theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Getting the balance right between working and studying

One of the first things to consider when thinking about working and studying is whether you want to do your course full time or part time and the pros and cons of each .
If you ’ re already in a full time job and looking to upskill or even change career , while at the same time balancing all other aspects of your life , then a part-time option may be the most suitable pathway for you given its flexibility .
Part-time course options may be held on a physical campus , be fully online or a blend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis doesn ’ t require the workload of a full-time programme so that should allow you more easily to adapt your life to fit in study , ” says Dr Fergal O ’ Brien , assistant dean of graduate and professional studies at the University of Limerick .
Online options in particular can offer a lot of advantages in terms of being able to study without it having much of an impact of your work productivity .
“ When you ’ re doing a programme online there really is no timetable except your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There might be occasional times when you have to be online for an assessment or whatever , but ( outside of that ) it ’ s very much up to you - if you do it at two in the morning of if you do it at two during the day , whatever fits into your work schedule and your own personal schedule.
” If your post-grad is related to your work , have a conversation with your boss or human resources department to see if there is the option of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to you during the duration of your course .
While you may not be entitled to any leave , getting the support of your employer for your course is important as even if they can ’ t give you time off , they may , when needed , be able to give you greater flexibility in terms of a different start time or allowing you to swap shifts with a co-worker etc .
Be clear on your availability and know your red lines For students on a full-time masters , the clue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take priority .
It ’ s important to really examine your timetable at the beginning of the year and know how much time you ’ ll have available for your part-time job , while being cognisant of all the other elements outside of your classes such as reading your course materials , assignments and any exams .
Once you get a clear handle on what your workload is looking like , be open with your employer from the start about what your availability is .
“ The timetable at the university should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to being available to come to college depending on the hours your employer allocates , ” says O ’ Brien .
“ It ’ s really , really important to get your classes , meet your assignment deadlines and sometimes you ’ re working in a group and you can ’ t be a freeloader .
It ’ s a question of communicating with your employer , saying during your masters you are available for work in the evenings and weekends for example , but here are some red lines in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now that you ’ ve got your university timetable and your work hours , it may be useful to make a separate timetable showing both , along with slotting in your library time , social , extra-curricular or sports activities so that any one time you can easily see how your day/week is panning out .
There is nothing like having a lot on to really focus the mind and making out this timetable and sticking to it as far as it possible will help balance your work and study demands .
Always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s coming up , so if you know you have an assignment due in four week ’ s time , make sure you include some time for this in the week ’ s prior to it .
That way , when it comes to the weekend before your due date for example you ’ re not feeling stressed about having to work while also trying to magic hours out of nowhere to work on your assignment .
In balancing both work and study , discipline is key .
Don ’ t squander any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place you know you can work in effectively , be that the library or at home but make sure it is somewhere you can sit comfortably where you aren ’ t likely to be interrupted or distracted by others .
If you prone to checking your phone , put it on flight mode and out of reach in your bag .
If find yourself googling unrelated course material or checking your social media while on your laptop , use apps such as Self-Control to blacklist all those site distractions for whatever length of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this may seem like yet one more thing to add to your timetable , joining a study group may actually prove very beneficial to balancing work and study .
O ’ Brien says many students find they will develop naturally into small study groups or sometimes may be forced into them as part of their group assignment .
The group should use itself to its full strengths , are there people in the group who are strong on areas you struggle with ?
Instead of allocating three hours of your time to figuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be able to help you get your head around in 30 minutes - just be sure to return the favour !
Ask for help if you need it Third level institutions are well aware that students will need to work while studying and O ’ Brien says that if you find yourself struggling , or need extra time for an assignment , go and talk to your course leader and ask for it .
“ I ’ m a course leader myself and what I say to my class that are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you ’ re struggling come see me .
That ’ s what course directors are for , they are there to try and address the problems that students are experiencing .
They are there to listen to those problems and provide solutions where appropriate.
” Also keep in mind the many other student supports that are available to you from counselling and medical support to financial and technological support .
Being healthy and feeling well will really help you to keep on top of this busy time .
Eating well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like things that will just drain more of your time but if you ’ re tired , hungry and run-down , everything will just take longer .
Batch cook healthy meals , take time for physical exercise and get proper sleep will all pay off when trying to juggle all the demands on your time .

One of the first things to consider when thinking about working and studying is whether you want to do your course full time or part time and the pros and cons of each.
Full-time or part-time study?
If you're already in a full time job and looking to upskill or even change career, while at the same time balancing all other aspects of your life, then a part-time option may be the most suitable pathway for you given its flexibility. Part-time course options may be held on a physical campus, be fully online or a blend of both. "Studying on a part-time basis doesn't require the workload of a full-time programme so that should allow you more easily to adapt your life to fit in study," says Dr Fergal O'Brien, assistant dean of graduate and professional studies at the University of Limerick. Online options in particular can offer a lot of advantages in terms of being able to study without it having much of an impact of your work productivity. "When you're doing a programme online there really is no timetable except your own," says O'Brien. "There might be occasional times when you have to be online for an assessment or whatever, but (outside of that) it's very much up to you - if you do it at two in the morning of if you do it at two during the day, whatever fits into your work schedule and your own personal schedule."
If your post-grad is related to your work, have a conversation with your boss or human resources department to see if there is the option of any study leave or other such supports available to you during the duration of your course. While you may not be entitled to any leave, getting the support of your employer for your course is important as even if they can’t give you time off, they may, when needed, be able to give you greater flexibility in terms of a different start time or allowing you to swap shifts with a co-worker etc.
READ MORE
Be clear on your availability and know your red lines
For students on a full-time masters, the clue is in the name and your course should take priority. It’s important to really examine your timetable at the beginning of the year and know how much time you’ll have available for your part-time job, while being cognisant of all the other elements outside of your classes such as reading your course materials, assignments and any exams. Once you get a clear handle on what your workload is looking like, be open with your employer from the start about what your availability is. “The timetable at the university should inform your availability to work as opposed to being available to come to college depending on the hours your employer allocates,” says O’Brien. “It’s really, really important to get your classes, meet your assignment deadlines and sometimes you’re working in a group and you can’t be a freeloader. It’s a question of communicating with your employer, saying during your masters you are available for work in the evenings and weekends for example, but here are some red lines in terms of when I’m not available.”
Organise your time
Now that you’ve got your university timetable and your work hours, it may be useful to make a separate timetable showing both, along with slotting in your library time, social, extra-curricular or sports activities so that any one time you can easily see how your day/week is panning out. There is nothing like having a lot on to really focus the mind and making out this timetable and sticking to it as far as it possible will help balance your work and study demands. Always try keep an eye to what’s coming up, so if you know you have an assignment due in four week’s time, make sure you include some time for this in the week’s prior to it. That way, when it comes to the weekend before your due date for example you’re not feeling stressed about having to work while also trying to magic hours out of nowhere to work on your assignment.
Study in comfort and eliminate distractions
In balancing both work and study, discipline is key. Don’t squander any of your study time. Find a place you know you can work in effectively, be that the library or at home but make sure it is somewhere you can sit comfortably where you aren’t likely to be interrupted or distracted by others. If you prone to checking your phone, put it on flight mode and out of reach in your bag. If find yourself googling unrelated course material or checking your social media while on your laptop, use apps such as Self-Control to blacklist all those site distractions for whatever length of time you are studying for.
Join a study group
While this may seem like yet one more thing to add to your timetable, joining a study group may actually prove very beneficial to balancing work and study. O’Brien says many students find they will develop naturally into small study groups or sometimes may be forced into them as part of their group assignment. The group should use itself to its full strengths, are there people in the group who are strong on areas you struggle with? Instead of allocating three hours of your time to figuring it out on your own, they may be able to help you get your head around in 30 minutes - just be sure to return the favour!
Ask for help if you need it
Third level institutions are well aware that students will need to work while studying and O’Brien says that if you find yourself struggling, or need extra time for an assignment, go and talk to your course leader and ask for it. “I’m a course leader myself and what I say to my class that are at orientation and at our induction process is, if you’re struggling come see me. That’s what course directors are for, they are there to try and address the problems that students are experiencing. They are there to listen to those problems and provide solutions where appropriate.” Also keep in mind the many other student supports that are available to you from counselling and medical support to financial and technological support.
Staying healthy and well
Being healthy and feeling well will really help you to keep on top of this busy time. Eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising may seem like things that will just drain more of your time but if you’re tired, hungry and run-down, everything will just take longer. Batch cook healthy meals, take time for physical exercise and get proper sleep will all pay off when trying to juggle all the demands on your time.
[ irishtimes.com/postgradmba ]


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--My MBA: ‘I knew it would be a big time commitment’

