theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Proper cycling infrastructure ‘easiest way to reduce public transport overcrowding’

Enabling more people to cycle is the easiest way to reduce overcrowding on public transport and encourage more sustainable modes of commuting , a commuter lobby group has said .
Dublin Commuter Coalition has also called for the use of bus mounted cameras , junction cameras and a system to allow pedestrians to report infractions of the law using their smartphones .
The lobby group has released a manifesto in the lead up to the general election , calling on politicians to prioritise public transport , cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area .
The document sets out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , including BusConnects , cycling infrastructure , e-rides ( electric bikes , scooters , unicycles and hoverboards ) and Luas expansion .
“ All modes of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area are experiencing extensive overcrowding .
There is not enough capacity and adding extra capacity takes several years to achieve , ” the document says .
“ The cheapest , fastest and simplest way to reduce overcrowding is by enabling more people to cycle .
That is why the key to our current transport woes is to invest and invest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanly possible.
” Dublin Commuter Coalition state that the bus is the “ work horse ” with the majority of public transport journeys taking place via this mode .
As a result , the group says , they should be prioritised over private cars and taxis , particularly during peak hours or in problem areas like College Green or along the canals .
The coalition has also called for the system to be expanded .
They say that fewer than 10 of the 82 largest towns , with over 5,000 inhabitants , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
“ They are actively being dissuaded from utilising a more sustainable mode of travel .
Without mentioning the alarming lack of cycling facilities outside of Ireland ’ s major cities , the car is literally their only option .
We have intentionally designed our towns and cities to make this so , ” the manifesto adds .
Among some of the other demands , the coalition also wants to see the provision to begin the development of high speed rail from Belfast to Cork via Dublin , extensive retrofitting of existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouragement of the use of e-rides and a fundamental expansion in the states provision for those with mobility of sight impairments .
Kevin Carter , chairperson of Dublin Commuter Coalition said the benefits of these changes will outweigh the costs .
“ The first reaction to a list like this is likely to be , ‘ How could we possibly afford all this ?
’ But the real question is how can we not afford to do this ?
” Mr Carter said .
“ Congestion is due to cost Dublin alone €2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not doing this that will cost us.
” The coalition added that it will “ scrutinise ” candidates and parties in the run up to the election , with “ the aim of giving voters the best information on sound transport thinking ” .
The 12 topics in the manifesto are :

Enabling more people to cycle is the easiest way to reduce overcrowding on public transport and encourage more sustainable modes of commuting, a commuter lobby group has said.
Dublin Commuter Coalition has also called for the use of bus mounted cameras, junction cameras and a system to allow pedestrians to report infractions of the law using their smartphones.
The lobby group has released a manifesto in the lead up to the general election, calling on politicians to prioritise public transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.
The document sets out 12 topics that the group wants action on, including BusConnects, cycling infrastructure, e-rides (electric bikes, scooters, unicycles and hoverboards)and Luas expansion.
READ MORE
“All modes of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area are experiencing extensive overcrowding. There is not enough capacity and adding extra capacity takes several years to achieve,” the document says.
“The cheapest, fastest and simplest way to reduce overcrowding is by enabling more people to cycle. That is why the key to our current transport woes is to invest and invest heavily in cycling provision as fast as humanly possible.”
Dublin Commuter Coalition state that the bus is the “work horse” with the majority of public transport journeys taking place via this mode.
As a result, the group says, they should be prioritised over private cars and taxis, particularly during peak hours or in problem areas like College Green or along the canals.
The coalition has also called for the system to be expanded. They say that fewer than 10 of the 82 largest towns, with over 5,000 inhabitants, in Ireland have public bus services in their areas.
“They are actively being dissuaded from utilising a more sustainable mode of travel. Without mentioning the alarming lack of cycling facilities outside of Ireland’s major cities, the car is literally their only option. We have intentionally designed our towns and cities to make this so,” the manifesto adds.
Among some of the other demands, the coalition also wants to see the provision to begin the development of high speed rail from Belfast to Cork via Dublin, extensive retrofitting of existing roads to allocate for cycling, enhanced encouragement of the use of e-rides and a fundamental expansion in the states provision for those with mobility of sight impairments.
Kevin Carter, chairperson of Dublin Commuter Coalition said the benefits of these changes will outweigh the costs.
“The first reaction to a list like this is likely to be, ‘How could we possibly afford all this?’ But the real question is how can we not afford to do this?” Mr Carter said. “Congestion is due to cost Dublin alone €2 billion a year by 2030. It’s not doing this that will cost us.”
The coalition added that it will “scrutinise” candidates and parties in the run up to the election, with “the aim of giving voters the best information on sound transport thinking”.
The 12 topics in the manifesto are:
- Invest in cycling yesterday
- The ongoing BusConnects programme
- Bus system expansion
- Roads for all modes
- Metro
- Luas expansion
- Dart
- National rail network
- Pedestrian infrastructure
- Enforcement
- People with reduced mobility or sight
- E-rides


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Drogheda people ‘have reached threshold’ over Mulready-Woods killing

The deputy mayor of Drogheda has said the people of the town have reached a threshold and will no longer stand idly by following the murder of teenager Keane Mulready-Woods .
“ The people of Drogheda are mad , we ’ re mad at the thugs who have given the wonderful historic town of Drogheda a name synonymous with drugs and crime , ” Michelle Hall said .
“ We ’ re mad at the lack of judicial and political will that leaves Drogheda at the mercy of a tiny group of people and we won ’ t stand idly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard by those in authority in Dublin and in the judicial system , ” Ms Hall told Newstalk Breakfast .
The dismembered remains of Mr Mulready-Woods ( 17 ) were left at two locations in Dublin , and this was deliberately intended to cause maximum intimidation , gardaí believe .
Mr Mulready-Woods , who grew up in Drogheda , became involved with one of the major drug gangs in the area at a time when its feud with a rival group was beginning to heat up .
“ We ’ re calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we ’ ve done it last year already , because we ’ re shocked , we ’ re saddened by the level of violence and brutality that was carried out in the murder of a young boy Keane Mulready Woods , we are mad , ” Ms Hall said .
She acknowledged that although the previous protest had been well attended , some people had been afraid to come along .
“ There was known to be criminal gangs monitoring that day , but I think the people of Drogheda have reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been crossed - people are extremely mad and shocked that a youth has been murdered in this way , and I think we are all fearful for our children , and I think that is such a catalyst .
“ So from something really bad happening I think this is going to be a catalyst that the people of Drogheda will want to come together and really stand with the parents , with the family of Keane Mulready-Woods , to say we understand your pain , it ’ s really upsetting for everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want our voices to be heard .
“ Drogheda has been left behind , we need investment in the town , we need jobs in the town .
These kids come from areas of high social depravation that ’ s been generational – we need to break that cycle .
“ We need people in authority , in the judicial system - political will is what we need to bring Drogheda back to the great place it should be to live in for everybody , ” she said .

The deputy mayor of Drogheda has said the people of the town have reached a threshold and will no longer stand idly by following the murder of teenager Keane Mulready-Woods.
"The people of Drogheda are mad, we're mad at the thugs who have given the wonderful historic town of Drogheda a name synonymous with drugs and crime," Michelle Hall said.
“We’re mad at the lack of judicial and political will that leaves Drogheda at the mercy of a tiny group of people and we won’t stand idly by any more.
“We will be heard by those in authority in Dublin and in the judicial system,” Ms Hall told Newstalk Breakfast.
READ MORE
The dismembered remains of Mr Mulready-Woods (17) were left at two locations in Dublin, and this was deliberately intended to cause maximum intimidation, gardaí believe.
Mr Mulready-Woods, who grew up in Drogheda, became involved with one of the major drug gangs in the area at a time when its feud with a rival group was beginning to heat up.
“We’re calling on our citizens to rally again, because we’ve done it last year already, because we’re shocked, we’re saddened by the level of violence and brutality that was carried out in the murder of a young boy Keane Mulready Woods, we are mad,” Ms Hall said.
She acknowledged that although the previous protest had been well attended, some people had been afraid to come along.
“There was known to be criminal gangs monitoring that day, but I think the people of Drogheda have reached a threshold now, that line has been crossed - people are extremely mad and shocked that a youth has been murdered in this way, and I think we are all fearful for our children, and I think that is such a catalyst.
“So from something really bad happening I think this is going to be a catalyst that the people of Drogheda will want to come together and really stand with the parents, with the family of Keane Mulready-Woods, to say we understand your pain, it’s really upsetting for everyone,” Ms Hall said. “We want our voices to be heard.
“Drogheda has been left behind, we need investment in the town, we need jobs in the town. These kids come from areas of high social depravation that’s been generational – we need to break that cycle.
“We need people in authority, in the judicial system - political will is what we need to bring Drogheda back to the great place it should be to live in for everybody,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Sepsis bigger killer than cancer worldwide, study suggests

