theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Booterstown marsh ‘biodiversity’ centre proposals ‘excessive’

Environmental groups have called on Dublin local authorities to reject developer Paddy McKillen jnr ’ s plans for a five-storey “ biodiversity ” centre at the edge of Booterstown marsh , describing it as an attempt to build a commercial leisure centre beside one of the city ’ s most important conservation areas .
Mr McKillen ’ s company Soundvale Ltd wants to build a 21.55m-high “ recreational and interpretive centre building ” with a “ range of associated biodiversity proposals ” on the Merrion Road opposite the former Tara Towers hotel , which he is also redeveloping .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health studio , a gym , indoor and outdoor pools , a jacuzzi and hydro pool , treatment rooms , sauna , salt room , steam room and a members ’ area .
Applications for the development have been lodged with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council , with the site straddling both local authority areas .
An Taisce and the Friends of Booterstown Coast have said the scheme does not comply with the development plans of either local authority , would have an unacceptable impact on the neighbouring protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species , and was primarily “ a commercial leisure development ” .
An Taisce , which has managed Booterstown marsh for almost 50 years as one of its “ properties in trust ” , described it as one of the “ city ’ s key biodiversity areas ” and the only remaining saltmarsh on the south shore of Dublin Bay .
The marsh is a protected Natural Heritage Area and Special Area of Conservation and important feeding and roosting area for ducks , geese and waders , An Taisce said .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birds ” , with species including moorhens , reed buntings , sedge warblers , teals , snipes , lapwings , oystercatchers , redshanks , dunlins , and brent geese all using the marsh .
Both local authorities had zoned the McKillen site as amenity , open space and “ green network ” lands .
Certain developments such as creches , cultural and recreational buildings and cafes could be permitted in exceptional services .
An Taisce said such circumstances had not been demonstrated .
“ We consider the large scale and private commercial nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site.
” The scale and height of the proposed building was “ excessive ” and “ out of character ” for the coastal area .
The development was “ first and foremost a commercial venture based around mostly indoor leisure facilities and dining options ” that would be “ more appropriately located in the hotel that is currently being redeveloped across the Merrion Road ” , it said .
Friends of Booterstown Coast said “ in every aspect this is clearly a business commercial concern ” .
The building and its glass facades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birds could also become disorientated from nighttime light pollution , it said .
The group noted the biodiversity proposals but said biodiversity educational activities were already provided at the marsh by An Taisce , “ all facilitated at no cost to the public ” .
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan said both local authorities needed to develop a strategy for the landbank between the Merrion Gates and Blackrock Park , including this site .
Green Party councillor Ossian Smyth said the scheme conflicted with plans for the S2S Sandycove to Sutton cycle way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coastal meadow , a coastal tree belt , and a coastal grass and shrub internal garden .

An artist’s impression of the proposed interpretative centre and spa shows Booterstown bird sanctuary in the foreground.
Environmental groups have called on Dublin local authorities to reject developer Paddy McKillen jnr's plans for a five-storey "biodiversity" centre at the edge of Booterstown marsh, describing it as an attempt to build a commercial leisure centre beside one of the city's most important conservation areas.
Mr McKillen's company Soundvale Ltd wants to build a 21.55m-high "recreational and interpretive centre building" with a "range of associated biodiversity proposals" on the Merrion Road opposite the former Tara Towers hotel.
The scheme would include a creche, cafe, health studio, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a jacuzzi and hydro pool, treatment rooms, sauna, salt room, steam room and a members’ area.
Applications for the development have been lodged with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council, with the site straddling both local authority areas.
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An Taisce and the Friends of Booterstown Coast have said the scheme does not comply with the development plans of either local authority, would have an unacceptable impact on the neighbouring protected marsh, particularly on its rare bird species, and was primarily “a commercial leisure development”.
An Taisce, which has managed Booterstown marsh for almost 50 years as one of its “properties in trust”, described it as one of the “city’s key biodiversity areas” and the only remaining saltmarsh on the south shore of Dublin Bay.
Roosting area
The marsh is a protected Natural Heritage Area and Special Area of Conservation and important feeding and roosting area for ducks, geese and waders, An Taisce said. It was an “essential resting spot for migratory birds”, with species including moorhens, reed buntings, sedge warblers, teals, snipes, lapwings, oystercatchers, redshanks, dunlins, and brent geese all using the marsh.
We consider the large scale and private commercial nature of the proposal is inappropriate for the site
Both local authorities had zoned the McKillen site as amenity, open space and “green network” lands. Certain developments such as creches, cultural and recreational buildings and cafes could be permitted in exceptional services.
An Taisce said such circumstances had not been demonstrated. “We consider the large scale and private commercial nature of the proposal is inappropriate for the site.” The scale and height of the proposed building was “excessive” and “out of character” for the coastal area.
The development was “first and foremost a commercial venture based around mostly indoor leisure facilities and dining options” that would be “more appropriately located in the hotel that is currently being redeveloped across the Merrion Road”, it said.
Light pollution
Friends of Booterstown Coast said “in every aspect this is clearly a business commercial concern”. The building and its glass facades posed “bird collision risks”. Birds could also become disorientated from nighttime light pollution, it said.
The group noted the biodiversity proposals but said biodiversity educational activities were already provided at the marsh by An Taisce, “all facilitated at no cost to the public”.
Independent Senator Victor Boyhan said both local authorities needed to develop a strategy for the landbank between the Merrion Gates and Blackrock Park, including this site.
Green Party councillor Ossian Smyth said the scheme conflicted with plans for the S2S Sandycove to Sutton cycle way.
Soundvale said the biodiversity proposals include a new coastal meadow, a coastal tree belt, and a coastal grass and shrub internal garden.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Activists in fresh attempt to sue Libya for supplying Semtex to IRA

A fresh attempt to sue Libya for supplying the IRA with the plastic explosive Semtex during the Troubles is being launched by victims and the bereaved in Northern Ireland .
Claims have been lodged with the high court in Belfast on Thursday on behalf of two men who are seeking compensation respectively for the 1993 Shankill Road bombing and a blast on the Falls Road , west Belfast , in 1988 .
Victims of other atrocities are to lodge claims next week , including those affected by the 1987 Enniskillen Remembrance Day bombing and the so-called “ Good Samaritan Bomb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Provisional IRA received extensive , secret shipments of Libyan weapons during Muammar Gadafy ’ s time in power .
The most devastating material deployed in the republican terrorist campaign was Semtex .
Previous efforts to secure redress from Libya have foundered in British and US courts despite the fact that Libyan assets have been frozen in the UK .
A parliamentary report last year criticised the UK government for failing to secure compensation .
The latest legal initiative comes from the Belfast solicitor Kevin Winters , who specialises in Troubles-related litigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chris Stanley , has also unearthed foreign office documents from the 1980s that revealed more about the British government ’ s knowledge of the smuggling .
This is the first time claims have been pursued through the Northern Ireland courts .
The lawyers will have to overcome formidable legal obstacles such as time restrictions on bringing cases , state immunity limitations and questions about whether the issues can be decided by judges .
Mr Winters points to exemptions under the State Immunity Act 1978 whereby foreign states are not immune to proceedings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury or damage to or loss of property caused by an act or omission in the United Kingdom ” .
His two lead cases involve Seamus Sullivan , who was injured in the 1988 bombing that targeted British army foot patrols on the Falls Road , and George Brown , who was injured in the 1993 Shankill Road bombing that targeted the Ulster Defence Association and killed 10 people , including the bomber .
The legal action aims to provide access to billions of dollars of funds in the UK seized by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gadafy regime in 2011 .
At present the claims are against Libya , but it is possible they may be extended to include the British foreign office for allegedly failing to obtain compensation for victims .
In 2017 , the Northern Ireland affairs committee concluded that between the 1970s and 1990s Libya provided the IRA with “ many tonnes of arms and ammunition , millions of dollars in finances , military training , and explosives .
“ In particular , through a series of shipments , which took place in the mid-1980s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 tonnes of Semtex – a highly powerful , malleable and virtually undetectable plastic explosive.
” Semtex was used in the Enniskillen attack .
Documents extracted from the foreign office through freedom of information requests show exchanges between diplomats in Tripoli , Paris and London after the MV Eksund was intercepted in the Bay of Biscay by the French navy in November 1987 with 120 tonnes of weapons onboard .
In one comment , a foreign and Commonwealth office desk officer states : “ If a minister is challenged to prove Qadhafi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PIRA – as it seems he will be – we had better not duck it.
” In another note , an official at the British embassy in Dublin wrote : “ Libyan support for the IRA , though clearly generous when the relationship is close , has never seemed to be based on much interest or understanding of Irish republicanism.
” The legal claims , drawn up with the help of the barrister Nick Scott , argue that : “ It is entirely implausible to think that Libya did not foresee the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRA detonating bombs when Libya was providing PIRA with Semtex .
Plainly , Libya would have foreseen that the Semtex would have been used in bombs and that personal injury was likely.
” Mr Winters told the Guardian : “ We have issued the first of a number of high court actions ...
The cases are directed against the state of Libya , alleging it supplied the explosives used to kill or injure in a series of incidents spanning a period 1987 to 1994 .
We will ask the high court in Belfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside the jurisdiction after [ submitting further ] discovery applications against the Police Service of Northern Ireland .
“ It ’ s disappointing that despite the NI affairs committee confirming in May 2017 the supply of Semtex from Libya , the PSNI have steadfastly refused to confirm its use in specific incidents .
“ In the absence of any good reason one can only assume it ’ s to prevent hundreds of legal actions for similarly affected bereaved and injured .
The focus of this group action it to access the billions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the collapse of the Gadafy regime in 2011 .
“ It remains totally unacceptable that victims in Ireland and Britain were deprived of compensation yet most cases involving other countries including the USA , France and Germany were sorted out.
” – Guardian

