theirishtimes--2020-03-05--New warning signs for Luas trams after ‘trap and drag’ incidents

New warning signs are to be installed on all Luas trams to warn passengers of the danger of closing doors following a series of “ trap-and-drag ” incidents over the past two years .
A new report has revealed that a male passenger escaped injury after being dragged along the platform of the Luas stop at Heuston last year by a tram after his hand became trapped in a door .
The report by the Department of Transport ’ s Railway Accident Investigation Unit ( RAIU ) found the obstacle detection system on the doors of the Luas did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hand .
The mechanism , which operates widely in rail and tram systems around the world , does not operate for the final 10 millimetres of the door closing sequence in order to prevent doors reopening when they touch each other .
The incident took place at 2.22pm on March 26th 2019 as the man attempted to board the rear door of the last carriage on a Luas tram travelling towards the city centre .
The tram departed the stop 19 seconds after the door closed with the man ’ s hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luas security staff came to the passenger ’ s assistance with one of them alerting the tram driver by radio .
A jogger who was passing by and witnessed the incident also ran to the front of the tram to warn the driver .
The passenger walked along the platform with his hand trapped in the door for five seconds before the security staff assisted in freeing him .
The tram came to a stop four seconds later .
While preparing its report , the RAIU said it became aware of a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 when a woman pushing a buggy got her hand trapped in the tram doors at the Jervis stop and was dragged along beside the tram .
Although her hand only became free as she began to fall onto the platform , she was uninjured .
The RAIU noted Transdev , the Luas operator , had issued three notices to tram drivers about door entrapment incidents during 2018 following a series of similar incidents in Ireland and the UK including a passenger ’ s hand being trapped in the doors of a tram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A child in a buggy travelling on a Luas had its hand trapped in the door between stops at Kylemore and Red Cow on September 18th 2018 .
Although the RAIU report said the immediate cause of the incident at Heuston was the passenger trying to board the tram as the doors were closing , it said a contributory factor was the failure of the tram driver to conduct an adequate visual check using rear view monitors and mirrors during and after the door closing sequence .
The report made a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident including one to Transdev to make it a requirement for drivers to conduct a thorough visual check before moving the tram to ensure nothing is trapped in the doors .
Since the incident , Transdev said it has designed warning labels to alert passengers about the danger of closing doors which were with Transport Infrastructure Ireland for approval , while it is also due to install new coloured rear-view cameras and monitors on trams .

Images showing a woman getting her hand trapped in the door of a Luas tram at the Jervis Street stop, January 22th 2020.
New warning signs are to be installed on all Luas trams to warn passengers of the danger of closing doors following a series of “trap-and-drag” incidents over the past two years.
A new report has revealed that a male passenger escaped injury after being dragged along the platform of the Luas stop at Heuston last year by a tram after his hand became trapped in a door.
The report by the Department of Transport’s Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) found the obstacle detection system on the doors of the Luas did not detect the presence of the man’s hand.
The mechanism, which operates widely in rail and tram systems around the world, does not operate for the final 10 millimetres of the door closing sequence in order to prevent doors reopening when they touch each other.
READ MORE
The incident took place at 2.22pm on March 26th 2019 as the man attempted to board the rear door of the last carriage on a Luas tram travelling towards the city centre.
The tram departed the stop 19 seconds after the door closed with the man’s hand still trapped in the door.
Two Luas security staff came to the passenger’s assistance with one of them alerting the tram driver by radio. A jogger who was passing by and witnessed the incident also ran to the front of the tram to warn the driver.
The passenger walked along the platform with his hand trapped in the door for five seconds before the security staff assisted in freeing him. The tram came to a stop four seconds later.
While preparing its report, the RAIU said it became aware of a similar incident which took place on January 22th 2020 when a woman pushing a buggy got her hand trapped in the tram doors at the Jervis stop and was dragged along beside the tram. Although her hand only became free as she began to fall onto the platform, she was uninjured.
Further images of the incident at Jervis Street Luas stop on January 22th 2020 as the customer frees her hand from the moving tram and falls on the platform.
The RAIU noted Transdev, the Luas operator, had issued three notices to tram drivers about door entrapment incidents during 2018 following a series of similar incidents in Ireland and the UK including a passenger’s hand being trapped in the doors of a tram at Saggart on August 22nd 2018.
A child in a buggy travelling on a Luas had its hand trapped in the door between stops at Kylemore and Red Cow on September 18th 2018.
Although the RAIU report said the immediate cause of the incident at Heuston was the passenger trying to board the tram as the doors were closing, it said a contributory factor was the failure of the tram driver to conduct an adequate visual check using rear view monitors and mirrors during and after the door closing sequence.
The report made a total of 10 safety recommendations as a result of the incident including one to Transdev to make it a requirement for drivers to conduct a thorough visual check before moving the tram to ensure nothing is trapped in the doors.
Since the incident, Transdev said it has designed warning labels to alert passengers about the danger of closing doors which were with Transport Infrastructure Ireland for approval, while it is also due to install new coloured rear-view cameras and monitors on trams.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Now 13 people have Covid-19 in the Republic

An additional seven cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed , bringing the total number of cases to 13 in the Republic .
The numbers in Northern Ireland remain at three cases .
Four of the new cases in the Republic related to travel from northern Italy , and involved males in the east of the country , according to the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) .
Two are associated with close contact with a previously confirmed case , two females in the west of the country .
One case of community transmission , a male from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Cork University Hospital and a risk assessment is underway in relation to the exposure of health workers , NPHET said .
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had , to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread .
Dr Tony Holohan , Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health , said : “ Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission .
This is , however , a rapidly evolving situation .
Public health doctors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are operating effectively .
“ Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover , but it can be more severe for some .
“ However , this will need a national effort .
Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.
” Despite the increase in cases , Dr Holohan said he was not alarmed .
“ This is what we would have anticipated .
It matches the pattern of most other countries ’ experience.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small ” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission .
Other than the case in Cork , he said , public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected .
In relation to the Cork case , HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said the Cork University Hospital had put in place “ robust , immediate actions that put patient safety first ” .
These include the cancellation of elective surgeries , visitor restrictions and the clearance of further space for isolating patients .
“ We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of travel history or contact with a person ” who is a confirmed case , Dr Holohan said .
And despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy , he said there were no plans to introduce a travel ban for any region .
A travel ban would be neither proportionate nor effective in preventing transmission , he said .
The patient at CUH is receiving intensive care in an isolation unit there .
It is understood the male coronavirus patient received treatment in the hospital last week and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days and tested for the virus .
The National Virus Reference Laboratory confirmed a positive test on Thursday .
CUH said it was introducing strict visitor restrictions “ with immediate effect ” due to infection control concerns .
“ This is in the interest of patient care and in order to prevent the spread of infections within the hospital.
” The hospital said it regretted any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by “ these necessary measures .
“ All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hospital management have advised people to contact their GP or out-of-hours service ( SouthDoc ) in the first instance and to explore “ all other options available to them ” before going to the emergency departments in the city if their needs are not urgent .
Meanwhile journalist Seán McCárthaigh adds that it emerged on Thursday evening that one of the four new patients identified with coronavirus in Dublin is based in Trinity College Dublin .
The university notified all students and staff via email that a positive case of Covid-19 had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are now working closely with the authorities to ensure that this individual receives the best care possible , ” said Trinity .
It said the HSE would trace anyone who had been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they received any necessary medical attention .
The university said it and the HSE would take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and protect the welfare of Trinity ’ s students and staff .
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “ open and operating as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant part of the university – fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute as well as lifts in the building – had been closed as a precautionary measure and would be cleaned in accordance with HSE guidelines .
Dr Prendergast said the situation remained fluid and advised people attending the university to check their emails for the latest official advice on a regular basis .