Sepsis is now a bigger killer than cancer , with more than double the number of deaths worldwide than previously estimated , a global study suggests .
One person every three seconds dies from the condition worldwide , a charity said in response to the research , which suggests sepsis accounts for almost a fifth of global deaths .
The researchers ’ Global Burden Of Disease Report ( GBDR ) on sepsis estimates there were 48.9 million cases in 2017 , and 11 million deaths , across 195 countries and territories .
A World Health Organisation report found an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
This equates to just under a fifth ( 19.7 per cent ) of all global deaths that year .
The most recent global estimate , in 2016 , was of 19.4 million cases and 5.3 million deaths , based on data on adults in hospitals in seven high-income countries .
These were the US , Australia , New Zealand , Spain , Germany , Norway and Sweden .
But while the authors said they were “ alarmed ” to see the death rates so high , their research shows cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last 30 years .
The researchers estimated there were 60.2 million cases of sepsis in 1990 , almost a fifth ( 18.8 per cent ) higher than their 2017 estimate .
In the new study , published in The Lancet , half of all cases occurred in children and adolescents , particularly in low or low-middle income countries .
Some 15 per cent of the cases occurred in high-income countries such as the UK , which was not included in the 10 countries with the lowest death and incident rates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise if new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance are not found quickly .
The authors write : “ We have produced global sepsis estimates that are more than double previous calculations , with 11 million sepsis deaths and 48.9 million incident sepsis cases in 2017 .
“ We have shown a global trend of decreasing sepsis burden but , importantly , substantial differences between regions remain , in total number of sepsis deaths , age distribution of sepsis deaths , and case fatality .
“ These differences by location are alarming and deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research , and policy communities.
” Sepsis , which is hard to spot , occurs when the body responds poorly to a bacterial infection and attacks its own tissue and organs .
Deterioration can be rapid , and if it is not detected early , can lead to multi-organ system failure and death .
The study , led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington schools of medicine , looked at hospital records and data obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases .
The 10 countries with the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Central African Republic leading the survey .
Those with the lowest death rates were mainly Middle Eastern and wealthier countries.–PA

Sepsis is now a bigger killer than cancer, with more than double the number of deaths worldwide than previously estimated.
Sepsis is now a bigger killer than cancer, with more than double the number of deaths worldwide than previously estimated, a global study suggests.
One person every three seconds dies from the condition worldwide, a charity said in response to the research, which suggests sepsis accounts for almost a fifth of global deaths.
The researchers’ Global Burden Of Disease Report (GBDR) on sepsis estimates there were 48.9 million cases in 2017, and 11 million deaths, across 195 countries and territories. A World Health Organisation report found an estimated 9.6 million people died from cancer in 2018.
This equates to just under a fifth (19.7 per cent) of all global deaths that year.
READ MORE
The most recent global estimate, in 2016, was of 19.4 million cases and 5.3 million deaths, based on data on adults in hospitals in seven high-income countries.
These were the US, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Norway and Sweden.
But while the authors said they were “alarmed” to see the death rates so high, their research shows cases of sepsis and deaths have been falling overall over the last 30 years.
The researchers estimated there were 60.2 million cases of sepsis in 1990, almost a fifth (18.8 per cent) higher than their 2017 estimate.
In the new study, published in The Lancet, half of all cases occurred in children and adolescents, particularly in low or low-middle income countries.
Age-standardised sepsis incidence per 100,000 population for both sexes, in 2017 (A), and percentage of all deaths related to sepsis, age-standardised for both sexes, in 2017 (B). Source: The Lancet
Some 15 per cent of the cases occurred in high-income countries such as the UK, which was not included in the 10 countries with the lowest death and incident rates.
Experts warn the number of deaths could rise if new ways to tackle antibiotic resistance are not found quickly.
The authors write: “We have produced global sepsis estimates that are more than double previous calculations, with 11 million sepsis deaths and 48.9 million incident sepsis cases in 2017.
Age-standardised sepsis incidence per 100,000 population for both sexes, in 2017 (A), and percentage of all deaths related to sepsis, age-standardised for both sexes, in 2017 (B). Source: The Lancet
“We have shown a global trend of decreasing sepsis burden but, importantly, substantial differences between regions remain, in total number of sepsis deaths, age distribution of sepsis deaths, and case fatality.
“These differences by location are alarming and deserve urgent attention from the global health, research, and policy communities.”
Sepsis, which is hard to spot, occurs when the body responds poorly to a bacterial infection and attacks its own tissue and organs.
Symptoms include a high or abnormally low temperature, fast heart rate and rapid breathing.
Deterioration can be rapid, and if it is not detected early, can lead to multi-organ system failure and death.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Washington schools of medicine, looked at hospital records and data obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases.
The 10 countries with the highest death rates were all in Africa, with the Central African Republic leading the survey.
Those with the lowest death rates were mainly Middle Eastern and wealthier countries.–PA


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Meath school set to drop controversial iPad-only policy

A secondary school in Co Meath is set to drop its iPad-only policy for new students after an independent review recommended books should be reintroduced .
The move is likely to be influential in shaping how other secondary schools incorporate technology in the classroom .
Ratoath College , a 1,000-pupil school , has been at the centre of controversy following a vocal campaign by some parents who were concerned over the amount of time their children were spending on screens .
An “ independent digital review group ” issued its report to the school ’ s board of management of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that first-year students should no longer be required to buy a iPad .
In future , teaching and learning at the school should be based on a “ blended approach ” that involves textbooks and technology .
Crucially , it is understood that the access to technology will be limited to digital devices under the supervision of teachers in the classroom .
The review group included Dr Ann Marcus Quinn , an expert in technical communication and instructional design at the University of Limerick ; former school principal Cora Dunne ; and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dálaigh .
In a letter to parents , Ratoath College principal Séamus Meehan said the full report will be reviewed by the school board and the Louth Meath Education and Training Board .
They will decided on the “ practical implications ” associated with implementing the group ’ s recommendations , after which a presentation will be made to parents , students and staff .
The findings endorse the position of those parents who campaigned against the school ’ s iPad-only policy .
In a statement , the “ concerned parents ” group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of the iPad as a primary learning tool in place of physical textbooks was “ detrimental to our children ’ s education , health and wellbeing ” .
“ We are delighted that the group has recommended , among other findings , that the iPad policy is to be abolished for incoming first-years .
Parents who shared their experiences and concerns feel that they have been vindicated .
It was not easy challenging the status quo but our motivation was the best interests of our children , ” said Nicola Kearns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We empathise with parents faced with similar situations in schools across the country .
Parents are key stakeholders in their children ’ s ’ education and their voice deserves to be heard.
” Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne said he welcomed the fact the school board had listened to the concerns of parents and taken expert advice .
“ This a very new issue facing education in Ireland .
I think what they proposed in terms of blended learning is where most parents and educators are at and I welcome this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an issue affecting schools across the country and some serious national guidelines are needed from the Department of Education .
Perhaps this report – though specific to Ratoath – may prove useful to other schools.
” The parents ’ group said there were still questions to be answered on the recommendations and how they will implemented as the full report has yet to be published .
Ms Kearns added that parents across the State should be “ wary ” of the introduction and embedding of technology in children ’ s school .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and why digital policies are being implemented and their impact on learning , attainment and health , ” said Ms Kearns .
“ We look forward to see the report in full and to supporting the school in implementing positive changes .
”

Leyla Kaya, a student at Ratoath College: The school is dropping its iPad-only policy for junior cycle students. Photograph: Alan Betson
A secondary school in Co Meath is set to drop its iPad-only policy for new students after an independent review recommended books should be reintroduced.
The move is likely to be influential in shaping how other secondary schools incorporate technology in the classroom.
Ratoath College, a 1,000-pupil school, has been at the centre of controversy following a vocal campaign by some parents who were concerned over the amount of time their children were spending on screens.
An “independent digital review group” issued its report to the school’s board of management of Wednesday night. Among its recommendations are that first-year students should no longer be required to buy a iPad.
READ MORE
In future, teaching and learning at the school should be based on a “blended approach” that involves textbooks and technology.
Crucially, it is understood that the access to technology will be limited to digital devices under the supervision of teachers in the classroom.
The review group included Dr Ann Marcus Quinn, an expert in technical communication and instructional design at the University of Limerick; former school principal Cora Dunne; and former Department of Education inspector Dr Carl Ó Dálaigh.
In a letter to parents, Ratoath College principal Séamus Meehan said the full report will be reviewed by the school board and the Louth Meath Education and Training Board.
‘Detrimental’ effect
They will decided on the “practical implications” associated with implementing the group’s recommendations, after which a presentation will be made to parents, students and staff.
The findings endorse the position of those parents who campaigned against the school’s iPad-only policy.
In a statement, the “concerned parents” group said it had campaigned for change believing the use of the iPad as a primary learning tool in place of physical textbooks was “detrimental to our children’s education, health and wellbeing”.
"We are delighted that the group has recommended, among other findings, that the iPad policy is to be abolished for incoming first-years. Parents who shared their experiences and concerns feel that they have been vindicated. It was not easy challenging the status quo but our motivation was the best interests of our children," said Nicola Kearns, the group's spokeswoman.
“We empathise with parents faced with similar situations in schools across the country. Parents are key stakeholders in their children’s’ education and their voice deserves to be heard.”
Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne said he welcomed the fact the school board had listened to the concerns of parents and taken expert advice.
‘Blended learning’
"This a very new issue facing education in Ireland. I think what they proposed in terms of blended learning is where most parents and educators are at and I welcome this," he said.
“This is an issue affecting schools across the country and some serious national guidelines are needed from the Department of Education. Perhaps this report – though specific to Ratoath – may prove useful to other schools.”
The parents’ group said there were still questions to be answered on the recommendations and how they will implemented as the full report has yet to be published.
Ms Kearns added that parents across the State should be "wary" of the introduction and embedding of technology in children's school.
“They should be encouraged to question how and why digital policies are being implemented and their impact on learning, attainment and health,” said Ms Kearns. “We look forward to see the report in full and to supporting the school in implementing positive changes.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--CAO Countdown: Focus on your interests, not high-point courses