The latest legal initiative comes from the Belfast solicitor Kevin Winters, who specialises in Troubles-related litigation.
A fresh attempt to sue Libya for supplying the IRA with the plastic explosive Semtex during the Troubles is being launched by victims and the bereaved in Northern Ireland.
Claims have been lodged with the high court in Belfast on Thursday on behalf of two men who are seeking compensation respectively for the 1993 Shankill Road bombing and a blast on the Falls Road, west Belfast, in 1988.
Victims of other atrocities are to lodge claims next week, including those affected by the 1987 Enniskillen Remembrance Day bombing and the so-called "Good Samaritan Bomb" in Derry the following year.
The Provisional IRA received extensive, secret shipments of Libyan weapons during Muammar Gadafy’s time in power. The most devastating material deployed in the republican terrorist campaign was Semtex.
READ MORE
Previous efforts to secure redress from Libya have foundered in British and US courts despite the fact that Libyan assets have been frozen in the UK. A parliamentary report last year criticised the UK government for failing to secure compensation.
The latest legal initiative comes from the Belfast solicitor Kevin Winters, who specialises in Troubles-related litigation. One of his colleagues from KRW Law, Chris Stanley, has also unearthed foreign office documents from the 1980s that revealed more about the British government's knowledge of the smuggling.
This is the first time claims have been pursued through the Northern Ireland courts. The lawyers will have to overcome formidable legal obstacles such as time restrictions on bringing cases, state immunity limitations and questions about whether the issues can be decided by judges.
Mr Winters points to exemptions under the State Immunity Act 1978 whereby foreign states are not immune to proceedings if they involve “death or personal injury or damage to or loss of property caused by an act or omission in the United Kingdom”.
His two lead cases involve Seamus Sullivan, who was injured in the 1988 bombing that targeted British army foot patrols on the Falls Road, and George Brown, who was injured in the 1993 Shankill Road bombing that targeted the Ulster Defence Association and killed 10 people, including the bomber.
Billions
The legal action aims to provide access to billions of dollars of funds in the UK seized by the British government after the collapse of the Gadafy regime in 2011. At present the claims are against Libya, but it is possible they may be extended to include the British foreign office for allegedly failing to obtain compensation for victims.
In 2017, the Northern Ireland affairs committee concluded that between the 1970s and 1990s Libya provided the IRA with “many tonnes of arms and ammunition, millions of dollars in finances, military training, and explosives.
“In particular, through a series of shipments, which took place in the mid-1980s, the regime supplied somewhere between 2.75 and 10 tonnes of Semtex – a highly powerful, malleable and virtually undetectable plastic explosive.” Semtex was used in the Enniskillen attack.
Documents extracted from the foreign office through freedom of information requests show exchanges between diplomats in Tripoli, Paris and London after the MV Eksund was intercepted in the Bay of Biscay by the French navy in November 1987 with 120 tonnes of weapons onboard.
In one comment, a foreign and Commonwealth office desk officer states: “If a minister is challenged to prove Qadhafi’s [alternative spelling] connection with PIRA – as it seems he will be – we had better not duck it.”
In another note, an official at the British embassy in Dublin wrote: “Libyan support for the IRA, though clearly generous when the relationship is close, has never seemed to be based on much interest or understanding of Irish republicanism.”
The legal claims, drawn up with the help of the barrister Nick Scott, argue that: "It is entirely implausible to think that Libya did not foresee the risk of harm ... caused by the Provisional IRA detonating bombs when Libya was providing PIRA with Semtex. Plainly, Libya would have foreseen that the Semtex would have been used in bombs and that personal injury was likely."
Mr Winters told the Guardian: "We have issued the first of a number of high court actions ... The cases are directed against the state of Libya, alleging it supplied the explosives used to kill or injure in a series of incidents spanning a period 1987 to 1994. We will ask the high court in Belfast to seek leave to serve the proceedings outside the jurisdiction after [submitting further] discovery applications against the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“It’s disappointing that despite the NI affairs committee confirming in May 2017 the supply of Semtex from Libya, the PSNI have steadfastly refused to confirm its use in specific incidents.
“In the absence of any good reason one can only assume it’s to prevent hundreds of legal actions for similarly affected bereaved and injured. The focus of this group action it to access the billions of restrained funds seized by the British government after the collapse of the Gadafy regime in 2011.
"It remains totally unacceptable that victims in Ireland and Britain were deprived of compensation yet most cases involving other countries including the USA, France and Germany were sorted out." – Guardian


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Prison watchdog criticises Mountjoy over repeated staff failures

The prison watchdog has criticised the authorities in Mountjoy for repeated failures by staff to notice that a prisoner had died in his cell .
The Inspector of Prisons , Patricia Gilheaney , has called for “ zero tolerance ” to be shown by the Irish Prison Service ( IPS ) over failures to carry out mandatory checks at regular intervals on prisoners with appropriate disciplinary action to be taken on prisoner officers who failed to perform such duties .
It follows a report into the death of a 41-year-old inmate at Mountjoy on January 10th , 2018 which found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities to have noticed that the unnamed prisoner had died during the night .
The report noted that the prisoner had gone unchecked for two periods of 2½ hours on the night when he should have been checked hourly in accordance with IPS operating procedures .
Ms Gilheaney said a night guard as well as prison officers who unlocked and locked the prisoner ’ s cell for breakfast and who later unlocked his cell to allow him out to attend morning activities had all failed to identify a serious situation .
The prisoner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was found unresponsive in his cell by two other inmates at 9.57am .
The report said one prison officer who rushed to the cell said the prisoner ’ s face appeared to be covered in vomit .
Ms Gilheaney said prisoner officers unlocking a cell for breakfast should particularly ensure that they sought and received a verbal response from each prisoner to ensure they were alive .
The report said CCTV footage had also found that the prison officer with responsibility for the landing on which the prisoner died had not remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their work shift .
“ Prisons are required to provide safe and secure custody and it is critically important that staff carry out their duties and in accordance with IPS policies and procedure , ” Ms Gilheaney said .
However , she welcomed a new standard operating procedure introduced by the IPS in April 2019 which specifically relates to the monitoring of prisoners by officers on night duty .
The inspector said the director general of the IPS , Caron McCaffrey , had accepted all four recommendations contained in the report and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being implemented to give them effect .
The IPS said a review of its policy and procedures in relation to the monitoring of prisoners had led to the introduction of a new policy which dealt comprehensively with the responsibility of prison staff to check on all prisoners in custody .
It said the new policy highlighted how the monitoring of prisoners was “ a core responsibility ” for frontline staff .
The IPS said all prison staff had been made aware that the failure to carry out mandatory monitoring of inmates would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action that could result in sanctions up to and including dismissal .
The prison authorities said they had also made changes to the IPS ’ s policy on CCTV usage to allow for improved monitoring of compliance by its staff .
The inspector also released three other reports into inmates who died while on temporary release , including two who were released due to overcrowding .
One female inmate was released 14 days into a four month sentence .
The woman , identified as Ms M , died in a fire at her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after her release from the Dóchas Centre due to overcrowding .
The Dóchas Centre has capacity for 105 prisoners .
At the time there were 138 women there .
Ms M was a drug addict and was to attend a treatment facility during her release .
Following her death , her family told the inspector she should not have been released so soon into her sentence .
“ It was their view that had their daughter been kept in prison for the duration of her sentence she may have undergone successful treatment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , ” Ms Gilheaney wrote .