“ I had worked in HR for indigenous Irish companies for 25 years - including Dawn Meats and Dairygold - @ @ @ @ @ do the MBA at the Waterford Institute of Technology ( WIT ) .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ wanted to refresh my career and also bring my education up-to-date .
I had done @ @ @ @ @ knew they had high standards and quality lecturers .
`` I knew it would be @ @ @ @ @ while it was intense , I got more out of it than I put in @ @ @ @ @ class were very energising and came from across a wide spectrum of businesses ; we @ @ @ @ @ also some healthy competition .
“ After the MBA , I realised I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ side of the business , and became a supply chain manager .
Coming out of @ @ @ @ @ good blend of theory , research and personal experience .
And now I can see @ @ @ @ @ learned in my everyday job now .
”

"I had worked in HR for indigenous Irish companies for 25 years - including Dawn Meats and Dairygold - before deciding to go and do the MBA at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT).
“I did the MBA because I wanted to refresh my career and also bring my education up-to-date. I had done my undergrad at WIT and knew they had high standards and quality lecturers.
"I knew it would be a big time commitment and while it was intense, I got more out of it than I put in. The people in my class were very energising and came from across a wide spectrum of businesses; we had a good dynamic and also some healthy competition.
“After the MBA, I realised I wanted to get closer to the manufacturing side of the business, and became a supply chain manager. Coming out of it, I had a good blend of theory, research and personal experience. And now I can see the benefits of what I learned in my everyday job now.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-08--Man (30s) who died in ‘tragic accident’ in Westport named

The man in his 30s who died in Westport at the weekend has been named locally as Sean Hynes from Ballina .
Mr Hynes ’ body was discovered in the water by Westport Quay in Co Mayo shortly before 9am on Sunday morning .
It is believed he may have fallen into the water accidently while out socialising .
A Garda source said the matter appeared to be a “ tragic accident ” .
His body was recovered from the water and taken to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital , with the local coroner to carry out a postmortem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ investigating gardaí are not currently treating the death as suspicious , but will await the outcome of a postmortem to determine the course of their investigation ” .
Local Mayo councillor Mark Duffy said the community was in shock following the incident and that his thoughts and prayers went out to Mr Hynes ’ family .
“ It is extremely difficult news for anyone in the community to receive today and we send our heartfelt condolences to the family , ” he said .
In Co Kerry , a woman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collision in Killarney .
Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on the N22 at Brennans Glen , Killarney , shortly after 2pm on Sunday .
The woman was a passenger in one of the cars and was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision .
The other two occupants of the car , a man and woman in their 70s , were taken to University Hospital Kerry for treatment .
The woman was understood to be in a critical condition , while the man ’ s injuries were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two women in their early 20s in the second car were also injured in the collision .
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses .

A general view of the Quay in Westport, Co Mayo, where the fatality occurred. Photograph: Google Street View
The man in his 30s who died in Westport at the weekend has been named locally as Sean Hynes from Ballina.
Mr Hynes’ body was discovered in the water by Westport Quay in Co Mayo shortly before 9am on Sunday morning. It is believed he may have fallen into the water accidently while out socialising.
A Garda source said the matter appeared to be a “tragic accident”.
His body was recovered from the water and taken to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital, with the local coroner to carry out a postmortem on Monday morning.
READ MORE
A Garda spokesman said “investigating gardaí are not currently treating the death as suspicious, but will await the outcome of a postmortem to determine the course of their investigation”.
Local Mayo councillor Mark Duffy said the community was in shock following the incident and that his thoughts and prayers went out to Mr Hynes’ family.
“It is extremely difficult news for anyone in the community to receive today and we send our heartfelt condolences to the family,” he said.
Road death in Kerry
In Co Kerry, a woman in her 40s died in a road traffic collision in Killarney.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on the N22 at Brennans Glen, Killarney, shortly after 2pm on Sunday.
The woman was a passenger in one of the cars and was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. The other two occupants of the car, a man and woman in their 70s, were taken to University Hospital Kerry for treatment.
The woman was understood to be in a critical condition, while the man’s injuries were described by gardaí as non-life threatening.
Two women in their early 20s in the second car were also injured in the collision. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Bruce Springsteen donates artwork to Jack & Jill fundraiser auction

US musician Bruce Springsteen has donated an original artwork to a charity auction to raise funds for the Jack & Jill Foundation .
Up to 2,600 artworks will be auctioned for €50 each , but the identity of the artist will only be revealed after the piece is purchased .
Springsteen and his wife Patti will both donate an original piece of art they have created to the auction , as will U2 frontman Bono .
Some 1,600 artists are to provide postcard sized artworks for the “ Incognito ” auction fundraiser .
The artworks will go on sale in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St , Dublin city centre , from April 24th to 26th , with previews being displayed two days beforehand .
The auction will then travel to Lavit Gallery , Wandesford Quay , Cork from May 22nd to 23rd .
It is the fourth year of the Incognito auction .
Last year the event raised over €120,000 for the Jack & Jill Foundation .
Other artists providing pieces as part of the charity auction include Vincent Devine , Paul Costelloe , Abigail O ’ Brien , Mick O ’ Dea , Maser , Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Victor Richardson and Peter Curling .
The Jack & Jill Foundation provides specialist home nursing and end of life care to severely ill young children up to five years of age .
The charity currently supports 340 families across the country , and says it must fundraise €3.5 million every year to provide its service .

Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti will both donate an original piece of art to the auction, as will U2 frontman Bono. Photograph: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
US musician Bruce Springsteen has donated an original artwork to a charity auction to raise funds for the Jack & Jill Foundation.
Up to 2,600 artworks will be auctioned for €50 each, but the identity of the artist will only be revealed after the piece is purchased.
Springsteen and his wife Patti will both donate an original piece of art they have created to the auction, as will U2 frontman Bono.
Some 1,600 artists are to provide postcard sized artworks for the “Incognito” auction fundraiser.
READ MORE
The artworks will go on sale in the Sol Gallery, D’Olier St, Dublin city centre, from April 24th to 26th, with previews being displayed two days beforehand.
The auction will then travel to Lavit Gallery, Wandesford Quay, Cork from May 22nd to 23rd.
It is the fourth year of the Incognito auction. Last year the event raised over €120,000 for the Jack & Jill Foundation.
Other artists providing pieces as part of the charity auction include Vincent Devine, Paul Costelloe, Abigail O’Brien, Mick O’Dea, Maser, Laura Cronin, Mo Kelly, Alice Maher, Victor Richardson and Peter Curling.
The Jack & Jill Foundation provides specialist home nursing and end of life care to severely ill young children up to five years of age.
The charity currently supports 340 families across the country, and says it must fundraise €3.5 million every year to provide its service.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Martin and Varadkar to meet on Tuesday for government formation talks

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin are expected to meet again today as a coalition between Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael , the Green Party and some Independents continues to be seen as the likeliest shape of a new government .
The leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil met on Monday night and released a joint statement afterwards , which said they discussed a “ variety of policy issues and agreed to meet again in the morning ” .
Mr Martin yesterday said : “ The magnitude of decisions that [ are ] required to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a solid majority that will be able to take strong actions and intervene forcefully on this issue and also to allocate additional resources as necessary .
“ That is something that is required and the tempo around those talks will simply have to increase given the crisis that Covid-19 represents.
” Mr Varadkar has said in the past that he would only enter coalition with Fianna Fáil as a “ last resort ” and again yesterday insisted that the Opposition should be given the chance to form a government .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address in the coming days whether this “ last resort ” threshold had been met .
Mr Varadkar needs the formal assent of his parliamentary party to begin official negotiations to form a government .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin are expected to meet again today as a coalition between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party and some Independents continues to be seen as the likeliest shape of a new government.
The leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil met on Monday night and released a joint statement afterwards, which said they discussed a “variety of policy issues and agreed to meet again in the morning”.
Mr Martin yesterday said: "The magnitude of decisions that [are] required to be taken demand the formation of a government with a solid majority that will be able to take strong actions and intervene forcefully on this issue and also to allocate additional resources as necessary.
“That is something that is required and the tempo around those talks will simply have to increase given the crisis that Covid-19 represents.”
READ MORE
Mr Varadkar has said in the past that he would only enter coalition with Fianna Fáil as a “last resort” and again yesterday insisted that the Opposition should be given the chance to form a government.
However, he said he would be able to address in the coming days whether this “last resort” threshold had been met. Mr Varadkar needs the formal assent of his parliamentary party to begin official negotiations to form a government.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Petrol stations taking ‘inordinate’ amount of time to lower prices, says consumer group