The countdown clock is ticking , and time is running out for those who haven ’ t yet registered with the CAO .
Monday , January 20th , at 5.15pm marks the closure of the CAO early-bird €30 online applications process .
The normal closing date for applications at a cost of €45 is at 5.15pm on February 1st .
The biggest obstacle facing young people – and their parents – in choosing the right third-level courses can often be the CAO points system itself .
Today ’ s school-leavers are confronted with more than 1,000 courses .
This dizzying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the false perception that higher-points courses are inherently better .
It ’ s worth remembering how the points system operates .
In essence , it is based on the Leaving Cert score of the last student to secure a place on a course .
So , a smaller programme that offers 40 places will typically require higher points than one with 100 places .
Colleges within the most built-up areas – where demand for places reflects the surrounding population – tend to require higher points across the range of their courses compared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet , many students and parents select courses based on the highest points requirement rather than what they want to study .
Success for them is often defined as securing a place on a course which is closest to a student ’ s Leaving Cert points score .
If you are likely to secure 500-plus points , putting you in that elite 8 per cent , your course selection will be confined to those courses .
It is a brave student who lists a course requiring 350 points , knowing that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher .
Sadly , many parents see third-level options totally through the prism of points requirements .
Whether explicitly or subliminally , this message is clearly understood by their children , years before they begin to frame their course aspirations .
For many , going straight into college isn ’ t necessarily the right step .
Some students are ill-prepared for the rigours of self-directed learning of third-level education .
Such students can self-destruct academically within months of starting into college .
Yet , such a student would blossom in a further education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the self-directed learning skills needed at third level during a one-year level-five programme , This option , however , is often not considered by most students or their parents , as attending further education is perceived as an option only for those who fail to secure high points , which is a completely false perception .
Another barrier to clarity of thought on your genuine course interests is the herd element of students within individual schools .
I often hear students tell me : “ I am going to UCD or to Trinity.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a precondition , they invariably answer : “ All my friends are going there.
” The prospect for many young people of being cast adrift in an environment where they will know nobody can often override all else .
Choosing the wrong course , however , has real consequences .
It ’ s not a surprise that thousands of students drop out of college in their first year .
Almost one-in-10 students at university and close to one-in-five in institutes of technology fail to progress to the second year of their course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will face a substantial bill of several thousand euro from the finance department of the college where the student starts the second time .
I have also met many adults who are seeking career changes , who realised the error of their choice in first year , but never had the courage to confront their parents with this insight .
Don ’ t fret just yet .
There is no pressure to select the right course straight way .
The CAO ’ s change-of-mind facility can allow you to reselect your course choices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember if you have not already done so to register with the CAO without delay .
Difficult and all as it may be over the next six months , it is crucially important to look beyond the mirages created by the factors listed here and ask yourself one simple question : what courses are most likely to inspire your curiosity and innate interest ?
Once you ’ ve figured this out , list them in the order of your preference .

University College Dublin, Belfield: Choosing the wrong course has real consequences. Thousands drop out of college in their first year. Photograph: Alan Betson
The countdown clock is ticking, and time is running out for those who haven’t yet registered with the CAO.
Monday, January 20th, at 5.15pm marks the closure of the CAO early-bird €30 online applications process. The normal closing date for applications at a cost of €45 is at 5.15pm on February 1st.
The biggest obstacle facing young people – and their parents – in choosing the right third-level courses can often be the CAO points system itself.
Today’s school-leavers are confronted with more than 1,000 courses . This dizzying array of choices is further complicated by the false perception that higher-points courses are inherently better.
READ MORE
It’s worth remembering how the points system operates. In essence, it is based on the Leaving Cert score of the last student to secure a place on a course. So, a smaller programme that offers 40 places will typically require higher points than one with 100 places.
Colleges within the most built-up areas – where demand for places reflects the surrounding population – tend to require higher points across the range of their courses compared to colleges in more rural areas of Ireland.
Yet, many students and parents select courses based on the highest points requirement rather than what they want to study.
Success for them is often defined as securing a place on a course which is closest to a student’s Leaving Cert points score.
If you are likely to secure 500-plus points, putting you in that elite 8 per cent, your course selection will be confined to those courses.
It is a brave student who lists a course requiring 350 points, knowing that they will achieve a score hundreds of points higher.
Prism of points
Sadly, many parents see third-level options totally through the prism of points requirements. Whether explicitly or subliminally, this message is clearly understood by their children, years before they begin to frame their course aspirations.
For many, going straight into college isn’t necessarily the right step. Some students are ill-prepared for the rigours of self-directed learning of third-level education. Such students can self-destruct academically within months of starting into college.
Yet, such a student would blossom in a further education college, where they could gradually acquire the self-directed learning skills needed at third level during a one-year level-five programme,
This option, however, is often not considered by most students or their parents, as attending further education is perceived as an option only for those who fail to secure high points, which is a completely false perception.
Another barrier to clarity of thought on your genuine course interests is the herd element of students within individual schools.
I often hear students tell me: “I am going to UCD or to Trinity.”
When questioned as to why this is a precondition, they invariably answer: “All my friends are going there.”
Cast adrift
The prospect for many young people of being cast adrift in an environment where they will know nobody can often override all else.
Choosing the wrong course, however, has real consequences. It’s not a surprise that thousands of students drop out of college in their first year.
Almost one-in-10 students at university and close to one-in-five in institutes of technology fail to progress to the second year of their course.
Students – or their parents – will face a substantial bill of several thousand euro from the finance department of the college where the student starts the second time.
I have also met many adults who are seeking career changes, who realised the error of their choice in first year, but never had the courage to confront their parents with this insight.
Don’t fret just yet. There is no pressure to select the right course straight way. The CAO’s change-of-mind facility can allow you to reselect your course choices between now and July 1st. But remember if you have not already done so to register with the CAO without delay.
Difficult and all as it may be over the next six months, it is crucially important to look beyond the mirages created by the factors listed here and ask yourself one simple question: what courses are most likely to inspire your curiosity and innate interest? Once you’ve figured this out, list them in the order of your preference.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Thinking Anew – The Lamb of God

Thinking Anew – The Lamb of God

‘ Here he is , God ’ s Passover lamb !
He forgives the sins of the world !
” , yells John the Baptist to his friends as he watches Jesus approach from across the plain .
There is such drama in this little scene .
I imagine Jesus as a speck in the distance , slowly coming into focus .
Maybe it was the late afternoon and the light was softening .
John was with his gang , Jesus with his , but there was no hostility , competition or power-play ; just a deep sense of occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I can not read Sunday ’ s gospel passage without hearing in my mind the short panoramic chorus from Handel ’ s Messiah : “ Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world ” : the words repeated over and over , a sweeping sense of movement but the rhythm a little jerky and uneven , like scrambling across rock .
.
.
I find myself thinking that Jesus may well have been very beautiful ( God ’ s second Adam – why wouldn ’ t he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a carpenter ) , in his physical and mental prime at 30 years old .
This scene reminds us that Jesus was a man of flesh and blood and bone whose time had come ; launching himself onto his world .
The article was called “ The apostle Paul and the introspective conscience of the West ” .
The thrust of the article was that our view of sin in the Western church and in Western culture is very personal and individualised .
When Paul wrote about sin , his notion of sin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we understand when we read his words today .
Human nature does not change but our understanding of ourselves as human beings certainly does and this , of course , informs what we take from and bring to the Bible .
As Western Christians the notion of personal sin , confession and absolution , is familiar to us .
But our understanding is overwhelmingly offender-based .
The assumption is that we are always the ones in the dock , the sinners , the prodigals .
There is a place for this , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It contrasts with the stance of the Psalmist who so often proclaims , with complete , innocent certainty , that God is for him and against his enemies .
His enemies are the ones with power so naturally God will be on his side !
But what happens when we are the ones who have been sinned against ?
We know that being sinned against often leads to feelings of shame .
Think of a person who has survived rape , or someone who is too poor to feed their children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes away the sin of the world .
I find myself thinking of the fruitful emphasis of the discipline of restorative justice , which is firmly victim-centred and committed first and foremost to making space for the harmed person to express their pain and ask their questions .
The restorative approach attends primarily to the voice and the needs of the victim yet ( as a magnificent byproduct ) honours the perpetrator by giving them to opportunity to face up to what they have done and seek to made amends .
Everything about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of God .
We have important work to do in our liturgy in presenting sin in both its facets , and I feel that the restorative approach could bring a new freedom .
Both our own sin and the sin that has been committed against us lead to shame and burdening and captivity and death .
Until forgiveness means both being freed from our own sin and from the effects of others ’ sin , our churches will not meet the felt needs of many souls .
It strikes me that the Agnus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before we receive the bread and wine – “ Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ” – fuses perfectly both these aspects of sin .
Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world , have mercy on us , and grant us peace .