The report noted that the prisoner had gone unchecked for two periods of over 2 hours on the night when he should have been checked hourly in accordance with operating procedures. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
The prison watchdog has criticised the authorities in Mountjoy for repeated failures by staff to notice that a prisoner had died in his cell.
The Inspector of Prisons, Patricia Gilheaney, has called for "zero tolerance" to be shown by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) over failures to carry out mandatory checks at regular intervals on prisoners with appropriate disciplinary action to be taken on prisoner officers who failed to perform such duties.
It follows a report into the death of a 41-year-old inmate at Mountjoy on January 10th, 2018 which found prison officers had missed at least four opportunities to have noticed that the unnamed prisoner had died during the night.
The report noted that the prisoner had gone unchecked for two periods of 2½ hours on the night when he should have been checked hourly in accordance with IPS operating procedures.
READ MORE
Ms Gilheaney said a night guard as well as prison officers who unlocked and locked the prisoner’s cell for breakfast and who later unlocked his cell to allow him out to attend morning activities had all failed to identify a serious situation.
The prisoner, who was serving a life sentence, was found unresponsive in his cell by two other inmates at 9.57am.
The report said one prison officer who rushed to the cell said the prisoner’s face appeared to be covered in vomit.
Ms Gilheaney said prisoner officers unlocking a cell for breakfast should particularly ensure that they sought and received a verbal response from each prisoner to ensure they were alive.
Safe custody
The report said CCTV footage had also found that the prison officer with responsibility for the landing on which the prisoner died had not remained at their post for the duration of their work shift.
“Prisons are required to provide safe and secure custody and it is critically important that staff carry out their duties and in accordance with IPS policies and procedure,” Ms Gilheaney said.
However, she welcomed a new standard operating procedure introduced by the IPS in April 2019 which specifically relates to the monitoring of prisoners by officers on night duty.
The inspector said the director general of the IPS, Caron McCaffrey, had accepted all four recommendations contained in the report and an action plan addressing corrective and preventative actions was being implemented to give them effect.
The IPS said a review of its policy and procedures in relation to the monitoring of prisoners had led to the introduction of a new policy which dealt comprehensively with the responsibility of prison staff to check on all prisoners in custody.
It said the new policy highlighted how the monitoring of prisoners was “a core responsibility” for frontline staff.
The IPS said all prison staff had been made aware that the failure to carry out mandatory monitoring of inmates would be regarded as serious misconduct warranting disciplinary action that could result in sanctions up to and including dismissal.
Released too early
The prison authorities said they had also made changes to the IPS’s policy on CCTV usage to allow for improved monitoring of compliance by its staff.
The inspector also released three other reports into inmates who died while on temporary release, including two who were released due to overcrowding. One female inmate was released 14 days into a four month sentence.
The woman, identified as Ms M, died in a fire at her home on July 28th, 2018 shortly after her release from the Dóchas Centre due to overcrowding.
The Dóchas Centre has capacity for 105 prisoners. At the time there were 138 women there.
Ms M was a drug addict and was to attend a treatment facility during her release.
Following her death, her family told the inspector she should not have been released so soon into her sentence.
“It was their view that had their daughter been kept in prison for the duration of her sentence she may have undergone successful treatment for illicit drug addiction and may not have died,” Ms Gilheaney wrote.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Cousins remanded in custody over alleged minibus hijacking

Two cousins have been remanded in custody charged in connection with the alleged hijacking of a bus near Dublin Airport earlier this week .
Stephen McDonagh ( 25 ) and John McDonagh ( 26 ) , both with an address given at The Steeples , Navan , Co Meath , appeared before Judge Denis McLoughlin at Cavan District Court on Thursday .
Both appeared charged with two counts of unlawful taking of a vehicle last Wednesday morning , January 8th , a Carlton Hotel courtesy bus at Dublin Airport and a car near Castleblayney , Co Monaghan .
They each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of historical offences .
Along with the current offences before the court , Stephen McDonagh appeared charged separately with one court of theft , one burglary and two more charges of unlawful taking of a vehicle .
John McDonagh appeared also charged with three counts of theft , two burglaries , one other unlawful taking of a vehicle , and four road traffic offences .
The historical charges relate to offences alleged to have occurred in the Meath and Monaghan areas .
Detective Garda Karen Mullen and Ciaran Marks , both attached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of arrest , charge and caution in respect of the two defendants .
Stephen McDonagh , represented by Sara Brennan BL , did not make an application for bail .
She did though seek to have her client placed in custody at Castlerea prison after the defendant voiced concerns for his safety if remanded to Cloverhill .
John McDonagh , represented by solicitor Damien Rudden , did make an application for bail .
Det Garda Marks outlined the Garda position in objecting to bail being granted to the defendant .
The objection centred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges before the court .
He added that John McDonagh was identified as the passenger of the vehicles taken on January 8th and in interview had make “ certain admissions ” as to his involvement .
Three passengers were on board at the time the McDonaghs boarded the minibus outside Dublin Airport , and drove off in the direction of the M1 .
The passengers alighted from the bus a short time later on the M1 near the City North Hotel at Julianstown , Co Meath .
A demand was made for payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Colombian national living in Germany and awaiting a connecting flight home , as well as two UK minors returning from a scouting trip in the US , were all unharmed .
The two defendants then took the minibus further north on the M1 where it was eventually located near Drogheda by gardaí .
It was followed from there until the vehicle eventually crossed the border into Northern Ireland outside Dundalk .
Later , having returned across the border into Co Monaghan , gardaí again began following the bus before it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From there the two defendants fled on foot before taking possession of a car parked at a private dwelling .
This car was soon after intercepted and involved in a high speed pursuit by armed gardaí , assisted by Garda Air Support .
The stolen vehicle , a Seat Ibiza , was used to ram the Garda vehicle , after which the vehicles collided .
“ Significant ” damage was caused to the Garda vehicle , the court was informed .
Both defendants were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station before appearing before the Cavan court sitting .
Det Gda Marks indicated that further charges would forthcoming following a file being sent and directions sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions .
Both defendants are due to appear at Cloverhill remand court on January 16th .

Stephen McDonagh (25), centre, arrives at Cavan District Court to face charges in connection to the alleged hijacking of a minibus from Dublin Airport. Photograph: Cate McCurry/PA Wire
Two cousins have been remanded in custody charged in connection with the alleged hijacking of a bus near Dublin Airport earlier this week.
Stephen McDonagh (25) and John McDonagh (26), both with an address given at The Steeples, Navan, Co Meath, appeared before Judge Denis McLoughlin at Cavan District Court on Thursday.
Both appeared charged with two counts of unlawful taking of a vehicle last Wednesday morning, January 8th, a Carlton Hotel courtesy bus at Dublin Airport and a car near Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
John McDonagh (26) arrives at Cavan District Court to face charges in connection to the alleged hijacking of a minibus from Dublin Airport. Photograph: Cate McCurry/PA Wire
They each also appeared charged in relation to a number of historical offences.
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Along with the current offences before the court, Stephen McDonagh appeared charged separately with one court of theft, one burglary and two more charges of unlawful taking of a vehicle.
John McDonagh appeared also charged with three counts of theft, two burglaries, one other unlawful taking of a vehicle, and four road traffic offences.
The historical charges relate to offences alleged to have occurred in the Meath and Monaghan areas.
Detective Garda Karen Mullen and Ciaran Marks, both attached to Carrickmacross Garda Station, provided evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of the two defendants.
Stephen McDonagh, represented by Sara Brennan BL, did not make an application for bail.
She did though seek to have her client placed in custody at Castlerea prison after the defendant voiced concerns for his safety if remanded to Cloverhill.
John McDonagh, represented by solicitor Damien Rudden, did make an application for bail.
Det Garda Marks outlined the Garda position in objecting to bail being granted to the defendant. The objection centred on the “seriousness” of the charges before the court.
He added that John McDonagh was identified as the passenger of the vehicles taken on January 8th and in interview had make “certain admissions” as to his involvement.
Judge McLoughlin refused the application.
Three passengers were on board at the time the McDonaghs boarded the minibus outside Dublin Airport, and drove off in the direction of the M1.
The passengers alighted from the bus a short time later on the M1 near the City North Hotel at Julianstown, Co Meath. A demand was made for payment but none was given.
The passengers, a Colombian national living in Germany and awaiting a connecting flight home, as well as two UK minors returning from a scouting trip in the US, were all unharmed.
The two defendants then took the minibus further north on the M1 where it was eventually located near Drogheda by gardaí. It was followed from there until the vehicle eventually crossed the border into Northern Ireland outside Dundalk.
Later, having returned across the border into Co Monaghan, gardaí again began following the bus before it was abandoned when it crashed near Castleblyaney.
From there the two defendants fled on foot before taking possession of a car parked at a private dwelling.
This car was soon after intercepted and involved in a high speed pursuit by armed gardaí, assisted by Garda Air Support.
The stolen vehicle, a Seat Ibiza, was used to ram the Garda vehicle, after which the vehicles collided. “Significant” damage was caused to the Garda vehicle, the court was informed.
Both defendants were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and held at Carrickmacross Garda Station before appearing before the Cavan court sitting.
Det Gda Marks indicated that further charges would forthcoming following a file being sent and directions sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Both defendants are due to appear at Cloverhill remand court on January 16th.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Permission for 200 room ‘co-living’ block in Castleknock criticised

The decision to grant permission for a 200 room “ co-living ” accommodation block on the site of a former suburban pub has been criticised as an example of new rules “ slowly dismantling ” community orientated planning .
An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for the scheme at the site of Brady ’ s pub on the Old Navan Road in Castleknock , west Dublin .
It was filed by Bartra Property under strategic planning laws that allow for large developments to proceed directly to the planning appeals body .
An Bord Pleanála ruled against the recommendations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contention with local opponents .
In its decision note , it said it had done so as the location was in keeping with sustainable urban housing standards .
It said it was satisfied the development met requirements for shared accommodation in terms of common living and kitchen facilities .
One of the planning conditions is that the bedrooms must include functional kitchens including cooking hobs .
However , the decision has drawn political criticism , particularly regarding the “ co-living ” model .
Labour TD Joan Burton , in whose constituency the development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a sad outcome of the new planning guidelines by Minister Eoghan Murphy ” .
“ These new rules are steadily dismantling high quality community orientated planning in favour of substandard housing motivated purely by profit.
” She said the developer was being allowed to make a “ financial killing ” which would spark further similar developments in suburban areas .
Local Labour councillor John Walsh also expressed disappointment at the decision saying the Government had “ sidelined responsible planning and has created a developer ’ s charter ” .
“ Shared living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable communities and are entirely inappropriate to a suburban location.
” The development will see the demolition of the old pub and the construction of 198 rooms in a five storey scheme referred to as a “ built to rent shared living residential development ” of 6,549 square metres .
In making its decision An Bord Pleanála said it had taken into account several factors including the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness ; the site ’ s proximity to Connolly Hospital and Blanchardstown town centre ; and residential zoning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , the developer shall submit details of a proposed covenant or legal agreement which confirms that the development hereby permitted shall remain owned and operated by an institutional entity for a minimum period of not less than 15 years and where no individual residential units shall be sold separately for that period , ” it said .
Bartra Property chief executive Mike Flannery said : “ We welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála which recognises Ireland ’ s need to embrace new tenure types as demographics , living habits and employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceed with the development and implement all conditions outlined by An Bord Pleanála .
”