An additional seven cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases to 13 in the Republic.
The numbers in Northern Ireland remain at three cases.
Four of the new cases in the Republic related to travel from northern Italy, and involved males in the east of the country, according to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Two are associated with close contact with a previously confirmed case, two females in the west of the country .
READ MORE
One case of community transmission, a male from the south of the country, is associated with Cork University Hospital and a risk assessment is underway in relation to the exposure of health workers, NPHET said.
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said:
“Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission. This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.
“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.
“However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.”
Despite the increase in cases, Dr Holohan said he was not alarmed.
“This is what we would have anticipated. It matches the pattern of most other countries’ experience.”
He said the number of cases was “still small” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission.
Other than the case in Cork, he said, public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected.
CUH
In relation to the Cork case, HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said the Cork University Hospital had put in place “robust, immediate actions that put patient safety first”.
These include the cancellation of elective surgeries, visitor restrictions and the clearance of further space for isolating patients.
“We can’t explain this case by way of travel history or contact with a person” who is a confirmed case, Dr Holohan said.
And despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy, he said there were no plans to introduce a travel ban for any region.
A travel ban would be neither proportionate nor effective in preventing transmission, he said.
The patient at CUH is receiving intensive care in an isolation unit there. It is understood the male coronavirus patient received treatment in the hospital last week and was discharged. He was readmitted in recent days and tested for the virus. The National Virus Reference Laboratory confirmed a positive test on Thursday.
CUH said it was introducing strict visitor restrictions “with immediate effect” due to infection control concerns.
“This is in the interest of patient care and in order to prevent the spread of infections within the hospital.”
The hospital said it regretted any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by “these necessary measures.
“All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of infection.”
Hospital management have advised people to contact their GP or out-of-hours service (SouthDoc) in the first instance and to explore “all other options available to them” before going to the emergency departments in the city if their needs are not urgent.
Based in Trinity College
Meanwhile journalist Seán McCárthaigh adds that it emerged on Thursday evening that one of the four new patients identified with coronavirus in Dublin is based in Trinity College Dublin.
The university notified all students and staff via email that a positive case of Covid-19 had been confirmed in the college.
“We are now working closely with the authorities to ensure that this individual receives the best care possible,” said Trinity.
It said the HSE would trace anyone who had been in contact with the infected individual to ensure they received any necessary medical attention.
The university said it and the HSE would take all appropriate steps to contain any further spread of the virus and protect the welfare of Trinity’s students and staff.
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “open and operating as normal”. Provost Patrick Prendergast said the relevant part of the university – fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute as well as lifts in the building – had been closed as a precautionary measure and would be cleaned in accordance with HSE guidelines.
Dr Prendergast said the situation remained fluid and advised people attending the university to check their emails for the latest official advice on a regular basis.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Coronavirus Q&A: HSE expert answers your questions

Prof Martin Cormican , microbiologist and disease expert at NUI Galway and the HSE , answers questions from the public about coronavirus concerns .
If someone in my household is a contact and is advised to stay at home , how is it safe for the rest of the family to go about as normal ?
The person who is a contact may have become infected with the virus .
If they are infected with the virus , it has to grow in them for at least some days before it can pass on to you or anyone else in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus does not generally spread from a person who has the infection until the person starts to have some symptoms .
So we expect most people who are contacts do not have infection .
We also expect any contact who turns out to have infection is most unlikely to spread the virus to you before they get sick .
If they do spread the virus to you , you can ’ t pass it on until it has grown in you for at least some days .
Therefore , the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low that it is reasonable to live your life as normal .
Why don ’ t you just test everybody ?
The test for the virus involves swabbing the throat and nose .
The lab checks for virus genes on the swab .
If there are enough virus genes , the test gives a signal ( virus detected ) .
If there are not enough virus genes , the test gives no signal ( virus not detected ) .
So no signal means there are no virus genes , or there aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Virus not detected ” is not proof there is no virus .
The test works well for finding the virus in a person who has symptoms and who is shedding a lot of virus .
If someone gets infected , the virus has to grow in them for some days before the test can detect it .
We know the test works well by the time the person gets sick ( because there is enough virus ) .
We do not know enough about how well it works before the person gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before they get sick – can give false reassurance .
Neither is it the best use of the testing capacity that we have at the National Virus Reference Laboratory .
What if someone in the house with a contact is already sick with something else ?
The steps to reduce the risk of infection are the same for a person who is already sick .
If a person with lung or heart disease or a problem with their immune system catches the virus , the infection may be more severe .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection .
If it is practical , they could decide to live elsewhere for the 14 days .
Public health do not recommend this as necessary but some people do decide to do this if they can .
Can contacts in isolation go outside ?
Yes .
They can go out for a run or a walk outside if they avoid contact with other people .
Two people who are contacts in the same household could walk or kick a ball about together , outside in a place away from other people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to keep contacts 1 metre or more away from anyone who is not in the household and to keep them away from places where virus in their cough or sneeze might settle on something that anyone else will touch soon afterwards .
Is there a risk for me if I live in a house with someone who is a contact ?
Yes , a person living with a contact will become a contact if that person becomes ill , so there is some risk in being in the same house as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced by keeping distance as much as possible and by ensuring proper hand hygiene as much as possible .
Keeping things clean is very important , particularly if the contact is a partner or child .
This risk is something you may accept so you can support those you care about .
You may not have much choice if you have no other place to live .
How can we stop respiratory viruses spreading ?
Minimise unnecessary contact .
Keep your hands to yourself and learn how to clean hands properly .
Protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from face , eyes , nose and mouth .
Respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus have to get on to mucous membranes ; they can ’ t get through skin .
Keep your distance from sneezes and coughs ( more than 1 metre where possible ) .
Use respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette .
Use tissues and bin them afterwards , or use the crook of the elbow .

Prof Martin Cormican, microbiologist and disease expert at NUI Galway and the HSE, at a media briefing on Covid-19 at the HSE in Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Prof Martin Cormican, microbiologist and disease expert at NUI Galway and the HSE, answers questions from the public about coronavirus concerns.
If someone in my household is a contact and is advised to stay at home, how is it safe for the rest of the family to go about as normal?
The person who is a contact may have become infected with the virus. If they are infected with the virus, it has to grow in them for at least some days before it can pass on to you or anyone else in the house.
Experience so far shows that the virus does not generally spread from a person who has the infection until the person starts to have some symptoms. So we expect most people who are contacts do not have infection. We also expect any contact who turns out to have infection is most unlikely to spread the virus to you before they get sick. If they do spread the virus to you, you can’t pass it on until it has grown in you for at least some days.
Therefore, the risk that you could spread infection is so low that it is reasonable to live your life as normal.
READ MORE
Why don’t you just test everybody?
The test for the virus involves swabbing the throat and nose. The lab checks for virus genes on the swab. If there are enough virus genes, the test gives a signal (virus detected). If there are not enough virus genes, the test gives no signal (virus not detected).
So no signal means there are no virus genes, or there aren’t enough to give a signal. “Virus not detected” is not proof there is no virus.
The test works well for finding the virus in a person who has symptoms and who is shedding a lot of virus. If someone gets infected, the virus has to grow in them for some days before the test can detect it. We know the test works well by the time the person gets sick (because there is enough virus).
We do not know enough about how well it works before the person gets sick. Testing contacts too early – before they get sick – can give false reassurance.
Neither is it the best use of the testing capacity that we have at the National Virus Reference Laboratory.
What if someone in the house with a contact is already sick with something else?
The steps to reduce the risk of infection are the same for a person who is already sick. If a person with lung or heart disease or a problem with their immune system catches the virus, the infection may be more severe. There is no drug or vaccine that offers additional protection. If it is practical, they could decide to live elsewhere for the 14 days. Public health do not recommend this as necessary but some people do decide to do this if they can.
Can contacts in isolation go outside ?
Yes. They can go out for a run or a walk outside if they avoid contact with other people. Two people who are contacts in the same household could walk or kick a ball about together, outside in a place away from other people.
The important point is to do everything possible to keep contacts 1 metre or more away from anyone who is not in the household and to keep them away from places where virus in their cough or sneeze might settle on something that anyone else will touch soon afterwards.
Is there a risk for me if I live in a house with someone who is a contact?
Yes, a person living with a contact will become a contact if that person becomes ill, so there is some risk in being in the same house as a contact.
The risk can be greatly reduced by keeping distance as much as possible and by ensuring proper hand hygiene as much as possible.
Keeping things clean is very important, particularly if the contact is a partner or child.
This risk is something you may accept so you can support those you care about. You may not have much choice if you have no other place to live.
How can we stop respiratory viruses spreading?
Minimise unnecessary contact. Keep your hands to yourself and learn how to clean hands properly.
Protect your mucous membranes. Keep your hands away from face, eyes, nose and mouth. Respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus have to get on to mucous membranes; they can’t get through skin.
Keep your distance from sneezes and coughs (more than 1 metre where possible).
Use respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Use tissues and bin them afterwards, or use the crook of the elbow.


theirishtimes--2020-03-05--Parents of girl (3) killed in crash ‘facing life sentence of pain and sorrow’

