theirishtimes--2020-02-29--‘I found this little bird, is it a treecreeper? Readers’ nature queries

I found this little bird ; is it a treecreeper ?
Unfortunately it did not survive .
– Anita Mahon , Limerick Yes , it is .
My neighbour and I have separately spotted in our road what we believe to be a white pheasant .
Is this unusual in the Galway region ?
– Alison Eadie , Moycullen , Co Galway White pheasants are seen occasionally in different parts of the country .
There have been reports from Galway in the past .
It has been said that albino or leucistic pheasants are the result of inbreeding in flocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frog near my neighbour ’ s Gortbrack organic farm outside Tralee .
It hid itself under its hands when we came near .
– Niamh Ní Dhúill , Trálí , Co Chiarraí The Lyreen river was a bit high for a pair of handsome , white-breasted dippers I spotted .
– Damien Maguite , Maynooth , Co Kildare No doubt a breeding pair .
This single globule of frogspawn was suspended on a grass stalk in Portlaw Woods , Co Waterford .
There was a dead frog nearby and many more frogs around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts of spawn , some in unpromising locations .
– Aidan Finnegan , Waterford .
I regularly travel the road between Ballymena and Cushendall , Co Antrim .
Recently I encountered three dead badgers in separate incidents .
I ’ ve never seen even one before .
Is there something about this time of year that causes them to be killed on the roads ?
– Brian Scott , Ballymena , Co Antrim It ’ s the breeding season and they are out seeking mates .
This bird has been sleeping in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes it has a friend that stays in the opposite pole .
Is it a great tit ?
– Anne Skelton , Barna , Co Galway It is indeed .
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn , Louisburgh , Co Mayo , F28 F978 , or by email at viney @ anu.ie .
Please include a postal address .

I found this little bird; is it a treecreeper? Unfortunately it did not survive. – Anita Mahon, Limerick
Yes, it is.
My neighbour and I have separately spotted in our road what we believe to be a white pheasant. Is this unusual in the Galway region? – Alison Eadie, Moycullen, Co Galway
White pheasants are seen occasionally in different parts of the country. There have been reports from Galway in the past. It has been said that albino or leucistic pheasants are the result of inbreeding in flocks reared for shooting.
This frog hid under its hands when we came near
We met this frog near my neighbour's Gortbrack organic farm outside Tralee. It hid itself under its hands when we came near. – Niamh Ní Dhúill, Trálí, Co Chiarraí
The Lyreen river was a bit high for a pair of handsome, white-breasted dippers I spotted. – Damien Maguite, Maynooth, Co Kildare
No doubt a breeding pair.
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This single globule of frogspawn was suspended on a grass stalk in Portlaw Woods, Co Waterford
This single globule of frogspawn was suspended on a grass stalk in Portlaw Woods, Co Waterford. There was a dead frog nearby and many more frogs around the woods, as well as copious amounts of spawn, some in unpromising locations. – Aidan Finnegan, Waterford.
I regularly travel the road between Ballymena and Cushendall, Co Antrim. Recently I encountered three dead badgers in separate incidents. I've never seen even one before. Is there something about this time of year that causes them to be killed on the roads? – Brian Scott, Ballymena, Co Antrim
It's the breeding season and they are out seeking mates.
A great tit makes itself comfortable inside a clothesline pole in Barna, Co Galway
This bird has been sleeping in our clothesline pole since the start of autumn. Sometimes it has a friend that stays in the opposite pole. Is it a great tit? – Anne Skelton, Barna, Co Galway
It is indeed.
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28 F978, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address.


Church services

Armagh - St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland -Sunday services at 10am ( Holy Communion ) , 11am ( Sung Eucharist ) and 3:15pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Mon to Sat at 9:30am ( Said Matins ) and 12:30pm ( 1st Wednesday of every month ) .
Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm ( Nov-March ) and until 5pm ( April-Oct ) .
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward .
You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ architecture .
The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan , Dean of St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland Cathedral , Armagh City -Further information is available by , visiting : www.stpatricks-cathedral.org Belfast Cathedral ( St Anne ’ s ) Eucharist at 8am , 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm .
The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm .
on Sunday .
There will always be a quiet area available .
The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays .
( It will be closed to visitors during services ) .
People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us , Dean Stephen Forde .
Visit : www.belfastcathedral.org Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin City -- Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm .
Weekday services at 10am ( morning prayer ) 12 midday ( Peace Prayers ) and 12:45pm ( Eucharist ) .
On Monday and Friday at 5pm , there is a Said Evening Prayer .
During term time , Compline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Sung service times may vary , especially out of cathedral choir terms .
Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times .
A warm welcome awaits you , The Very Revd Dermot Dunne , Dean of Christ Church Cathedral .
Cork City ( St Finn Barre ’ s ) Sunday Services are at 8am ( Said Eucharist ) , 11:15am ( Choral Eucharist ) and 3:30pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am ( Morning Prayer ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm .
The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays .
Very Rev .
Nigel Dunne ( Dean of Cork ) .
For more information , visit : https : //corkcathedral.webs.com/ Derry/Londonderry ( Saint Columb ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 8am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays , and Coral Matins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Choral Evensong ) .
The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon , Wed , Thur and Fri ( The Litany ) in The Baptistery .
The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel .
( For any changes to our regular services , please check the magazine online ) .
www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally , nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities .
This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all sections of the community .
The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart , Dean Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion .
You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral .
Monday to Saturday , between 9.30am and 4pm .
It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre .
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship , not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick .
It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations .
VISIT downcathedral.org for further information Enniskillen -St Macartin ’ s Cathedral -- Services are at 9am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Holy Communion on first and third Sundays , Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays , and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays ) .
Evening service at 7pm ( Evening Prayer on first , second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at 11am on Thursdays ( Holy Communion ) and other services are as announced .
Visitors are welcome outside of service times , and admission is free -you will be most welcome .
The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall , Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral .
For further information , visit www.enniskillencathedral.com Ferns , Co Wexford ( St Edan ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning .
On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am ( Family Eucharist ) .
The cathedral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be most welcome .
The Very Revd Leslie Forrest ; Rector and Dean .
Tel : 053 9366 124 National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Cathedral Choir Howells : Collegium Regale , Howells : Like as the hart , Bairstow : Jesu the very thought of thee , Preacher : The Revd P.M. Willoughby , B.A.
, Prebendary of Tymothan .
15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under his shadow , Psalm : 8 , Howells : Collegium Regale , Walmisley : Remember O Lord .
MATINS is sung at 9.00 and CHORAL EVENSONG at 17.30 on Monday to Friday .
EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday , Thursday and Saturday .
For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
All Saints Church , Belfast is located on University Street ( near to Queens University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style .
Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
Visit www.ascbelfast.com All Saints Church , Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday .
On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am .
Wednesdays at 10am ( Eucharistic Service ) .
An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month ( Wholeness and Healing Service ) .
We are located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raheny Village , Dublin 5 .
All Welcome .
Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Visit http : //allsaintsraheny.org for more information Bangor Parish Church -Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am ; with refreshments served between each service .
We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street , Bangor , Co. Down .
For more information , visit : bangorparishchurch.org.uk Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road , West , Clontarf , Dublin 3 .
Sunday 12th January at 8:30am ( Holy Communion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre .
Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am .
All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services .
Revd Lesley Robinson .
Visit : clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/ Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome .
We are located at Coolock , Dublin 5 , between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road ; next to the Odeon Cinema .
Rector : Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Further details are found at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 : NO SERVICE .
See Santry and Glasnevin .
Howth , Co Dublin ( St Mary ’ s Parish ) Sundays at 9:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and 11am ( Holy Communion ) .
Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time .
Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am .
We look forward to seeing you , Canon Kevin Brew ( Rector ) .
Visit : www.stmaryshowth.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building , 28 Bachelors Walk , Dublin 1 .
We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background .
Pastor Kieron Lynch .
For more details , visit : www.immanuelchurchdublin.org Julianstown , Co Meath 10:30am .
The Rector .
The Church of Ireland Parish of St. Mary is located on the Old Laytown Road , just outside of Julianstown , and welcomes all who would like to come along .
Visit our Facebook page to find out more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are an evangelical church , belonging to the Church of Ireland , and rooted in the community .
We aim to make worship , learning from the Bible , mission and being open to the Holy Spirit , a priority in our life together .
Services are on Sundays at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( All Age Service ) .
Wednesdays at 10:30am ( Holy Communion Service ) .
Visit http : //kotg.ie to find out more .
Rev .
Alan Breen , Rector Killarney ( St Mary ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kenmare Place , Killarney , Co. Kerry .
Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month , and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome .
Visit : http : //churchofthesloes.ie/ St James Church , Crinken , Bray , Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am .
Rector , Trevor Stevenson .
We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live , and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus .
We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.crinken.ie Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m. , Holy Communion .
10.30 a.m. , ‘ Thinking Day ’ Service for uniformed organizations .
7.00 p.m. , Holy Communion .
Dun Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Sunday Service 11am .
All Welcome .
For further details www.dlmc.org