An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for the scheme at the site of Brady’s pub on the Old Navan Road in Castleknock, west Dublin.
The decision to grant permission for a 200 room “co-living” accommodation block on the site of a former suburban pub has been criticised as an example of new rules “slowly dismantling” community orientated planning.
An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for the scheme at the site of Brady's pub on the Old Navan Road in Castleknock, west Dublin.
It was filed by Bartra Property under strategic planning laws that allow for large developments to proceed directly to the planning appeals body.
An Bord Pleanála ruled against the recommendations of its own inspector, a bone of contention with local opponents.
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In its decision note, it said it had done so as the location was in keeping with sustainable urban housing standards.
It said it was satisfied the development met requirements for shared accommodation in terms of common living and kitchen facilities.
One of the planning conditions is that the bedrooms must include functional kitchens including cooking hobs.
However, the decision has drawn political criticism, particularly regarding the “co-living” model.
Site of Brady’s Castleknock Inn on the Navan Road in Dublin 15.
Labour TD Joan Burton, in whose constituency the development is based, said the decision was "a sad outcome of the new planning guidelines by Minister Eoghan Murphy".
“These new rules are steadily dismantling high quality community orientated planning in favour of substandard housing motivated purely by profit.”
She said the developer was being allowed to make a “financial killing” which would spark further similar developments in suburban areas.
Local Labour councillor John Walsh also expressed disappointment at the decision saying the Government had "sidelined responsible planning and has created a developer's charter".
“Shared living developments of this kind will never create sustainable communities and are entirely inappropriate to a suburban location.”
The development will see the demolition of the old pub and the construction of 198 rooms in a five storey scheme referred to as a “built to rent shared living residential development” of 6,549 square metres.
In making its decision An Bord Pleanála said it had taken into account several factors including the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness; the site's proximity to Connolly Hospital and Blanchardstown town centre; and residential zoning.
“Prior to the commencement of the development, the developer shall submit details of a proposed covenant or legal agreement which confirms that the development hereby permitted shall remain owned and operated by an institutional entity for a minimum period of not less than 15 years and where no individual residential units shall be sold separately for that period,” it said.
Bartra Property chief executive Mike Flannery said: “We welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála which recognises Ireland’s need to embrace new tenure types as demographics, living habits and employment patterns change.
“Bartra Capital will proceed with the development and implement all conditions outlined by An Bord Pleanála .”


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Niall Quinn rules out FAI chief executive role

Former Ireland international Niall Quinn has welcomed the appointment of his friend Roy Barrett as chairman of the FAI board but has ruled himself out of the chief executive role .
Speaking at the launch of Virgin Media ’ s spring schedule , Mr Quinn said Mr Barrett and the other two directors appointed on Wednesday night , Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce “ will bring skill sets to the association that it has missed ” .
He believes , however , the new chief executive , who will be appointed over the coming months , will need to oversee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not feel equipped for , although he said again that he would be happy to play a different , voluntary role .
“ I have said that all along that I would love to help out , but this doesn ’ t need what I can offer as a CEO , ” he said .
“ It needs a restructuring expert and somebody who can go in and really give Government confidence that the administrative side of the business is back in great shape again .
That ’ s going to take some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea who might end up doing it , but I wouldn ’ t think I have the skill set required .
If there is a role I can be used in , though , in a capacity that somehow helps to restore trust from all of the stakeholders , be it from the commercial world or from the grassroots or elite game in this country , that I can come in and use what skill sets I have , I would gladly do it.
” Mr Quinn believes those running the association have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face and of the change that is required .
Although he feels there are many hurdles to overcome as the FAI looks to put the current crisis behind it , he describes Mr Barrett as an “ outstanding ” appointment .
Mr Barrett was part of the group fronted by Mr Quinn last year that put itself forward for a role in reforming the running of the game in Ireland .
“ The mood in Citywest versus Trim [ the two sessions of last year ’ s AGM , held five months apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game within itself has called that enough is enough .
I didn ’ t think the report of the Governance Review Group Board was enough , but now the board members seem absolutely intent on change , and they will led by independent directors with skill sets that haven ’ t been in the FAI before .
I have great confidence in that , ” he said .
“ It [ the appointment of the three new directors ] is a real turning point , but it ’ s only just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of technical insolvency still lingers .
“ But it switches things to a better narrative now , and I hope Government , Uefa and the banks feel it is a new beginning and that they can support that .
There is an awful lot still to do and next Tuesday [ when the Government is due to meet with Uefa about the provision of financial support to the association ] is a very big day , ” Mr Quinn said .

Former Ireland international Niall Quinn has welcomed the appointment of his friend Roy Barrett as chairman of the FAI board but has ruled himself out of the chief executive role.
Speaking at the launch of Virgin Media’s spring schedule, Mr Quinn said Mr Barrett and the other two directors appointed on Wednesday night, Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce “will bring skill sets to the association that it has missed”.
He believes, however, the new chief executive, who will be appointed over the coming months,will need to oversee a major restructuring – something he does not feel equipped for, although he said again that he would be happy to play a different, voluntary role.
“I have said that all along that I would love to help out, but this doesn’t need what I can offer as a CEO,” he said. “It needs a restructuring expert and somebody who can go in and really give Government confidence that the administrative side of the business is back in great shape again. That’s going to take some time.
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“I’ve no idea who might end up doing it, but I wouldn’t think I have the skill set required. If there is a role I can be used in, though, in a capacity that somehow helps to restore trust from all of the stakeholders, be it from the commercial world or from the grassroots or elite game in this country, that I can come in and use what skill sets I have, I would gladly do it.”
Mr Quinn believes those running the association have accepted the scale of the problems they face and of the change that is required. Although he feels there are many hurdles to overcome as the FAI looks to put the current crisis behind it, he describes Mr Barrett as an “outstanding” appointment. Mr Barrett was part of the group fronted by Mr Quinn last year that put itself forward for a role in reforming the running of the game in Ireland.
“The mood in Citywest versus Trim [the two sessions of last year’s AGM, held five months apart] was a big turning point, the game within itself has called that enough is enough. I didn’t think the report of the Governance Review Group Board was enough, but now the board members seem absolutely intent on change, and they will led by independent directors with skill sets that haven’t been in the FAI before. I have great confidence in that,” he said.
“It [the appointment of the three new directors] is a real turning point, but it’s only just one day in time, and the problem of technical insolvency still lingers.
“But it switches things to a better narrative now, and I hope Government, Uefa and the banks feel it is a new beginning and that they can support that. There is an awful lot still to do and next Tuesday [when the Government is due to meet with Uefa about the provision of financial support to the association] is a very big day,” Mr Quinn said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--Man (20) accused of trying to kidnap woman in Dublin said it was ‘a joke’, court told

A 20-year-old man accused of attempting to kidnap an elderly woman in Dublin on Monday said it was “ a joke that went wrong ” after being charged , a court has heard .
Martin Gallagher appeared in Dublin District Court charged with the attempted abduction and assault causing harm of the 69-year-old woman beside the Phoenix Park .
Mr Gallagher of Rusheeney Avenue , Hartstown , Dublin 15 is accused of false imprisonment of the woman at Martin ’ s Grove on Blackhorse Avenue on January 6th , 2020 .
He is also accused of assaulting the woman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
The incident occurred at about 7.30am as the woman was out for a morning walk .
Gardaí said a man approached the woman and attempted to force her into the back of a car .
The woman managed to flee and gardaí launched a large investigation involving checkpoints , door-to-door inquiries and multiple public appeals for information .
Mr Gallagher was arrested in the Blanchardstown area the following day .
He was released on Wednesday morning following questioning by gardaí but rearrested that evening in relation to the alleged attempted kidnapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court in the Criminal Courts of Justice wearing a grey sweater and navy trousers .
He blew a kiss to supporters in the public area shortly after entering court .
Detective Garda Paul Kirwan told Judge Brian Smyth he charged Mr Gallagher with the offences in the early hours of Thursday morning .
He said the accused made no reply when charged .
However defence solicitor Michael Kelleher said his client maintains he did make a reply which was not recorded by gardaí .
He said Mr Gallagher replied .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that went wrong ” .
Mr Gallagher was “ anxious ” to make that reply , the solicitor said .
Det Garda Kirwin applied for Mr Gallagher to be remanded in custody .
There was no application for bail and Judge Smyth agreed to remand the accused in custody until a hearing in Cloverhill District Court on January 16th next .
The judge also agreed to grant legal aid after viewing a statement of means for Mr Gallagher .