“I cannot read Sunday’s gospel passage without hearing in my mind the short panoramic chorus from Handel’s Messiah: ‘Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world’: the words repeated over and over, a sweeping sense of movement but the rhythm a little jerky and uneven, like scrambling across rock” Photograph: iStock
‘Here he is, God’s Passover lamb! He forgives the sins of the world!”, yells John the Baptist to his friends as he watches Jesus approach from across the plain. There is such drama in this little scene. I imagine Jesus as a speck in the distance, slowly coming into focus. Maybe it was the late afternoon and the light was softening. John was with his gang, Jesus with his, but there was no hostility, competition or power-play; just a deep sense of occasion, an intense mutual recognition between cousins.
I cannot read Sunday’s gospel passage without hearing in my mind the short panoramic chorus from Handel’s Messiah: “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world”: the words repeated over and over, a sweeping sense of movement but the rhythm a little jerky and uneven, like scrambling across rock . . . I find myself thinking that Jesus may well have been very beautiful (God’s second Adam – why wouldn’t he have been?), fit (a carpenter), in his physical and mental prime at 30 years old. This scene reminds us that Jesus was a man of flesh and blood and bone whose time had come; launching himself onto his world.
I remember reading a very interesting article written by Swedish theologian Krister Stendahl.
The article was called “The apostle Paul and the introspective conscience of the West”. The thrust of the article was that our view of sin in the Western church and in Western culture is very personal and individualised. When Paul wrote about sin, his notion of sin would have been very different from what we understand when we read his words today. Human nature does not change but our understanding of ourselves as human beings certainly does and this, of course, informs what we take from and bring to the Bible.
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As Western Christians the notion of personal sin, confession and absolution, is familiar to us.
But our understanding is overwhelmingly offender-based. The assumption is that we are always the ones in the dock, the sinners, the prodigals.
There is a place for this, of course, but our understanding lacks balance.
It contrasts with the stance of the Psalmist who so often proclaims, with complete, innocent certainty, that God is for him and against his enemies. His enemies are the ones with power so naturally God will be on his side!
But what happens when we are the ones who have been sinned against? We know that being sinned against often leads to feelings of shame. Think of a person who has survived rape, or someone who is too poor to feed their children.
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
I find myself thinking of the fruitful emphasis of the discipline of restorative justice, which is firmly victim-centred and committed first and foremost to making space for the harmed person to express their pain and ask their questions.
The restorative approach attends primarily to the voice and the needs of the victim yet (as a magnificent byproduct) honours the perpetrator by giving them to opportunity to face up to what they have done and seek to made amends. Everything about this has the fragrance of the Kingdom of God.
We have important work to do in our liturgy in presenting sin in both its facets, and I feel that the restorative approach could bring a new freedom. Both our own sin and the sin that has been committed against us lead to shame and burdening and captivity and death. Until forgiveness means both being freed from our own sin and from the effects of others’ sin, our churches will not meet the felt needs of many souls.
It strikes me that the Agnus Dei which we pray three times just before we receive the bread and wine – "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" – fuses perfectly both these aspects of sin.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and grant us peace.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Want to be a ‘rewilder’? Here’s how

Want to be a ‘rewilder’? Here’s how

The word wilderness is evocative – conjuring up a potent mix of wonder , fear and even nostalgia in what is an increasingly urbanised world .
But the concept of rewilding means different things to different people .
For some , it simply means letting large or small tracts of land go back to their natural state but for others it means the reintroduction of extinct species such as wolves , lynx and wild boar .
Padraic Fogarty , campaigns officer with the Irish Wildlife Trust and author of Whittled Away : Ireland ’ s Vanishing Nature ( The Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals as much to the soul as it does to the mind .
“ There ’ s no definition for rewilding which is an advantage .
It ’ s exciting and it peaks people ’ s interest .
Over 100 people attended a talk on re-wilding we hosted in Galway recently .
There wouldn ’ t have been the same reaction if we called it ecological restoration .
People are desperate for a vision for nature and re-wilding provides some of that.
” George Monbiot , English journalist and author of Feral describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of species but also their ever-shifting relationships with each other and with the physical environment ” .
In Britain – and particularly in Scotland , the rewilding movement has captured the public ’ s imagination and efforts are being made to re-wild vast areas of land .
Danish landowner , Anders Holch Povlsen – who owns approximately 1 per cent of Scotland – has a 200-year vision to re-establish native woodlands , restore peatlands , wetlands and rivers so as to enhance habitats , species and ecological processes .
His Wildlands project includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park which is already home to golden eagles , wild cats and red squirrels .
In other parts of Europe , brown bears , Eurasian lynx and grey wolves are been reintroduced with relative success .
There are now breeding packs of wolves in Denmark , France , Norway , Germany and Spain .
A recent suggestion by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan to reintroduce wolves to Ireland to provide ecological balance was swiftly rejected by Minister for Arts , Heritage and the Gaeltacht , Josepha Madigan .
“ The reintroduction of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 years might undermine existing conservation programmes and would do considerable damage to farming , she said .
The closest thing we have to a wilderness area in this country is the recently named , Wild Nephin in Co Mayo .
In 2013 , Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) agreed to set aside about 15,000 hectares which includes Ballycroy National Park [ mainly blanket bog ] and the Nephin Forest as Ireland ’ s first candidate for a wilderness area .
In late 2017 , the NPWS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for Wild Nephin over 15 years from 2018 to 2033 .
However , this will not be a simple process as large areas are filled with coniferous plantations and rhododendron .
“ The problem with re-wilding is that if you close the gate and walk away you won ’ t get the desired outcomes .
The essence of re-wilding is to harness the power of nature to heal itself , but in places like Wild Nephin , will require human intervention to get to that stage , ” says Fogarty .
Colin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says that work has already started .
“ We have begun to harvest the lodgepole pine and sitka spruce .
Four thousand native trees were planted in river valleys in 2018 but we haven ’ t started removing rhododendron yet , ” he explains .
In the long term , Wild Nephin will be suitable for wild camping , hiking and mountain biking .
The Lough Boora Discovery Park in Co Offaly is another example of a wilderness area in Ireland .
The raised bog - which had been stripped for turf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been transformed back into a mix of wetlands and forests .
The abundance of wildlife - including lapwing , cuckoo , hares , frogs and over wintering ducks and swans - which has returned to the area is a testament to the power of re-wilding .
“ The resurrection of Lough Boora has been astounding .
It ’ s a great example of what can happen when nature takes its course , ” says Fogarty .
Coilin MacLochlainn is a designer and sub-editor for wildlife magazines including Birdwatch Ireland ’ s Wings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has a vision for a re-wilding project in Wicklow which he believes could become the largest area of wilderness in Ireland .
“ My idea is to join up a lot of the semi-natural oaklands from Luggala to Shelton Abbey near Arklow .
The Wicklow oaklands are already the best for woodland birds but if we could fill in the gaps across the mountains to have one continuous forest , it would be fantastic for nature , ” says MacLoughlain .
For his vision to become a reality , coniferous trees across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ native Scots Pine and deciduous trees .
“ Sitka deer and sheep are currently preventing the regeneration of oak forests in Wicklow so you ’ d have to control the deer by bringing back wolves and keep sheep in meadows protected by dogs .
A similar switch to a agroforesty and silva-pastoral happened in parts of Norway in the last 30 years so it could happen here too , ” says MacLochlainn .
Alongside these grand rewilding projects are individual efforts to re-wild areas in towns , villages and private gardens .
Garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about species and habitat loss in 2019 that she changed her focus from designing new gardens to encouraging people to re-wild their gardens through her website wearetheark.org .
“ It ’ s not quite rewilding .
We call it arking – which stands for acts of random kindness .
We become the wolf , the bear or the beaver by providing the ecosystem services and ecological corridors linking different species .
People have power to make a huge difference on a local scale in their gardens and local [ public ] spaces , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who want to know how to re-wild their gardens .
“ We can ’ t just leave it to go by itself .
You have to remove lawns so that wildflowers can grow .
They can ’ t compete with lawn grass .
I don ’ t want people to dig the soil but to protect the soil and encourage it to heal itself , ” she adds .
The key , according to Reynolds is not to plant imported or non-native plants so as to allow local wildflowers to emerge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerges , you can collect seeds from local weeds and plant them or plant native organic wildflowers from the Irish wildflower seed company , Design by Nature , she explains .
“ I advise people to create as many eco-tones as possible even in a small space .
It ’ s about having an untidy , scrubby , messy brambly habitat for insects , animals and birds .
We are losing wild plants at twice the rate of everything else and when people give their gardens back to nature , they become protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about being in service to nature .
That ’ s what we can do to help the biodiversity crisis .
”