CATHEDRALS
Armagh - St Patrick's Church of Ireland -Sunday services at 10am (Holy Communion), 11am (Sung Eucharist) and 3:15pm (Choral Evensong). Mon to Sat at 9:30am (Said Matins) and 12:30pm (1st Wednesday of every month). Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm (Nov-March) and until 5pm (April-Oct). Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward. You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture. The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan, Dean of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh City -Further information is available by, visiting: www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) Eucharist at 8am, 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm. on Sunday. There will always be a quiet area available. The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm (last audio tour at 4.30pm), and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays. (It will be closed to visitors during services). People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us, Dean Stephen Forde. Visit: www.belfastcathedral.org
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City --Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm. Weekday services at 10am (morning prayer) 12 midday (Peace Prayers) and 12:45pm (Eucharist). On Monday and Friday at 5pm, there is a Said Evening Prayer. During term time, Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sung service times may vary, especially out of cathedral choir terms. Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times. A warm welcome awaits you, The Very Revd Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
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Cork City (St Finn Barre's) Sunday Services are at 8am (Said Eucharist), 11:15am (Choral Eucharist) and 3:30pm (Choral Evensong). Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am (Morning Prayer) and 12 noon (The Eucharist). Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm. The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays. Very Rev. Nigel Dunne (Dean of Cork). For more information, visit: https://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Derry/Londonderry (Saint Columb's Cathedral) Services are at 8am (Holy Communion) 11am (Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays) 4pm (Choral Evensong). The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri (The Litany) in The Baptistery. The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel. (For any changes to our regular services, please check the magazine online). www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities. This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue, which is acceptable to all sections of the community. The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, Dean
Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion. You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral. Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship, not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese, but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations. VISIT downcathedral.org for further information
Enniskillen -St Macartin's Cathedral --Services are at 9am (Holy Communion) 11am (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays, and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays). Evening service at 7pm (Evening Prayer on first, second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays). Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays (Holy Communion) and other services are as announced. Visitors are welcome outside of service times, and admission is free -you will be most welcome. The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall, Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral. For further information, visit www.enniskillencathedral.com
Ferns, Co Wexford (St Edan's Cathedral) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning. On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am (Family Eucharist). The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome. The Very Revd Leslie Forrest; Rector and Dean. Tel: 053 9366 124
National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Cathedral Choir Howells: Collegium Regale, Howells: Like as the hart, Bairstow: Jesu the very thought of thee, Preacher: The Revd P.M. Willoughby, B.A., Prebendary of Tymothan. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses: Rose, Bairstow: I sat down under his shadow, Psalm: 8, Howells: Collegium Regale, Walmisley: Remember O Lord. MATINS is sung at 9.00 and CHORAL EVENSONG at 17.30 on Monday to Friday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
CHURCH OF IRELAND
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
All Saints Church, Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday. On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am. Wednesdays at 10am (Eucharistic Service). An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Wholeness and Healing Service). We are located on the Howth Road, next to Raheny Village, Dublin 5. All Welcome. Rev. Norman McCausland. Visit http://allsaintsraheny.org for more information
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Morning Prayer) Ardamine 10.15am (Holy Communion) Kilnamanagh 11.45am (Morning Prayer)
Bangor Parish Church -Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am; with refreshments served between each service. We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street, Bangor, Co. Down. For more information, visit: bangorparishchurch.org.uk
Christ Church Bray Sunday 1st March 8.30am Holy Communion 1; 11am Holy Communion 2.
Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road, West, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sunday 12th January at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (Morning Prayer) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre. Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am. All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services. Revd Lesley Robinson. Visit: clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/
Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome. We are located at Coolock, Dublin 5, between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road; next to the Odeon Cinema. Rector: Rev. Norman McCausland. Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org
Cork Carrigaline Union. 930am- Morning Prayer - St John's Monkstown. 11am- Holy Communion -St Mary's Carrigaline. Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary's Carrigaline. www.carrigalineunion.org
Enniscorthy (St Mary's Church) 11:30am with Holy Communion. Rector: Rev. Nicola Halford
Finglas (St Canice) Lent 1: NO SERVICE. See Santry and Glasnevin.
Glasnevin (St Mobhi) Lent 1: 11.30 Eucharist.
Howth, Co Dublin (St Mary's Parish) Sundays at 9:30am (Morning Prayer) and 11am (Holy Communion). Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time. Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you, Canon Kevin Brew (Rector). Visit: www.stmaryshowth.com
Immanuel Church, Dublin City, meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building, 28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background. Pastor Kieron Lynch. For more details, visit: www.immanuelchurchdublin.org
Julianstown, Co Meath 10:30am. The Rector. The Church of Ireland Parish of St. Mary is located on the Old Laytown Road, just outside of Julianstown, and welcomes all who would like to come along. Visit our Facebook page to find out more.
Kill O The Grange, Dublin we are an evangelical church, belonging to the Church of Ireland, and rooted in the community. We aim to make worship, learning from the Bible, mission and being open to the Holy Spirit, a priority in our life together. Services are on Sundays at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (All Age Service). Wednesdays at 10:30am (Holy Communion Service). Visit http://kotg.ie to find out more. Rev. Alan Breen, Rector
Killarney (St Mary's -Church of the Sloes) 11am at Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month, and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome. Visit: http://churchofthesloes.ie/
Rathmichael Parish 08.30 hrs. Holy Communion. 11.00 hrs. Holy Communion. 19.00 hrs. Evening Prayer.
Santry (St Pappan) Lent 1: 10.00 Eucharist.
St James Church, Crinken, Bray, Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am. Rector, Trevor Stevenson. We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live, and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus. We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill. For more information, visit: www.crinken.ie
St John the Evangelist, Park Avenue, Sandymount Sunday 1st March - Lent 1: Sung Eucharist 11 a.m. www.sandymount.dublin.anglican.org
St Matthias, Killiney - Ballybrack 09.00 Holy Communion, 10.30 Messy All Age Service. Wednesday 10.30 Holy Communion.
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., 'Thinking Day' Service for uniformed organizations. 7.00 p.m., Holy Communion.
PRESBYTERIAN
Blackrock St Andrew's 9. 45.a m.Reverend Andrew Gill.Junior Church and Creche.All Welcome.
METHODIST
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. All Welcome. For further details www.dlmc.org
Gorey 11.00am Service of Holy Communion, Rev Katherine Kehoe


theirishtimes--2020-02-29--Storm Jorge set to bring flooding, falling trees and power outages

Thousands of homes are expected to be left without electricity on Saturday afternoon when Storm Jorge batters the country , bringing with it extremely strong winds and flooding and felling trees around the country .
Met Éireann has issued a status red wind warning , the highest level of weather warning , for counties Galway and Clare from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday with “ very severe winds ” expected to reach mean speeds of 85 to 100km/h in places on Saturday afternoon , and gusts of 130 to 145km/h .
A status red severe weather warning is rarely declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ take action to protect themselves and/or their properties ” .
Families already affected by flooding in Co Clare remain on high alert as they face into the worst of Saturday ’ s storm .
A Clare County Council source warned that strong winds could blow floodwater into people ’ s homes .
An orange wind warning has been issued for counties Galway , Mayo , Clare and Kerry from 6am on Saturday until 3am on Sunday while a separate orange warning is in place for Donegal , Leitrim and Sligo from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A status orange wind warning is in place for Leinster , Cavan , Monaghan , Roscommon , Cork , Limerick , Tipperary and Waterford which is valid between 1pm and 7pm on Saturday .
Status yellow rainfall warnings have also been declared across Munster , Connacht and Donegal , with accumulations of between 20 to 30mm expected between Friday and Saturday , and 40 to 50mm possible in mountainous areas .
Met Éireann has warned of a high risk of flooding due to already-saturated ground conditions and elevated river levels .
Evelyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Éireann , said there had been twice the average amount of rainfall for February , and in some places up to three times the average .
“ It ’ s the wettest February on record so far at several of our stations , including the Phoenix Park , which goes back to the 1800s , and several stations in Mayo and Limerick as well , ” she said .
Derek Hynes from ESB Networks said additional crews would be deployed to Galway , Clare , Limerick and Athlone this weekend .
Mr Hynes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 10,000 and 40,000 power outages and they are “ expecting something similar ” .
An inflatable water dam will be reactivated at Spanish Parade in Galway city while car parks at Toft Park and the promenade in Salthill will remain closed throughout Saturday , said the council .
The promenade will remain open “ only as long as it is safe ” and will be closed to traffic during the status red period , it added .
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has requested the public do not visit national parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weather warnings are in place .
Westmeath County Council said on Friday evening that water levels in the River Shannon were continuing to rise in the Athlone area , albeit at a slower rate than in previous days .
“ The council is in receipt of an ESB forecast of river levels for the next four days and this is indicating that the River Shannon in Athlone will continue to rise up to Sunday ... the highest predicted level is ... approximately 4cm above current levels , ” it said .