A 20-year-old man accused of attempting to kidnap an elderly woman in Dublin on Monday said it was “a joke that went wrong” after being charged, a court has heard.
Martin Gallagher appeared in Dublin District Court charged with the attempted abduction and assault causing harm of the 69-year-old woman beside the Phoenix Park.
Mr Gallagher of Rusheeney Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin 15 is accused of false imprisonment of the woman at Martin’s Grove on Blackhorse Avenue on January 6th, 2020. He is also accused of assaulting the woman, causing her harm, during the alleged incident.
The incident occurred at about 7.30am as the woman was out for a morning walk
The incident occurred at about 7.30am as the woman was out for a morning walk. Gardaí said a man approached the woman and attempted to force her into the back of a car. The woman managed to flee and gardaí launched a large investigation involving checkpoints, door-to-door inquiries and multiple public appeals for information.
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Mr Gallagher was arrested in the Blanchardstown area the following day. He was released on Wednesday morning following questioning by gardaí but rearrested that evening in relation to the alleged attempted kidnapping.
The accused appeared at Dublin District Court in the Criminal Courts of Justice wearing a grey sweater and navy trousers. He blew a kiss to supporters in the public area shortly after entering court.
Detective Garda Paul Kirwan told Judge Brian Smyth he charged Mr Gallagher with the offences in the early hours of Thursday morning. He said the accused made no reply when charged. However defence solicitor Michael Kelleher said his client maintains he did make a reply which was not recorded by gardaí.
He said Mr Gallagher replied. “I’m sorry, it was a joke that went wrong”. Mr Gallagher was “anxious” to make that reply, the solicitor said. Det Garda Kirwin applied for Mr Gallagher to be remanded in custody.
There was no application for bail and Judge Smyth agreed to remand the accused in custody until a hearing in Cloverhill District Court on January 16th next.
The judge also agreed to grant legal aid after viewing a statement of means for Mr Gallagher.


theirishtimes--2020-01-09--BT Young Scientist: What does it take to find a winner?

Just as there is a small army of volunteers without whom the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition ( BTYSTE ) would be impossible to stage , there is a band of almost 80 judges who play an essential role in evaluating entries .
Some , including past winners , have been judging on a voluntary basis for up to 40 years .
The process is both hectic and exacting as the judges across four categories identify the most significant works and check for originality and application of scientific standards .
Judging is very thorough but not confrontational , explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in University College Dublin who is now in his 22nd year of judging the chemical , physical and mathematical sciences category .
Three judges separately assess all 550 projects on show .
Potential prize winners are subject to even more extensive examination in the final hours of the contest by a wider range of judges in a system that is proven for its effectiveness over many years in identifying high-calibre winners .
Not only have standards and communications skills improved over the years , entrants have become much more confident and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of disciplines , Prof Guiry notes – besides “ growing three inches during the exhibition as they meet judges and members of the public ” .
People still do pure science by , for example , testing their local river for heavy metals , he points out , which remains one of the beauties of the competition .
In such circumstances , it means a lot to them and to their locality – and even better if the work has a global dimension .
As a chemist , he notes there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in contrast there are more entries in physics , and maths where all you need is “ a pencil , paper and a good head ” .
About 100 projects are in his category which he believes is a strong entry , which takes in those overlapping with technology and other disciplines .
Many projects need instrumentation and some schools simply do not have the necessary equipment .
Guiry praises the many third level institutions which help out in that regard .
Entrants run the tests and do the analysis , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – any help must be recorded in the entrants ’ project notebook .
Above all , the quality of work has improved immensely , Guiry believes , which is greatly assisted by shortlisting of almost 2,000 projects in the autumn , where qualifiers are selected .
The trend towards projects on climate change shows students are very enthusiastic about the planet and want to contribute to understanding issues about its wellbeing , Guiry adds .
“ They want to do research into carbon footprint and to understand what it is.
” In contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and don ’ t really know what it is , as they drink their orange juice from South Africa in preference to apple juice from Wicklow ” .
Dr Yseult Freeney who lectures in organisational psychology at Dublin City University began judging 14 years ago .
“ It ’ s such a wonderful event to be part of every January , ” she adds .
She would never miss it , as indicated by her participation four weeks after her first child was born , which coincided with her becoming head judge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become much more concerned about social justice , “ and doing good through their research ” , she says .
Moreover , their research abilities have improved and they have become more critical .
Topics mean so much to them , that are passionate about their work and motivated in trying to find solutions .
She says the judging process is intense because of time pressures , with some heated discussion , especially at the final stages when they go beyond their own areas in identifying winners .
“ Judges are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice to the students .
It ’ s a huge responsibility .
“ We want to celebrate achievement , and that the right student gets recognition for the right project , ” she says .
Freeney believes there is increased appreciation of the importance of the social and behavioural sciences , and understanding that the world does not operate on the basis of one scientific discipline .
Critically , so many global problems are human-driven .
The category is the most popular among students , she points out , and yet they get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
The winners of the 2020 BTYSTE will be announced on Friday evening .

Projects on climate change and mental wellbeing dominate 2020 entries at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, while almost 60 per cent of 1,125 students whose work will be exhibited are female.
Just as there is a small army of volunteers without whom the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) would be impossible to stage, there is a band of almost 80 judges who play an essential role in evaluating entries.
Some, including past winners, have been judging on a voluntary basis for up to 40 years.
The process is both hectic and exacting as the judges across four categories identify the most significant works and check for originality and application of scientific standards.
Judging is very thorough but not confrontational, explains Prof Pat Guiry, a chemistry professor based in University College Dublin who is now in his 22nd year of judging the chemical, physical and mathematical sciences category.
READ MORE
Three judges separately assess all 550 projects on show.
Niall Skehan, Luke Skehan and Darragh McMorrow from CBS Secondary School Kilkenny being judged on their project: The correlation between memory and the senses. Photograph: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
Potential prize winners are subject to even more extensive examination in the final hours of the contest by a wider range of judges in a system that is proven for its effectiveness over many years in identifying high-calibre winners.
Not only have standards and communications skills improved over the years, entrants have become much more confident and are not afraid to embrace research across a range of disciplines, Prof Guiry notes – besides “growing three inches during the exhibition as they meet judges and members of the public”.
People still do pure science by, for example, testing their local river for heavy metals, he points out, which remains one of the beauties of the competition. In such circumstances, it means a lot to them and to their locality – and even better if the work has a global dimension.
As a chemist, he notes there are relatively few pure chemistry projects nowadays, while in contrast there are more entries in physics, and maths where all you need is “a pencil, paper and a good head”.
About 100 projects are in his category which he believes is a strong entry, which takes in those overlapping with technology and other disciplines.
Many projects need instrumentation and some schools simply do not have the necessary equipment. Guiry praises the many third level institutions which help out in that regard. Entrants run the tests and do the analysis, he stresses; universities and ITs facilitate this – any help must be recorded in the entrants’ project notebook.
Above all, the quality of work has improved immensely, Guiry believes, which is greatly assisted by shortlisting of almost 2,000 projects in the autumn, where qualifiers are selected.
The trend towards projects on climate change shows students are very enthusiastic about the planet and want to contribute to understanding issues about its wellbeing, Guiry adds. “They want to do research into carbon footprint and to understand what it is.”
In contrast, "people often talk about it and don't really know what it is, as they drink their orange juice from South Africa in preference to apple juice from Wicklow".
Yaduvir Harhangi from, Synge Street CBS, Dublin being judged on his project: Extensions of Marden’s Theorem. Photograph: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
Dr Yseult Freeney who lectures in organisational psychology at Dublin City University began judging 14 years ago. "It's such a wonderful event to be part of every January," she adds. She would never miss it, as indicated by her participation four weeks after her first child was born, which coincided with her becoming head judge in the category in 2014.
Young people have become much more concerned about social justice, “and doing good through their research”, she says. Moreover, their research abilities have improved and they have become more critical. Topics mean so much to them, that are passionate about their work and motivated in trying to find solutions.
She says the judging process is intense because of time pressures, with some heated discussion, especially at the final stages when they go beyond their own areas in identifying winners. “Judges are so concerned about getting it right and doing justice to the students. It’s a huge responsibility.
“We want to celebrate achievement, and that the right student gets recognition for the right project,” she says.
Freeney believes there is increased appreciation of the importance of the social and behavioural sciences, and understanding that the world does not operate on the basis of one scientific discipline. Critically, so many global problems are human-driven. The category is the most popular among students, she points out, and yet they get so little training on it at second level.
The winners of the 2020 BTYSTE will be announced on Friday evening.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--First week of 2020 ‘worst ever’ for hospital overcrowding