Irish petrol stations are taking an “ inordinate ” amount of time to lower their petrol and diesel prices to reflect the latest crash in crude oil prices , the Consumers Association of Ireland has said .
Oil prices fell by 30 per cent on Monday following a stand-off between Saudi Arabia and Russia and leading to a slump in global stock market shares and triggering fears of a global recession .
Prices tumbled after Saudi Arabia launched an oil price war with Russia by slashing its official selling price and outlining plans for an increase in crude production next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows pump prices dropped slightly in February , from 144.5 cents to 141.9 cents for petrol and from 135.9 cents to 133.5 cents for diesel .
A spokeswoman for the Irish Petroleum Industry Association said it was “ unrealistic ” to assume the price an Irish motorist pays at the pump would change automatically due to a drop in crude oil prices .
Crude oil accounts for less than a quarter of the cost of diesel and petrol , while taxes , levies and excise make up the majority of liquid fuel costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Consumers ’ Association of Ireland , argued that Irish consumers were fed up with “ history repeating itself ” regarding the high cost of fuel .
“ It ’ s like deja vu .
Across the years Irish consumers and businesses have experienced this dilemma whereby there is an inordinate period of delay before prices at the pumps reflect significant drops in the basic prices of crude products ” .
He acknowledged the high taxation of petrol but noted that Ireland ’ s “ exorbitantly high level of tax ” on fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more affordable for Irish consumers .
Conor Faughnan , AA director of consumer affairs , said he expected to see a “ substantive reduction in fuel prices ” in the coming weeks but said the delay between crude oil prices dropping and price cuts at the petrol pumps was normal .
“ You sometimes do get a shock to oil prices but you have to wait to see if it ’ s sustained .
But in a case like this , there has already been a significant fall in the last month so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in our fuel prices.
” Mr Faughnan also noted that consumers underestimate the high tax on fuel which currently makes up around 65 per cent of retail prices .
“ People want to see the same drop in petrol that they see in oil prices but tax is charged by the litre , it doesn ’ t fluctuate with price.
” In a statement , Maxol group said crude oil prices had continued to drop at an “ unprecedented rate ” since February but warned of a “ significant lag ” before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was already reducing pump prices and would continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis .
A spokeswoman for Circle K said the company had recently seen pump prices across the network decrease at an average 3.5 cent per litre .
She also underlined the high taxation , Vat rates and “ obligatory costs ” on fuel prices in Ireland , noting that these elements “ do not change with market movements ” .
“ The eventual product retailed by Circle K is calculated based on the cost of refined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when crude oil prices fall this is not immediately reflected in market prices across our network of service stations .
”

Irish petrol stations are taking an “inordinate” amount of time to lower their petrol and diesel prices to reflect the latest crash in crude oil prices, the Consumers Association of Ireland has said. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Irish petrol stations are taking an "inordinate" amount of time to lower their petrol and diesel prices to reflect the latest crash in crude oil prices, the Consumers Association of Ireland has said.
Oil prices fell by 30 per cent on Monday following a stand-off between Saudi Arabia and Russia and leading to a slump in global stock market shares and triggering fears of a global recession. Prices tumbled after Saudi Arabia launched an oil price war with Russia by slashing its official selling price and outlining plans for an increase in crude production next month.
Data released by AA Ireland shows pump prices dropped slightly in February, from 144.5 cents to 141.9 cents for petrol and from 135.9 cents to 133.5 cents for diesel.
A spokeswoman for the Irish Petroleum Industry Association said it was "unrealistic" to assume the price an Irish motorist pays at the pump would change automatically due to a drop in crude oil prices. Crude oil accounts for less than a quarter of the cost of diesel and petrol, while taxes, levies and excise make up the majority of liquid fuel costs, she said.
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Dermott Jewell of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, argued that Irish consumers were fed up with “history repeating itself” regarding the high cost of fuel.
“It’s like deja vu. Across the years Irish consumers and businesses have experienced this dilemma whereby there is an inordinate period of delay before prices at the pumps reflect significant drops in the basic prices of crude products”.
He acknowledged the high taxation of petrol but noted that Ireland’s “exorbitantly high level of tax” on fuel should also be reduced to make petrol more affordable for Irish consumers.
‘Substantive reduction’
Conor Faughnan, AA director of consumer affairs, said he expected to see a “substantive reduction in fuel prices” in the coming weeks but said the delay between crude oil prices dropping and price cuts at the petrol pumps was normal.
“You sometimes do get a shock to oil prices but you have to wait to see if it’s sustained. But in a case like this, there has already been a significant fall in the last month so I would confidently expect to see a reduction in our fuel prices.”
Mr Faughnan also noted that consumers underestimate the high tax on fuel which currently makes up around 65 per cent of retail prices. “People want to see the same drop in petrol that they see in oil prices but tax is charged by the litre, it doesn’t fluctuate with price.”
In a statement, Maxol group said crude oil prices had continued to drop at an "unprecedented rate" since February but warned of a "significant lag" before prices fall at the pump.
Maxol said it was already reducing pump prices and would continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis.
A spokeswoman for Circle K said the company had recently seen pump prices across the network decrease at an average 3.5 cent per litre. She also underlined the high taxation, Vat rates and "obligatory costs" on fuel prices in Ireland, noting that these elements "do not change with market movements".
“The eventual product retailed by Circle K is calculated based on the cost of refined product at time of purchase, therefore, when crude oil prices fall this is not immediately reflected in market prices across our network of service stations.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Applications open for community wind and solar farms

Communities across Ireland can now get into the renewable energy business by submitting bids to build their own wind and solar developments .
Successful applicants will be awarded State contracts to generate green power for the national electricity grid .
The option is under the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme ( Ress-1 ) which is open from this week for applications , with contracts awarded over the summer .
It is the first time community-led renewable energy projects will be recognised and supported in Ireland .
It is expected at least 10 community ventures will apply for backing through an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning , it has the potential to be “ monumental for communities ” and is pioneering in context of Europe , according to Kate Ruddock , deputy director at Friends of the Earth ( FoE ) .
Communities building solar or wind farms generating between 1 and 5 megawatts of power can participate .
Successful renewable projects will be awarded a Government-backed contract for power produced , enabling projects to obtain capital to begin installation .
Separately , a microgeneration scheme is being piloted , which would allow domestic households , schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power using roof-top solar PV panels .
More than 3,300 gigawatt hours ( GWh ) of renewable electricity overall will be auctioned for all renewable electricity technologies in the auction , most of which will be granted to big producers .
Communities are encouraged to develop their own renewable energy projects through the separate “ community preference category ” .
There will also be a mandatory “ community benefit fund ” for all approved projects set at €2 per MWhr generated , to go directly to communities living near major wind or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a group of citizens come together to build a renewable energy project through a co-operative structure it is powerful , ” Ms Ruddock added .
“ Renewable energy displaces fossil fuels from the energy system so that is a huge benefit , but more than that , when citizens and communities are active participants there are so many other benefits.
” There are lots of owners , so economic benefits are shared widely , local jobs are created and tend to stay local , and communities can start to count on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is only one community-owned wind farm in Ireland , at Templederry , Co Tipperary .
“ With this new scheme we hope to see many more community solar , wind and hydro projects developed over the coming years.
” “ There are still significant challenges for community energy projects to connect to the grid , and for small scale generators to sell any of their power .
However , this is a very positive step in the right direction for energy democracy , ” she believed .
It is an opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network of generators of electricity that join together to operate like a single power plant .
“ The community-based version offers a community the opportunity to provide its energy needs with small-scale , distributed low-carbon technologies with participation from individual consumers ; local energy co-operatives or companies , or SMEs.
” There are no new wires , or cables required .
Communities and citizens can generate renewable power , the virtual power plant aggregates the power , and then distributes it back to its customers , Ms Ruddock explained .
FoE are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities to participate in building their own renewable energy solutions “ by building a community-based virtual power plant ” across the country .
It is a partnership of community energy groups from Tipperary , Limerick , Galway , Mayo and Dublin .
Its chairman John Fogarty said : “ This is a game changer for community-owned electricity generation .
Ring fencing the community pot will make a huge difference .
The advantage of a 100 per cent locally-owned development is enormous .
All revenue generated remains within the area , giving a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Ress-1 , Minister for Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said : “ Radically reducing our reliance on fossil fuel is central to responding to the climate emergency .
This scheme is a crucial enabler as we decarbonise our electricity grid and move to clean , renewable energy.
” Round one would deliver an expected 30 per cent increase in renewables – equivalent of powering up to 640,000 homes every day .
“ The community participation element is crucial .
We must ensure local communities are involved in projects in their area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale up required , ” he added .
Some 30 GWh of capacity will be auctioned in the “ community preference category ” .
To qualify groups must demonstrate at least 51 per cent of the development is owned by the community , and 51 per cent of all profits , dividends and surpluses derived from it are returned to the relevant community .
Farmers can participate if there is a diverse shareholding .
Details of RESS-1 are available on the Department of Communication , Climate Action and Environment ’ s website .