Evelyn Cusack, head of forecasting at Met Éireann, at a meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw for The Irish Times
Thousands of homes are expected to be left without electricity on Saturday afternoon when Storm Jorge batters the country, bringing with it extremely strong winds and flooding and felling trees around the country.
Met Éireann has issued a status red wind warning, the highest level of weather warning, for counties Galway and Clare from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday with "very severe winds" expected to reach mean speeds of 85 to 100km/h in places on Saturday afternoon, and gusts of 130 to 145km/h.
A status red severe weather warning is rarely declared and calls on people in affected areas to “take action to protect themselves and/or their properties”.
Families already affected by flooding in Co Clare remain on high alert as they face into the worst of Saturday's storm. A Clare County Council source warned that strong winds could blow floodwater into people's homes.
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An orange wind warning has been issued for counties Galway, Mayo, Clare and Kerry from 6am on Saturday until 3am on Sunday while a separate orange warning is in place for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo from midday on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.
A status orange wind warning is in place for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford which is valid between 1pm and 7pm on Saturday.
Rainfall warnings
Status yellow rainfall warnings have also been declared across Munster, Connacht and Donegal, with accumulations of between 20 to 30mm expected between Friday and Saturday, and 40 to 50mm possible in mountainous areas.
Met Éireann has warned of a high risk of flooding due to already-saturated ground conditions and elevated river levels. Evelyn Cusack, head of forecasting at Met Éireann, said there had been twice the average amount of rainfall for February, and in some places up to three times the average.
"It's the wettest February on record so far at several of our stations, including the Phoenix Park, which goes back to the 1800s, and several stations in Mayo and Limerick as well," she said.
Derek Hynes from ESB Networks said additional crews would be deployed to Galway, Clare, Limerick and Athlone this weekend. Mr Hynes said the last three storms resulted in between 10,000 and 40,000 power outages and they are "expecting something similar".
Water dam
An inflatable water dam will be reactivated at Spanish Parade in Galway city while car parks at Toft Park and the promenade in Salthill will remain closed throughout Saturday, said the council. The promenade will remain open "only as long as it is safe" and will be closed to traffic during the status red period, it added.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has requested the public do not visit national parks, national monuments or nature reserves while the weather warnings are in place.
Westmeath County Council said on Friday evening that water levels in the River Shannon were continuing to rise in the Athlone area, albeit at a slower rate than in previous days.
“The council is in receipt of an ESB forecast of river levels for the next four days and this is indicating that the River Shannon in Athlone will continue to rise up to Sunday... the highest predicted level is... approximately 4cm above current levels,” it said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-29--Coronavirus outbreak: WHO raises risk warning to ‘very high’

The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has raised its global risk assessment for coronavirus to “ very high ” from “ high ” as countries struggle to contain the virus .
The illness could reach most “ if not all countries ” , the organisation warned after more confirmed cases emerged with the largest country in Africa , Nigeria , recording the first case in sub-Saharan Africa .
Elevating the risk level to very high is intended to spur countries to step up their responses to the spread of the virus , said Dr Mike Ryan , the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergencies programme .
He said health officials globally needed to be ready to isolate patients and carefully trace their contacts to keep the disease from spiralling out of control .
“ This is a reality check for every government .
The window of opportunity is closing .
Wake up , ” he said in Geneva yesterday .
The list of affected countries is edging towards 60 with Mexico , Belarus , Lithuania , New Zealand , Azerbaijan and the Netherlands all reporting cases yesterday , all with a travel history connected to epicentres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second Latin American country to register the virus , after Brazil .
Britain saw its first death from the disease yesterday , of a man who contracted it on a cruise ship moored in Japan .
On Saturday , three more patients from England tested positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of UK cases to 23 , chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty has said .
Health officials are tracing anyone who has been in contact with a coronavirus patient who became the first to catch the illness within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear if the patient had contracted the virus “ directly or indirectly ” from somebody who had recently travelled abroad .
In Northern Ireland , a woman who had travelled from northern Italy through Dublin Airport , was diagnosed with Covid-19 on Thursday .
Health authorities north and south of the Border moved to reassure the public on Friday that everyone who was in close contact with the woman had now been identified .
The cabin crew on the Aer Lingus flight to Dublin on which the woman had travelled have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ precautionary measure ” , the airline said yesterday .
The director of the State ’ s Health Protection Surveillance Centre , John Cuddihy , said if people had not been contacted they had no need to be concerned .
Dr Jillian Johnston , consultant in health protection at the North ’ s Public Health Agency , said “ members of the public who have travelled between Dublin and Belfast using public transport need not be concerned ” .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said everything that could be done from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the coronavirus was being done .
He said protocols in place for handling a positive case , including contact tracing and links between health authorities on both sides of the Border , had worked very well .
Head of the HSE Paul Reid said the health service was making significant preparations to deal with the virus including looking at ways of increasing intensive care facilities across the health system .
It was also looking at arrangements to test people at home for the coronavirus .
The Catholic Diocese of Down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspending the shaking of hands for the sign of peace at Masses and administering Communion into the hands only .
Meanwhile , world shares were on course for their largest weekly fall since the 2008 financial crisis .
Shares listed on the Iseq index in Dublin have shed more than a tenth of their value this week .
The latest WHO figures indicate about 2,700 deaths in China and 57 deaths in 46 other countries .
Deaths in Iran from coronavirus have hit 43 , the highest number outside China , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 593 , an Iranian health official said on Saturday .
The country is at the epicentre of the outbreak in the region , with several countries in the Middle East reporting cases of the coronavirus stemming from Iran .
South Korea urged citizens on Saturday to stay indoors as it warned of a “ critical moment ” in its battle on the coronavirus after recording the biggest daily jump in infections , as 813 new cases took the tally to 3,150 .
The French government banned public gatherings with more than 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases .
Health minister Olivier Veran said the number of confirmed cases had risen to 73 and that there had been no new deaths .
California health officials confirmed a second personin the US who did not travel internationally has tested positive for the strain of coronavirus known as Covid-19 .
Health officials in San Jose said the patient was an older adult woman with chronic health conditions who does not have a travel history or any known contact with a traveller or infected person .
It comes a day after state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had contracted the illness after no known contact .

South Korean soldiers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant as part of preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at Dongdaegu railway station in Daegu on Saturday. Photograph: Yonhap/AFP/Getty Images
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its global risk assessment for coronavirus to “very high” from “high” as countries struggle to contain the virus.
The illness could reach most "if not all countries", the organisation warned after more confirmed cases emerged with the largest country in Africa, Nigeria, recording the first case in sub-Saharan Africa.
Elevating the risk level to very high is intended to spur countries to step up their responses to the spread of the virus, said Dr Mike Ryan, the Irish man who runs the WHO's emergencies programme.
He said health officials globally needed to be ready to isolate patients and carefully trace their contacts to keep the disease from spiralling out of control. "This is a reality check for every government. The window of opportunity is closing. Wake up," he said in Geneva yesterday. The list of affected countries is edging towards 60 with Mexico, Belarus, Lithuania, New Zealand, Azerbaijan and the Netherlands all reporting cases yesterday, all with a travel history connected to epicentres in Italy and Iran. Mexico is the second Latin American country to register the virus, after Brazil.
READ MORE
UK cases rise
Britain saw its first death from the disease yesterday, of a man who contracted it on a cruise ship moored in Japan. On Saturday, three more patients from England tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of UK cases to 23, chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty has said. Health officials are tracing anyone who has been in contact with a coronavirus patient who became the first to catch the illness within the UK. Prof Whitty said it was not clear if the patient had contracted the virus “directly or indirectly” from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.
In Northern Ireland, a woman who had travelled from northern Italy through Dublin Airport, was diagnosed with Covid-19 on Thursday. Health authorities north and south of the Border moved to reassure the public on Friday that everyone who was in close contact with the woman had now been identified. The cabin crew on the Aer Lingus flight to Dublin on which the woman had travelled have been placed in self-isolation for 14 days as a "precautionary measure", the airline said yesterday.
Protocols in place
The director of the State's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, John Cuddihy, said if people had not been contacted they had no need to be concerned. Dr Jillian Johnston, consultant in health protection at the North's Public Health Agency, said "members of the public who have travelled between Dublin and Belfast using public transport need not be concerned".
Minister for Health Simon Harris said everything that could be done from a public health point of view in Ireland to deal with the coronavirus was being done. He said protocols in place for handling a positive case, including contact tracing and links between health authorities on both sides of the Border, had worked very well.
Staff handing out advice leaflets at the Coronavirus/COVID-19 stand in Dublin Airport. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins
Health service
Head of the HSE Paul Reid said the health service was making significant preparations to deal with the virus including looking at ways of increasing intensive care facilities across the health system. It was also looking at arrangements to test people at home for the coronavirus.
The Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor and the Dublin archdiocese are suspending the shaking of hands for the sign of peace at Masses and administering Communion into the hands only.
Meanwhile, world shares were on course for their largest weekly fall since the 2008 financial crisis. Shares listed on the Iseq index in Dublin have shed more than a tenth of their value this week.
The latest WHO figures indicate about 2,700 deaths in China and 57 deaths in 46 other countries.
Medical staff wearing protective gear take samples from a driver with suspected symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus, at a “drive-through” virus test facility in Goyang, north of Seoul. Phottograph: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images
Deaths and bans of public gatherings
Deaths in Iran from coronavirus have hit 43, the highest number outside China, and the total number of infected people has risen to 593, an Iranian health official said on Saturday.
The country is at the epicentre of the outbreak in the region, with several countries in the Middle East reporting cases of the coronavirus stemming from Iran.
South Korea urged citizens on Saturday to stay indoors as it warned of a “critical moment” in its battle on the coronavirus after recording the biggest daily jump in infections, as 813 new cases took the tally to 3,150.
The French government banned public gatherings with more than 5,000 people on Saturday as France reported 16 new cases. Health minister Olivier Veran said the number of confirmed cases had risen to 73 and that there had been no new deaths.
US cases
California health officials confirmed a second personin the US who did not travel internationally has tested positive for the strain of coronavirus known as Covid-19.
Health officials in San Jose said the patient was an older adult woman with chronic health conditions who does not have a travel history or any known contact with a traveller or infected person.
It comes a day after state officials said a woman hospitalised in Sacramento had contracted the illness after no known contact.