The first week of the new year has been the worst ever for hospital overcrowding , according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation .
Some 3,143 patients went without beds during the week , as trolley numbers hit a new daily record of 760 on both Monday and Tuesday .
This figure slightly exceeded the previous overcrowding record 0f 3,122 patients on trolleys set during the “ Beast from the East ” storm in March 2018 .
The worst hospitals for overcrowding during this week were University Hospital Limerick , with 322 patients waiting for admission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and Cork University Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital ( both 210 ) .
There were 482 patients waiting for admission to hospital on Friday morning , according to the INMO , down on the previous day .
The HSE has said that although trolley numbers peaked at record levels at the start of the week , they have fallen off sharply thanks to above average levels of discharge of patients from hospital beds and a reduction in flu levels .
The INMO , which says numbers should never be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital groups to have recruitment powers restored , as well as a rollout of Slaintecare health reforms that would offer more alternatives to hospitals seeking to discharge well patients .
Meanwhile , a group representing ambulance drivers said the overcrowding was placing the service under enormous pressure and risked pushing it beyond breaking point .
“ The National Ambulance Service is running on empty with ambulances held back at ED departments and consistently missing response time targets , ambulances being deployed on very long journeys across the country and crews being forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the required rest and meal breaks , ” said Tony Gregg , branch secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association ambulance personnel branch , NASRA .
“ The demands on ambulance personnel in this situation are seriously undermining morale and yet again expose the lack of adequate staffing and resourcing of our ambulance service relative to comparable investment and staffing numbers in other services such as in NI and Scotland .
”

There were 482 patients waiting for admission to hospital on Friday morning.
The first week of the new year has been the worst ever for hospital overcrowding, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
Some 3,143 patients went without beds during the week, as trolley numbers hit a new daily record of 760 on both Monday and Tuesday.
This figure slightly exceeded the previous overcrowding record 0f 3,122 patients on trolleys set during the “Beast from the East” storm in March 2018.
The worst hospitals for overcrowding during this week were University Hospital Limerick, with 322 patients waiting for admission, followed by University Hospital Galway (212), and Cork University Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital (both 210).
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There were 482 patients waiting for admission to hospital on Friday morning, according to the INMO, down on the previous day.
The HSE has said that although trolley numbers peaked at record levels at the start of the week, they have fallen off sharply thanks to above average levels of discharge of patients from hospital beds and a reduction in flu levels.
The INMO, which says numbers should never be allowed reach such high levels again, wants hospital groups to have recruitment powers restored, as well as a rollout of Slaintecare health reforms that would offer more alternatives to hospitals seeking to discharge well patients.
Meanwhile, a group representing ambulance drivers said the overcrowding was placing the service under enormous pressure and risked pushing it beyond breaking point.
"The National Ambulance Service is running on empty with ambulances held back at ED departments and consistently missing response time targets, ambulances being deployed on very long journeys across the country and crews being forced to work beyond rostered shifts, and work without the required rest and meal breaks," said Tony Gregg, branch secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association ambulance personnel branch, NASRA.
“The demands on ambulance personnel in this situation are seriously undermining morale and yet again expose the lack of adequate staffing and resourcing of our ambulance service relative to comparable investment and staffing numbers in other services such as in NI and Scotland.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Varadkar appeals to North’s parties to ‘come on board’ and agree on deal

The North ’ s Assembly could sit in the coming days if Northern Ireland ’ s political parties agree to a draft deal to restore powersharing .
The Irish and British governments published a draft text on Thursday night which would form the basis for the restoration of the Northern Executive .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the talks process was “ at a very sensitive point ” “ I was on the phone to the president of Sinn Féin this morning , spoke to the leaders of the SDLP and Alliance in the last couple of days , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So I think there is a real chance that today or if not by Monday , we can have the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive back up and running again , ” Mr Varadkar told reporters at a Fine Gael event in Dublin on Friday .
“ I ’ d really appeal to all of the parties now to sign up to the agreement , to come on board , to have the assembly meeting again to have the Executive up and running and crucially to have the North-South ministerial Council , operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those are really important North-South cross-Border projects like the A5 road to Derry and Letterkenny like the Ulster canal , the cross-Border greenways , upgrading the train line between Dublin and Belfast , building University in Derry and tying that in with Letterkenny , and also cross-Border co-operation around health .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said last night ’ s publication was the “ end point ” for the two governments of the “ endless negotiations ” with the parties .
“ Hopefully all five parties will commit to having a functioning government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal , the parties have to make a decision .
If they are looking for the positives , there are more than enough to back it , ” he said told RTÉ ’ s Morning Ireland .
Mr Coveney warned that time is running out and if a deal is not in place “ time will run out on Monday ” and there will be elections in Northern Ireland .
The North ’ s Secretary of State Julian Smith has repeatedly said that if the Assembly is not restored by Monday he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus , Mr Coveney said , “ is to get Stormont up and running today.
” The North ’ s Speaker , Robin Newton , is ready to call a sitting of the Assembly today if the parties request it .
On Thursday , Mr Smith said he had written to Mr Newton , asking him to recall the Assembly on Friday so that devolution could be restored before the weekend .
However , in a statement issued on Friday morning , a spokesperson for the Assembly said the Speaker had previously made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could only happen at the request of politicians .
“ While the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has requested that the Speaker call a sitting of the Assembly , the process of doing so remains one for the Speaker to undertake in consultation with the parties.
” The “ speed and timing ” of this , the spokesperson said , “ depends entirely on when the Speaker hears positively from the parties.
” “ The Speaker recognises the significant efforts that are continuing to be made by all parties to enable a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible to elect a new Speaker and appoint ministers .
“ If sufficient agreement is reached for this to be achieved , it only requires parties to inform the Speaker and request him to commence the process to call a sitting.
” The British and Irish governments published the 62-page document , their best estimate of what constitutes a “ fair , balanced and inclusive “ deal , on Thursday night .
Addressing reporters outside Parliament Buildings in Belfast , Mr Smith and Mr Coveney said they had done so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the document and use it as a basis to restore the Assembly .
The draft deal entitled New Decade , New Approach sets out a number of wide-ranging priorities for a restored Executive in areas including health , education and infrastructure .
It also outlines the basis for the restoration of the Executive and the North ’ s political institutions .
It includes provision for legislative change which would create an Irish Language Commissioner and an Ulster British Language Commissioner , who would represent the Ulster Scots language and culture .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which would ensure it could not be used as a veto mechanism by any single party .
There is a “ major financial package ” available from the British government if the Assembly is restored , as well as funding from the Irish government , including a three-year financial package to invest in key infrastructure projects .
However the money from the British government is dependent on the restoration of the Assembly , Mr Smith told BBC Radio Ulster .
“ All of the money in the financial package is predicated on politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly and forming an Executive.
” Thousands of healthcare workers represented by the Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) and Unison unions are again on strike in Northern Ireland on Friday , in an ongoing dispute over pay and staffing levels .
Mr Smith said the “ money is there ” to resolve the crisis .
“ Let ’ s get back today , get rid of this strike , let nurses get on with their job , and let ’ s transform the economy and transform public services across Northern Ireland.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was the first to react to the publication of the draft text on Thursday night , with the leader Arlene Foster issuing a statement shortly afterwards .
“ On balance , ” she said , “ we believe there is a basis upon which the Assembly and Executive can be re-established in a fair and balanced way.
” Sinn Féin was more cautious , with the party ’ s president , Mary Lou McDonald , issuing a brief statement to acknowledge the party was “ studying the text and will give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ard comhairle would meet on Friday to “ fully assess it ” , she said .
That meeting is expected to take place at lunchtime Friday .
As the two largest parties in Northern Ireland , any agreement is dependent on securing the backing of both the DUP and Sinn Féin .
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday morning , Ms Foster said she had spoken to Sinn Féin ’ s vice president Michelle O ’ Neill on Thursday evening .
“ Of course , they will have to go through their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I had to go through my internal discussions and , indeed , those discussions will continue during the day , and hopefully we can get to a place where we can have the executive up and running again , ” Ms Foster said .
Mr Coveney has said that he hopes Sinn Féin will “ sell ” the deal aimed at restoring the Northern Executive and Assembly .
Sinn Féin now has a “ unique responsibility ” , Mr Coveney told Newstalk ’ s Breakfast show .
“ They know there can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sinn Féin and the DUP.
” This is a significant day for the people of Northern Ireland , he added .
The proposed deal will protect the institution of powersharing and the petition of concern will mean that if one of the parties walks out there will be time to ensure that the institution can survive , he said .
The three smaller parties - the SDLP , Alliance and the Ulster Unionist Party ( UUP ) - were also holding meetings today .
The SDLP met the two governments on Friday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposed agreement and wanted “ to make sure the financial envelope was large enough ” to meet Northern Ireland ’ s needs .
The party leader Colum Eastwood said they had a “ very good discussion ” and they were confident that a “ very significant package ” was available .
He said they now had to speak to other parties before making a decision as to whether to back a return to the Executive .
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong told BBC Radio Ulster her party was “ carefully considering ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petition of concern had been changed and she was unsure whether it was sufficiently robust .
While there was “ reform there , absolutely , is it a substantive enough reform to make it sustainable ?
” she asked .
The UUP leader Steve Aiken said his party would “ consider this complex and far reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments ” .
“ If the Assembly is recalled on Friday , the Ulster Unionist Party MLAs will attend and consider the business put before @ @ @ @ @ @