The mother of three-year-old Estlin Wall has told the driver who caused the fatal collision that claimed her daughter ’ s life that whatever sentence he receives “ it will pale in comparison to the life sentence of pain and sorrow we have been given ” .
In a victim impact statement delivered at Ennis Circuit Court on Thursday , Amy Wall said “ Estlin pays the highest price , sentenced to death that day with no chance of survival ” .
Father-of-two Senan O ’ Flaherty ( 63 ) of Lower Gowerhass , Cooraclare has pleaded guilty to driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of Estlin Wall and serious bodily harm to Vincent Wall at Ballyea South , Inagh on March 15th 2017 .
Judge Gerald Keys said on Thursday he would reserve judgment and counsel for the State Lorcan Connolly BL asked the judge to pronounce sentence before May as the Walls were expecting their third child in May .
Estlin was fatally injured in a road crash moments after truck driver , Mr O ’ Flaherty made “ a bad move ” to pull out from behind a bus , the court had heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2017 , Vincent Wall ( 41 ) was driving his daughter Estlin to creche in Inagh from their home in Ennistymon , north Clare .
Mr Wall suffered a severe and significant brain injury as a result of the crash , has no recollection of the accident and was placed in an induced coma after the crash and missed Estlin ’ s funeral .
In court on Thursday both parents took just under an hour to read out their victim impact statements .
In her statement , Ms Wall addressed Mr O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : “ You put out her light , but I vow to carry her torch forever .
“ Not a day will pass that I will not ache for her .
But a mother ’ s love can never die and it is that love that will carry me forward every day.
” She described her daughter as “ a beautiful little girl that never made it to her fourth birthday ” who was “ buried by the sea days before she should have been blowing candles out on a cake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it makes no difference whether the courts say you were driving dangerously or carelessly or negligently or stupid .
Estlin will always be dead .
Vinnie will live with the effects of a brain injury for the rest of his life .
Our children will never know Estlin , but we will talk about her every day.
” In his victim impact statement , Vincent ‘ Vinny ’ Wall said he would trade places with Estlin if he could .
“ I wish there were time machines , replay buttons or dreams come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things .
I try to do things that make me happy but things are different now , happiness s out of reach .
“ I ’ m in a fog that won ’ t lift now .
It ’ s dark and I ’ m drifting through the seasons .
There are some tranquil days and some stormy days that could swallow me.
” Mr Wall stated that he remained in hospital and didn ’ t know why he was there .
When he was finally told by family and doctors that Estlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t understand the words .
“ Death of a child is a worst nightmare .
Death of a child when you can ’ t grasp the importance is a worst , worst nightmare.
” Counsel for Mr O ’ Flaherty , Mr Collins said there were no aggravating factors on his client ’ s part .
He stated that there no speed , no recklessness and no drink driving involved .
“ Whatever sentence will not right the wrongs and may facilitate part of the recovery and no sentence can turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The consequences of this accident and Mr O ’ Flaherty ’ s role in it are profound and will continue to be profound .
Life taking and life changing and nothing I can say can change that.
” Judge Keys adjourned the case to next Monday for mention only .

Estlin Wall, pictured above with her parents, was fatally injured in a road crash moments after truck driver, Senan O’Flaherty made ‘a bad move’ to pull out from behind a bus, the court had heard.
The mother of three-year-old Estlin Wall has told the driver who caused the fatal collision that claimed her daughter’s life that whatever sentence he receives “it will pale in comparison to the life sentence of pain and sorrow we have been given”.
In a victim impact statement delivered at Ennis Circuit Court on Thursday, Amy Wall said “Estlin pays the highest price, sentenced to death that day with no chance of survival”.
Father-of-two Senan O’Flaherty (63) of Lower Gowerhass, Cooraclare has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention causing the death of Estlin Wall and serious bodily harm to Vincent Wall at Ballyea South, Inagh on March 15th 2017.
Judge Gerald Keys said on Thursday he would reserve judgment and counsel for the State Lorcan Connolly BL asked the judge to pronounce sentence before May as the Walls were expecting their third child in May.
READ MORE
Estlin was fatally injured in a road crash moments after truck driver, Mr O’Flaherty made “a bad move” to pull out from behind a bus, the court had heard.
At around 9am on March 15th, 2017, Vincent Wall (41) was driving his daughter Estlin to creche in Inagh from their home in Ennistymon, north Clare.
Mr Wall suffered a severe and significant brain injury as a result of the crash, has no recollection of the accident and was placed in an induced coma after the crash and missed Estlin’s funeral.
In court on Thursday both parents took just under an hour to read out their victim impact statements.
In her statement, Ms Wall addressed Mr O’Flaherty but not by name when she said: “You put out her light, but I vow to carry her torch forever.
“Not a day will pass that I will not ache for her. But a mother’s love can never die and it is that love that will carry me forward every day.”
‘Beautiful little girl’
She described her daughter as “a beautiful little girl that never made it to her fourth birthday” who was “buried by the sea days before she should have been blowing candles out on a cake”.
“In the end, it makes no difference whether the courts say you were driving dangerously or carelessly or negligently or stupid. Estlin will always be dead. Vinnie will live with the effects of a brain injury for the rest of his life. Our children will never know Estlin, but we will talk about her every day.”
In his victim impact statement, Vincent ‘Vinny’ Wall said he would trade places with Estlin if he could.
“I wish there were time machines, replay buttons or dreams come true but there are none of these things. I try to do things that make me happy but things are different now, happiness s out of reach.
“I’m in a fog that won’t lift now. It’s dark and I’m drifting through the seasons. There are some tranquil days and some stormy days that could swallow me.”
Mr Wall stated that he remained in hospital and didn’t know why he was there.
When he was finally told by family and doctors that Estlin had died, Mr Wall said he couldn’t understand the words.
“Death of a child is a worst nightmare. Death of a child when you can’t grasp the importance is a worst, worst nightmare.”
Counsel for Mr O’Flaherty, Mr Collins said there were no aggravating factors on his client’s part.
He stated that there no speed, no recklessness and no drink driving involved.
“Whatever sentence will not right the wrongs and may facilitate part of the recovery and no sentence can turn back the clock.”
He added: “The consequences of this accident and Mr O’Flaherty’s role in it are profound and will continue to be profound. Life taking and life changing and nothing I can say can change that.”
Judge Keys adjourned the case to next Monday for mention only.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Cyclist (60) dies after being hit by car near Fermoy

A cyclist died after he was hit by a car near Fermoy in Co Cork on Friday morning .
The @ @ @ @ @ the scene of the collision which took place on the R639 between Fermoy and Rathcormac @ @ @ @ @ man ’ s body was taken to the Cork University Hospital morgue and the coroner @ @ @ @ @ was closed and Garda forensic collision investigators attended the scene .
Gardaí are appealing to @ @ @ @ @ in the area who may have dashcam footage to contact Fermoy Garda station on 025 @ @ @ @ @ line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station .

A cyclist died after he was hit by a car near Fermoy in Co Cork on Friday morning.
The 60-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision which took place on the R639 between Fermoy and Rathcormac at around 7am.
The man’s body was taken to the Cork University Hospital morgue and the coroner was notified.
The road was closed and Garda forensic collision investigators attended the scene.
READ MORE
Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses or road users in the area who may have dashcam footage to contact Fermoy Garda station on 025 82100, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Kerry woman found dead in US with husband and teenage sons

An Irish woman who died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in the US city of Reno , Nevada , has been named as Joan Huber .
Police discovered the bodies of a couple and their two teenage boys on Wednesday morning after they were alerted by neighbours who said they had not seen the family in days .
All four died of gunshot wounds , according to a local media report .
Ms Huber ( nee Kelly ) was originally from Coolcuslaugh near Killarney , Co Kerry , and is the eldest of five children of the late John Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Kelly was a former president of the East Kerry GAA and a psychiatric nurse , and he died in February 2018 at 83 .
He was at one time a general election candidate for the Progressive Democrats and the author of a number of local histories .
Mrs Huber ’ s mother , Sheila , ( nee Doolan ) and a number of her siblings live in Killarney .
Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae said he knew the family .
“ I know them to be a good , hardworking honest family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of people you would like to be friends with , ” he told Radio Kerry .
“ It ’ s so tough and so hard .
It ’ s very hard to understand why these things happen.
” The body of Ms Huber ( 53 ) was found alongside her husband , Adam P Huber ( 50 ) , and teenage sons Adam J Huber ( 17 ) and Michael P Huber ( 16 ) .
The Washoe County medical examiner release the family ’ s identities on Thursday .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a master technician at the Reno Buick GMC car dealership since 2006 .
Reno director of marketing Doreen Hicks stated : “ Adam Huber has worked for Reno Buick GMC since 2006 .
He has always been a valued member of our team .
We mourn the loss of him and his family .
At this point we are assisting the police with their investigation and we can not comment further at this time.
” Officers said the weapon and cause of death were initially unknown .
The City of Reno police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to a report of a deceased person .
“ Subsequent investigation revealed three other deceased subjects within the residence that are believed to be members of the same family who reside there .
This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.
” The two teenage boys were pupils at Damonte Ranch High School in Nevada .
School principal Darvel Bell said : “ Two of our students died following a domestic situation in their home .
Reno Police are investigating the case , and because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am not able to share any more details with you now .
“ Our counsellors , district level crisis team , and community partners will be on our campus tomorrow and will be providing any resources our students and staff members require .
“ They will stay with us for as long as we need them .
Counselling and emotional support of staff and students will be our top priority.
” The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the Irish family of the woman who died @ @ @ @ @