The word wilderness is evocative – conjuring up a potent mix of wonder, fear and even nostalgia in what is an increasingly urbanised world. But the concept of rewilding means different things to different people.
For some, it simply means letting large or small tracts of land go back to their natural state but for others it means the reintroduction of extinct species such as wolves, lynx and wild boar.
Padraic Fogarty, campaigns officer with the Irish Wildlife Trust and author of Whittled Away: Ireland’s Vanishing Nature (The Collins Press) says that the word re-wilding appeals as much to the soul as it does to the mind.
“There’s no definition for rewilding which is an advantage. It’s exciting and it peaks people’s interest. Over 100 people attended a talk on re-wilding we hosted in Galway recently. There wouldn’t have been the same reaction if we called it ecological restoration. People are desperate for a vision for nature and re-wilding provides some of that.”
READ MORE
George Monbiot, English journalist and author of Feral describes rewilding as “not just a collection of species but also their ever-shifting relationships with each other and with the physical environment”.
In other parts of Europe, brown bears, Eurasian lynx and grey wolves are been reintroduced with relative success
In Britain – and particularly in Scotland, the rewilding movement has captured the public’s imagination and efforts are being made to re-wild vast areas of land. Danish landowner, Anders Holch Povlsen – who owns approximately 1 per cent of Scotland – has a 200-year vision to re-establish native woodlands, restore peatlands, wetlands and rivers so as to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes. His Wildlands project includes the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms National Park which is already home to golden eagles, wild cats and red squirrels.
In other parts of Europe, brown bears, Eurasian lynx and grey wolves are been reintroduced with relative success. There are now breeding packs of wolves in Denmark, France, Norway, Germany and Spain.
A recent suggestion by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan to reintroduce wolves to Ireland to provide ecological balance was swiftly rejected by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan. "The reintroduction of a large predator which has been absent for 250 years might undermine existing conservation programmes and would do considerable damage to farming, she said.
The closest thing we have to a wilderness area in this country is the recently named, Wild Nephin in Co Mayo. In 2013, Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) agreed to set aside about 15,000 hectares which includes Ballycroy National Park [mainly blanket bog] and the Nephin Forest as Ireland's first candidate for a wilderness area.
The essence of re-wilding is to harness the power of nature to heal itself
In late 2017, the NPWS took over responsibility to manage a restoration/rewilding plan for Wild Nephin over 15 years from 2018 to 2033. However, this will not be a simple process as large areas are filled with coniferous plantations and rhododendron.
“The problem with re-wilding is that if you close the gate and walk away you won’t get the desired outcomes. The essence of re-wilding is to harness the power of nature to heal itself, but in places like Wild Nephin, will require human intervention to get to that stage,” says Fogarty.
Sam Birch, conservation ranger at Wild Nephin, says that work has already started. “We have begun to harvest the lodgepole pine and sitka spruce. Four thousand native trees were planted in river valleys in 2018 but we haven’t started removing rhododendron yet,” he explains. In the long term, Wild Nephin will be suitable for wild camping, hiking and mountain biking.
The Lough Boora Discovery Park in Co Offaly is another example of a wilderness area in Ireland. The raised bog - which had been stripped for turf by Bord na Mona for decades - has been transformed back into a mix of wetlands and forests. The abundance of wildlife - including lapwing, cuckoo, hares, frogs and over wintering ducks and swans - which has returned to the area is a testament to the power of re-wilding.
“The resurrection of Lough Boora has been astounding. It’s a great example of what can happen when nature takes its course,” says Fogarty.
Coilin MacLochlainn is a designer and sub-editor for wildlife magazines including Birdwatch Ireland’s Wings and the Native Woodlands Trust magazine. He has a vision for a re-wilding project in Wicklow which he believes could become the largest area of wilderness in Ireland. “My idea is to join up a lot of the semi-natural oaklands from Luggala to Shelton Abbey near Arklow. The Wicklow oaklands are already the best for woodland birds but if we could fill in the gaps across the mountains to have one continuous forest, it would be fantastic for nature,” says MacLoughlain.
We are losing wild plants at twice the rate of everything else and when people give their gardens back to nature, they become protective of these spaces
For his vision to become a reality, coniferous trees across Wicklow would have to be replaced with native Scots Pine and deciduous trees. “Sitka deer and sheep are currently preventing the regeneration of oak forests in Wicklow so you’d have to control the deer by bringing back wolves and keep sheep in meadows protected by dogs. A similar switch to a agroforesty and silva-pastoral happened in parts of Norway in the last 30 years so it could happen here too,” says MacLochlainn.
Alongside these grand rewilding projects are individual efforts to re-wild areas in towns, villages and private gardens. Garden designer, Mary Reynolds became so concerned about species and habitat loss in 2019 that she changed her focus from designing new gardens to encouraging people to re-wild their gardens through her website wearetheark.org.
“It’s not quite rewilding. We call it arking – which stands for acts of random kindness. We become the wolf, the bear or the beaver by providing the ecosystem services and ecological corridors linking different species. People have power to make a huge difference on a local scale in their gardens and local [public] spaces,” says Reynolds.
She now consults with people who want to know how to re-wild their gardens. “We can’t just leave it to go by itself. You have to remove lawns so that wildflowers can grow. They can’t compete with lawn grass. I don’t want people to dig the soil but to protect the soil and encourage it to heal itself,” she adds.
The key, according to Reynolds is not to plant imported or non-native plants so as to allow local wildflowers to emerge from their underground seedbank. If nothing emerges, you can collect seeds from local weeds and plant them or plant native organic wildflowers from the Irish wildflower seed company, Design by Nature, she explains.
“I advise people to create as many eco-tones as possible even in a small space. It’s about having an untidy, scrubby, messy brambly habitat for insects, animals and birds.
We are losing wild plants at twice the rate of everything else and when people give their gardens back to nature, they become protective of these spaces. It’s about being in service to nature. That’s what we can do to help the biodiversity crisis.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Parents of Nóra Quoirin call for fresh investigation

The parents of Franco-Irish teenager Nóra Quoirin , who was found dead in a Malaysian jungle during a family holiday last summer , have said they remain convinced that she was abducted .
Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin appeared on RTÉ ’ s Late Late Show on Friday night and told host Ryan Tubridy that they were continuing to seek the truth about what happened to their daughter , who was found dead after a 10-day search around the jungle resort of Dusun in August last .
The couple called on the authorities in Malaysia to reopen the investigation into her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some aspects of the case had been handled in the early stages .
Ms Quoirin said she has still has many questions about the death of the 15-year-old , who had a brain condition called holoprosencephaly which limited her development .
When Nóra disappeared from her hotel room , her parents feared she had been abducted , insisting she would not have wandered off by herself .
However , police in Malaysia said they found no evidence of abduction .
The couple described suggestions that Nóra had wandered off by herself as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have been able to make it down the spiral staircase in the lodge where they were staying or climb out the window .
Had she been able to leave the accommodation they questioned how she would have been able to cross incredibly difficult jungle terrain barefoot in the dark .
Mr Quoirin said that he had travelled over to Malaysia with the couple ’ s three children and met his wife who had travelled over earlier on business .
They spent one day in the resort and went to bed early .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to check on his children he realised his daughter was not in her bed .
Almost immediately he said he felt she had been “ taken ” .
Ms Quoirin said a window in the lodge that she knew she had closed the night before was ajar .
“ That was it , we knew she had been taken.
” A postmortem examination carried out in Malaysia found that Nóra died from internal bleeding probably caused by hunger and stress , however the couple said there were question marks over the findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and kept in the jungle for the time she was missing .
We don ’ t feel it is helpful to speculate beyond that , ” she said .
“ What is important for us is to let the police do their job .
We are hoping they will reopen the investigation ... and properly examine all the angles of the case and in particular the criminal angles .
”

The parents of Franco-Irish teenager Nóra Quoirin, who was found dead in a Malaysian jungle during a family holiday last summer, have said they remain convinced that she was abducted.
Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin appeared on RTÉ's Late Late Show on Friday night and told host Ryan Tubridy that they were continuing to seek the truth about what happened to their daughter, who was found dead after a 10-day search around the jungle resort of Dusun in August last.
The couple called on the authorities in Malaysia to reopen the investigation into her death and criticised the manner in which some aspects of the case had been handled in the early stages.
Ms Quoirin said she has still has many questions about the death of the 15-year-old, who had a brain condition called holoprosencephaly which limited her development.
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When Nóra disappeared from her hotel room, her parents feared she had been abducted, insisting she would not have wandered off by herself. However, police in Malaysia said they found no evidence of abduction.
Nóra Quoirin’s parents Meabh (centre) and Sebastien (right), with the police as they searched for her in Seremban. Photograph: Royal Malaysia Police/AFP/Getty Images
The couple described suggestions that Nóra had wandered off by herself as “absurd” and said that she would not have been able to make it down the spiral staircase in the lodge where they were staying or climb out the window.
Had she been able to leave the accommodation they questioned how she would have been able to cross incredibly difficult jungle terrain barefoot in the dark.
Mr Quoirin said that he had travelled over to Malaysia with the couple’s three children and met his wife who had travelled over earlier on business.
They spent one day in the resort and went to bed early. When he woke the following morning and went to check on his children he realised his daughter was not in her bed.
Almost immediately he said he felt she had been “taken”.
Ms Quoirin said a window in the lodge that she knew she had closed the night before was ajar. “That was it, we knew she had been taken.”
A postmortem examination carried out in Malaysia found that Nóra died from internal bleeding probably caused by hunger and stress, however the couple said there were question marks over the findings.
“We believe she was abducted and kept in the jungle for the time she was missing. We don’t feel it is helpful to speculate beyond that,” she said.
“What is important for us is to let the police do their job. We are hoping they will reopen the investigation... and properly examine all the angles of the case and in particular the criminal angles.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Shock in Cork city after student ‘cut down in prime of their life’