Tanáiste Simon Coveney (left) and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith, issue a statement outside Stormont Parliament buildings in Belfast on Thursday night. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Northern parties, on the back of the British and Irish governments' New Decade, New Approach proposals, are due at Stormont at lunchtime on Saturday to re-establish the Northern Executive and Assembly.
Three years after the collapse of the powersharing institutions, the North’s two main parties, the DUP and Sinn Féin, gave their backing to the British and Irish governments’ deal, paving the way for the restoration of Stormont.
On Friday evening, Sinn Féin's Ard Comhairle took the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institutions and nominate ministers to the power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland, the party's president Mary Lou McDonald told reporters at a press conference in Parliament Buildings. The SDLP and Alliance Party have also decided to support the deal to restore powersharing.
Ms McDonald said that it was the “responsibility of every party to ensure the Executive meets”and was “anxious we get to work as soon as possible”.
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Ms McDonald saidthe party was “ready to do business” , to go back into the Executive and to make its nominations for first and deputy-first ministers, “on the basis that now we rebuild complete power-sharing”.
She said she believed all of the North’s parties should now enter the Executive.
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also said he did not believe there was any reason that the Assembly should not sit tonight.
He said the party was re-entering the Executive “probably sceptically” but that it has taken the decision to “make sure we can deliver for the people we are concerned about” and that it would hold other parties to account.
Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald (C) speaks flanked by deputy leader Michelle O’Neill (R) and other colleagues at the Parliament Buildings on the Stormont Estate. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
Irish language
Ms McDonald told reporters she believed “the changes which have been achieved in the negotiations over the last year build on what was agreed in February 2018, and involve some very significant advances.”
These included, she said, “an Acht Gaeilge with official, legal recognition of the Irish language for the first time, an Irish language Commissioner and increased Irish language funding,” as well as the reform of the petition of concern “to try and end its misuse as a veto by one party” and “key measures to ensure transparency and accountability, to prevent corruption and bad practice and to implement the recommendations arising from the RHI [Renewable Heating Initiative] Inquiry.”
But, referring the proposal to increase by three the number of days the Union flag would be flown over government buildings and courthouses in Northern Ireland, she said she rejected "in the strongest possible terms the British government commitments to the DUP on flags and other issues."
"These are not part of this agreement," she said. "Indeed they fly in the face of the Good Friday [Belfast] Agreement and are bad faith. It is disappointing that the Irish Government acquiesced to these measures."
However Ms McDonald said there was now a basis to restore power-sharing. “There is no doubt there are serious challenges ahead – the impact of Brexit, austerity and a range of other issues.
“The biggest and most significant challenge will be ensuring that we have genuine power sharing based on equality, respect and integrity.
“I believe that the power-sharing government can work. That requires everyone to step up. Sinn Féin’s commitment is to do all in our power to make this happen,” she said. “Three years ago Martin McGuinness set down a challenge to all of us to get it right and to deliver for all. We now need to get to work.”
Parties react
The Democratic Unionist Party was the first to react to the publication of the draft text on Thursday night, with the leader Arlene Foster issuing a statement shortly afterwards.
“On balance,” she said, “we believe there is a basis upon which the Assembly and Executive can be re-established in a fair and balanced way.”
The Alliance Party’s ruling council met on Friday evening, and afterwards issued a statement which said although they believe the draft deal is “imperfect”, they believe it “offers an opportunity to restore devolution”.
The party tweeted a statement. “Alliance’s Party Council has met to discuss #NewDecadeNewApproach. We believe though imperfect, perfect cannot be the enemy of good. It offers an opportunity to restore devolution & if implemented with goodwill and genuine commitment to power-sharing, can deliver for NI. “It is, for us, a compromise. That is also true for every other party. It is lack of compromise that has allowed our public services to decline and our people to suffer. Only an honorable compromise offers any hope of addressing those challenges. The work starts here.”
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) were due to hold meetings today.
The UUP leader Steve Aiken said his party would "consider this complex and far-reaching document carefully and consult widely within our party before making any further comments".
"If the Assembly is recalled on Friday, the Ulster Unionist Party MLAs will attend and consider the business put before them," he said.
Irish reaction
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said that "history has been made today".
He said it may be possible to form the Executive tomorrow.
“It has been a difficult process for many parties. But this now looks like it is coming to a successful conclusion. And what is most important about is that the people of Northern Ireland will have a government again. They will have political leaders that can make decisions for them that can work for them and they will no longer have to rely on a really, an unacceptable lack of governance, where civil servants have to make decisions.
“But we do have to wait and give the time and space to the remaining parties who have to publicly declare positions in relation to being part of an executive in Northern Ireland.
“ I think the hope is to be able to move this process forward now and to build on the momentum that’s been created in the last 24 hours so that people can see positive political activity, parties working together, political leaders working together, setting an example and sending a signal of positivity that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good.
“It is a good day. I think it is time to to recognise that something substantial, significant and positive is happening on our island.”
The Irish and British governments published a draft text on Thursday night which would form the basis for the restoration of the Northern Executive.
Earlier on Friday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the talks process was “at a very sensitive point” .
“ I think there is a real chance that today or if not by Monday, we can have the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive back up and running again,” Mr Varadkar told reporters at a Fine Gael event in Dublin on Friday.
“I’d really appeal to all of the parties now to sign up to the agreement, to come on board, to have the assembly meeting again, to have the Executive up and running and crucially to have the North-South ministerial Council, operating again, so we can press ahead with those really important North-South cross-Border projects.” Additional reporting - PA


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Woman (81) found outside Dublin’s GPO by homeless volunteer

An 81-year-old woman was found by a homeless volunteer near Dublin ’ s GPO Thursday night after being discharged from hospital .
The woman was found , in a freezing and very distressed state , outside the GPO on O ’ Connell Street shortly after 9pm by the volunteer who runs a soup kitchen for the homeless every Thursday night .
The Irish woman , who is believed to be suffering with a mental health issue or is the victim of a domestic abuse situation , was found by Irene Cody Murphy who immediately alerted two homeless charity workers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that none of the three could contact emergency services and as a result contacted former Dublin Lord Mayor and inner city Independent councillor Christy Burke .
Cllr Burke revealed that he had just returned home after helping on a soup run with Ms Cody Murphy when he received her urgent call .
“ I couldn ’ t believe what I was hearing from Irene when she telephoned me .
In the more than 20 years that I ’ ve been volunteering with homeless charities never have I come across a case like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found her I ’ ve no doubt this woman would have been found dead as a result of hypothermia .
“ Imagine an elderly woman after just being discharged from an acute hospital roaming our capital ’ s streets ?
“ I ’ ve dealt with 12 and 13-year-olds who are homeless but never a woman of this age .
We managed to confirm what the woman was saying was true and that she had indeed been discharged from an acute hospital .
“ We were about to put her into a hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday night .
But I managed to get Fran Devereux from Dublin City Council and he got to work straight away in trying to help .
“ She kept saying that she didn ’ t want to go to a particular hostel which led us to believe that she has been suffering for some time and has been out on our streets way before being found like this.
” Cllr Burke confirmed that Mr Devereux managed to get the elderly lady , who had not taken any drugs or alcohol , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into to a secure location however , officials were informed that she would have to be out of the premises by 10am today ( Friday ) by the manager .
“ Dublin City Council have now brokered an arrangement with management at the premises that the elderly lady can stay there until it is ascertained what her exact circumstances are ascertained , ” he said .

The Spire and the pedestrian island at night in O’Connell street . File photograph: Eric Luke / The Irish Times
An 81-year-old woman was found by a homeless volunteer near Dublin’s GPO Thursday night after being discharged from hospital.
The woman was found, in a freezing and very distressed state, outside the GPO on O’Connell Street shortly after 9pm by the volunteer who runs a soup kitchen for the homeless every Thursday night.
The Irish woman, who is believed to be suffering with a mental health issue or is the victim of a domestic abuse situation, was found by Irene Cody Murphy who immediately alerted two homeless charity workers from the Simon Community.
Was called of the soup run tonight to a emergency on O'Connell st a 81 year old woman discharged from hospital this... Posted by Irene Coady Murphy on Thursday, January 9, 2020
It is understood that none of the three could contact emergency services and as a result contacted former Dublin Lord Mayor and inner city Independent councillor Christy Burke.
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Cllr Burke revealed that he had just returned home after helping on a soup run with Ms Cody Murphy when he received her urgent call.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from Irene when she telephoned me. In the more than 20 years that I’ve been volunteering with homeless charities never have I come across a case like this. If Irene hadn’t have found her I’ve no doubt this woman would have been found dead as a result of hypothermia.
“Imagine an elderly woman after just being discharged from an acute hospital roaming our capital’s streets?
“I’ve dealt with 12 and 13-year-olds who are homeless but never a woman of this age. We managed to confirm what the woman was saying was true and that she had indeed been discharged from an acute hospital.
"We were about to put her into a hotel thanks to an anonymous donation of €100 on Thursday night. But I managed to get Fran Devereux from Dublin City Council and he got to work straight away in trying to help.
“She kept saying that she didn’t want to go to a particular hostel which led us to believe that she has been suffering for some time and has been out on our streets way before being found like this.”
Cllr Burke confirmed that Mr Devereux managed to get the elderly lady, who had not taken any drugs or alcohol, was bright and composed despite being ill, into to a secure location however, officials were informed that she would have to be out of the premises by 10am today (Friday) by the manager.
“Dublin City Council have now brokered an arrangement with management at the premises that the elderly lady can stay there until it is ascertained what her exact circumstances are ascertained,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Torrential rain and wind expected in Atlantic coastal counties

Heavy rain and high winds are expected in Atlantic coastal counties from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning with a yellow weather warning in place .
Rainfall amounts of up to 55mm and wind speeds gusting at 110 km/h are expected in Donegal , Galway , Mayo and Kerry .
Met Éireann has warned that conditions may bring high seas with a risk of coastal flooding .
Forecaster Liz Walsh said the heavy rain will be caused by a warm front approaching from the Atlantic and the attendant cold front will get stuck for several hours .
She suggested the yellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sligo presently .
“ It is going to be a windy night across the country and it ’ s going to be really warm , ” she said .
“ The wind will be warm so that by the time you get to midnight it will be 9 to 11 degrees and by midday on Saturday it will be 12 degrees.
” The forecast over the coming days is for more of the same with heavy rain across the country on Saturday followed on Sunday by notably colder conditoins with afternoon highs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More wind and rain is expected on Monday with strong to gale force southerly winds bringing heavy rain from the Atlantic .
Ms Walsh said Monday is being “ watched closely .
Next week is very unsettled and it will be stormy on several days ” .
Wednesday looks bright and breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers .

