yet seen. Most were in the east (41 cases), followed by the south (11).
The Republic now has a total of 223 confirmed cases of Covid-19, while Northern Ireland has 52.
READ MORE
By the end of the week, 40,000 people who are close contacts of confirmed cases will have to be traced, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told journalists.
Latest developments
Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said cases would rise by 30 per cent every day and could reach 15,000 by the end of the month.
“That is inevitable, that cannot be stopped. We are at the very start of that curve. So there will be a very significant increase in the number of cases every day for the next couple of weeks.”
New enforcement powers to enable the State to close mass gatherings and venues with the force of law and to detain and isolate people on public health grounds are planned in legislation to be published later this week.
The Taoiseach said the Government had secured more ventilators but said he could not guarantee there would be enough to meet the potential demand.
Mr Varadkar warned the economy would slow down dramatically and that not all businesses that closed would be in a position to reopen. Up to 140,000 could lose their jobs in the short term given the closure of pubs and clubs, and some restaurants.
National plan
The Government last night published a national plan on Covid-19. It states that the key objective for Ireland is slowing the rate of spread of the disease, as well as reducing the number of people who become infected “as much as possible”.
“With the appropriate concerted and co-ordinated national response, there is scope for Ireland to reduce the spread of infection and minimise the impact for everyone and especially those in our society who are most likely to be affected more seriously by the disease,” the plan says.
Officials acknowledged many patients were having to wait days before being tested. The build-up over the weekend worsened on Monday morning, when the HSE’s new online system for booking tests failed and had to be replaced by an email system.
Dublin GP Dr Mark Murphy said he had been unable to get any patient tested for Covid-19 for about six days, adding that "most GPs would have a similar experience".
Testing is available in 19 sites, and the HSE plans to expand availability to 34 locations.
Croke Park is to be used as a temporary testing centre for coronavirus in north Dublin from Tuesday, the HSE has said. The service will be "drive-thru" rather than "walk-in", local residents have been told.
Efforts are continuing to get retired doctors to return to work in the current emergency.
"The precise roles that the HSE are seeking to fill or other employment details are not yet clear, nor are the details in relation to Medical Council registration and indemnity, but we expect these to be resolved in the coming days," the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland told its members.
An Garda Síochána said it would use more than 200 vehicles it is renting to assist vulnerable and isolated members of the public with vital tasks, such as collecting prescription drugs or bringing them to medical appointments.
Elena (7) and Lucy (5) Tintori visiting their grandmother Sheela separated by glass. Photograph: Tom Honan
Online misinformation
The HSE also advised Covid-19 patients on Monday it was okay for them to take paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen at the same time. Its statement was issued in response to false information circulating online.
The economic impact of the coronavirus measures sent share prices sharply lower, with the US Dow Jones index losing almost 13 per cent in a frantic sell-off. The drop came despite a cut in US interest rates announced late on Sunday and measures to support lending from international central banks. Earlier in Dublin the Iseq index lost 8 per cent, with shares in Ryanair and the banks dropping sharply.
The World Health Organisation called on all countries on Monday to ramp up their testing programmes as the best way to slow the advance of the pandemic, and also urged companies to boost production of vital equipment to overcome acute shortages.
"We have a simple message to all countries – test, test, test," WHO director general Tedros Adhanom told a news conference in Geneva, calling the pandemic "the defining global health crisis of our time".
“All countries should be able to test all suspected cases. They cannot fight this pandemic blindfolded.” Without testing, cases cannot be isolated and the chain of infection will not be broken, he said.