“ Every parent ’ s worst nightmare ” is how the Bishop of Cork , Cloyne and Ross Paul Colton described the killing of 20-year-old student Cameron Blair in Cork on Thursday night .
Bishop Colton , who lives just over 100m from the scene of the crime on Bandon Road in the city , recalled how he and his wife Susan used to fret in the past when their own children went out socialising in the city as teenagers .
“ We live in the area and students are part of the vibrancy of the area and even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s still very vivid in our memory that whole experience of waiting for them to come home late at night , ” he said .
“ Something like this really is a parent ’ s worst nightmare and I tweeted last night when news of the stabbing started to break about the horror facing some family and I said how our thoughts and prayers are with their family.
” Bishop Colton said he did not know at that time the victim was someone he had met in his work as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland community in Cork .
“ I now know , this morning , that he was Cameron Blair , a young person from this Church of Ireland diocese , who attended Bandon Grammar School , and who was confirmed by me in 2013 in St Peter ’ s Church , Bandon.
” “ My heart goes out to the Blair family , especially Cameron ’ s parents , Noel and Cathy , and his brother Alan ( 17 ) as well as to Cameron ’ s wide circle of friends and peers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traumatised by this event .
“ On behalf of everyone living in this part of Cork , and on behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland community in Cork , Cloyne and Ross I send them our sincerest condolences.
” The deceased from Ballinascarthy in west Cork was a keen athlete and rugby player with Bandon Rugby Club .
He was due to line out in a match on Friday night .
A second year student at Cork Institute of Technology where he was studying chemical engineering , he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cork business on Thursday before travelling to Cork city to attend a house party .
CIT president Dr Barry O ’ Connor described him as “ an outstanding athlete and outstanding student who was very popular young man ” .
“ This is an appalling tragedy to see someone cut down in the prime of their life and everyone here at CIT is in shock – our heartfelt sympathies go out to Cameron ’ s family and friends , ” he said .
Bandon Grammar School principal Ian Coombes said : “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a tragic incident in Cork last night resulting in Cameron ’ s death .
Our school community is deeply affected , particularly senior students as he still has family members in the school .
“ The management and staff extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends.
” Back on Bandon Road , Pat Duggan , who works in the Sportsman ’ s Arms across the road from the scene of the killing , spoke about the sense of shock and sadness in the local community .
“ Last night we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People were afraid to go out .
We are in total shock .
The area is fantastic .
It is just a crazy thing that happened – that poor young fellow .
“ For someone to go in to a house with a knife and do that to him – this just can ’ t go on .
I feel so sorry for [ his ] family – it ’ s a terrible tragedy for them , unbelievably sad .
”

“Every parent’s worst nightmare” is how the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Paul Colton described the killing of 20-year-old student Cameron Blair in Cork on Thursday night.
Bishop Colton, who lives just over 100m from the scene of the crime on Bandon Road in the city, recalled how he and his wife Susan used to fret in the past when their own children went out socialising in the city as teenagers.
“We live in the area and students are part of the vibrancy of the area and even though our sons are now past that age, it’s still very vivid in our memory that whole experience of waiting for them to come home late at night,” he said.
“Something like this really is a parent’s worst nightmare and I tweeted last night when news of the stabbing started to break about the horror facing some family and I said how our thoughts and prayers are with their family.”
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Bishop Colton said he did not know at that time the victim was someone he had met in his work as a pastor, administering to the Church of Ireland community in Cork.
“I now know, this morning, that he was Cameron Blair, a young person from this Church of Ireland diocese, who attended Bandon Grammar School, and who was confirmed by me in 2013 in St Peter’s Church, Bandon.”
“My heart goes out to the Blair family, especially Cameron’s parents, Noel and Cathy, and his brother Alan (17) as well as to Cameron’s wide circle of friends and peers, and indeed everyone who has been traumatised by this event.
“On behalf of everyone living in this part of Cork, and on behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland community in Cork, Cloyne and Ross I send them our sincerest condolences.”
The deceased from Ballinascarthy in west Cork was a keen athlete and rugby player with Bandon Rugby Club. He was due to line out in a match on Friday night.
Cameron Blair who died after a stabbing incident in Cork city on Thursday night. Photograph: Denis Boyle
A second year student at Cork Institute of Technology where he was studying chemical engineering, he had been working with his father in his west Cork business on Thursday before travelling to Cork city to attend a house party.
‘Appalling tragedy’
CIT president Dr Barry O’Connor described him as “an outstanding athlete and outstanding student who was very popular young man”.
“This is an appalling tragedy to see someone cut down in the prime of their life and everyone here at CIT is in shock – our heartfelt sympathies go out to Cameron’s family and friends,” he said.
Bandon Grammar School principal Ian Coombes said: “It is with great regret that we learned of a tragic incident in Cork last night resulting in Cameron’s death. Our school community is deeply affected, particularly senior students as he still has family members in the school.
“The management and staff extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends.”
Back on Bandon Road, Pat Duggan, who works in the Sportsman’s Arms across the road from the scene of the killing, spoke about the sense of shock and sadness in the local community.
“Last night we saw the commotion outside on the street. People were afraid to go out. We are in total shock. The area is fantastic. It is just a crazy thing that happened – that poor young fellow.
“For someone to go in to a house with a knife and do that to him – this just can’t go on. I feel so sorry for [his] family – it’s a terrible tragedy for them, unbelievably sad.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Gardaí investigating Cork murder appeal for video footage of assault

Gardaí investigating the murder of a 20-year-old student in Cork have appealed to anyone with video footage of the fatal assault to contact them rather than posting clips on social media .
Cork Institute of Technology student Cameron Blair from Ballinascarthy in west Cork died at Cork University Hospital after he was stabbed during a row at a house party shortly after 9.20pm on Thursday night .
It is understood that Mr Blair ’ s attackers may have been filmed by eye-witnesses as they fled up the Bandon Road on Cork ’ s southside , and senior gardaí on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give it to them .
Det Supt Mick Comyns appealed to people not to post footage on social media amid reports clips were being uploaded .
Gardaí formally launched a murder inquiry into the killing of Mr Blair after receiving the results of a postmortem by locum State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers , but said they were not releasing the results for operational reasons .
Det Supt Comyns would not be drawn on whether gardaí were following a definite line of inquiry after some people named those they alleged were responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood Mr Blair was fatally injured after up to six youths attempted to gate-crash a party attended by up to 20 people at a rented house beside Bandon Road Post Office at about 9pm .
The six youths were asked to leave and three were ushered out without incident but as the remaining youths were leaving , it is believed one of them produced a knife or blade and stabbed Mr Blair .
Mr Blair staggered up the Bandon Road before collapsing and his friends raised the alarm .
Paramedics attended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by ambulance to Cork University Hospital .
Mr Blair ’ s parents , Noel and Cathy , had travelled from their home in Ballinascarthy and were by their son ’ s bedside when he died .
Meanwhile , gardaí took contact details for up to 20 people who were at the house party and took witness statements .
They also carried out door-to-door inquiries on the Bandon Road and surrounding streets , and have begun harvesting CCTV footage from the Bandon Road , Barrack Street , College Road and Magazine Road areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are confident of making swift progress in the investigation given the number of CCTV cameras in the area .
Garda search teams also carried out searches of waste ground off Noonan Road and other adjacent streets in the area for the weapon used in the attack , which they believe may have been discarded .

Gardaí investigating the murder of a 20-year-old student in Cork have appealed to anyone with video footage of the fatal assault to contact them rather than posting clips on social media.
Cork Institute of Technology student Cameron Blair from Ballinascarthy in west Cork died at Cork University Hospital after he was stabbed during a row at a house party shortly after 9.20pm on Thursday night.
It is understood that Mr Blair’s attackers may have been filmed by eye-witnesses as they fled up the Bandon Road on Cork’s southside, and senior gardaí on Friday appealed to anyone with such footage to give it to them.
Det Supt Mick Comyns appealed to people not to post footage on social media amid reports clips were being uploaded.
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Gardaí formally launched a murder inquiry into the killing of Mr Blair after receiving the results of a postmortem by locum State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers, but said they were not releasing the results for operational reasons.
Det Supt Comyns would not be drawn on whether gardaí were following a definite line of inquiry after some people named those they alleged were responsible for the killing in social media posts.
Collapsing
It is understood Mr Blair was fatally injured after up to six youths attempted to gate-crash a party attended by up to 20 people at a rented house beside Bandon Road Post Office at about 9pm.
The six youths were asked to leave and three were ushered out without incident but as the remaining youths were leaving, it is believed one of them produced a knife or blade and stabbed Mr Blair.
Mr Blair staggered up the Bandon Road before collapsing and his friends raised the alarm. Paramedics attended to him at the scene before rushing him by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
Mr Blair’s parents, Noel and Cathy, had travelled from their home in Ballinascarthy and were by their son’s bedside when he died.
Meanwhile, gardaí took contact details for up to 20 people who were at the house party and took witness statements.
They also carried out door-to-door inquiries on the Bandon Road and surrounding streets, and have begun harvesting CCTV footage from the Bandon Road, Barrack Street, College Road and Magazine Road areas.
According to one informed source, gardaí are confident of making swift progress in the investigation given the number of CCTV cameras in the area.
Garda search teams also carried out searches of waste ground off Noonan Road and other adjacent streets in the area for the weapon used in the attack, which they believe may have been discarded.