Walkers in Howth, Dublin, as waves crash over the harbour wall File photograph: Collins
A status orange weather alert is in place for the entire country as Ireland braces itself for high winds and heavy rain as Atlantic Storm Brendan passes off the northwest coast.
The first orange warning applies to Connacht, Donegal and Kerry until 9pm. The second applies to Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford and will be in place between 8am and 3pm.
Met Éireann has warned that strong gale force to storm-force southerly winds will develop on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea, reaching violent storm force at times in the west.
Met Éireann has said there are large spring tides at the moment, with very high seas and onshore wind, so there is a huge risk of coastal flooding, particularly on southern and Atlantic coasts.
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A status red marine warning has also been issued.
Met Éireann says a status orange warning indicates conditions “may pose a threat to life and property”, with dangerous driving conditions and risk of falling trees.
The warnings say southerly winds veering southwesterly will reach mean speeds of 65km/h to 80km/h, with gusts up to 130km/h, higher in exposed areas.
The high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain which will develop in the west and will spread quickly across the country.
Met Éireann's head of forecasting Evelyn Cusack said Storm Brendan would bring stormy conditions. "Expect disruption to travel and possible localised flooding especially in coastal areas. There may also be some localised structural damage and trees uprooted."
Pressure map, Monday 12.00pm
Flood barriers
Dublin City Council said flood defences have been erected and the car parks at Clontarf and Sandymount are closed. It is expected the car parks will reopen later in the afternoon.
Galway City Council has put flood barriers in place at vulnerable locations in the city and warned the extreme weather events “will lead to over-topping and potential flooding” along shorelines. “The severe weather assessment team will continue to monitor the situation and will put further measures in place as necessary,” the council said.
The Irish Coast Guard has also advised the public to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs, piers, promenades and harbours. “Breaking waves along the coast can be unpredictable and quickly drag you away. Do not approach breaking waves,” it added.
The National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) has advised the public not to visit any national parks, national monuments or nature reserves while the warnings are in place.
An orange wind warning is in place for the entire State
Five locations will be closed, including Killarney House and Gardens in Co Kerry; Dromore Woods Nature Reserve in Co Clare; Coole Park & Gardens Nature Reserve, Co Galway; Connemara National Park, Co Galway; and Knockma Woods Reserve in Tuam, Co Galway.
The Road Safety Authority appealed to road users to exercise caution in high winds.
As flood warnings were put in place around the country, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin “Boxer” Moran announced government support for managing so called “pinch points” on the Shannon.
Some €7 million has been allocated to manage potential flooding of the river between Athlone and Meelick Weir.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Man for court over Drogheda stabbing

Man for court over Drogheda stabbing

A man has been charged following a serious stabbing in Drogheda , Co Louth .
The man in his 20s @ @ @ @ @ Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 .
He was later charged @ @ @ @ @ District Court on Friday .
The incident occured at about 9.30pm on Thursday at a @ @ @ @ @ The man was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital , Drogheda .
His condition @ @ @ @ @ .
The scene is being preserved pending a full technical examination .

A man has been charged over a stabbing in Knockbrack Downs, Drogheda. Image: Google Maps
A man has been charged following a serious stabbing in Drogheda, Co Louth.
The man in his 20s was detained at Drogheda Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
He was later charged and will appear before Drogheda District Court on Friday.
The incident occured at about 9.30pm on Thursday at a house in Knockbrack Downs.
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The man was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. His condition is described as non-life threatening.
The scene is being preserved pending a full technical examination.


theirishtimes--2020-01-10--Hundreds of childcare facilities to close in one-day stoppage

Hundreds of childcare facilities are set to shut for a day in the coming weeks following a meeting of creche operators and childcare workers on Thursday night .
A range of childcare groups met to finalise plans which will sees creches and pre-school facilities close on a midweek day in either late January or early February .
Full details of the action are due to be announced at midday on Friday .
The protest organisers say under-funding of the sector has reached “ crisis point ” and was resulting in poorly-paid staff and unsustainable services The plan has the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Providers , which says it has 1,000-plus members , and the trade union Siptu , which represents 5,000 early years professionals .
Other groups representing childcare providers and professionals were also present at the meeting .
None of the groups at Thursday night ’ s meeting commented , though it is understood that agreement has been reached to press ahead with a mid-week work stoppage and demonstration outside the Dáil .
The action is being timed to coincide with the run-up to the general election .
Organisers claim there is “ huge momentum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has the backing of many providers , workers and parents .
Although the action could cause large-scale disruption for working parents , the protest organisers say many mothers and fathers support their actions and want to attend the demonstration .
But some groups fear the action could divide public opinion .
It is unclear how many facilities are likely to close given divided opinion within the sector , though most agree that hundreds of facilities will close .
Larger childcare organisations and those offering full daycare services – paid for by parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are paying for services .
However , sessional services – such as those providing the “ free ” pre-school year – may be more likely to protest , according to some involved in discussions over the protest .
It is likely that the Government would cease providing payment to childcare providers for the duration of any action which disrupts State-funded early years education .
In a statement , a spokesman for the Department of Children said it funded the provision of pre-school childcare by contracting with childcare providers to deliver childcare services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of different schemes , including the free preschool scheme , ECCE and the National Childcare Scheme .
Payments are calculated on the number of hours of care provided .
Providers should inform Pobal if they are not going to provide the contracted service , ” the spokesman said .
The spokesman added that the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone recognised that the last two months have been a difficult period for childcare providers , due to factors such as as the need for most operators to renew their Tusla registration , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the recent introduction of the national childcare scheme .
On foot of this , he said the Minister approved additional payments to providers last month .
“ The Minister has repeatedly said that in order to address the years of underinvestment in childcare we need to intensify the rate of investment to further address access , affordability and quality in early learning and care and school-age childcare , ” the spokesman said .
He said investment in the childcare sector has increased by 140 per cent in the last five budgets which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled the number of children who have benefited from childcare subsidises .

Creches and pre-school facilities will close on a midweek day in either late January or early February.
Hundreds of childcare facilities are set to shut for a day in the coming weeks following a meeting of creche operators and childcare workers on Thursday night.
A range of childcare groups met to finalise plans which will sees creches and pre-school facilities close on a midweek day in either late January or early February. Full details of the action are due to be announced at midday on Friday.
The protest organisers say under-funding of the sector has reached “crisis point” and was resulting in poorly-paid staff and unsustainable services
The plan has the support of groups including the Federation of Childhood Providers, which says it has 1,000-plus members, and the trade union Siptu, which represents 5,000 early years professionals.
READ MORE
Other groups representing childcare providers and professionals were also present at the meeting.
None of the groups at Thursday night’s meeting commented, though it is understood that agreement has been reached to press ahead with a mid-week work stoppage and demonstration outside the Dáil.
The action is being timed to coincide with the run-up to the general election.
Organisers claim there is “huge momentum” behind the planned day of action which has the backing of many providers, workers and parents.
Although the action could cause large-scale disruption for working parents, the protest organisers say many mothers and fathers support their actions and want to attend the demonstration.
But some groups fear the action could divide public opinion. It is unclear how many facilities are likely to close given divided opinion within the sector, though most agree that hundreds of facilities will close.
Larger childcare organisations and those offering full daycare services – paid for by parents – may be reluctant to inconvenience parents who are paying for services.
Sessional services
However, sessional services – such as those providing the “free” pre-school year – may be more likely to protest, according to some involved in discussions over the protest.
It is likely that the Government would cease providing payment to childcare providers for the duration of any action which disrupts State-funded early years education.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Department of Children said it funded the provision of pre-school childcare by contracting with childcare providers to deliver childcare services.
“Payments are made under a number of different schemes, including the free preschool scheme, ECCE and the National Childcare Scheme. Payments are calculated on the number of hours of care provided. Providers should inform Pobal if they are not going to provide the contracted service,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman added that the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone recognised that the last two months have been a difficult period for childcare providers, due to factors such as as the need for most operators to renew their Tusla registration, the withdrawal of the insurance for many providers and the recent introduction of the national childcare scheme.
On foot of this, he said the Minister approved additional payments to providers last month.
“The Minister has repeatedly said that in order to address the years of underinvestment in childcare we need to intensify the rate of investment to further address access, affordability and quality in early learning and care and school-age childcare,” the spokesman said.
He said investment in the childcare sector has increased by 140 per cent in the last five budgets which has increased capacity in the sector and doubled the number of children who have benefited from childcare subsidises.