Communities across Ireland can now get into the renewable energy business by submitting bids to build their own wind and solar developments.
Successful applicants will be awarded State contracts to generate green power for the national electricity grid.
The option is under the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (Ress-1) which is open from this week for applications, with contracts awarded over the summer. It is the first time community-led renewable energy projects will be recognised and supported in Ireland.
It is expected at least 10 community ventures will apply for backing through an auction system. After many years of campaigning, it has the potential to be "monumental for communities" and is pioneering in context of Europe, according to Kate Ruddock, deputy director at Friends of the Earth (FoE) .
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Communities building solar or wind farms generating between 1 and 5 megawatts of power can participate. Successful renewable projects will be awarded a Government-backed contract for power produced, enabling projects to obtain capital to begin installation.
Separately, a microgeneration scheme is being piloted, which would allow domestic households, schools, and sports clubs to generate smaller amounts of power using roof-top solar PV panels.
More than 3,300 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable electricity overall will be auctioned for all renewable electricity technologies in the auction, most of which will be granted to big producers.
Encouraged
Communities are encouraged to develop their own renewable energy projects through the separate “community preference category”. There will also be a mandatory “community benefit fund” for all approved projects set at €2 per MWhr generated, to go directly to communities living near major wind or solar projects.
“When a community or a group of citizens come together to build a renewable energy project through a co-operative structure it is powerful,” Ms Ruddock added. “Renewable energy displaces fossil fuels from the energy system so that is a huge benefit, but more than that, when citizens and communities are active participants there are so many other benefits.”
There are lots of owners, so economic benefits are shared widely, local jobs are created and tend to stay local, and communities can start to count on an alternative income stream, she said.
There is only one community-owned wind farm in Ireland, at Templederry, Co Tipperary. "With this new scheme we hope to see many more community solar, wind and hydro projects developed over the coming years."
“There are still significant challenges for community energy projects to connect to the grid, and for small scale generators to sell any of their power. However, this is a very positive step in the right direction for energy democracy,” she believed.
It is an opportunity to build a virtual power plant; a network of generators of electricity that join together to operate like a single power plant. “The community-based version offers a community the opportunity to provide its energy needs with small-scale, distributed low-carbon technologies with participation from individual consumers; local energy co-operatives or companies, or SMEs.”
There are no new wires, or cables required. Communities and citizens can generate renewable power, the virtual power plant aggregates the power, and then distributes it back to its customers, Ms Ruddock explained.
Support
FoE are working with Community Power to support and enable communities to participate in building their own renewable energy solutions "by building a community-based virtual power plant" across the country. It is a partnership of community energy groups from Tipperary, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Dublin.
Its chairman John Fogarty said: "This is a game changer for community-owned electricity generation. Ring fencing the community pot will make a huge difference. The advantage of a 100 per cent locally-owned development is enormous. All revenue generated remains within the area, giving a huge boost to the local economy".
On Ress-1, Minister for Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: "Radically reducing our reliance on fossil fuel is central to responding to the climate emergency. This scheme is a crucial enabler as we decarbonise our electricity grid and move to clean, renewable energy."
Round one would deliver an expected 30 per cent increase in renewables – equivalent of powering up to 640,000 homes every day.
“The community participation element is crucial. We must ensure local communities are involved in projects in their area if we are to deliver on the scale up required,” he added.
Some 30 GWh of capacity will be auctioned in the "community preference category". To qualify groups must demonstrate at least 51 per cent of the development is owned by the community, and 51 per cent of all profits, dividends and surpluses derived from it are returned to the relevant community. Farmers can participate if there is a diverse shareholding. Details of RESS-1 are available on the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment's website.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Food closure order over ‘fresh rodent droppings’ in Tallaght restaurant

Four food closure orders have been served on premises by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland ( FSAI ) , including on one restaurant in Tallaght where inspectors found “ fresh rodent droppings ” near the kitchen area .
Anu ’ s Kitchen , Belgard Road , Tallaght , south-west Dublin , had a “ lack of pest proofing throughout the entire premises , ” which posed a risk as food could be contaminated , an inspection report said .
FSAI inspectors said there was “ evidence of fresh rodent ( rat ) droppings found in the food storage area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said “ a grave and immediate danger exists due to the current rodent infestation in an area where food is handled.
” Costa Coffee , on Pearse St , Ballina , Co Mayo was also served with a closure order by health authorities after a recent inspection .
The inspection report listed “ evidence of significant rodent activity , ” such as droppings , in several locations on the premises .
These areas included a large store room used to hold food packaging and cleaning equipment , an old walk-in cold room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boiler room .
In a Camile Thai restaurant , at Looney ’ s Cross , Bishopstown , Co Cork , an inspector found rodent droppings “ throughout ” an attic space used to store food .
The FSAI report said the conditions and lack of pest proofing in the area had resulted in “ a serious risk of food being contaminated giving rise to a grave and immediate danger to public health.
” A fourth food premises , Polish Grocery Janosiki , on Mary Street , Dungarvan , Co Waterford was served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notice .
LuckyMe Limited , located on Lagan Road , Dublin Industrial Estate , Glasnevin , north Dublin , was served a prohibition order directing the business to destroy crates of unidentified raw meat .
Inspectors found over 250kg of untraceable processed raw meat in a walk in freezer unit that was not associated with the food business .
“ The food business operator was unable to verify from whom they had been supplied with the unidentified meats , ” the FSAI report said .

Four food closure orders have been served on premises by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), including on one restaurant in Tallaght where inspectors found “fresh rodent droppings” near the kitchen area. File photograph: iStock
Four food closure orders have been served on premises by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), including on one restaurant in Tallaght where inspectors found "fresh rodent droppings" near the kitchen area.
Anu's Kitchen, Belgard Road, Tallaght, south-west Dublin, had a "lack of pest proofing throughout the entire premises," which posed a risk as food could be contaminated, an inspection report said.
FSAI inspectors said there was “evidence of fresh rodent (rat) droppings found in the food storage area directly off the kitchen.”
The inspection report said “a grave and immediate danger exists due to the current rodent infestation in an area where food is handled.”
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Costa Coffee, on Pearse St, Ballina, Co Mayo was also served with a closure order by health authorities after a recent inspection.
The inspection report listed “evidence of significant rodent activity,” such as droppings, in several locations on the premises. These areas included a large store room used to hold food packaging and cleaning equipment, an old walk-in cold room used to store plastic cups, and a boiler room.
Attic space
In a Camile Thai restaurant, at Looney's Cross, Bishopstown, Co Cork, an inspector found rodent droppings "throughout" an attic space used to store food.
The FSAI report said the conditions and lack of pest proofing in the area had resulted in “a serious risk of food being contaminated giving rise to a grave and immediate danger to public health.”
A fourth food premises, Polish Grocery Janosiki, on Mary Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford was served a closure order, and a prohibition notice.
LuckyMe Limited, located on Lagan Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, north Dublin, was served a prohibition order directing the business to destroy crates of unidentified raw meat.
Inspectors found over 250kg of untraceable processed raw meat in a walk in freezer unit that was not associated with the food business.
“The food business operator was unable to verify from whom they had been supplied with the unidentified meats,” the FSAI report said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Consumer experts believe fans entitled to Ireland-France match refund

Consumer experts believe Irish rugby fans will be entitled to refunds for tickets purchased for the postponed Ireland-France rugby international .
The Six Nations game was delayed on Monday amid fears over the spread of coronavirus .
In a statement released on Monday , the French rugby federation ( FFR ) said it was inviting spectators to keep their match tickets , which will “ remain valid and allow access to the meeting when it is played at a later date ” .
Ticketing policy is implemented by the union of the home nation hosting a particular match .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to queries about refunds , but unions have offered refunds to fans after previously cancelled matches in this year ’ s tournament .
After Ireland ’ s home match against England , the IRFU said it would provide ticket holders with tickets for the rescheduled fixture , as well as the Under 20 and women ’ s matches , or a refund if desired .
Similarly , England ’ s RFU said refunds would be available on request to original ticket purchasers for its cancelled game against Italy in Rome .
Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which ?
, said fans “ should be entitled to a refund on their match ticket if they can not make the new date ” .
He said any fan who encounters difficulties in getting a refund from their ticket seller should contact their credit or debit card provider to see if a chargeback or claim under consumer rights legislation is possible .
However , he warned it may be more difficult to salvage something from airlines or hotel or other accommodation providers , especially given the proximity of the event .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund on any travel or accommodation booked for the match , unless these were purchased as part of a package deal.
” Dermot Jewell , policy adviser with the Consumer Association of Ireland , said individual hotels or airlines may cut deals with rugby fans , but he advised that people should try to get in touch directly with their accommodation provider and be prepared to bargain .
“ The potential is a booking can be remade for another date , but most consumers are going to find themselves trying to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can .
Go with some alternatives in mind ; it makes much more sense to try and negotiate personally .
If you can ring someone , do it , ” he said , pointing out that reserving for a rescheduled match date may be an option .
He said consumers should check the terms of their insurance policy .
While most travel insurance is basic , a more complete policy may have been sold under a health or home insurance , he said .