theirishtimes--2020-02-29--Storm Jorge lashes Ireland with severe winds and heavy rain

Thousands of properties were left without power on Saturday evening as Storm Jorge passed over the country , bringing heavy winds .
A number of roads were impassable across the country due to fallen trees , with gusts of 133km/h recorded in the west .
A status red wind warning was in place for Galway and Clare on Saturday morning and afternoon .
Orange and yellow alerts were put in place in place for much of the country until midnight .
By 6pm , 5,000 ESB customers were without power , with a one fault in Saggart accounting for almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokesman .
ESB crews were working into the evening and it was expected that all faults would be repaired on Saturday night .
Met Éireann said there is a continuing risk of flooding in Connacht and Donegal due to already saturated ground and elevated river levels .
A yellow snow and ice warning is also in place for the entire country until 9am on Sunday .
Gardaí had to attend the scene of an incident where a truck overturned in high winds in the Maam Cross area of Connemara , Co Galway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries , according to gardaí .
Met Éireann said severe winds associated with Storm Jorge would continue , with gusts of between 100km/h and 130km/h in the southwest .
Winds were due to gradually ease from the south through Saturday evening as the storm centre drifts away northeastwards .
“ There continues to be an elevated risk of coastal flooding , ” said the forecaster .
A status orange wind warning was put in place for Donegal , Galway , Leitrim , Mayo , Sligo and Clare until midnight Saturday .
A yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cavan , Monaghan , Roscommon , Cork , Kerry , Limerick , Tipperary and Waterford until 10pm on Saturday .
A yellow rainfall warning is also in place for Connacht and Donegal until midnight on Saturday .
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Saturday and will convene again on Sunday morning .
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday , Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said “ people are not to travel ” if local conditions do not appear safe .
“ There is a potential for damage from gusts everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be alert and need to be aware , ” Mr Murphy said .
“ We are anticipating greater weather impacts later today and we are anticipating disruptions for public events , for power supply , for travel and for public transport as well .
All necessary resources have been deployed to help those who are vulnerable , homeless and those at risk of flooding.
” The Irish Coast Guard has warned the public to stay away from exposed areas and to report any persons they see in difficulty .
Garda Superintendent Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging and dangerous conditions ” in the west of the country .
“ An Garda Síochána are currently investigating a number of tragic incidents on our road network overnight and early this morning , unconnected with Storm Jorge , but the emergency services do not need to be presented with any further tragic incidents to deal with this afternoon , ” he said .
The Defence Forces are continuing to support local authorities in Limerick , Clare and Westmeath with sandbagging , the maintenance of pumps and providing transport to isolated areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised the public to stay clear of any fallen trees or wires .
The ESB ’ s emergency number to report such matters is 1850 372 999 .

A swimmer at Blackrock in Galway braves the elements as Storm Jorge hits Ireland. Photograph: Damien Storan
Thousands of properties were left without power on Saturday evening as Storm Jorge passed over the country, bringing heavy winds.
A number of roads were impassable across the country due to fallen trees, with gusts of 133km/h recorded in the west. A status red wind warning was in place for Galway and Clare on Saturday morning and afternoon. Orange and yellow alerts were put in place in place for much of the country until midnight.
By 6pm, 5,000 ESB customers were without power, with a one fault in Saggart accounting for almost half of that number, according to a spokesman. ESB crews were working into the evening and it was expected that all faults would be repaired on Saturday night.
Getting a few things sorted in advance of #stormjorge. Keep safe everyone and don't take risks. pic.twitter.com/bo20Ph2wzJ — Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (@kevinboxermoran) February 29, 2020
Met Éireann said there is a continuing risk of flooding in Connacht and Donegal due to already saturated ground and elevated river levels. A yellow snow and ice warning is also in place for the entire country until 9am on Sunday.
READ MORE
Gardaí had to attend the scene of an incident where a truck overturned in high winds in the Maam Cross area of Connemara, Co Galway on Saturday afternoon. There were no injuries, according to gardaí.
Met Éireann said severe winds associated with Storm Jorge would continue, with gusts of between 100km/h and 130km/h in the southwest. Winds were due to gradually ease from the south through Saturday evening as the storm centre drifts away northeastwards.
“There continues to be an elevated risk of coastal flooding,” said the forecaster.
A status orange wind warning was put in place for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Clare until midnight Saturday. A yellow wind warning is in place for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan , Roscommon, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford until 10pm on Saturday.
A yellow rainfall warning is also in place for Connacht and Donegal until midnight on Saturday.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Saturday and will convene again on Sunday morning.
A wind map from Saturday morning showing the anticipated movement of StormJorge off the west coast of Ireland. Image: Magicseaweed
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said "people are not to travel" if local conditions do not appear safe.
“There is a potential for damage from gusts everywhere in the country today. People need to be alert and need to be aware,” Mr Murphy said.
“We are anticipating greater weather impacts later today and we are anticipating disruptions for public events, for power supply, for travel and for public transport as well. All necessary resources have been deployed to help those who are vulnerable, homeless and those at risk of flooding.”
The Irish Coast Guard has warned the public to stay away from exposed areas and to report any persons they see in difficulty.
Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said Storm Jorge was presenting "challenging and dangerous conditions" in the west of the country.
"An Garda Síochána are currently investigating a number of tragic incidents on our road network overnight and early this morning, unconnected with Storm Jorge, but the emergency services do not need to be presented with any further tragic incidents to deal with this afternoon," he said.
The Defence Forces are continuing to support local authorities in Limerick, Clare and Westmeath with sandbagging, the maintenance of pumps and providing transport to isolated areas.
Derek Hynes, from ESB Networks, advised the public to stay clear of any fallen trees or wires. The ESB's emergency number to report such matters is 1850 372 999.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--‘Misleading’ LOL dolls packaging leaves little girl ‘very upset’

Richard Niland from Dublin wrote to us to say he was “ a very annoyed parent of a very upset six-year-old girl ” .
And what was the source of his annoyance ?
He contacted us after his child spend €30 “ of her own money on a plastic box and a single plastic doll , all of around 2in tall ” .
His daughter and his wife thought she was buying a box with far more than a single figurine in it “ but , it seems , you need a qualification in forensics to figure out what ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s toys these days ” , he writes .
He attached pictures of the front and back of the box so we can all see what he is talking about “ If you feel inclined to count , there ’ s seven pictures of the box , each one proudly displaying something like 20 little LOL dolls in the box .
In prominent writing on the front it says something about ‘ 18+ dolls ’ .
.
.
yeah , like the pictures show , a whole heap of dolls in the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited little girl and two others following behind , who has time to investigate all the details while standing in Smyths middle aisle ?
” he wonders .
So the mother and daughter arrive home and the box is excitedly ripped open .
“ To her dismay , the six-year-old finds not a box full of LOL dolls , but one with four or five compartments each filled with a colourful bag .
Not to worry , my wife consoles her – the box wasn ’ t full , but at least there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There wasn ’ t .
“ A few more minutes pass and the dismay gives way to tears .
The contents of the few bags are not individually wrapped dolls , but , you guessed it , one single 2in-high plastic doll and her all important ‘ accessories ’ .
“ Later on , after the tears were dried up , we examined the box and yes , of course , on the back it does say , next to the French and Spanish translations : ‘ Includes : one doll and four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might think is in there and as all the pictures show .
( In fact , not a single picture is a true representation of what ’ s inside . )
” So our reader went back into Smyths but failed to get any satisfaction .
“ My little girl had opened it and the box did indeed say that it only contains one doll , despite all the pictures .
We both knew I hadn ’ t a leg to stand on .
So , it ’ s been a lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think it ’ s appropriate , you might find space to warn other parents and their excited six-year-olds ” .
A quick look at the pictures and it is clear our reader is making a valid point .
We contacted Smyths to see if it had a view .
Obviously , the store is not responsible for the contents of the toy but it sells the product and we wondered if more could have been done to make this small child feel better about the world .
At the time of going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a response from the retailer .