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Dublin gangland figures involved in Drogheda feud that killed 17-year-old

The Drogheda gang feud that claimed the life of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods has spread to the Dublin underworld and is likely to become protracted and even more complex , gardaí believe .
Senior Dublin criminals , one of whom is suspected of ordering the teenager ’ s murder last weekend in Drogheda , have now been drawn into the feuding on opposing sides .
Both Dublin gang leaders are suspected of involvement in a number of previous gun killings , including that of Alan Ryan , the Real IRA leader in Dublin who was shot dead in the city in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ordering the killing of Keane Mulready-Woods last Sunday was a close associate of Richard Carberry ( 39 ) who was shot dead last November outside his home in Bettystown , Co Meath , as part of the Drogheda feud .
While Carberry had lived in Meath for years with his family , he was originally from north Dublin and had many criminal friends still living there .
Gardaí now believe when Carberry was murdered one of his close associates was enraged and was intent on avenging the killing .
Detectives also believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a number of young men linked to the same Drogheda gang that killed Carberry .
It is now suspected Keane Mulready-Woods was abducted , murdered and dismembered on the orders of Carberry ’ s associate to avenge both his friend ’ s murder and the assault he himself endured .
While that assault was minor , those responsible taunted their victim on social media in its aftermath ; a development that has become a common feature of Irish gang feuds .
The man suspected of ordering the killing of Keane Mulready-Woods has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal for several years .
Gardaí now believe that criminal has made an alliance with the Drogheda gang that killed Carberry .
It effectively means two Dublin gang leaders who have been at odds for years are now on opposing sides in the Drogheda feud , which greatly complicates the dispute .
Meanwhile , gardaí investigating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods are making significant progress in the case .
The teenager ’ s limbs were found in a bag in Darndale , north Dublin , last Monday night while his head and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dublin ’ s north inner city on Wednesday morning .
They said on Friday night that DNA evidence had confirmed the head and other body parts were his .
A property in Co Louth that has been sealed off since last Tuesday is now regarded as the main crime scene .
A number of weapons have been taken away for examination , including knives found in an outhouse close to the property .
The deceased teenager was a junior member of one of the two feuding gangs in Drogheda .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he has spoken with gardaí in Drogheda to offer assistance such as CCTV monitoring and additional resources in light of the murder of teenager Keane Mulready-Woods.
The Drogheda gang feud that claimed the life of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods has spread to the Dublin underworld and is likely to become protracted and even more complex, gardaí believe.
Senior Dublin criminals, one of whom is suspected of ordering the teenager’s murder last weekend in Drogheda, have now been drawn into the feuding on opposing sides.
Both Dublin gang leaders are suspected of involvement in a number of previous gun killings, including that of Alan Ryan, the Real IRA leader in Dublin who was shot dead in the city in 2012.
The leading Dublin criminal suspected of ordering the killing of Keane Mulready-Woods last Sunday was a close associate of Richard Carberry (39) who was shot dead last November outside his home in Bettystown, Co Meath, as part of the Drogheda feud.
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Abducted
While Carberry had lived in Meath for years with his family, he was originally from north Dublin and had many criminal friends still living there.
Gardaí now believe when Carberry was murdered one of his close associates was enraged and was intent on avenging the killing. Detectives also believe Carberry’s associate was assaulted recently by a number of young men linked to the same Drogheda gang that killed Carberry.
It is now suspected Keane Mulready-Woods was abducted, murdered and dismembered on the orders of Carberry’s associate to avenge both his friend’s murder and the assault he himself endured.
While that assault was minor, those responsible taunted their victim on social media in its aftermath; a development that has become a common feature of Irish gang feuds.
The man suspected of ordering the killing of Keane Mulready-Woods has been at odds with a north Dublin-based criminal for several years. Gardaí now believe that criminal has made an alliance with the Drogheda gang that killed Carberry.
Dispute
It effectively means two Dublin gang leaders who have been at odds for years are now on opposing sides in the Drogheda feud, which greatly complicates the dispute.
Meanwhile, gardaí investigating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods are making significant progress in the case. The teenager's limbs were found in a bag in Darndale, north Dublin, last Monday night while his head and other remains were found in a burning car in Dublin's north inner city on Wednesday morning.
They said on Friday night that DNA evidence had confirmed the head and other body parts were his.
A property in Co Louth that has been sealed off since last Tuesday is now regarded as the main crime scene.
A number of weapons have been taken away for examination, including knives found in an outhouse close to the property.
The deceased teenager was a junior member of one of the two feuding gangs in Drogheda.


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Dublin south west election contest a ‘challenge’, says Zappone

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone would like a different portfolio if in Government after the election , she says .
Speaking after an event in Tallaght on Friday she described the election contest in her Dublin south west constituency as a “ challenge ” .
She took the fifth seat in 2016 , narrowly beating Fine Gael ’ s Anne Marie Dermody by 152 votes on the 16th count .
“ It is tight .
I am an Independent and have only been a TD for three and half years .
I have worked all my life in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great friend Noel Whelan [ who died last year ] said , the second election is the toughest one.
” She would be keen to enter Government again if elected .
“ As somebody who has already been keen on getting things done , combing my radical , idealistic spirit with a pragmatic approach , yes I would love to have the opportunity to be in Government again and I would be willing to talk with anyone who wants to talk with me.
” On returning to the same Department she said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this portfolio ” .
“ There ’ re always going to be ongoing issues that need to be finished [ in the Department ] and I do think I ’ ve brought some a long distance .
So no , probably not children , something else .
.
.
But that ’ s the next step .
I just need to get elected first , ” Ms Zappone said .
She believes she has “ made a difference ” at the Cabinet table , “ having been the only independent woman ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as within her portfolio .
The two major areas during her term were “ childcare and child protection ” .
After decades of underinvestment in childcare she believes she has overseen the laying of the foundations for a national affordable childcare scheme .
“ And we have increased significantly the investment over the years that I have been minister by 141 per cent – doubling the spaces and places available.
” She believes ultimately the solution to the childcare crisis is far greater public provision .
“ At a personal level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be providing childcare.
” She has established an independent expert group to examine this .
“ A better model of public funding would enable fair pay and working conditions for staff , and real affordability for parents .
“ We could , we should be moving towards a mixed market approach where you¼ do have some public state provided and the some private provided – like our current education system .
”

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone: ‘As somebody who has already been keen on getting things done, combing my radical, idealistic spirit with a pragmatic approach, yes I would love to have the opportunity to be in Government again.’ Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone would like a different portfolio if in Government after the election, she says.
Speaking after an event in Tallaght on Friday she described the election contest in her Dublin south west constituency as a "challenge". She took the fifth seat in 2016, narrowly beating Fine Gael's Anne Marie Dermody by 152 votes on the 16th count.
"It is tight. I am an Independent and have only been a TD for three and half years. I have worked all my life in the community in the constituency, but as my great friend Noel Whelan [who died last year] said, the second election is the toughest one."
She would be keen to enter Government again if elected. “As somebody who has already been keen on getting things done, combing my radical, idealistic spirit with a pragmatic approach, yes I would love to have the opportunity to be in Government again and I would be willing to talk with anyone who wants to talk with me.”
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On returning to the same Department she said she felt she “could be completed with this portfolio”.
“There’re always going to be ongoing issues that need to be finished [in the Department] and I do think I’ve brought some a long distance. So no, probably not children, something else . . . But that’s the next step. I just need to get elected first,” Ms Zappone said.
She believes she has “made a difference” at the Cabinet table, “having been the only independent woman” and to have had influence on issues outside as well as within her portfolio. The two major areas during her term were “childcare and child protection”.
After decades of underinvestment in childcare she believes she has overseen the laying of the foundations for a national affordable childcare scheme.
“And we have increased significantly the investment over the years that I have been minister by 141 per cent – doubling the spaces and places available.” She believes ultimately the solution to the childcare crisis is far greater public provision.
“At a personal level I have always thought the State should be providing childcare.” She has established an independent expert group to examine this.
“A better model of public funding would enable fair pay and working conditions for staff, and real affordability for parents.
“We could, we should be moving towards a mixed market approach where you¼ do have some public state provided and the some private provided – like our current education system.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Cervical campaigner Stephen Teap wins Cork Person of the Year Award

Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap has won Cork Person of the Year for 2019 and he dedicated the award to his late wife , Irene Teap and all the other women and families affected by the cervical smear debacle .
Mr Teap lost his wife Irene ( 35 ) to cervical cancer in 2017 after two cervical smear tests were misread , leaving him a widower at the age of 36 to rear two young sons , Oscar and Noah , who were just four and two at the time .
“ These events for me are quite emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me because it reminds me of the road that brought me here and I really shouldn ’ t be here because Irene , not only did not have to die , she did not have to get cancer , ” he said today after winning the award .
“ I do what I do , not for any personal reward – my aim is to try and prevent what happened to me and my family happening to others but what this award does mean is that my family and the other families affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr John Sheehan and Mayor of Cork County , Cllr Christopher O ’ Sullivan , Mr Teap dedicated the award to all the other campaigners and families affected by the cervical smear debacle .
Mr Teap said the most important thing for him now is identifying the mistakes made in the past in the case of his late wife and campaigners , such as Vicky Phelan and Lorraine Walsh and the other 400 women affected by the scandal .
“ Everything that happened to us was preventable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case that I ’ m up here receiving an award but I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the women and families , I am very grateful for the recognition .
“ There are many women too sick or too afraid to speak out and this is why I am lending my voice to them and why I am dedicating this award to all of the women and families and children that have been left behind by this debacle.
” Mr Teap received a standing ovation for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the 27th Cork Person of the Year Awards where 12 monthly winners went forward to compete for the overall honour .
Also honoured was Fermoy born entrepreneur , philanthropist and founder of Irish Business Against Litter , Dr Tom Kavanagh who received a Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Cork life .
Political analyst and historian , John Bowman was made an Honorary Corkman while recently retired Nationwide presenter , Mary Kennedy received a Special Achievement Award for her work on the programme which is made in @ @

Stephen Teap, Cork Person of the Year 2019, with award. Also in picture, from left, Tim Lucey CEO Cork County Council, Ann Doherty, CEO Cork City Council and Tom Fitzpatrick, editor Irish Examiner. Photograph: Martin Collins
Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap has won Cork Person of the Year for 2019 and he dedicated the award to his late wife, Irene Teap and all the other women and families affected by the cervical smear debacle.
Mr Teap lost his wife Irene (35) to cervical cancer in 2017 after two cervical smear tests were misread, leaving him a widower at the age of 36 to rear two young sons, Oscar and Noah, who were just four and two at the time.
“These events for me are quite emotional – it’s bitter sweet for me because it reminds me of the road that brought me here and I really shouldn’t be here because Irene, not only did not have to die, she did not have to get cancer,” he said today after winning the award.
“I do what I do, not for any personal reward – my aim is to try and prevent what happened to me and my family happening to others but what this award does mean is that my family and the other families affected are being heard.”
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Accepting the award from Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr John Sheehan and Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan, Mr Teap dedicated the award to all the other campaigners and families affected by the cervical smear debacle.
Mr Teap said the most important thing for him now is identifying the mistakes made in the past in the case of his late wife and campaigners, such as Vicky Phelan and Lorraine Walsh and the other 400 women affected by the scandal.
“Everything that happened to us was preventable, it doesn’t have to be the case that I’m up here receiving an award but I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the women and families, I am very grateful for the recognition.
“There are many women too sick or too afraid to speak out and this is why I am lending my voice to them and why I am dedicating this award to all of the women and families and children that have been left behind by this debacle.”
Mr Teap received a standing ovation for his acceptance speech from the 250 invited guests at the 27th Cork Person of the Year Awards where 12 monthly winners went forward to compete for the overall honour.
Also honoured was Fermoy born entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Irish Business Against Litter, Dr Tom Kavanagh who received a Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Cork life.
Political analyst and historian, John Bowman was made an Honorary Corkman while recently retired Nationwide presenter, Mary Kennedy received a Special Achievement Award for her work on the programme which is made in Cork.