An Irish woman has died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in Reno, Arizona, US. File photograph: iStock
An Irish woman who died in a suspected murder-suicide incident in the US city of Reno, Nevada, has been named as Joan Huber.
Police discovered the bodies of a couple and their two teenage boys on Wednesday morning after they were alerted by neighbours who said they had not seen the family in days.
All four died of gunshot wounds, according to a local media report.
Ms Huber (nee Kelly) was originally from Coolcuslaugh near Killarney, Co Kerry, and is the eldest of five children of the late John Kelly, a well-known figure in east Kerry.
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Mr Kelly was a former president of the East Kerry GAA and a psychiatric nurse, and he died in February 2018 at 83. He was at one time a general election candidate for the Progressive Democrats and the author of a number of local histories.
Mrs Huber’s mother, Sheila, (nee Doolan) and a number of her siblings live in Killarney.
Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae said he knew the family. “I know them to be a good, hardworking honest family and pillars in the community and the type of people you would like to be friends with,” he told Radio Kerry.
“It’s so tough and so hard. It’s very hard to understand why these things happen.”
The body of Ms Huber (53) was found alongside her husband, Adam P Huber (50), and teenage sons Adam J Huber (17) and Michael P Huber (16). The Washoe County medical examiner release the family's identities on Thursday.
It was reported Adam P Huber had worked as a master technician at the Reno Buick GMC car dealership since 2006 .
Reno director of marketing Doreen Hicks stated: "Adam Huber has worked for Reno Buick GMC since 2006. He has always been a valued member of our team. We mourn the loss of him and his family. At this point we are assisting the police with their investigation and we cannot comment further at this time."
Officers said the weapon and cause of death were initially unknown. The City of Reno police said on Wednesday that at about 11.04am officers responded to a report of a deceased person.
“Subsequent investigation revealed three other deceased subjects within the residence that are believed to be members of the same family who reside there. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.”
The two teenage boys were pupils at Damonte Ranch High School in Nevada.
School principal Darvel Bell said: "Two of our students died following a domestic situation in their home. Reno Police are investigating the case, and because this is an active investigation, I am not able to share any more details with you now.
“Our counsellors, district level crisis team, and community partners will be on our campus tomorrow and will be providing any resources our students and staff members require.
“They will stay with us for as long as we need them. Counselling and emotional support of staff and students will be our top priority.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the Irish family of the woman who died along with three others.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: More than 60 CUH staff self-isolating

More than 60 staff at Cork University Hospital ( CUH ) have been asked to self-isolate following a case of coronavirus at the hospital that was a result of community transmission .
A man who was diagnosed with Covid-19 in Cork had been in CUH for up to a week and may have had contact with large numbers of staff and sick patients , before he was tested .
The case is one of 13 which have been confirmed in the Republic .
Seven cases were reported by Thursday night , more than doubling the previous number .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more are expected by the day .
Four new cases , in males from the east of the country , involved travel from Italy , while two females who tested positive were associated with one of the four cases reported on Wednesday in Co Clare .
University Hospital Limerick was closed for three hours on Wednesday for a deep clean and patients were directed to other hospitals .
It is understood that a healthcare professional who was one of four cases reported on Wednesday had worked a shift at the hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals Group , HSE MidWest Community Healthcare , and HSE Public Health MidWest , said authorities were working to trace contacts of the four people , who are currently in isolation at the hospital and who are “ receiving appropriate care ” .
The contacts include patients who attended the minor injuries zone of the hospital ’ s emergency department between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday , February 26th .
Patients who attended other areas of the emergency department are not considered to be contacts .
Staff who came in contact with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate .
Senior officials expect there will be hundreds of cases in Ireland by the time the Dáil returns in a fortnight ’ s time , according to sources briefed on the Government ’ s planning for the spread of the virus .
Ministers have also been briefed about the possible widespread closure of schools , postponement of sporting events and other mass gatherings and businesses in order to contain the spread of the virus , but they have also been told there is no indication yet that this will be necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to holding a briefing this evening .
Meanwhile , Trinity College Dublin told staff and students on Thursday night it had been informed of a case within the university .
The university and HSE will take “ appropriate steps ” to contain the further spread of the virus , the email said .
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “ open and operating as normal ” , with the relevant section of the campus – the fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and the building ’ s lifts – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will trace those who were in contact with the individual , according to the email .
The university said it would work closely with authorities to ensure the individual receives the best possible care .
Amid growing concern in the health service over the depletion of staff because of the virus , health officials were due to meet on Friday to see how the gaps can be plugged .
The rules in relation to healthcare workers returning from at-risk areas abroad were changed on Wednesday , it emerged on Thursday night .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not have to self-isolate unless they had been in one of 11 quarantined Italian towns ; now , they must stay at home for 14 days if they have been anywhere in northern Italy .
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 25 new intensive care beds are to be opened at a cost of €25 million to ease the pressure on the health service .
An information campaign aimed at raising public awareness of protecting against the virus is also set to begin shortly .
Despite the increase in cases , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not alarmed : “ This is what we would have anticipated .
It matches the pattern of most other countries ’ experience.
” The number of cases was “ still small ” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission , he told the daily briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team .
Other than the case in Cork , he said , public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected .
Despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel ban for any region .
Meanwhile , European Union health ministers are discussing ways to boost local production of drugs and protective gear amid shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Arriving to the meeting , ministers said Europe needed to look into making sure it could supply itself with medicines and protective equipment .
On Friday morning , Tánaiste and Minster for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on said EU ministers need to be clear in their messaging to people in order to help contain the spread of the virus .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said members of the public “ need to protect themselves , they need to protect their community they need to act with common sense they need to wash their hands more ” .
“ If they ’ re feeling sick or have symptoms that could be worrying they need to contact their doctor straight away , ” he said .
Mr Coveney said people should listen to health bodies and not pay attention to rumours on social media , which are often inaccurate .
He said : “ A lot of this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries will of course talk to each other to make sure that if we can do anything collectively as a union to more effectively slow own or stop the spread of this virus , that we ’ ll do that .
”

Five new cases of Covid-19 has been reported this evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Three are in the south of the country, one in the east and one in the west.
This brings to 18 the total number of confirmed cases in the State to date.
One case is associated with travel from northern Italy, and one with close contact with a confirmed case. A third case involves a healthcare worker who was in close contact with a confirmed case.
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The last two new cases involve a male who travelled from abroad and a female who travelled from northern Italy. The country the man travelled to Ireland from is not one of the high-risk areas and the case is still under investigation.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan Holohan described 18 as “a small number of cases” and pointed out that all but one could be explained in terms of its origins.
The process of identifying contacts of the cases was working well he added.
“We are still in a containment phase and the change of picking up this disease remains very low.”
Dr Holohan said: “We ask that no organisation, school or health service provider acts unilaterally. We need to respond to the threat of Covid-19 in unison, following the advice of public health [staff].”
He said he would be concerned if some recommendations “happened sooner than appropriate” as this might make it more difficult for the public to understand.
A fourth case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the North by the UK Department of Health on Friday night.
Main points
Speaking in Brussels earlier today, Minister for Health Simon Harris said Ireland was “actively preparing” for more cases of the disease, on top of the 13 already confirmed on Thursday.
Mr Harris criticised profiteering on essential drugs and equipment needed to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Harris said anyone sought to profiteer by hiking up the prices of items such as hand sanitisers that the public need deserved “special condemnation”.
He also condemned those “who deliberately spread lies” about the virus and said they were endangering the lives of people and needed to be “called out”.
Mass gatherings
Earlier on Friday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there are no plans as of now to cancel any mass gatherings due to concerns over coronavirus.
Mr Varadkar said that Ireland remained in the containment phase in dealing with the virus, and said he expected that there will be more cases in Ireland.
Mr Varadkar said: “Detailed guidance is being issued today on events and mass gatherings. We are not recommending at this stage that any major events be cancelled but that of course will be kept under review.
“We do expect that there will be more cases in the coming days, weeks and months and it is inevitable that many people will contract Covid 19 but for the vast majority of people it will be a mild illness. However, some will become very sick.”
The Taoiseach also said the Government has authorised the HSE to open extra beds in intensive care.
“As of now, nobody has needed an ICU bed yet but obviously additional ICU beds will be made available and also additional capacity for isolation as needed, and also discussions underway with private hospitals to use their capacity too.”
“What we may have to do is ask people who are retired healthcare professionals to come back into service if there are significant pressures on our health service in the weeks ahead.”
He also said there would be a “clear solution” next week on income supports for those who need to self isolate.
Meanwhile, the Irish embassy in France has cancelled its St Patrick’s Day reception, a major annual event with hundreds of invited guests.
Hospitals
More than 60 staff at Cork University Hospital (CUH) have been asked to self-isolate following a case of coronavirus at the hospital that was a result of community transmission.
A man who was diagnosed with coronavirus in Cork had been in CUH for up to a week and may have had contact with large numbers of staff and sick patients, before he was tested.
The case is one of 13 which have been confirmed in the Republic. Seven cases were reported by Thursday night, more than doubling the previous number. There have been three cases confirmed in Northern Ireland and more are expected by the day.
A joint statement released by the UL Hospitals Group, HSE MidWest Community Healthcare, and HSE Public Health MidWest, said authorities were working to trace contacts of the four people, who are currently in isolation at the hospital and who are “receiving appropriate care”.
The group has also imposed visitor restrictions at University Hospital Limerick, University Maternity Hospital Limerick, St John’s Hospital, Croom Orthopaedic Hospital in Co Limerick; Nenagh Hospital in Co Tipperary and Ennis Hospital in Co Clare.
Appropriate steps
Trinity College Dublin told staff and students on Thursday night it had been informed of a case within the university.
The university and HSE will take “appropriate steps” to contain the further spread of the virus, the email said.
Trinity confirmed that the university would remain “open and operating as normal”, with the relevant section of the campus – the fourth floor of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and the building’s lifts – closed as a precaution.
The HSE will trace those who were in contact with the individual, according to the email. The university said it would work closely with authorities to ensure the individual receives the best possible care.
At-risk areas
Amid growing concern in the health service over the depletion of staff because of the virus, health officials were due to meet on Friday to see how the gaps can be plugged.
The rules in relation to healthcare workers returning from at-risk areas abroad were changed on Wednesday, it emerged on Thursday night. Before this, staff coming back from Italy did not have to self-isolate unless they had been in one of 11 quarantined Italian towns; now, they must stay at home for 14 days if they have been anywhere in northern Italy.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 25 new intensive care beds are to be opened at a cost of €25 million to ease the pressure on the health service. An information campaign aimed at raising public awareness of protecting against the virus is also set to begin shortly.
Despite the increase in cases, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was not alarmed: “This is what we would have anticipated. It matches the pattern of most other countries’ experience.”
The number of cases was “still small” and officials were confident they can prevent significant further transmission, he told the daily briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Other than the case in Cork, he said, public health officials could explain how the patients involved were infected.
Despite the surge in cases related to travellers returning from Italy, he said there were no plans to introduce a travel ban for any region.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Please stop calling 999 or 112 for coronavirus information, says HSE