Richard Niland from Dublin wrote to us to say he was “a very annoyed parent of a very upset six-year-old girl”.
And what was the source of his annoyance? He contacted us after his child spend €30 “of her own money on a plastic box and a single plastic doll, all of around 2in tall”.
His daughter and his wife thought she was buying a box with far more than a single figurine in it “but, it seems, you need a qualification in forensics to figure out what’s inside the packaging of children’s toys these days”, he writes.
Inside the LOL Surprise! dolls box
He attached pictures of the front and back of the box so we can all see what he is talking about
READ MORE
“If you feel inclined to count, there’s seven pictures of the box, each one proudly displaying something like 20 little LOL dolls in the box. In prominent writing on the front it says something about ‘18+ dolls’ . . . yeah, like the pictures show, a whole heap of dolls in the box, presumably”.
“With an excited little girl and two others following behind, who has time to investigate all the details while standing in Smyths middle aisle?” he wonders.
So the mother and daughter arrive home and the box is excitedly ripped open. “To her dismay, the six-year-old finds not a box full of LOL dolls, but one with four or five compartments each filled with a colourful bag. Not to worry, my wife consoles her – the box wasn’t full, but at least there’s a few in it.” There wasn’t.
“A few more minutes pass and the dismay gives way to tears. The contents of the few bags are not individually wrapped dolls, but, you guessed it, one single 2in-high plastic doll and her all important ‘accessories’.
True representation
“Later on, after the tears were dried up, we examined the box and yes, of course, on the back it does say, next to the French and Spanish translations: ‘Includes: one doll and four accessories’. Nowhere near the 18+ you might think is in there and as all the pictures show. (In fact, not a single picture is a true representation of what’s inside.)”
So our reader went back into Smyths but failed to get any satisfaction. “ My little girl had opened it and the box did indeed say that it only contains one doll, despite all the pictures. We both knew I hadn’t a leg to stand on. So, it’s been a lesson for us, anyway. Maybe if you think it’s appropriate, you might find space to warn other parents and their excited six-year-olds”.
A quick look at the pictures and it is clear our reader is making a valid point. We contacted Smyths to see if it had a view. Obviously, the store is not responsible for the contents of the toy but it sells the product and we wondered if more could have been done to make this small child feel better about the world. At the time of going to print we had yet to receive a response from the retailer.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Fighting a losing battle with Aer Lingus over terms of vouchers

A reader called Ruby wrote to us to express her “ disgust ” at her recent dealings with Aer Lingus .
Specifically she was disgusted with how the vouchers she had were being treated .
Ruby lives in Toronto and tries to come home to Ireland as much as possible to visit family .
“ Unfortunately this year at Christmas the prices were extortionate so I stayed in Toronto , ” she says .
As a result , her family bought her a total of three Aer Lingus vouchers as Christmas and birthday presents which they hoped she would use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer .
She then found out that the terms and conditions of the airline ’ s vouchers say that people can only use one voucher per transaction .
She said this was “ unfair but it ’ s nonetheless there in the fine print ” .
Her real problem – and the thing that renders her presents very hard to use – is that because the vouchers were bought in euro she only has the option to buy a ticket home in euro .
“ After hours of dealing with Aer Lingus contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of voucher terms and conditions I have come to realise that I can not use this voucher unless I am departing from Ireland .
Yes even people in other European countries must depart from Dublin , ” she writes .
She says nowhere in the terms and conditions could she find a reference to this .
“ You are sent in circles , promised call backs , promised things that are not even possible within the Ts & Cs in the hope that you will give up .
It appears from research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give up .
The first flight home this summer I have now booked with Air Canada , and I am fighting a losing battle with Aer Lingus trying to book a second flight for August using their vouchers .
I dread the time I tell my family members that all the money spent on presents have been handed over to Aer Lingus for no reason.
” She says she is shocked that “ the marketing everywhere is ‘ let ’ s bring families together ’ when in this situation you are told its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obsolete .
They expire within 12 months , you incur large fees to change the name and are offered no alternative .
It is by no means anyone ’ s fault as I am willing to pay in euros , with an Irish credit card if they want .
Since this has happened the flights have doubled [ in price ] , I am ending up spending more than I ever planned to and I have heard from friends who have also had Aer Lingus vouchers go to waste for numerous different reasons.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she said that her partner had agreed to issue flight credit in place of the vouchers “ and that we can then call in order to book , but previously we were advised that over the phone they can not book ‘ saver fares ’ and instead will charge us a much higher rate making the voucher useless ” .
We got the following statement from the airline : “ We appreciate the reader ’ s predicament however , as outlined on our website , gift vouchers can only be redeemed against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voucher is issued in , ” a spokeswoman said .
“ As this guest was booking from Canada they were unable to use their euro voucher .
At present our vouchers are available in euro , US dollars and pound sterling .
Flights originating from Ireland and euro zones are priced in euro ( EUR ) , flights originating from the UK are priced in sterling ( GBP ) and flights originating from the United States are priced in US dollars ( USD ) .
Unfortunately we do not issue vouchers in Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guest in question and their partner have been in touch with our guest relations team on this matter .
Our team advised we can issue the guest with flight credit for the value of the voucher and our reservations team can assist with issuing the booking over the phone .
This is still the case should the guest wish to make contact with our reservations team and complete the booking .
”

A reader called Ruby wrote to us to express her "disgust" at her recent dealings with Aer Lingus. Specifically she was disgusted with how the vouchers she had were being treated.
Ruby lives in Toronto and tries to come home to Ireland as much as possible to visit family. "Unfortunately this year at Christmas the prices were extortionate so I stayed in Toronto," she says.
As a result, her family bought her a total of three Aer Lingus vouchers as Christmas and birthday presents which they hoped she would use to fly home for family weddings this summer.
She then found out that the terms and conditions of the airline’s vouchers say that people can only use one voucher per transaction. She said this was “unfair but it’s nonetheless there in the fine print”.
READ MORE
Her real problem – and the thing that renders her presents very hard to use – is that because the vouchers were bought in euro she only has the option to buy a ticket home in euro.
“After hours of dealing with Aer Lingus contact centre agents who have not the slightest idea of voucher terms and conditions I have come to realise that I cannot use this voucher unless I am departing from Ireland. Yes even people in other European countries must depart from Dublin,” she writes.
She says nowhere in the terms and conditions could she find a reference to this. "You are sent in circles, promised call backs, promised things that are not even possible within the Ts&Cs in the hope that you will give up. It appears from research that this happens constantly and eventually people give up. The first flight home this summer I have now booked with Air Canada, and I am fighting a losing battle with Aer Lingus trying to book a second flight for August using their vouchers. I dread the time I tell my family members that all the money spent on presents have been handed over to Aer Lingus for no reason."
She says she is shocked that “the marketing everywhere is ‘let’s bring families together’ when in this situation you are told its your own fault and the vouchers are obsolete. They expire within 12 months, you incur large fees to change the name and are offered no alternative. It is by no means anyone’s fault as I am willing to pay in euros, with an Irish credit card if they want. Since this has happened the flights have doubled [in price], I am ending up spending more than I ever planned to and I have heard from friends who have also had Aer Lingus vouchers go to waste for numerous different reasons.”
Predicament
She sent a subsequent email in which she said that her partner had agreed to issue flight credit in place of the vouchers “and that we can then call in order to book, but previously we were advised that over the phone they cannot book ‘saver fares’ and instead will charge us a much higher rate making the voucher useless”.
We got the following statement from the airline:
“We appreciate the reader’s predicament however, as outlined on our website, gift vouchers can only be redeemed against bookings made in the same currency the voucher is issued in,” a spokeswoman said.
“As this guest was booking from Canada they were unable to use their euro voucher. At present our vouchers are available in euro, US dollars and pound sterling. Flights originating from Ireland and euro zones are priced in euro (EUR), flights originating from the UK are priced in sterling (GBP) and flights originating from the United States are priced in US dollars (USD). Unfortunately we do not issue vouchers in Canadian dollars at this time.
“Both the guest in question and their partner have been in touch with our guest relations team on this matter. Our team advised we can issue the guest with flight credit for the value of the voucher and our reservations team can assist with issuing the booking over the phone. This is still the case should the guest wish to make contact with our reservations team and complete the booking.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--New iPhone stopped working 14 months into two-year contract