The Six Nations fixture was due to take place at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. Photograph: iStock
Consumer experts believe Irish rugby fans will be entitled to refunds for tickets purchased for the postponed Ireland-France rugby international.
The Six Nations game was delayed on Monday amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.
In a statement released on Monday, the French rugby federation (FFR) said it was inviting spectators to keep their match tickets, which will “remain valid and allow access to the meeting when it is played at a later date”.
Ticketing policy is implemented by the union of the home nation hosting a particular match. The FFR and Six Nations Rugby did not respond to queries about refunds, but unions have offered refunds to fans after previously cancelled matches in this year’s tournament.
READ MORE
After Ireland's home match against England, the IRFU said it would provide ticket holders with tickets for the rescheduled fixture, as well as the Under 20 and women's matches, or a refund if desired. Similarly, England's RFU said refunds would be available on request to original ticket purchasers for its cancelled game against Italy in Rome.
Adam French, a consumer rights expert with Which?, said fans "should be entitled to a refund on their match ticket if they cannot make the new date". He said any fan who encounters difficulties in getting a refund from their ticket seller should contact their credit or debit card provider to see if a chargeback or claim under consumer rights legislation is possible.
Airlines and accommodation
However, he warned it may be more difficult to salvage something from airlines or hotel or other accommodation providers, especially given the proximity of the event.
“Unfortunately it will be harder to get a refund on any travel or accommodation booked for the match, unless these were purchased as part of a package deal.”
Dermot Jewell, policy adviser with the Consumer Association of Ireland, said individual hotels or airlines may cut deals with rugby fans, but he advised that people should try to get in touch directly with their accommodation provider and be prepared to bargain.
“The potential is a booking can be remade for another date, but most consumers are going to find themselves trying to negotiate, barter and find the best result they can. Go with some alternatives in mind; it makes much more sense to try and negotiate personally. If you can ring someone, do it,” he said, pointing out that reserving for a rescheduled match date may be an option.
He said consumers should check the terms of their insurance policy. While most travel insurance is basic, a more complete policy may have been sold under a health or home insurance, he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: China data indicates relatively little community transmission

With predictions of coronavirus causing almost two million cases and up to 120,000 deaths in Ireland , it is understandable that public concern is growing .
However , it is important to appreciate that these are modelling exercises subject to all the shortcomings of any theoretical work .
Since we have yet to see the full details of these estimates , we do not know what assumptions are made and whether proper account is being taken of any control measures taken to limit the spread of the disease .
In the real world , public health doctors have to base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus – how it spreads , how lethal it is , how it behaves in the community and so on .
The measures they take can have a significant impact on outcomes .
Since our knowledge of Covid-19 dates back only a few months , there are understandable limits to what we know , even if new research data is coming in daily .
What we do know – or think we know – suggests that some measures we could take work better than others .
We know , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months , it has spread virtually around the entire world .
That suggests that in trying to contain its spread we should take steps to limit the kinds of environments that facilitate this transmission .
On an individual level , this means social distancing ; to maintain 1-2m from others , beyond coughing and sneezing distances .
On a societal level , it suggests we have to limit gatherings of large numbers of people in confined spaces .
This is why the St Patrick ’ s Day parades have been cancelled – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as any proximity that might occur during the outdoor events themselves .
It is also why , for a time , we will have to cancel or postpone many other events that bring people too closely together , thereby facilitating the spread of the disease .
It is worth noting , however , that the data from China indicates relatively little transmission of the disease in the community ; instead , most cases , especially in the early stage , spread within families .
Equally , there does not seem to be much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to large numbers of fellow travellers or , as one scientist put it : “ We ’ re not seeing whole plane-loads of people come down with this.
” This should give cause for some optimism about our ability to control the spread of the disease , provided people practise proper hygiene and keep out of the way of others showing flu-like symptoms .
The limited evidence available also suggests it may not be necessary to shut schools unless the situation deteriorates seriously .
We know already that young people are largely spared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean they could not play a role in passing it on to other , more vulnerable people .
But World Health Organisation ( WHO ) experts who visited China found that , more often , it was parents who passed the virus to their children , rather than the other way round .
However , schools may still be affected if large numbers of teachers fall ill. And while thousands of healthcare workers in China caught the virus and many died , often the WHO found this happened after they were infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So this , too , gives us hope the spread of disease in hospitals can be controlled .
Many people are banking on the arrival of warmer weather to see the virus off .
This ignores the fact that substantial Covid-19 outbreaks have occurred in hot countries such as Singapore .
On the other hand , the flu is worse in winter as much because we ’ re cooped up together when the days are short because of the outside temperature .
“ We have no reason to believe that this virus would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why we want aggressive action in all countries to make sure that we prevent onward transmission , and that it ’ s taken seriously in every country , ” WHO head of emergencies Dr Mike Ryan said last week .
The point of these shards of information is that there are measures we can take that may make a difference , while other possible options could be deferred for now .
Most of all , we need to test people quickly and isolate confirmed cases as quickly as possible .
That needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those cases .
We know the virus is going to hit us hard in the coming weeks , as it has other countries .
The more we do in terms of effective countermeasures , the shorter and smaller this peak will be .
We can “ flatten the curve ” and push it forward a bit into the future .
After all , China is well past the worst , and the virus seems to have peaked in South Korea and perhaps Italy , too .
There is hope .

There does not seem to be much evidence of infected travellers transmitting the disease to large numbers of fellow travellers. Above, public transport in Beijing. Photograph: Lintao Zhang/Getty
With predictions of coronavirus causing almost two million cases and up to 120,000 deaths in Ireland, it is understandable that public concern is growing.
However, it is important to appreciate that these are modelling exercises subject to all the shortcomings of any theoretical work. Since we have yet to see the full details of these estimates, we do not know what assumptions are made and whether proper account is being taken of any control measures taken to limit the spread of the disease.
In the real world, public health doctors have to base their actions on the information available about the virus – how it spreads, how lethal it is, how it behaves in the community and so on. The measures they take can have a significant impact on outcomes.
Since our knowledge of Covid-19 dates back only a few months, there are understandable limits to what we know, even if new research data is coming in daily.
READ MORE
What we do know – or think we know – suggests that some measures we could take work better than others. We know, for example, that coronavirus is highly transmissible. Within two months, it has spread virtually around the entire world.
That suggests that in trying to contain its spread we should take steps to limit the kinds of environments that facilitate this transmission. On an individual level, this means social distancing; to maintain 1-2m from others, beyond coughing and sneezing distances.
On a societal level, it suggests we have to limit gatherings of large numbers of people in confined spaces. This is why the St Patrick’s Day parades have been cancelled – as much due to the after-parade festivities as any proximity that might occur during the outdoor events themselves.
It is also why, for a time, we will have to cancel or postpone many other events that bring people too closely together, thereby facilitating the spread of the disease.
Within families
It is worth noting, however, that the data from China indicates relatively little transmission of the disease in the community; instead, most cases, especially in the early stage, spread within families.
Equally, there does not seem to be much evidence of infected travellers transmitting the disease to large numbers of fellow travellers or, as one scientist put it: “We’re not seeing whole plane-loads of people come down with this.”
This should give cause for some optimism about our ability to control the spread of the disease, provided people practise proper hygiene and keep out of the way of others showing flu-like symptoms.
The limited evidence available also suggests it may not be necessary to shut schools unless the situation deteriorates seriously. We know already that young people are largely spared the ill-effects of Covid-19.
That does not mean they could not play a role in passing it on to other, more vulnerable people. But World Health Organisation (WHO) experts who visited China found that, more often, it was parents who passed the virus to their children, rather than the other way round.
However, schools may still be affected if large numbers of teachers fall ill.
And while thousands of healthcare workers in China caught the virus and many died, often the WHO found this happened after they were infected at home rather than in hospitals. So this, too, gives us hope the spread of disease in hospitals can be controlled.
Hot theory
Many people are banking on the arrival of warmer weather to see the virus off. This ignores the fact that substantial Covid-19 outbreaks have occurred in hot countries such as Singapore.
On the other hand, the flu is worse in winter as much because we’re cooped up together when the days are short because of the outside temperature.
"We have no reason to believe that this virus would behave differently in different temperatures, which is why we want aggressive action in all countries to make sure that we prevent onward transmission, and that it's taken seriously in every country," WHO head of emergencies Dr Mike Ryan said last week.
The point of these shards of information is that there are measures we can take that may make a difference, while other possible options could be deferred for now.
Most of all, we need to test people quickly and isolate confirmed cases as quickly as possible. That needs a huge effort in tracing contacts of those cases.
We know the virus is going to hit us hard in the coming weeks, as it has other countries. The more we do in terms of effective countermeasures, the shorter and smaller this peak will be. We can “flatten the curve” and push it forward a bit into the future.
After all, China is well past the worst, and the virus seems to have peaked in South Korea and perhaps Italy, too. There is hope.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Relatives of coronavirus victims ‘should not attend funeral homes’