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Driver may have travelled 22km with explosive device attached to car

A driver may have travelled nearly 22km with an explosive device attached to his car , police in Northern Ireland said .
It was found wedged into the front grille of a vehicle in the Lurgan Road area of Crumlin in Co Antrim .
Detectives believe it may have been placed in the car on the Falls Road in west Belfast .
Discovery of the viable explosive caused a security alert on Thursday evening .
PSNI Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said : “ We received a report at approximately 8.05pm that a device was discovered wedged into the front grille @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road area , close to the junction of Maple Park in Crumlin .
This was a reckless act by the person or persons responsible for placing this device on the vehicle , which travelled close to 22km before it was spotted “ Our officers and ATO [ ammunition technical officer ] attended the scene , and a public safety operation was implemented .
As part of this operation , a number of residents were evacuated from their homes .
“ The device was taken away for further examination and I can confirm it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device been detonated , would have made it viable .
“ We are following a number of lines of enquiry .
One is that this device may have been placed on the vehicle on the Falls Road , in the area of the Kennedy Centre , in west Belfast , some time earlier in the day and the vehicle was then driven to the Lurgan Road area where the device was subsequently discovered .
“ This was a reckless act by the person or persons responsible for placing this device on the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it was spotted .
“ This incident caused disruption to a number of families who had to leave their homes while we worked to make the area safe , and I want to thank those affected for their patience and co-operation.
” – PA

A driver may have travelled nearly 22km with an explosive device attached to his car, police in Northern Ireland said.
It was found wedged into the front grille of a vehicle in the Lurgan Road area of Crumlin in Co Antrim.
Detectives believe it may have been placed in the car on the Falls Road in west Belfast.
Discovery of the viable explosive caused a security alert on Thursday evening.
READ MORE
PSNI Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said: “We received a report at approximately 8.05pm that a device was discovered wedged into the front grille of a vehicle parked in the Lurgan Road area, close to the junction of Maple Park in Crumlin. This was a reckless act by the person or persons responsible for placing this device on the vehicle, which travelled close to 22km before it was spotted
“Our officers and ATO [ammunition technical officer] attended the scene, and a public safety operation was implemented. As part of this operation, a number of residents were evacuated from their homes.
“The device was taken away for further examination and I can confirm it contained component parts which, had the device been detonated, would have made it viable.
“We are following a number of lines of enquiry. One is that this device may have been placed on the vehicle on the Falls Road, in the area of the Kennedy Centre, in west Belfast, some time earlier in the day and the vehicle was then driven to the Lurgan Road area where the device was subsequently discovered.
“This was a reckless act by the person or persons responsible for placing this device on the vehicle, which travelled close to 14 miles before it was spotted.
“This incident caused disruption to a number of families who had to leave their homes while we worked to make the area safe, and I want to thank those affected for their patience and co-operation.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-01-17--Destitute in Dublin: ‘You are vulnerable in a tent. Nowhere is safe’

In Dublin homeless people living in tents say they feel safer in their current accommodation than in hostels , despite the serious injuries sustained by one man last week .
A homeless man in his 30s remains in a “ serious but stable ” condition in hospital following the incident on Tuesday when his tent was lifted by an industrial vehicle during a clean-up of the Grand Canal .
Camped in the same area until last October was James Grant ( 36 ) , from Inchicore .
He has moved to a more secluded area , in Islandbridge .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructed a small fire-pit with bricks .
An old armchair he found is nearby .
“ You are vulnerable in a tent .
Nowhere is safe , but I have been camping since I was seven .
My dad was a soldier and he learned me how to camp , how to keep warm.
” Mr Grant is wearing four layers of clothes and has about 10 duvets and blankets in the tent .
“ I mostly sleep during the day .
At night it ’ s better to be awake , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not going to die of the cold.
” He has a “ bit of depression ” and has “ a few drinks ” which leads to arguments with family , he says .
“ I always prefer the tent to hostels , ” he says , citing the smoking ban as an issue .
“ I was in a hostel and they kicked me out over smoking out a window .
And then there ’ s people doing crack and heroin in the toilets , walking around like zombies .
What the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the canal he replies : “ That is where my tent used to be .
That could have been me ; if they are capable of just picking up a tent and not checking , well .
.
.
“ I feel more and more people are going downhill and people don ’ t care anymore .
I know they go on the protests for the homeless , but that ’ s not working .
The help we need is to lower the rates of the rents .
Then everyone could get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaff.
” Meanwhile , in the Phoenix Park , over a railing and down through undergrowth , are the remains of a campfire , discarded tents and blankets .
Stacey ( 25 ) from Coolock , not her actual name , is with a male friend , packing up their tent .
They have found a garden behind a boarded-up house where they will feel “ safer ” .
She has been homeless for four years and has no family to stay with and dislikes the emergency accommodation available .
“ You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless ] between 4.30 and 5.30 .
You can ring again at night-time .
The only reason you can get a bed then is if someone doesn ’ t turn up to their bed , ” says Stacey .
From 11pm they may get access to the night cafe where a roll-out mattress is provided .
“ They wake you at six in the morning .
So you ’ re getting only a few hours ’ kip .
I ’ d rather stay in the tent , ” she says .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my own , being a girl .
Safety ?
I have protection on me – a little blade .
I wouldn ’ t use it but I have it , just in case .
The most recent data shows there were 2,687 single adults in emergency accommodation in Dublin in November 2019 .
In all 1,727 single adults became homeless in the capital for the first time between January and November last year .

In Dublin homeless people living in tents say they feel safer in their current accommodation than in hostels, despite the serious injuries sustained by one man last week.
In Dublin homeless people living in tents say they feel safer in their current accommodation than in hostels, despite the serious injuries sustained by one man last week.
A homeless man in his 30s remains in a “serious but stable” condition in hospital following the incident on Tuesday when his tent was lifted by an industrial vehicle during a clean-up of the Grand Canal.
Camped in the same area until last October was James Grant (36), from Inchicore. He has moved to a more secluded area, in Islandbridge.
There, beside his one-man tent he has constructed a small fire-pit with bricks. An old armchair he found is nearby.
READ MORE
“You are vulnerable in a tent. Nowhere is safe, but I have been camping since I was seven. My dad was a soldier and he learned me how to camp, how to keep warm.” Mr Grant is wearing four layers of clothes and has about 10 duvets and blankets in the tent.
“I mostly sleep during the day. At night it’s better to be awake, to be alert. That way I’m not going to die of the cold.”
He has a “bit of depression” and has “a few drinks” which leads to arguments with family, he says. “I always prefer the tent to hostels,” he says, citing the smoking ban as an issue.
“I was in a hostel and they kicked me out over smoking out a window. And then there’s people doing crack and heroin in the toilets, walking around like zombies. What the hell?”
Asked about the incident on the canal he replies: “That is where my tent used to be. That could have been me; if they are capable of just picking up a tent and not checking, well . . .
“I feel more and more people are going downhill and people don’t care anymore. I know they go on the protests for the homeless, but that’s not working. The help we need is to lower the rates of the rents. Then everyone could get a proper house, could get a gaff.”
Stacey has been homeless for four years: ‘I wouldn’t sleep in a tent on my own, being a girl.’ Photograph: Enda O’Dowd/The Irish Times
Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Park, over a railing and down through undergrowth, are the remains of a campfire, discarded tents and blankets.
Stacey (25) from Coolock, not her actual name, is with a male friend, packing up their tent. They have found a garden behind a boarded-up house where they will feel "safer". She has been homeless for four years and has no family to stay with and dislikes the emergency accommodation available.
“You have to ring [the freephone number for homeless] between 4.30 and 5.30. You can ring again at night-time. The only reason you can get a bed then is if someone doesn’t turn up to their bed,” says Stacey.
From 11pm they may get access to the night cafe where a roll-out mattress is provided.
“They wake you at six in the morning. So you’re getting only a few hours’ kip. I’d rather stay in the tent,” she says. “I wouldn’t sleep in a tent on my own, being a girl. Safety? I have protection on me – a little blade. I wouldn’t use it but I have it, just in case.
The most recent data shows there were 2,687 single adults in emergency accommodation in Dublin in November 2019. In all 1,727 single adults became homeless in the capital for the first time between January and November last year.