A reader called Susan contacted us with a query about a mobile phone that has a broad aspect with which many readers might identify .
“ I am tied into a 24-month contract with Vodafone , ” her mail starts .
“ I got an iPhone 7 Plus on the contract which was taken out in November 2018 .
In January 2020 , 14 months into the contract , the phone stopped working , the Apple icon appeared on the screen and the phone just locked up , couldn ’ t be turned on or off.
” So Susan brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kilkenny where she had bought it and was told the Apple warranty was for only a year so she had to pay for it to be fixed .
“ After leaving the shop I decided to look up some consumer legislation , ” her mail continues .
“ On reading up on European and Irish consumer law , I assumed I would be covered at least for two years which is stated under Irish law and would seem reasonable for the product seeing as the contract is for 24 months and you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duration of the contract.
” So she went back to the shop and said this .
“ They said they would send the phone back to see .
Then I received a call stating it would be approximately €370 to have it repaired , take it or leave it basically as I am not covered by Apple .
I asked if Apple had to operate under Irish law and was just told the same again and to take it up with Apple but I stated that my contract is with Vodafone and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t work .
I then rang Vodafone customer care to be told the same.
” Susan wonders if she is deluded in thinking she is covered under the umbrella of Irish-European consumer legislation .
It is worth pointing out that a warranty is not the be-all and end-all .
It is offered by a manufacturer but does not trump statutory consumer rights .
Under the Sale of Goods Act , consumers have up to six years to seek redress for faulty or defective items .
There are limits to this law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governed by how much you pay for something , what it is supposed to do and what you do with it .
A watch that costs €10 is probably not going to last long so if it breaks after a year , you have no real comeback .
A phone that costs close to €1,000 should last more than a year and more than 14 months and , if it doesn ’ t , then the retailer or service provider has a case to answer , warranty or no warranty .
Secondly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract is with Vodafone and not with Apple and while she can deal with Apple if she so chooses , she can not be told to by Vodafone .
According to the Competition and Consumer Protection website , a “ guarantee or warranty gives you additional protection if something goes wrong .
However , you are still protected by your consumer rights regardless of any warranty or guarantee .
Often warranties can be more generous , for example , they may also cover accidental damage , but they do sometimes have exclusions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your consumer rights don ’ t. ” We contacted Vodafone to see what it had to say .
Apart from outlining the law as we know it , the answer was very little .
The company asked for the device IMEI so it could “ review the results of [ our reader ’ s ] device test ” .
The statement went on to say that “ while we can not confirm without the device IMEI , from the information provided ; it would appear that her handset had a fault which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her statutory rights ” .

A reader called Susan contacted us with a query about a mobile phone that has a broad aspect with which many readers might identify.
"I am tied into a 24-month contract with Vodafone, " her mail starts. "I got an iPhone 7 Plus on the contract which was taken out in November 2018. In January 2020, 14 months into the contract, the phone stopped working, the Apple icon appeared on the screen and the phone just locked up, couldn't be turned on or off."
So Susan brought it back to the Vodafone shop in Kilkenny where she had bought it and was told the Apple warranty was for only a year so she had to pay for it to be fixed.
Reasonable
“After leaving the shop I decided to look up some consumer legislation,” her mail continues. “On reading up on European and Irish consumer law, I assumed I would be covered at least for two years which is stated under Irish law and would seem reasonable for the product seeing as the contract is for 24 months and you would assume the phone would last for the duration of the contract.”
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So she went back to the shop and said this. “They said they would send the phone back to see. Then I received a call stating it would be approximately €370 to have it repaired, take it or leave it basically as I am not covered by Apple. I asked if Apple had to operate under Irish law and was just told the same again and to take it up with Apple but I stated that my contract is with Vodafone and they should represent my case but this didn’t work. I then rang Vodafone customer care to be told the same.”
Susan wonders if she is deluded in thinking she is covered under the umbrella of Irish-European consumer legislation.
It is worth pointing out that a warranty is not the be-all and end-all. It is offered by a manufacturer but does not trump statutory consumer rights. Under the Sale of Goods Act, consumers have up to six years to seek redress for faulty or defective items.
There are limits to this law, however. And the limits are typically governed by how much you pay for something, what it is supposed to do and what you do with it.
A watch that costs €10 is probably not going to last long so if it breaks after a year, you have no real comeback. A phone that costs close to €1,000 should last more than a year and more than 14 months and, if it doesn’t, then the retailer or service provider has a case to answer, warranty or no warranty.
Secondly, as this reader points out, her contract is with Vodafone and not with Apple and while she can deal with Apple if she so chooses, she can not be told to by Vodafone.
Exclusions
According to the Competition and Consumer Protection website, a “guarantee or warranty gives you additional protection if something goes wrong. However, you are still protected by your consumer rights regardless of any warranty or guarantee. Often warranties can be more generous, for example, they may also cover accidental damage, but they do sometimes have exclusions and many run out after one year whereas your consumer rights don’t.”
We contacted Vodafone to see what it had to say. Apart from outlining the law as we know it, the answer was very little. The company asked for the device IMEI so it could “review the results of [our reader’s] device test”. The statement went on to say that “while we cannot confirm without the device IMEI, from the information provided; it would appear that her handset had a fault which was not covered by either manufacturer warranty or her statutory rights”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--‘I don’t think I can call Eir one more time without losing my temper’

A reader called Ciara got in touch because she was having an issue with our friends at Eir .
“ I ordered a phone on November 29th , 2019 , but due to a number of failed deliveries I decided to cancel the order within the 14 days I had to change my mind .
I needed a new phone urgently as my own was on its last legs , ” she writes .
She contacted Eir and was told to refuse the package upon delivery .
“ However , I was not at home when they delivered the package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground even though I was told I would need to show ID and proof of purchase upon delivery .
I contacted the delivery company several times about getting someone to collect the package but that again was useless.
” So she set up a Parcel Motel account and on December 13th dropped the phone into such a facility .
“ There are only two updates of the package , one being that is was stored , and two that it was collected .
I contacted the delivery company for further confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely delivered to Eir returns but hadn ’ t been processed yet .
I have contacted Eir countless times and have been told each time that they are waiting on confirmation that the phone has been returned.
” She is now receiving emails about “ unpaid ” bills from Eir but has been told that all bills have been cleared on her account .
“ I paid a total of €279 for the phone .
This included a deposit and the stated price of the phone which was included in a bill pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely been eye opening “ as this is the first time I have dealt with a national company seeing as I am only 18 .
I am working at the moment and trying to save up for a car and €279 would go a long way towards funding that .
I understand that I was returning the phone at a relatively busy time of the year but to see that there has been no update at this stage is ridiculous .
“ Many of the representatives I have been talking to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can do nothing in relation to the return of the phone and , therefore , can not cancel the account to give a refund .
Can you please help me with this issue ?
I don ’ t think I can call back one more time without losing my temper .
I have been very polite and understanding so far but the continued failure on their behalf to provide me with my entitled refund is very frustrating.
” We got in touch with eir and were told that it had “ been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the inconvenience and have followed up with the courier company .
The issue is now resolved and the customer is satisfied .
If a customer wishes to return a new , unopened mobile device they can call 1901 and eir will send out a prepaid envelope with everything the customer needs to return that order , subject to standard terms and conditions .
There is no need to use a parcel drop service for return of mobile devices .
”

Our reader says the experience has been eye opening ‘as this is the first time I have dealt with a national company’. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
A reader called Ciara got in touch because she was having an issue with our friends at Eir.
“I ordered a phone on November 29th, 2019, but due to a number of failed deliveries I decided to cancel the order within the 14 days I had to change my mind. I needed a new phone urgently as my own was on its last legs,” she writes.
She contacted Eir and was told to refuse the package upon delivery. “However, I was not at home when they delivered the package. It was left outside the door on the ground even though I was told I would need to show ID and proof of purchase upon delivery. I contacted the delivery company several times about getting someone to collect the package but that again was useless.”
So she set up a Parcel Motel account and on December 13th dropped the phone into such a facility. “There are only two updates of the package, one being that is was stored, and two that it was collected. I contacted the delivery company for further confirmation and was told that it was most likely delivered to Eir returns but hadn’t been processed yet. I have contacted Eir countless times and have been told each time that they are waiting on confirmation that the phone has been returned.”
READ MORE
Eye-opening experience
She is now receiving emails about “unpaid” bills from Eir but has been told that all bills have been cleared on her
account. “I paid a total of €279 for the phone. This included a deposit and the stated price of the phone which was included in a bill pay plan.”
She said the experience has definitely been eye opening “as this is the first time I have dealt with a national company seeing as I am only 18. I am working at the moment and trying to save up for a car and €279 would go a long way towards funding that. I understand that I was returning the phone at a relatively busy time of the year but to see that there has been no update at this stage is ridiculous.
“Many of the representatives I have been talking to have been helpful and understand my frustration, but they can do nothing in relation to the return of the phone and, therefore, cannot cancel the account to give a refund. Can you please help me with this issue? I don’t think I can call back one more time without losing my temper. I have been very polite and understanding so far but the continued failure on their behalf to provide me with my entitled refund is very frustrating.”
We got in touch with eir and were told that it had “been in contact with the customer to apologise for the inconvenience and have followed up with the courier company. The issue is now resolved and the customer is satisfied. If a customer wishes to return a new, unopened mobile device they can call 1901 and eir will send out a prepaid envelope with everything the customer needs to return that order, subject to standard terms and conditions. There is no need to use a parcel drop service for return of mobile devices.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-02--Warning: Cash lanes only if you have an AIB debit card