All funeral services for coronavirus victims should be postponed and the deceased brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal , according to recommendations from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors issued on Monday .
It also advised that transport for families of the deceased , “ eg limousines and saloons ” , should not be provided and that funeral instructions should be given to undertakers by bereaved families “ over the phone only ” .
Relatives of the deceased “ should not be permitted to attend the funeral director ’ s offices or funeral homes ” , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed from the place of death in a body bag which is not reopened ” and “ removal vehicles should be hygienically cleaned after the removal of remains and all gloves and other disposable equipment should be disposed of safely ” .
Where possible “ the deceased should be removed to a designated area within the funeral directors ’ facilities ( or those of an outsourced provider ) – eg an isolated cold room ” and “ the deceased should not be embalmed ” but should instead “ be placed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Public gatherings “ such as a church services , gatherings at funeral homes , residences , crematorium chapels etc should not take place , ” it said .
A spokesman said the association had tried on a number of occasions to seek guidance from the HSE and the Department of Health on coronavirus “ mortality procedures ” .
He claimed this was not forthcoming , so it was decided to issue protocols to members to be followed in the event of arranging a funeral for someone who has died from coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for workers dealing with the general public and a public health advice fact sheet were also issued .
“ These protocols are to ensure that infection does not spread from the deceased or from their close family and friends who may be infected from contact with the deceased or each other , ” it said .
The association is an all-island group with a membership of 342 undertakers and , according to its website , conducts “ 80 per cent of funerals on the island of Ireland ” .
It said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city coroner that Covid-19 can last for several days after death.
” It recommended that “ where the cause of death is unknown or the possibility of death from Covid-19 has not been ruled out , funeral directors and their staff removing the deceased person should use all protective personal equipment ie gloves , face masks , gowns , aprons , covering suits and boots and should remove the deceased in a body bag.
” Indeed , where there is any uncertainty as to cause of death it recommended : “ treat as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the association , the Dublin city coroner “ confirmed that there will be no postmortem examination required , provided the deceased had been previously diagnosed as having contracted the disease ” .
It advised that “ funeral directors should check with their local coroners to confirm if the same policy applies in their areas ” .
Clearance should be ascertained “ in the normal way – through the GP or attending hospital doctor .
In the event of a suspected Covid-19 death , where the deceased was not diagnosed , then this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and funeral directors should check with their local coroners to confirm if the same policy applies in their areas , ” it said .
As there have been no deaths in Ireland due to coronavirus to date , such funeral restrictions have not yet been applied .
Meanwhile , the association advised that staff who feel they may have coronavirus “ should contact their GP by phone and self-isolate at home , following the guidelines as prescribed ” by health authorities in the Republic and Northern Ireland .
Where funerals involving people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it advised that there should be “ no shaking of hands or hugging , sneezing and coughing etiquette should be adhered to ” .
Hand sanitisers should be provided at funeral homes and relevant venues , as well as tissues and a safe method for their disposal .

Public gatherings ‘such as a church services, gatherings at funeral homes, residences, crematorium chapels etc should not take place’, the Irish Association of Funeral Directors said. File photograph: Cyril Byrne
All funeral services for coronavirus victims should be postponed and the deceased brought straight to the crematorium or cemetery for committal, according to recommendations from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors issued on Monday.
It also advised that transport for families of the deceased, “eg limousines and saloons”, should not be provided and that funeral instructions should be given to undertakers by bereaved families “over the phone only”.
Relatives of the deceased “should not be permitted to attend the funeral director’s offices or funeral homes”, it added.
The deceased “should always be removed from the place of death in a body bag which is not reopened” and “removal vehicles should be hygienically cleaned after the removal of remains and all gloves and other disposable equipment should be disposed of safely”.
READ MORE
Where possible “the deceased should be removed to a designated area within the funeral directors’ facilities (or those of an outsourced provider) – eg an isolated cold room” and “the deceased should not be embalmed” but should instead “be placed in the selected coffin and the coffin closed”.
Public gatherings “such as a church services, gatherings at funeral homes, residences, crematorium chapels etc should not take place,” it said.
A spokesman said the association had tried on a number of occasions to seek guidance from the HSE and the Department of Health on coronavirus “mortality procedures”.
He claimed this was not forthcoming, so it was decided to issue protocols to members to be followed in the event of arranging a funeral for someone who has died from coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. HSE guidelines for workers dealing with the general public and a public health advice fact sheet were also issued.
“These protocols are to ensure that infection does not spread from the deceased or from their close family and friends who may be infected from contact with the deceased or each other,” it said.
The association is an all-island group with a membership of 342 undertakers and, according to its website, conducts “80 per cent of funerals on the island of Ireland”.
It said: “We have been advised by the Dublin city coroner that Covid-19 can last for several days after death.”
It recommended that “where the cause of death is unknown or the possibility of death from Covid-19 has not been ruled out, funeral directors and their staff removing the deceased person should use all protective personal equipment ie gloves, face masks, gowns, aprons, covering suits and boots and should remove the deceased in a body bag.”
Indeed, where there is any uncertainty as to cause of death it recommended: “treat as a death by Covid-19”.
No postmortem required
According to the association, the Dublin city coroner “confirmed that there will be no postmortem examination required, provided the deceased had been previously diagnosed as having contracted the disease”. It advised that “funeral directors should check with their local coroners to confirm if the same policy applies in their areas”.
Clearance should be ascertained “in the normal way – through the GP or attending hospital doctor. In the event of a suspected Covid-19 death, where the deceased was not diagnosed, then this is notifiable to the Dublin city coroner and funeral directors should check with their local coroners to confirm if the same policy applies in their areas,” it said.
As there have been no deaths in Ireland due to coronavirus to date, such funeral restrictions have not yet been applied.
Meanwhile, the association advised that staff who feel they may have coronavirus “should contact their GP by phone and self-isolate at home, following the guidelines as prescribed” by health authorities in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Where funerals involving people who had died of other causes were concerned, it advised that there should be “no shaking of hands or hugging, sneezing and coughing etiquette should be adhered to”. Hand sanitisers should be provided at funeral homes and relevant venues, as well as tissues and a safe method for their disposal.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Irish shops see surge in sale of canned food, pasta and cleaning products

In countries as far apart as Japan , Australia and the US there have been reports of panicked shoppers stocking up on everything from long-life milk to noodles , while videos of people fighting in supermarket aisles over toilet paper inAustralia have gone viral as coronavirus spreads with frightening speed across the world .
Large retail chains in the UK , including Tesco , have started rolling out a rationing system for key products and shoppers are not being allowed buy more than five of certain goods , including antibacterial gels , wipes and sprays , dry pasta , UHT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of empty shelves are circulating widely on social media .
While there has been no formal rationing in Ireland , this country has not been immune to the panic buying and there has been a noticeable surge in the sale of canned goods , pasta and cleaning products in supermarkets here .
Items deemed to be essential in the current climate , including hand sanitiser and face masks have largely disappeared from shelves while wholesalers are reporting sales level for groceries normally not seen outside of the peak shopping period before Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen elsewhere and evident in the Republic when snow brought the country to a virtual standstill two years ago during what became known as the Beast from the East has yet to materialise .
Retailers and retail analysts and Government ministers have all been anxious to keep it that way and to stress that there is no need for panic as supply lines remain solid .
“ People are looking at how fragile supply seemed to be during the snow of two years ago but the reason food shortages became such a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were very badly affected , ” said retail expert and TU Dublin academic Damien O ’ Reilly .
“ That should not happen now unless we have huge numbers of people who are self-isolating .
There should not be a problem with supplies of bread , milk , eggs and meat because those things are produced in Ireland .
And it is important to stress that we produce enough of what we need here and we ’ re not going to starve.
” Mr O ’ Reilly added that work done by retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines ahead of Britain potentially crashing out of the EU last year will prove to be of benefit in the weeks ahead .
But despite his reassurances , many continue to stock-pile with logic rarely coming into their purchasing decisions .
“ Consumers compensate for a perceived loss of control by buying products designed to fill a basic need , solve a problem or accomplish a task , ” wrote Andy J Yap , an assistant professor of organisational behaviour at business school INSEAD in the Conversation online magazine yesterday .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people rush to buy rice , cleaning products and paper goods in illogically large proportions .
He added that in times of crisis , “ people don ’ t want a huge debate , they want action .
To assuage people ’ s anxiety and help them regain a feeling of control , it is up to governments to signal that they have a game plan in mind and are taking timely steps to address the problem.
” The Government tried that late last week .
After a high-level meeting between her department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss contingency plans for food supplies , the Minister for Enterprise Heather Humphries said she had been “ greatly encouraged ” by preparations .
She said she had been “ assured that grocery supply chains are well-stocked and there is ample supply to meet demand ” .
Retailers – at least those who have responded to queries from this newspaper – have also stressed their supply lines are sturdy enough to withstand shocks related to the spread of Covid-19 .
In 2019 academics from Trinity College and Dublin City University published research in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cohort of people who don ’ t believe such assurances – preppers .
The paper pointed to a rise in the number of people readying themselves for existential threats by stocking up on food , fuel and securing their own water and power supplies .
The researchers concluded that so-called “ prepping ” had moved from being “ a marginal subculture [ into ] an increasingly mainstream phenomenon , driven not by delusional certainty , but a precautionary response to a generalised anxiety people have around permanent crisis.
” Dr Gary Sinclair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the report and told The Irish Times that people not normally given to anticipating the breakdown of civilisation would still move swiftly to stockpile key items if they saw that things were running short .
“ I think you only need to look at what happened during the snow two years ago to see how Irish people react in a crisis and to see how fragile supply lines can be .
We had all these people panic-buying bread even though it made absolutely no sense .
And you have the riots in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how irrational people can become and that is understandable because people are frightened.
” Mr O ’ Reilly played down such fears and said that while people could expect to see changes in their supermarkets in the days and weeks ahead , food would not run out .
“ I think we will see retailers asking manufacturers to make just one size of a particular product and choice will go down for a period , ” he said .
“ But we are not heading into Mad Max territory , definitely not .
@