The HSE ’ s national director of acute operations Liam Woods has asked members of the public not to call emergency numbers 999 or 112 seeking information about the coronavirus .
He told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland these numbers were for emergencies only and anyone seeking information should phone 1850 24 1850 or to use the live chat facility on www.hse.ie .
Mr Woods said it was now likely that more cases will be diagnosed in the State , but he said the majority of people will be able to cope with the virus in their own home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of community transmission in Cork has been completed , he said and people who were in contact with the patient have gone into voluntary self-isolation .
He said all 13 confirmed cases in Ireland were being treated in hospital as per European Centre for Disease Control guidelines , “ should numbers grow that position will be reversed .
The majority can manage the condition at home.
” Mr Woods said all hospitals have plans in place having carried out risk assessments and said the health service will create capacity where necessary .
Contingency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adequate space , he added .
Health care workers who may have been in infectious areas in other countries are being asked to self-isolate and measures are in place to ensure that hospitals have the necessary equipment “ to do their job , ” he said .
Meanwhile , emergency medicine consultant Dr Fergal Hickey has said having coronavirus patients in an emergency department was similar to “ bringing a drum of petrol to a house fire.
” It is worrying to consider the impact of the virus on emergency departments “ where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is not enough space , ” he told RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Séan O ’ Rourke show .
“ It is completely inappropriate for a patient who is feeling unwell to turn up at emergency departments wanting to be tested.
” That is dangerous and unhelpful , “ these people are getting in the way , ” he added .
Commenting on the case at Cork University Hospital ( CUH ) where a case of community transmission of Covid-19 was confirmed , Dr Hickey said he understood the patient had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emergency department for an extended period of time before being diagnosed .
All the staff and other patients who were in the emergency department during that time were all “ potentially at risk ” .
“ We ’ re going to have to worry about the impact on emergency departments , where , at the best of times there is not enough space.
” With regard to the reported 60 staff at CUH who have been instructed to self-isolate because they came in contact with the patient , Dr Hickey pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be difficult to find replacement staff .
“ These are specialist clinicians , they have an expertise that you can not just get from somewhere else .
It would be like putting someone into an operating theatre and expecting them to know what to do.
” Dr Hickey said information and advice so far from the HSE and National Public Health Emergency Team was “ perfect ” and the process of consideration and treatment algorithms were of the highest order .
However , Dr Hickey warned any changes would pose a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capacity to isolate from the front door ” and with many patients it will not be obvious that they do not have the virus until tested .
Dr Hickey said he did not want to mix coronavirus patients with vulnerable patients .

The HSE’s national director of acute operations Liam Woods said anyone seeking information should phone 1850 24 1850 or to use www.hse.ie. Photograph: PA
The HSE's national director of acute operations Liam Woods has asked members of the public not to call emergency numbers 999 or 112 seeking information about the coronavirus.
He told RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland these numbers were for emergencies only and anyone seeking information should phone 1850 24 1850 or to use the live chat facility on www.hse.ie.
Mr Woods said it was now likely that more cases will be diagnosed in the State, but he said the majority of people will be able to cope with the virus in their own home.
Contact tracing in the first case of community transmission in Cork has been completed, he said and people who were in contact with the patient have gone into voluntary self-isolation.
READ MORE
He said all 13 confirmed cases in Ireland were being treated in hospital as per European Centre for Disease Control guidelines, “should numbers grow that position will be reversed. The majority can manage the condition at home.”
Mr Woods said all hospitals have plans in place having carried out risk assessments and said the health service will create capacity where necessary.
Contingency planning will make sure that there is adequate space, he added.
Health care workers who may have been in infectious areas in other countries are being asked to self-isolate and measures are in place to ensure that hospitals have the necessary equipment “to do their job,” he said.
Meanwhile, emergency medicine consultant Dr Fergal Hickey has said having coronavirus patients in an emergency department was similar to "bringing a drum of petrol to a house fire."
It is worrying to consider the impact of the virus on emergency departments “where, at the best of times, there is not enough space,” he told RTÉ radio’s Today with Séan O’Rourke show.
“It is completely inappropriate for a patient who is feeling unwell to turn up at emergency departments wanting to be tested.”
That is dangerous and unhelpful, “these people are getting in the way,” he added.
Commenting on the case at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where a case of community transmission of Covid-19 was confirmed, Dr Hickey said he understood the patient had presented with pneumonia and had been in the emergency department for an extended period of time before being diagnosed.
All the staff and other patients who were in the emergency department during that time were all “potentially at risk”.
“We’re going to have to worry about the impact on emergency departments, where, at the best of times there is not enough space.”
With regard to the reported 60 staff at CUH who have been instructed to self-isolate because they came in contact with the patient, Dr Hickey pointed out that they were specialist staff and it would be difficult to find replacement staff.
“These are specialist clinicians, they have an expertise that you cannot just get from somewhere else. It would be like putting someone into an operating theatre and expecting them to know what to do.”
Dr Hickey said information and advice so far from the HSE and National Public Health Emergency Team was “perfect” and the process of consideration and treatment algorithms were of the highest order.
However, Dr Hickey warned any changes would pose a major challenge as hospitals “do not have the capacity to isolate from the front door” and with many patients it will not be obvious that they do not have the virus until tested.
Dr Hickey said he did not want to mix coronavirus patients with vulnerable patients.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Three arrested in North over Lunney abduction released

Three people arrested by Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) detectives investigating the kidnap and torture of Co Fermanagh businessman Kevin Lunney have been released unconditionally .
The two men , aged 23 and 61 , and one woman aged 61 were detained in the Fermanagh area on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap , conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent , and assisting offenders .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) announced their release from custody in Omagh police station on Friday .
In the Republic on Thursday , the Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relation to the abduction and assault .
He was detained at Cavan Garda station .
Gardaí said he remained in custody on Friday .
Mr Lunney , a director at Quinn Industrial Holdings ( QIH ) , was abducted outside his home near Derrylin , Co Fermanagh last September and later assaulted and tortured .
For almost a decade executives and companies involved in the management or acquisition of assets formerly owned by former billionaire Sean Quinn have been subjected to a campaign of violence .
Mr Quinn has condemned the violence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not acting in his name .
The Garda and PSNI established a joint investigation team to work on the case last November .
A serial criminal considered a key suspect in the kidnapping and torture died from a heart attack when police arrested him in Buxton , Derbyshire , last November .
Cyril McGuinness , known as Dublin Jimmy , was believed to have been hiding out in the area following the assault .
In December , four men were remanded in custody at a court in Co Cavan charged with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : PA

Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney, who was abducted from outside his Co Fermanagh home before being dumped on a road in Co Cavan. Photograph: BBC Spotlight
Three people arrested by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detectives investigating the kidnap and torture of Co Fermanagh businessman Kevin Lunney have been released unconditionally.
The two men, aged 23 and 61, and one woman aged 61 were detained in the Fermanagh area on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and assisting offenders.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced their release from custody in Omagh police station on Friday.
In the Republic on Thursday, the Garda arrested a man in his 30s in relation to the abduction and assault. He was detained at Cavan Garda station. Gardaí said he remained in custody on Friday.
READ MORE
Mr Lunney, a director at Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), was abducted outside his home near Derrylin, Co Fermanagh last September and later assaulted and tortured.
For almost a decade executives and companies involved in the management or acquisition of assets formerly owned by former billionaire Sean Quinn have been subjected to a campaign of violence. Mr Quinn has condemned the violence and has said that those carrying it out were not acting in his name.
The Garda and PSNI established a joint investigation team to work on the case last November.
A serial criminal considered a key suspect in the kidnapping and torture died from a heart attack when police arrested him in Buxton, Derbyshire, last November.
Cyril McGuinness, known as Dublin Jimmy, was believed to have been hiding out in the area following the assault.
In December, four men were remanded in custody at a court in Co Cavan charged with the kidnap and torture of Mr Lunney.–Additional reporting: PA


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Debt-for-equity swaps could help thousands of insolvent people

Thousands of older people in long-term arrears on their mortgages could benefit from a debt resolution option if personal insolvency legislation is changed , a debtor advisory group has said .
Claire Kelly , chairwoman of the Association of Personal Insolvency Practitioners , which represents financial advisers who help people in debt , said the legislation needs to be “ tweaked ” to permit debt-for-equity swaps as a debt rescue solution after a High Court ruling this week .
In a High Court ruling on Monday , Mr Justice Denis McDonald said that the courts could not approve the swaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage debt for partial ownership of an insolvent debtor ’ s home – without the consent of the relevant secured creditor .
On Monday , the judge called on the Oireachtas to amend the 2012-2015 personal insolvency law to allow the debt resolution option to be set out “ in sufficient detail ” to enable borrowers , banks and funds “ to identify and fully understand the precise scope and boundaries ” of these solutions .
The test case ruling raises uncertainty for thousands of mostly elderly borrowers who are considered best suited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage arrears cases .
Ms Kelly , a Kildare-based insolvency practitioner who has worked on about 200 personal insolvency arrangements for debtors , said that there were “ definitely thousands ” of potential applicants that the debt resolution mechanism would be suitable for .
She said that it would work best for people close to or at retirement age who are living in a high-value property with a substantial mortgage which they can not afford to pay but they have insufficient equity built up in the property to allow them to trade down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the exact people that debt for equity is ideal for , ” she said .
The option would allow a bank to recover the full value of their mortgage at the end of the payment term from the future sale of property and benefit from any uplift in the market , she said .
Central Bank statistics shows that there were about 43,000 mortgages in arrears of 90 days or more in September 2019 and almost 28,000 mortgages in arrears of 720 days or more .
Mr Justice McDonald rejected the debt-for-equity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Sligo woman Denise Lowe that was successfully opposed by Bank of Ireland .
Ms Lowe , who has total debts of €560,000 , wanted to reduce her mortgage from €358,000 to €300,000 , the current value of her home .
She proposed splitting the mortgage into a 22-year mortgage on €170,000 of the reduced debt and offer the bank a 43.3 per cent share in her home in a swap for the remaining €130,000 .
The judge ruled that the personal insolvency law prohibited a mortgage to be written down to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
“ The interpretation is being taken that if you go for debt-for-equity that that is effectively writing down a loan to a lower value instead of recognising that it actually shares the ownership between the bank and the debtor , ” said Ms Kelly .
“ The judge has called it out and said that the legislation needs to be tweaked in relation to recognising how it works and how it should work to make it available for more debtors.
” The judge found that the Oireachtas , in writing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the property rights of secured creditors would be respected but that the protection would be “ illusory ” if practitioners in agreeing debt-for-equity swaps were free to depart from this .

In a High Court ruling on Monday, Mr Justice Denis McDonald said that the courts could not approve the debt-for-equity swaps without the consent of the relevant secured creditor. Photograph: Alan Betson
Thousands of older people in long-term arrears on their mortgages could benefit from a debt resolution option if personal insolvency legislation is changed, a debtor advisory group has said.
Claire Kelly, chairwoman of the Association of Personal Insolvency Practitioners, which represents financial advisers who help people in debt, said the legislation needs to be "tweaked" to permit debt-for-equity swaps as a debt rescue solution after a High Court ruling this week.
In a High Court ruling on Monday, Mr Justice Denis McDonald said that the courts could not approve the swaps – where banks exchange part of the mortgage debt for partial ownership of an insolvent debtor’s home – without the consent of the relevant secured creditor.
On Monday, the judge called on the Oireachtas to amend the 2012-2015 personal insolvency law to allow the debt resolution option to be set out "in sufficient detail" to enable borrowers, banks and funds "to identify and fully understand the precise scope and boundaries" of these solutions.
READ MORE
The test case ruling raises uncertainty for thousands of mostly elderly borrowers who are considered best suited for debt-for-equity swaps to resolve their long-term mortgage arrears cases.
Potential applicants
Ms Kelly, a Kildare-based insolvency practitioner who has worked on about 200 personal insolvency arrangements for debtors, said that there were “definitely thousands” of potential applicants that the debt resolution mechanism would be suitable for.
She said that it would work best for people close to or at retirement age who are living in a high-value property with a substantial mortgage which they cannot afford to pay but they have insufficient equity built up in the property to allow them to trade down to a smaller property.
“There are the exact people that debt for equity is ideal for,” she said.
The option would allow a bank to recover the full value of their mortgage at the end of the payment term from the future sale of property and benefit from any uplift in the market, she said.
Central Bank statistics shows that there were about 43,000 mortgages in arrears of 90 days or more in September 2019 and almost 28,000 mortgages in arrears of 720 days or more.
Mr Justice McDonald rejected the debt-for-equity swap in a personal insolvency arrangement sought by Sligo woman Denise Lowe that was successfully opposed by Bank of Ireland.
Ms Lowe, who has total debts of €560,000, wanted to reduce her mortgage from €358,000 to €300,000, the current value of her home.
She proposed splitting the mortgage into a 22-year mortgage on €170,000 of the reduced debt and offer the bank a 43.3 per cent share in her home in a swap for the remaining €130,000.
The judge ruled that the personal insolvency law prohibited a mortgage to be written down to a sum below the market value of the property.
“The interpretation is being taken that if you go for debt-for-equity that that is effectively writing down a loan to a lower value instead of recognising that it actually shares the ownership between the bank and the debtor,” said Ms Kelly.
“The judge has called it out and said that the legislation needs to be tweaked in relation to recognising how it works and how it should work to make it available for more debtors.”
The judge found that the Oireachtas, in writing the legislation, was “plainly concerned” to ensure the property rights of secured creditors would be respected but that the protection would be “illusory” if practitioners in agreeing debt-for-equity swaps were free to depart from this.


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Wet wipes a growing beach waste, says Coastwatch report

Wet wipes have been identified for the first time as a separate category of waste in the list of household materials littering Ireland ’ s beaches .
A Coastwatch report published on Friday shows that wipes , favoured by many for their ease of use in daily cleaning , have been located on 12.2 per cent of the country ’ s shoreline .
While many other materials including plastic bottles are on the decline , wet wipes made their debut appearance as a category on the Coastwatch Autumn Survey , which examines 541 sites around the country .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite their growing prevalence , the report notes wet wipes remain notoriously difficult to find .
“ The [ 12.2 per cent ] result was judged unreliable from surveyor feedback and almost certainly a significant underestimate , ” it says .
“ Once wet , wipes form ropes , it is impossible to count them , while those released onto a beach as free floating wipes tend to lie down flat like a plaster on the sand and then get quickly covered by more sediment .
“ Those used in the bathroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the most problematic as an unknown number get flushed down the toilet.
” Coastwatch has been carrying out its annual analysis since 1987 ; last autumn saw more than 1,100 volunteers trawl hundreds of sections of beach and shoreline measuring at least 500m each .
As this is the first survey to include wet wipes as a standalone item , there is no data on the growth or decline in their prevalence .
However , Karin Dubsky , Coastwatch Europe co-ordinator , said there were concerns around their use , which appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The report recommends the issue is addressed immediately by way of increased directions on packaging against flushing wipes down toilets as well as a public awareness campaign .
Elsewhere , the data showed 877 tyres were found on one in five sites .
Landfill materials were recorded on 16.3 per cent of shoreline while bags , boxes and loose heaps of household refuse were found in 5 per cent .
Despite the range of materials , the survey does deliver some encouraging news .
Six of seven categories – plastic bottles , glass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plastic shopping bags and cartons – all reduced in volume .
The only category to increase was “ other ” , comprising individually counted items such as single-use cups , cotton buds , cigarette butts and wrappers .
Balloons , golf balls , farm plastic and full dog waste bags also featured across several sites .
Despite some waste reductions , the report sounds a note of caution in that its findings reflect “ a fraction of what is collected in weekly and daily shore cleans all over the island on over @ @ @ @ @