Eoin O ’ Meachair asked if he could recount his experience travelling in France on the autoroute system .
“ I am an AIB customer and , as required to facilitate ease of financial transactions , logged my travel arrangement dates when I would be abroad and the nominated country well in advance of departure .
All went to plan until I attempted to pay the toll fee on the autoroute , ” he says .
He entered the designated lane which accepts payment by card .
“ Three times in succession my AIB Visa debit card was rejected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
I sought assistance from the toll operator via the ‘ help ’ button on the pay machine and was informed that the bank had declined my card and I should proceed to a designated cash lane to pay the appropriate fee .
“ You can imagine how cordial a reception I received from the half-dozen drivers behind me who now had to reverse against the flow of traffic to allow me enter the alternate ‘ cash ’ lane.
” Once he had done that and paid the fee , he pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AIB card services number on the reverse of the card , the number to be used in case of difficulty or to report theft .
“ I was very politely informed that AIB is well aware of this problem and has been so since last October when it first surfaced .
It is a glitch between whatever system the French toll operator uses and the AIB debit card system and only occurs at toll barriers , ” he says .
“ As ever , the innocent customer is caught in the crossfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter has failed to be rectified for six months and , with the spring-summer holiday season beckoning , many other unsuspecting AIB clients will find themselves in the same invidious position as I experienced last week , ” he says .
We contacted AIB and received the following statement : “ In order to better protect customers a requirement of the Payment Services Directive ( PSD2 ) from September 2019 is for Card Issuers to stop accepting Magnetic Stripe transactions in the European Economic Area .
AIB switched off its Magnetic Stripe capability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulatory requirements .
“ However , AIB ( like all Card Issuers ) is dependent on the whole Cards ecosystem also moving from Magnetic Stripe to Contactless or Chip and Pin .
It appears that there are a small number of European toll road operators who have not switched over from Magnetic Stripe .
Unfortunately this issue will persist until the merchants convert .
This is a matter for the acquirer of the toll road company and not one that AIB has control over .
“ We have confirmed that this customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were Magnetic Stripe transactions .
We acknowledge that the customer was not given a clear enough explanation when they called AIB and are implementing changes to the response that is provided to customers in circumstances such as this .
”

AIB is well aware of the problem with its debit card at French toll booths and has been since last October. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Eoin O'Meachair asked if he could recount his experience travelling in France on the autoroute system.
"I am an AIB customer and, as required to facilitate ease of financial transactions, logged my travel arrangement dates when I would be abroad and the nominated country well in advance of departure. All went to plan until I attempted to pay the toll fee on the autoroute," he says.
He entered the designated lane which accepts payment by card. “Three times in succession my AIB Visa debit card was rejected by which time six vehicles were stalled behind me. I sought assistance from the toll operator via the ‘help’ button on the pay machine and was informed that the bank had declined my card and I should proceed to a designated cash lane to pay the appropriate fee.
“You can imagine how cordial a reception I received from the half-dozen drivers behind me who now had to reverse against the flow of traffic to allow me enter the alternate ‘cash’ lane.”
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Once he had done that and paid the fee, he pulled into the rest area lay-by and rang the AIB card services number on the reverse of the card, the number to be used in case of difficulty or to report theft.
“I was very politely informed that AIB is well aware of this problem and has been so since last October when it first surfaced. It is a glitch between whatever system the French toll operator uses and the AIB debit card system and only occurs at toll barriers,” he says. “As ever, the innocent customer is caught in the crossfire.
“It beggars belief that this matter has failed to be rectified for six months and, with the spring-summer holiday season beckoning, many other unsuspecting AIB clients will find themselves in the same invidious position as I experienced last week,” he says.
We contacted AIB and received the following statement:
“In order to better protect customers a requirement of the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) from September 2019 is for Card Issuers to stop accepting Magnetic Stripe transactions in the European Economic Area. AIB switched off its Magnetic Stripe capability in September 2019, in line with the regulatory requirements.
“However, AIB (like all Card Issuers) is dependent on the whole Cards ecosystem also moving from Magnetic Stripe to Contactless or Chip and Pin. It appears that there are a small number of European toll road operators who have not switched over from Magnetic Stripe. Unfortunately this issue will persist until the merchants convert. This is a matter for the acquirer of the toll road company and not one that AIB has control over.
“We have confirmed that this customer’s transactions were declined as they were Magnetic Stripe transactions. We acknowledge that the customer was not given a clear enough explanation when they called AIB and are implementing changes to the response that is provided to customers in circumstances such as this.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-01--Three women to appear in court after seizure of €455,000 worth of drugs

Three women arrested following seizures of heroin and cocaine with a combined street value of €455,000 will appear in court on Monday morning .
Two of the women , aged 22 and 18 , were arrested and taken to Ballyfermot Garda station last Friday evening during an intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime .
The women were detained after gardaí from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Special Crime Task Force stopped the car they were travelling in in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin .
A 17-year-old male was also arrested during the stop , before later being released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cocaine at €70,000 was seized during this phase of the operation .
The third woman , also aged 18 , was arrested during a follow-up operation at a residence in the Dublin 7 area in the early hours of Saturday .
A further €140,000 worth of heroin and cocaine worth €70,000 was discovered during this follow-up search .
The third woman was taken to the Bridewell Garda station .
Speaking on Saturday evening , Assistant Garda Commissioner John O ’ Driscoll , who has responsibility for special crime operations , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of controlled drugs from circulation .
An Garda Síochána will continue to target those who engage in drug trafficking and inflict harm on our communities.
” The three are due to appear before a sitting of court number 4 in the Criminal Courts of Justice at 10.30am on Monday .

Three women arrested following seizures of heroin and cocaine with a combined street value of €455,000 will appear in court on Monday morning.
Two of the women, aged 22 and 18, were arrested and taken to Ballyfermot Garda station last Friday evening during an intelligence-led operation targeting organised crime.
The women were detained after gardaí from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Special Crime Task Force stopped the car they were travelling in in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin. A 17-year-old male was also arrested during the stop, before later being released without charge. Heroin valued at €175,000 and cocaine at €70,000 was seized during this phase of the operation.
The third woman, also aged 18, was arrested during a follow-up operation at a residence in the Dublin 7 area in the early hours of Saturday. A further €140,000 worth of heroin and cocaine worth €70,000 was discovered during this follow-up search. The third woman was taken to the Bridewell Garda station.
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Speaking on Saturday evening, Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Driscoll, who has responsibility for special crime operations, said: "This operation has removed significant quantities of controlled drugs from circulation. An Garda Síochána will continue to target those who engage in drug trafficking and inflict harm on our communities."
The three are due to appear before a sitting of court number 4 in the Criminal Courts of Justice at 10.30am on Monday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-01--Man arrested after worker is allegedly stabbed in Cork city

Gardaí at the Bridewell station in Cork are investigating the alleged assault of a man during an incident at a @ @ @ @ @ in the city .
The emergency services were called at about 6.25pm on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ his 20s who had sustained an apparent stab wound while working in the premises .
@ @ @ @ @ to Cork University Hospital , but his injuries are not life-threatening .
A man in @ @ @ @ @ the scene and is currently being detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act @ @ @ @ @ Bridewell station .
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them at the station @ @ @ @ @ the Garda Confidential Line , 1800-666111 .

Gardaí at the Bridewell station in Cork are investigating the alleged assault of a man in the city. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Gardaí at the Bridewell station in Cork are investigating the alleged assault of a man during an incident at a licensed premises on Paul Street in the city.
The emergency services were called at about 6.25pm on Sunday, and found a man in his 20s who had sustained an apparent stab wound while working in the premises.
He was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at the Bridewell station.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them at the station on 021-4943330, or on the Garda Confidential Line, 1800-666111.


theirishtimes--2020-03-01--Rise in Irish companies hiring foreign workers to meet skills shortages

Engineering companies are increasingly hiring international workers as skills shortages in the Irish sector continue to rise .
Research by Engineers Ireland has found almost half of engineer organisations in Ireland are now targeting overseas talent , while nine out of ten leading engineer groups reported skills shortages as a barrier to growing their workforce .
In 2019 , more than 40 per cent of Engineers Ireland ’ s new members came from abroad , with most coming from Brazil , Portugal , Poland , India and South Africa .
Overseas workers with engineering expertise became eligible for Irish employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Business , Enterprise and Innovation expanded its critical skills list for non-EEA ( European Economic Area ) workers to include civil , mechanical and electrical engineers with building information modelling expertise .
A total of 16,838 critical skills working visas were issued to people from outside the EU to work in Ireland last year .
More than 40 per cent of these visas went to Indian professionals , while 13 per cent went to people from Brazil , eight per cent for Pakistan , eight per cent for the United States and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This work permit list was updated in January 2020 to include mechanical and electrical engineers “ without specialist skills ” .
Some 130 Brazilian engineers will gather at the Engineers Ireland headquarters in Dublin on Monday evening for an event targeted at attracting international engineers to work in the State as part of Engineers Week 2020 .
Further events targeting Indian and South African engineers are scheduled for late March and April .
While Engineers Ireland welcomes the strong supply of international engineers contributing their expertise to Irish projects , the skill shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern ” , said Caroline Spillane , director general of Engineers Ireland .
Relying on overseas talent to drive key infrastructural projects is “ not a sustainable framework going forward ” , she added .
“ The supply of third level engineers graduates needs to ramp up to address the skills shortage that the sector still faces .
”