Tesco worker Marie Downey stocks the shelves with disinfectant wipes in Stillorgan, Co Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan for The Irish Times
In countries as far apart as Japan, Australia and the US there have been reports of panicked shoppers stocking up on everything from long-life milk to noodles, while videos of people fighting in supermarket aisles over toilet paper inAustralia have gone viral as coronavirus spreads with frightening speed across the world.
Large retail chains in the UK, including Tesco, have started rolling out a rationing system for key products and shoppers are not being allowed buy more than five of certain goods, including antibacterial gels, wipes and sprays, dry pasta, UHT milk and some tinned vegetables.
Pictures of empty shelves are circulating widely on social media.
While there has been no formal rationing in Ireland, this country has not been immune to the panic buying and there has been a noticeable surge in the sale of canned goods, pasta and cleaning products in supermarkets here.
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Items deemed to be essential in the current climate, including hand sanitiser and face masks have largely disappeared from shelves while wholesalers are reporting sales level for groceries normally not seen outside of the peak shopping period before Christmas.
‘Not going to starve’
But, as yet, the panic seen elsewhere and evident in the Republic when snow brought the country to a virtual standstill two years ago during what became known as the Beast from the East has yet to materialise.
Retailers and retail analysts and Government ministers have all been anxious to keep it that way and to stress that there is no need for panic as supply lines remain solid.
“People are looking at how fragile supply seemed to be during the snow of two years ago but the reason food shortages became such a big issue then was because transport and distribution were very badly affected,” said retail expert and TU Dublin academic Damien O’Reilly.
“That should not happen now unless we have huge numbers of people who are self-isolating. There should not be a problem with supplies of bread, milk, eggs and meat because those things are produced in Ireland. And it is important to stress that we produce enough of what we need here and we’re not going to starve.”
Mr O’Reilly added that work done by retail chains to streamline and improve their supply lines ahead of Britain potentially crashing out of the EU last year will prove to be of benefit in the weeks ahead.
But despite his reassurances, many continue to stock-pile with logic rarely coming into their purchasing decisions.
"Consumers compensate for a perceived loss of control by buying products designed to fill a basic need, solve a problem or accomplish a task," wrote Andy J Yap, an assistant professor of organisational behaviour at business school INSEAD in the Conversation online magazine yesterday.
“This is what we’re seeing as people rush to buy rice, cleaning products and paper goods in illogically large proportions.
He added that in times of crisis, “people don’t want a huge debate, they want action. To assuage people’s anxiety and help them regain a feeling of control, it is up to governments to signal that they have a game plan in mind and are taking timely steps to address the problem.”
The Government tried that late last week.
Sturdy lines
After a high-level meeting between her department and representatives of the grocery sector to discuss contingency plans for food supplies, the Minister for Enterprise Heather Humphries said she had been "greatly encouraged" by preparations.
She said she had been “assured that grocery supply chains are well-stocked and there is ample supply to meet demand”.
Retailers – at least those who have responded to queries from this newspaper – have also stressed their supply lines are sturdy enough to withstand shocks related to the spread of Covid-19.
In 2019 academics from Trinity College and Dublin City University published research in the Journal of Marketing Management looking at a cohort of people who don't believe such assurances – preppers.
The paper pointed to a rise in the number of people readying themselves for existential threats by stocking up on food, fuel and securing their own water and power supplies.
The researchers concluded that so-called “prepping” had moved from being “a marginal subculture [into] an increasingly mainstream phenomenon, driven not by delusional certainty, but a precautionary response to a generalised anxiety people have around permanent crisis.”
Dr Gary Sinclair of DCU was one of the authors of the report and told The Irish Times that people not normally given to anticipating the breakdown of civilisation would still move swiftly to stockpile key items if they saw that things were running short.
“I think you only need to look at what happened during the snow two years ago to see how Irish people react in a crisis and to see how fragile supply lines can be. We had all these people panic-buying bread even though it made absolutely no sense. And you have the riots in Australia over toilet paper. It shows how irrational people can become and that is understandable because people are frightened.”
Mr O’Reilly played down such fears and said that while people could expect to see changes in their supermarkets in the days and weeks ahead, food would not run out.
“I think we will see retailers asking manufacturers to make just one size of a particular product and choice will go down for a period,” he said. “But we are not heading into Mad Max territory, definitely not.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus sick pay scheme will see affected receive €305 per week

Private sector workers affected by coronavirus are to receive a new higher level of sick pay of €305 per week from their first day of illness under a new €2.4 billion initiative announced by the Government .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Monday that existing conditions surrounding sick payments , such as having a specific number of PRSI contributions , would be waived .
Payments will also be available to the self-employed .
He said the existing requirement under which claimants had to wait until the sixth day of their illness to receive sick benefit would not apply , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
“ The whole objective here is to ensure that workers would not be afraid to follow advice to self-isolate due to economic necessity.
” The Taoiseach said emergency legislation to change the existing rules governing sick pay would be introduced in the Dáil next week .
The Seanad will also have to be recalled to pass the legislation .
The Government aims to backdate the new sick pay arrangements to apply from the decision of the Cabinet subcommittee to introduce the new measures on Monday .
The new sick payments will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing benefits .
The Government said that “ to contain the transmission of Covid-19 , the personal rate of illness benefit will be increased from €203 per week to €305 per week for a maximum period of two weeks of medically certified self-isolation , or for the duration of a person ’ s medically certified absence from work due to Covid-19 diagnoses.
” It said it would also remove the means-test requirement for Supplementary Welfare Allowance in respect of medically certified cases of self-isolation .
The Government also said self-employed people would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance .
The new financial package for private sector workers comes on foot of strong representations to the Government from trade unions and employers .
The Government had already decided last week that State employees would receive special leave with pay if they had to self-isolate in line with HSE advice and where flexible working arrangements were not possible .
This was largely on foot of a civil service circular dealing in part with infectious diseases dating from 1976 .
Last Wednesday the general secretary of the Irish Congress of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter that some private sector workers affected by the coronavirus would not be be able to afford to self-isolate by staying away from work .
She called on the Government to uphold the net incomes of workers hit by the Covid-19 outbreak either through the social welfare system or the provision of special temporary payments .
The employer ’ s group Ibec proposed that a special payment at the level of jobseekers ’ benefit should be put in place for a two-week period .
In a statement on Monday Ms King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to uphold the net incomes of all affected workers and that there was an onus on employers to pay their employees .
She said this should not fall entirely on the State .

The Government has agreed an aid package of some €3bn to deal with the public health and economic impact of the coronavirus.
Private sector workers affected by coronavirus are to receive a new higher level of sick pay of €305 per week from their first day of illness under a new €2.4 billion initiative announced by the Government.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Monday that existing conditions surrounding sick payments, such as having a specific number of PRSI contributions, would be waived. Payments will also be available to the self-employed.
He said the existing requirement under which claimants had to wait until the sixth day of their illness to receive sick benefit would not apply, so the payment would come into force straight away.
“The whole objective here is to ensure that workers would not be afraid to follow advice to self-isolate due to economic necessity.”
READ MORE
The Taoiseach said emergency legislation to change the existing rules governing sick pay would be introduced in the Dáil next week. The Seanad will also have to be recalled to pass the legislation.
The Government aims to backdate the new sick pay arrangements to apply from the decision of the Cabinet subcommittee to introduce the new measures on Monday.
The new sick payments will be at a higher rate than the existing benefits.
The Government said that “to contain the transmission of Covid-19, the personal rate of illness benefit will be increased from €203 per week to €305 per week for a maximum period of two weeks of medically certified self-isolation, or for the duration of a person’s medically certified absence from work due to Covid-19 diagnoses.”
It said it would also remove the means-test requirement for Supplementary Welfare Allowance in respect of medically certified cases of self-isolation.
The Government also said self-employed people would be entitled to receive either illness benefit or non-means-tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Trade unions
The new financial package for private sector workers comes on foot of strong representations to the Government from trade unions and employers .
The Government had already decided last week that State employees would receive special leave with pay if they had to self-isolate in line with HSE advice and where flexible working arrangements were not possible. This was largely on foot of a civil service circular dealing in part with infectious diseases dating from 1976.
Last Wednesday the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Patricia King told Mr Varadkar in a letter that some private sector workers affected by the coronavirus would not be be able to afford to self-isolate by staying away from work.
She called on the Government to uphold the net incomes of workers hit by the Covid-19 outbreak either through the social welfare system or the provision of special temporary payments.
The employer’s group Ibec proposed that a special payment at the level of jobseekers’ benefit should be put in place for a two-week period.
In a statement on Monday Ms King said it was of the utmost importance to uphold the net incomes of all affected workers and that there was an onus on employers to pay their employees. She said this should not fall entirely on the State.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Face masks stolen from St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin last month