Wet wipes made their debut appearance as a category on the Coastwatch Autumn Survey, which examines 541 sites around the country. File photograph: Getty
Wet wipes have been identified for the first time as a separate category of waste in the list of household materials littering Ireland’s beaches.
A Coastwatch report published on Friday shows that wipes, favoured by many for their ease of use in daily cleaning, have been located on 12.2 per cent of the country’s shoreline.
While many other materials including plastic bottles are on the decline, wet wipes made their debut appearance as a category on the Coastwatch Autumn Survey, which examines 541 sites around the country. They were previously measured as part of sewage material.
Despite their growing prevalence, the report notes wet wipes remain notoriously difficult to find. “The [12.2 per cent] result was judged unreliable from surveyor feedback and almost certainly a significant underestimate,” it says.
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Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch Europe co-ordinator, said there were concerns around the use of wipes, which appears to be fuelled by cheap prices. Photograph: Joe St Leger
“Once wet, wipes form ropes, it is impossible to count them, while those released onto a beach as free floating wipes tend to lie down flat like a plaster on the sand and then get quickly covered by more sediment.
“Those used in the bathroom, replacing or augmenting toilet paper, are the most problematic as an unknown number get flushed down the toilet.”
Volunteers
Coastwatch has been carrying out its annual analysis since 1987; last autumn saw more than 1,100 volunteers trawl hundreds of sections of beach and shoreline measuring at least 500m each.
As this is the first survey to include wet wipes as a standalone item, there is no data on the growth or decline in their prevalence. However, Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch Europe co-ordinator, said there were concerns around their use, which appears to be fuelled by cheap prices.
The report recommends the issue is addressed immediately by way of increased directions on packaging against flushing wipes down toilets as well as a public awareness campaign.
Elsewhere, the data showed 877 tyres were found on one in five sites. Landfill materials were recorded on 16.3 per cent of shoreline while bags, boxes and loose heaps of household refuse were found in 5 per cent.
Despite the range of materials, the survey does deliver some encouraging news. Six of seven categories – plastic bottles, glass bottles, metal cans, bottle lids, plastic shopping bags and cartons – all reduced in volume.
The only category to increase was “other”, comprising individually counted items such as single-use cups, cotton buds, cigarette butts and wrappers. Balloons, golf balls, farm plastic and full dog waste bags also featured across several sites.
Despite some waste reductions, the report sounds a note of caution in that its findings reflect “a fraction of what is collected in weekly and daily shore cleans all over the island on over 7,300km” of coast.


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Coronavirus testing to rise sharply in Ireland as treatment streamlined

The testing of people for coronavirus and the treatment of confirmed cases is to be streamlined as the number of Covid-19 diagnoses continues to rise here .
Another five positive tests for the disease – three women and two men – were announced last night , with Northern Ireland also recording another case .
This brings to 18 the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic and four in the North .
It is planned that patients with mild symptoms will recover in isolation in the community , rather than in hospital , where all cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows four out of every five people who get the disease suffer mild symptoms .
The number of people infected with coronavirus is nearing 100,000 across the globe , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) said on Friday .
Staff at some Irish hospitals will be be trained to provide testing facilities regionally , it is expected .
The National Virus Reference Laboratory in University College Dublin currently processes all tests .
Up to last week , almost 400 people had been tested , but this number is expected to have risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .
Other health service staff are to be drafted in to assist the 60 or so public health professionals who specialise in tracing contacts of people with infectious diseases .
The requirement for contact tracing has escalated hugely since the number of cases grew in recent days .
Three of the new cases in the Republic are in the south of the country , one is in the east and one in the west .
One case is associated with travel from northern Italy , and one with close contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involves a healthcare worker who was in close contact with a confirmed case .
The last two new cases involve a male who travelled from abroad and a female who travelled from northern Italy .
The country the man travelled to Ireland from is not one of the high-risk areas and the case remains under investigation .
The State ’ s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan described 18 as “ a small number of cases ” and pointed out that the origins of all but one could be explained .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chance of picking up this disease remains very low.
” Hospitals in Cork and the midwest , and Dublin ’ s Mater hospital , where cases are being treated , have introduced visitor restrictions and many elective surgeries have been cancelled .
Private nursing homes across the State have also restricted visiting to minimise risk to “ vulnerable ” older residents .
Trinity College Dublin , which has one confirmed case among its student body , has introduced a ban on entering the college for 14 days for staff and students returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ireland ’ s fifth round Six Nations clash away to France on March 14th will go ahead , the French Rugby Federation confirmed .
Organisers of the St Patrick ’ s Day parade in Youghal , Co Cork announced their decision to cancel this year ’ s event .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged people “ not to act unilaterally , whether that is crèche owners or business owners or event organisers ” .
“ We need to act in concert , and if the response needs to be escalated we should escalate @ @ @ @

The number of coronavirus, or Covid-19, cases is due to rapidly increase in Ireland. To protect yourself and avoid spreading the virus, hand-washing is key.
The testing of people for coronavirus and the treatment of confirmed cases is to be streamlined as the number of Covid-19 diagnoses continues to rise here.
Another five positive tests for the disease – three women and two men – were announced last night, with Northern Ireland also recording another case.
This brings to 18 the number of confirmed cases of the virus in the Republic and four in the North.
It is planned that patients with mild symptoms will recover in isolation in the community, rather than in hospital, where all cases are being treated at present.
READ MORE
International data shows four out of every five people who get the disease suffer mild symptoms. The number of people infected with coronavirus is nearing 100,000 across the globe, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday.
Staff at some Irish hospitals will be be trained to provide testing facilities regionally, it is expected. The National Virus Reference Laboratory in University College Dublin currently processes all tests. Up to last week, almost 400 people had been tested, but this number is expected to have risen sharply when new figures are published early next week.
Other health service staff are to be drafted in to assist the 60 or so public health professionals who specialise in tracing contacts of people with infectious diseases. The requirement for contact tracing has escalated hugely since the number of cases grew in recent days.
Three of the new cases in the Republic are in the south of the country, one is in the east and one in the west.
One case is associated with travel from northern Italy, and one with close contact with a confirmed case. A third case involves a healthcare worker who was in close contact with a confirmed case.
The last two new cases involve a male who travelled from abroad and a female who travelled from northern Italy. The country the man travelled to Ireland from is not one of the high-risk areas and the case remains under investigation.
Containment phase
The State’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan described 18 as “a small number of cases” and pointed out that the origins of all but one could be explained.
“We are still in a containment phase and the chance of picking up this disease remains very low.”
Hospitals in Cork and the midwest, and Dublin’s Mater hospital, where cases are being treated, have introduced visitor restrictions and many elective surgeries have been cancelled. Private nursing homes across the State have also restricted visiting to minimise risk to “vulnerable” older residents.
We need to act in concert, and if the response needs to be escalated we should escalate it altogether
Trinity College Dublin, which has one confirmed case among its student body, has introduced a ban on entering the college for 14 days for staff and students returning from northern Italy or other high-risk areas.
Ireland’s fifth round Six Nations clash away to France on March 14th will go ahead, the French Rugby Federation confirmed. Organisers of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Youghal, Co Cork announced their decision to cancel this year’s event.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged people “not to act unilaterally, whether that is crèche owners or business owners or event organisers”. “We need to act in concert, and if the response needs to be escalated we should escalate it altogether.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-07--Thinking Anew – Spiritual progress means moving on from where we feel secure

In tomorrow ’ s liturgy we are reminded that uncertainty and questioning are part and parcel of a living faith .
In the Old Testament reading , Abraham is in a state of confusion , concerned that he has no heir .
God intervenes , promising a future full of promise , but Abraham must move on from where he is relying on God to deliver .
In the gospel reading , Nicodemus is invited by Jesus to take a step , to be born ” from above ” .
He doesn ’ t get the message at that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later to play a key role after the death of Jesus .
In each case we are shown that spiritual progress means moving on from where we feel secure .
No one finds that easy .
In the early 1990s , the distinguished scholar and writer AN Wilson was known for his anti-religious views .
In reaction to the troubles in Northern Ireland , he published the pamphlet Against Religion .
Another of his publications was God ’ s Funeral : The Decline of Faith in Western Civilization .
He compares his conversion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus .
“ I realised that after a lifetime of churchgoing , the whole house of cards had collapsed for me – the sense of God ’ s presence in life , and the notion that there was any kind of God , let alone a merciful God , in this brutal , nasty world .
As for Jesus having been the founder of Christianity , this idea seemed perfectly preposterous.
” With this newfound certainty , Wilson felt comfortable with his own generation .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ So – absolutely no God ?
’ ‘ Nope , ’ I was able to say with Moonie-zeal .
‘ No future life , nothing ‘ out there ’ ?
’ ‘ No , ’ I obediently replied .
At last !
I could join in the creed shared by so many ( most ? )
of my intelligent contemporaries in the western world – that men and women are purely material beings.
” But the questioning temperament that lead Wilson away from religious belief to atheism persisted and when a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time , he began to feel uncomfortable with the purely materialist explanations offered for human existence .
They simply did not add up on an intellectual level .
For him certain phenomena – of which love and music were the two strongest – suggested that human beings are very much more than collections of meat .
“ They convince me that we are spiritual beings , and that the religion of the incarnation , asserting that God made humanity in His image , and continually restores humanity in His image , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for life , as a template against which to measure experience , it fits.
” Fr Peter Lemass was one of those clergy who gave us the Radharc documentaries broadcast by RTÉ many years ago .
Peter believed that Christianity had a good story to tell and should respond to a questioning generation .
He saw this need as he recalled being told as a youth not to ask questions about religion ; all that mattered was that he be “ a good Catholic ” .
He would go on in his communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importantly seek answers .
Most thinking people live with questions about life and its meaning but that is not a bad place to be , given that troubled Abraham , often referred to as the Father of Faith , set out “ not knowing where he was going ” .
Or Nicodemus who , while he found it difficult to fully comprehend the teaching of Jesus , knew enough to stay with him in the dark days of the crucifixion and beyond .
In his poem “ In Memoriam ” , Tennyson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a faith tested by the death of a much loved young friend : “ I falter where I firmly trod , / And falling with my weight of cares / .
.
.
I stretch lame hands of faith , and grope , /And gather dust and chaff , and call / To what I feel is Lord of all , / And faintly trust the larger hope .
”