In 2019, more than 40 per cent of Engineers Ireland’s new members came from abroad, with most coming from Brazil, Portugal, Poland, India and South Africa. Photograph: iStock
Engineering companies are increasingly hiring international workers as skills shortages in the Irish sector continue to rise.
Research by Engineers Ireland has found almost half of engineer organisations in Ireland are now targeting overseas talent, while nine out of ten leading engineer groups reported skills shortages as a barrier to growing their workforce.
In 2019, more than 40 per cent of Engineers Ireland's new members came from abroad, with most coming from Brazil, Portugal, Poland, India and South Africa.
Overseas workers with engineering expertise became eligible for Irish employment permits in April 2019 when the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation expanded its critical skills list for non-EEA (European Economic Area) workers to include civil, mechanical and electrical engineers with building information modelling expertise.
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A total of 16,838 critical skills working visas were issued to people from outside the EU to work in Ireland last year. More than 40 per cent of these visas went to Indian professionals, while 13 per cent went to people from Brazil, eight per cent for Pakistan, eight per cent for the United States and six per cent for South Africa.
This work permit list was updated in January 2020 to include mechanical and electrical engineers “without specialist skills”.
‘Major concern’
Some 130 Brazilian engineers will gather at the Engineers Ireland headquarters in Dublin on Monday evening for an event targeted at attracting international engineers to work in the State as part of Engineers Week 2020. Further events targeting Indian and South African engineers are scheduled for late March and April.
While Engineers Ireland welcomes the strong supply of international engineers contributing their expertise to Irish projects, the skill shortage among domestic engineers is “a major concern”, said Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland.
Relying on overseas talent to drive key infrastructural projects is “not a sustainable framework going forward”, she added. “The supply of third level engineers graduates needs to ramp up to address the skills shortage that the sector still faces.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-01--Laws aimed at cutting numbers jailed for unpaid fines ‘not working’

Laws aimed at cutting the numbers jailed for unpaid fines are “ not working ” , Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke has warned .
Speaking at The Irish Times Debate final at Trinity College Dublin , he said the fines system has “ broken down ” because laws enacted in 2014 have no mechanism to ensure people turn up in court to explore options available to them .
“ Large numbers of people are fined in their absences for relatively minor offences .
They then get a notice telling them to come along to debate what should happen .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ Unless the guards are going to spend all their time going out , executing warrants to arrest people for very minor offences like not paying their TV licence , and not detecting serious crime , then that system won ’ t work .
We said it wouldn ’ t work .
And it isn ’ t working.
” The Fines ( Payment and Recovery ) Act 2014 was intended to expand the options available for recovery of fines and to reduce the numbers imprisoned over failure to pay a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chief Justice said while many do pay their fines , and others may not be able to do so , there was a “ group in the middle who will only pay them if there is some incentive to do so .
And our system gives them no incentive to do so ” .
He also said the “ revolving door ” aspect of prison meant many offenders were choosing jail sentences over alternatives such as community service .
District Court judges find that their “ regular customers ” who know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short jail sentence , the “ worst that will happen is they will stay in for one night ” .
“ Why is that ?
Because too many people are in prison .
Not unreasonably , prison governors keep the people who have been sentenced to long sentences for serious crime and therefore those who get short sentences walk out the door.
” The Chief Justice said these problems illustrated the need for joined-up thinking to solve the problem of too many people in prison for short sentences .
“ Just coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas , without thinking through how they are going to work in practice or providing the resources to make it work in practice , is not a solution , ” he said .
He also said it was time for a real debate in society about whether we should have crimes of “ gross carelessness ” for areas such as financial mismanagement .
The Chief Justice said much of what happened that led to the financial crash was not considered a crime at the time .
“ One might argue about whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grossly careless , ” he said .
“ There is a certain logic in saying that if you are in charge of something which intrinsically is likely to cause damage – either to an individual or lots of people – there may be a case for suggesting that , in some limited cases , there is scope for the creation of a limited class of crimes of carelessness in those areas.
” He added : “ I think we need a national debate about whether we want to turn that kind of thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was chairman of the 60th Irish Times Debate grand final , which took place at Trinity College Dublin ’ s Public Theatre on Friday night .
Students Eoghan Quinn and Aislinn Carty , representing TCD Phil , were crowned team champions of the competition .
The individual speaker ’ s award went to Rachael Mullally representing UCD Law .
This team runner-up was the UCD Law team of Mark Smyth and Cora Keegan .
The individual runner-up was Harry Hogan of TCD Phil .
Speakers were competing for the Demosthenes Trophy for best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trophy for best individual , as well as a place on a month-long tour of the US for the three winning speakers .
The motion up for debate was “ This house believes that the Irish criminal justice system is too weak on crime ” , resulted in combative and entertaining contributions from teams representing UCD , Trinity , NUI Galway and the Law Society of Ireland .
Other speakers at the final , hosted by Trinity ’ s Hist society , included Cormac O ’ Brien , Shannon Buckley Barnes and Eamonn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Society of Ireland ( Sadsi ) ; Ruairc O ’ Leary , Lucille McKnight of Trinity ’ s Phil ; and Simeon Burke of NUI Galway ’ s Lit and Deb .

Chief Justice Frank Clarke as he addresses the audience at The Irish Times Debate 2020. Photograph: John Ohle Photography
Laws aimed at cutting the numbers jailed for unpaid fines are "not working", Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke has warned.
Speaking at The Irish Times Debate final at Trinity College Dublin, he said the fines system has "broken down" because laws enacted in 2014 have no mechanism to ensure people turn up in court to explore options available to them.
“Large numbers of people are fined in their absences for relatively minor offences. They then get a notice telling them to come along to debate what should happen. They don’t turn up,” he said.
“Unless the guards are going to spend all their time going out, executing warrants to arrest people for very minor offences like not paying their TV licence, and not detecting serious crime, then that system won’t work. We said it wouldn’t work . And it isn’t working.”
READ MORE
The Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014 was intended to expand the options available for recovery of fines and to reduce the numbers imprisoned over failure to pay a fine imposed following court proceedings.
However, the Chief Justice said while many do pay their fines, and others may not be able to do so, there was a “group in the middle who will only pay them if there is some incentive to do so. And our system gives them no incentive to do so”.
He also said the “revolving door” aspect of prison meant many offenders were choosing jail sentences over alternatives such as community service.
District Court judges find that their “regular customers” who know the system realise that if they receive a short jail sentence, the “worst that will happen is they will stay in for one night”.
“Why is that ? Because too many people are in prison. Not unreasonably, prison governors keep the people who have been sentenced to long sentences for serious crime and therefore those who get short sentences walk out the door.”
The Chief Justice said these problems illustrated the need for joined-up thinking to solve the problem of too many people in prison for short sentences.
“Just coming up with what seem to be clever ideas, without thinking through how they are going to work in practice or providing the resources to make it work in practice, is not a solution,” he said.
‘Gross carelessness’
He also said it was time for a real debate in society about whether we should have crimes of “gross carelessness” for areas such as financial mismanagement.
The Chief Justice said much of what happened that led to the financial crash was not considered a crime at the time.
“One might argue about whether it was careless, very careless, or grossly careless,” he said.
“There is a certain logic in saying that if you are in charge of something which intrinsically is likely to cause damage – either to an individual or lots of people – there may be a case for suggesting that, in some limited cases, there is scope for the creation of a limited class of crimes of carelessness in those areas.”
He added: “I think we need a national debate about whether we want to turn that kind of thing into a crime.”
The Chief Justice was chairman of the 60th Irish Times Debate grand final, which took place at Trinity College Dublin’s Public Theatre on Friday night.
Students Eoghan Quinn and Aislinn Carty, representing TCD Phil, were crowned team champions of the competition.
The individual speaker's award went to Rachael Mullally representing UCD Law.
This team runner-up was the UCD Law team of Mark Smyth and Cora Keegan. The individual runner-up was Harry Hogan of TCD Phil.
Speakers were competing for the Demosthenes Trophy for best team, and the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy for best individual, as well as a place on a month-long tour of the US for the three winning speakers.
The motion up for debate was "This house believes that the Irish criminal justice system is too weak on crime", resulted in combative and entertaining contributions from teams representing UCD, Trinity, NUI Galway and the Law Society of Ireland.
Other speakers at the final, hosted by Trinity's Hist society, included Cormac O'Brien, Shannon Buckley Barnes and Eamonn Burke of the Solicitors' Apprentice Debating Society of Ireland (Sadsi); Ruairc O'Leary, Lucille McKnight of Trinity's Phil; and Simeon Burke of NUI Galway's Lit and Deb.