Boxes of protective face masks earmarked for staff and patients were stolen from St Luke ’ s Hospital in Dublin at the end of last month when supplies across the country were starting to disappear as fears over the spread of the coronavirus mounted .
A hospital spokeswoman condemned the theft which , she said , had impacted on some of the “ most vulnerable ” patients in the Irish health system .
The hospital in Rathgar treats cancer patients .
She said the hospital had been forced to put in place enhanced security measures to secure existing supplies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the authorities .
While the hospital did not say exactly how many masks were stolen it is understood that multiple boxes went missing at the end of February .
The spokeswoman for the hospital said it was in the process of restocking supplies and had implemented “ additional security measures for the secured storage of the equipment ” .
“ This is extremely unfortunate given the vulnerability of the patients who attend these services , ” she said .
She stressed that it was “ incumbent on all to ensure that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vulnerable are not compromised at any time ” .
A Garda spokesman said the theft occurred between February 27th and 28th and its investigation was ongoing .
Panic-buying of surgical face masks has led to empty shelves across the country while wholesale prices soaring by in excess of 500 per cent as cases of Covid-19 spread across the world .
While supplies of the masks in pharmacies , medical supply shops and even in hardware shops have all but completely dried up , street sellers in Dublin had supplies over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while two were sold for €5 .

Boxes of protective face masks earmarked for staff and patients were stolen from St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin at the end of last month when supplies across the country were starting to disappear as fears over the spread of the coronavirus mounted. File Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Boxes of protective face masks earmarked for staff and patients were stolen from St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin at the end of last month when supplies across the country were starting to disappear as fears over the spread of the coronavirus mounted.
A hospital spokeswoman condemned the theft which, she said, had impacted on some of the “most vulnerable” patients in the Irish health system. The hospital in Rathgar treats cancer patients.
She said the hospital had been forced to put in place enhanced security measures to secure existing supplies and confirmed that the theft had been reported to the authorities.
While the hospital did not say exactly how many masks were stolen it is understood that multiple boxes went missing at the end of February.
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The spokeswoman for the hospital said it was in the process of restocking supplies and had implemented “additional security measures for the secured storage of the equipment”.
“This is extremely unfortunate given the vulnerability of the patients who attend these services,” she said.
She stressed that it was “incumbent on all to ensure that our infection and prevention control measures for the most vulnerable are not compromised at any time”.
A Garda spokesman said the theft occurred between February 27th and 28th and its investigation was ongoing.
Panic-buying of surgical face masks has led to empty shelves across the country while wholesale prices soaring by in excess of 500 per cent as cases of Covid-19 spread across the world.
While supplies of the masks in pharmacies, medical supply shops and even in hardware shops have all but completely dried up, street sellers in Dublin had supplies over the weekend with individual masks being sold for €3 while two were sold for €5.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Pitfalls of poor hand-washing revealed by UV light

Are you washing your hands correctly ?
While most Irish people have become much more focused when it comes to hand hygiene in recent days as fears over the impact of coronavirus have grown , a leading virologist at Trinity College Dublin has warned that the techniques employed by many are still wrong and could leave viruses on hands and fingernails .
Using UV lights and a reflective cream to mimic the spread of a virus , the leader of the virology research group at Trinity , Dr Kim Roberts , was able to show just how hard it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When an infected person coughs or sneezes , they release droplets of saliva or mucus .
These droplets can fall on people in the vicinity and can be either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands , then transferred when someone touches their face , causing infection .
That is why frequent hand-washing and the use of hand sanitisers are so important in combating the spread of the Covid-19 .
Dr Roberts demonstrated how quick hand-washes were utterly useless and only served to spread the virus to arms and clothes , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partially effective .
She reminded people that not only do they need to wash their hands “ for a minimum of 20 seconds ” , they also need to allow soap to do its work before rinsing hands in water .
She highlighted the need to ensure all parts of the hands including fingernails were washed with equal vigour .
“ The soap is really important for breaking the outer surface of the virus , ” she said .
“ It ’ s got this fatty membrane [ and soap ] can disrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that , ” she said .
The HSE , the Department of Health and all medical experts have been reinforcing the need for people to take greater care with hand hygiene in order to curtail – in so far as is possible – the spread of coronavirus .
The results of a huge study in 2015 , and published in the Lancet , proved the importance of hand washing to prevent the mass spread of an illness such as coronavirus .
Researchers at the University of Southampton randomly divided more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups , one of which was invited to visit a website designed to encourage people to wash their hands , while the other group didn ’ t get access .
While effects weren ’ t huge , with 10-20 per cent reductions in infections and consultations among the former group , these small effects extrapolated to population level would produce huge benefits from a cheap and easily accessed intervention .

Are you washing your hands correctly? While most Irish people have become much more focused when it comes to hand hygiene in recent days as fears over the impact of coronavirus have grown, a leading virologist at Trinity College Dublin has warned that the techniques employed by many are still wrong and could leave viruses on hands and fingernails.
Using UV lights and a reflective cream to mimic the spread of a virus, the leader of the virology research group at Trinity, Dr Kim Roberts, was able to show just how hard it can be to clean human hands effectively.
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of saliva or mucus. These droplets can fall on people in the vicinity and can be either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands, then transferred when someone touches their face, causing infection.
That is why frequent hand-washing and the use of hand sanitisers are so important in combating the spread of the Covid-19.
READ MORE
Dr Roberts demonstrated how quick hand-washes were utterly useless and only served to spread the virus to arms and clothes, while even a relatively vigorous handwashing was only partially effective.
She reminded people that not only do they need to wash their hands “for a minimum of 20 seconds”, they also need to allow soap to do its work before rinsing hands in water.
Fingernails
She highlighted the need to ensure all parts of the hands including fingernails were washed with equal vigour.
“The soap is really important for breaking the outer surface of the virus,” she said. “It’s got this fatty membrane [and soap] can disrupt that membrane. The soap needs time to do that,” she said.
The HSE, the Department of Health and all medical experts have been reinforcing the need for people to take greater care with hand hygiene in order to curtail – in so far as is possible – the spread of coronavirus.
The results of a huge study in 2015, and published in the Lancet, proved the importance of hand washing to prevent the mass spread of an illness such as coronavirus.
Researchers at the University of Southampton randomly divided more than 20,000 people from GP lists into two groups, one of which was invited to visit a website designed to encourage people to wash their hands, while the other group didn’t get access.
While effects weren’t huge, with 10-20 per cent reductions in infections and consultations among the former group, these small effects extrapolated to population level would produce huge benefits from a cheap and easily accessed intervention.


theirishtimes--2020-03-09--Cocaine worth €1.5m seized at Rosslare port

Cocaine with an estimated street value of more than €1.5 million has been seized by customs officers at Rosslare Europort @ @ @ @ @ men in their 20s were arrested by gardaí at the port and have been detained @ @ @ @ @ The two young men are Irish residents .
The significant shipment of nearly 22kgs of @ @ @ @ @ the back seat of an Irish-registered vehicle , which was stopped and searched after disembarking @ @ @ @ @ Cherbourg port , in France .
The seizure was made following routine profiling by Revenue @ @ @ @ @ of a mobile X-ray scanner and a detector dog .
A Revenue spokeswoman said investigations @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These routine operations are part of Revenue ’ s ongoing work targeting smuggling @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .

Cocaine with an estimated street value of more than €1.5 million has been seized by customs officers at Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford.
Cocaine with an estimated street value of more than €1.5 million has been seized by customs officers at Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford.
Two men in their 20s were arrested by gardaí at the port and have been detained in Wexford Garda station. The two young men are Irish residents.
The significant shipment of nearly 22kgs of cocaine had been concealed behind the back seat of an Irish-registered vehicle, which was stopped and searched after disembarking from a ferry arriving from Cherbourg port, in France.
The seizure was made following routine profiling by Revenue officials, with the assistance of a mobile X-ray scanner and a detector dog.
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A Revenue spokeswoman said investigations were ongoing in the case. “These routine operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity,” she said.