In tomorrow’s liturgy we are reminded that uncertainty and questioning are part and parcel of a living faith. In the Old Testament reading, Abraham is in a state of confusion, concerned that he has no heir. God intervenes, promising a future full of promise, but Abraham must move on from where he is relying on God to deliver. In the gospel reading, Nicodemus is invited by Jesus to take a step, to be born ” from above”. He doesn’t get the message at that time and disappears from the text but re-emerges later to play a key role after the death of Jesus.
In each case we are shown that spiritual progress means moving on from where we feel secure. No one finds that easy.
In the early 1990s, the distinguished scholar and writer AN Wilson was known for his anti-religious views. In reaction to the troubles in Northern Ireland, he published the pamphlet Against Religion. Another of his publications was God’s Funeral: The Decline of Faith in Western Civilization. He compares his conversion to atheism to Paul’s dramatic conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus. “I realised that after a lifetime of churchgoing, the whole house of cards had collapsed for me – the sense of God’s presence in life, and the notion that there was any kind of God, let alone a merciful God, in this brutal, nasty world. As for Jesus having been the founder of Christianity, this idea seemed perfectly preposterous.”
With this newfound certainty, Wilson felt comfortable with his own generation. He answered their questions with confidence: “‘So – absolutely no God?’ ‘Nope,’ I was able to say with Moonie-zeal. ‘No future life, nothing ‘out there’?’ ‘No,’ I obediently replied. At last! I could join in the creed shared by so many (most?) of my intelligent contemporaries in the western world – that men and women are purely material beings.”
READ MORE
But the questioning temperament that lead Wilson away from religious belief to atheism persisted and when a number of friends died over a short space of time, he began to feel uncomfortable with the purely materialist explanations offered for human existence. They simply did not add up on an intellectual level. For him certain phenomena – of which love and music were the two strongest – suggested that human beings are very much more than collections of meat. “They convince me that we are spiritual beings, and that the religion of the incarnation, asserting that God made humanity in His image, and continually restores humanity in His image, is simply true. As a working blueprint for life, as a template against which to measure experience, it fits.”
Fr Peter Lemass was one of those clergy who gave us the Radharc documentaries broadcast by RTÉ many years ago. Peter believed that Christianity had a good story to tell and should respond to a questioning generation. He saw this need as he recalled being told as a youth not to ask questions about religion; all that mattered was that he be “a good Catholic”. He would go on in his communications role to ask many questions and more importantly seek answers.
Most thinking people live with questions about life and its meaning but that is not a bad place to be, given that troubled Abraham, often referred to as the Father of Faith, set out “not knowing where he was going”. Or Nicodemus who, while he found it difficult to fully comprehend the teaching of Jesus, knew enough to stay with him in the dark days of the crucifixion and beyond.
In his poem “In Memoriam”, Tennyson, holds on to his faith, albeit a faith tested by the death of a much loved young friend: “I falter where I firmly trod, / And falling with my weight of cares /. . . I stretch lame hands of faith, and grope,/And gather dust and chaff, and call / To what I feel is Lord of all, / And faintly trust the larger hope.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-06--Luas stepping up daily cleaning to help combat coronavirus

Cleaning of Dublin ’ s Luas trams is being stepped up in response to the coronavirus , while other transport providers have said they are following current advice from the Department of Health .
Almost 800,000 passenger journeys are made on public transport in the Republic every day , some 650,000 of them in the Greater Dublin area , with 156,000 journeys made on Dublin suburban rail services alone .
As transport companies from the New York Subway operator to Taiwan taxi companies stepped up cleaning in response to Covid-19 , Luas operator Transdev said it too would take extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said overhead hand and grab rails , as well as door controls , were being treated “ more frequently ” with anti-bacterial cleaners , while “ all trams would be cleaned overnight as per the norm ” .
Irish Rail said it wiped down hand rails every evening as part of its sanitation process .
The company said it had sought the advice of the Department of Health and the HSE , “ and our normal cleaning regime of trains and stations – including overnight and turnaround cleaning – meets current requirements to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Within this we will focus on surfaces with which customers and staff come into regular contact.
” Dublin Bus said its vehicles “ are cleaned every night , and we are following all public health instructions that are issued by the Department of Health ” .
A spokeswoman said the company was engaging with , and being guided by , the relevant health and other government agencies to inform decisions while concerns about the coronavirus remained in place .
Bus Éireann also said its vehicles were “ rigorously ” cleaned every night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that all recommended measures were being taken .
Transport operators contacted about a potential fall-off in customers said it was too soon to spot any reduction in passenger journeys .
The State ’ s largest local authorities also said they would be guided by any new advice from the Department of Health .
Dublin City Council said it was continually following current guidelines and would adapt to any changes .
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was “ subject to national policy , and follows the advice of the health services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
In a statement the council added : “ Staff have been advised to follow the same advice and consult their GP should they have any further questions.
” South Dublin County Council said it was “ following the advice of the Department of Health and the chief medical officer on the matter .
There are currently no special arrangements in place regarding remote working.
” Fingal County Council said it was “ subject to national policy and follows the advice of the health services with regard to dealing with the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been advised to follow the same advice and consult their GP should they have any further questions .
Cork County Council said it was “ following guidance provided by the Health Service Executive in relation to Covid-19 and associated matters ” .

Cleaning of Dublin’s Luas trams is being stepped up in response to the coronavirus, while other transport providers have said they are following current advice from the Department of Health.
Almost 800,000 passenger journeys are made on public transport in the Republic every day, some 650,000 of them in the Greater Dublin area, with 156,000 journeys made on Dublin suburban rail services alone.
As transport companies from the New York Subway operator to Taiwan taxi companies stepped up cleaning in response to Covid-19, Luas operator Transdev said it too would take extra steps to sanitise trams.
A spokeswoman said overhead hand and grab rails, as well as door controls, were being treated “more frequently” with anti-bacterial cleaners, while “all trams would be cleaned overnight as per the norm”.
READ MORE
Irish Rail said it wiped down hand rails every evening as part of its sanitation process.
The company said it had sought the advice of the Department of Health and the HSE, “and our normal cleaning regime of trains and stations – including overnight and turnaround cleaning – meets current requirements to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Within this we will focus on surfaces with which customers and staff come into regular contact.”
Dublin Bus said its vehicles “are cleaned every night, and we are following all public health instructions that are issued by the Department of Health”.
A spokeswoman said the company was engaging with, and being guided by, the relevant health and other government agencies to inform decisions while concerns about the coronavirus remained in place.
Bus Éireann also said its vehicles were “rigorously” cleaned every night, and it was working with the HSE to ensure that all recommended measures were being taken.
Transport operators contacted about a potential fall-off in customers said it was too soon to spot any reduction in passenger journeys.
Local authorities
The State’s largest local authorities also said they would be guided by any new advice from the Department of Health.
Dublin City Council said it was continually following current guidelines and would adapt to any changes .
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was “ subject to national policy, and follows the advice of the health services with regard to dealing with the coronavirus”. In a statement the council added: “Staff have been advised to follow the same advice and consult their GP should they have any further questions.”
South Dublin County Council said it was “following the advice of the Department of Health and the chief medical officer on the matter. There are currently no special arrangements in place regarding remote working.”
Fingal County Council said it was “subject to national policy and follows the advice of the health services with regard to dealing with the coronavirus”.
The council said staff had been advised to follow the same advice and consult their GP should they have any further questions.
Cork County Council said it was “following guidance provided by the Health Service Executive in relation to Covid-19 and associated matters”.