theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Glass Bottle Company site affordable homes funding focus of doubt

Concerns are mounting for the provision of more than 600 affordable homes at the former Irish Glass Bottle Company site in Ringsend after the National Asset Management Agency ( Nama ) said there was no agreement on State funding for the housing .
In a letter seen by The Irish Times , the agency says “ Despite Nama ’ s best efforts ” no “ commercial agreement ” had been reached between Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing for the affordable homes the Government in 2017 committed to fund .
More than 3,500 apartments are planned for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of the new homes must be sold to Dublin City Council for social housing .
However , in May 2017 , in order to secure councillors ’ approval for the redevelopment plans , then minister for environment Simon Coveney agreed State funding would be made available for an additional 650 affordable homes .
In late 2018 , the council ’ s head of housing , Brendan Kenny , said a deal between the council , the Department of Housing and Nama on the affordable housing provision was in final stages of agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out is the price , ” Mr Kenny said .
In June 2019 , the council again said it was at an advanced stage of negotiation , in relation to funding .
However , Nama at the end of last month , in response to queries from a local housing group , confirmed the deal was never finalised .
“ Despite Nama ’ s best efforts , no commercial agreement could be agreed to by Dublin City Council with the Department of Housing , Planning and Local Government prior to the competitive process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last year , Nama began a sales process on the site seeking cash bids in excess of €125 million for an 80 per cent stake .
In July of this year developer Johnny Ronan and US investment firm Colony Capital were named as preferred bidders for the 80 per cent controlling stake , although it is understood this deal has yet to be finalised .
The letter from Nama to the IGB Housing Action Group states “ Under the planning conditions stipulated by An Bord Pleanála , the commercial agreement will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter for whoever ultimately ends up controlling the site.
” A spokesman for the housing group said it was “ deeply concerned ” an agreement on the funding of the affordable housing had not been finalised prior to the site sale .
“ This should have been done and dusted years ago .
Now there is a private developer involved that will only complicate matters.
” The group felt there was a danger the affordable housing would be used as a bargaining chip .
Local Labour councillor Kevin Donoghue said the delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of the housing was particularly worrying .
The site represented the “ only meaningful opportunity ” to secure affordable homes in the area .
“ It would be a catastrophic failure for the Department of Housing not to come through on this.
” The council said queries should be referred to the Department of Housing A spokesman for the department said it remained committed to working with the council and other parties “ in order to progress this site , subject to agreement on all the normal and relevant terms , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had no comment to make .
The Glass Bottle Company site was bought in 2006 for €412 million by a consortium involving developer Bernard McNamara and State body the Dublin Docklands Development Authority .
Nama bought the debt associated with the site from the now defunct Anglo Irish Bank after the property crash .

Former Irish Glass Bottle Company site at Ringsend: More than 3,500 apartments are planned. Under planning laws 10 per cent of the new homes must be sold to Dublin City Council for social housing. Photograph: Eric Luke
Concerns are mounting for the provision of more than 600 affordable homes at the former Irish Glass Bottle Company site in Ringsend after the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) said there was no agreement on State funding for the housing.
In a letter seen by The Irish Times, the agency says "Despite Nama's best efforts" no "commercial agreement" had been reached between Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing for the affordable homes the Government in 2017 committed to fund.
More than 3,500 apartments are planned for the site. Under planning laws 10 per cent of the new homes must be sold to Dublin City Council for social housing. However, in May 2017, in order to secure councillors' approval for the redevelopment plans, then minister for environment Simon Coveney agreed State funding would be made available for an additional 650 affordable homes.
In late 2018, the council's head of housing, Brendan Kenny, said a deal between the council, the Department of Housing and Nama on the affordable housing provision was in final stages of agreement. "What is still being worked out is the price," Mr Kenny said.
READ MORE
Negotiation stage
In June 2019, the council again said it was at an advanced stage of negotiation, in relation to funding. However, Nama at the end of last month, in response to queries from a local housing group, confirmed the deal was never finalised.
“Despite Nama’s best efforts, no commercial agreement could be agreed to by Dublin City Council with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government prior to the competitive process commencing in July 2019.”
In July of last year, Nama began a sales process on the site seeking cash bids in excess of €125 million for an 80 per cent stake.
In July of this year developer Johnny Ronan and US investment firm Colony Capital were named as preferred bidders for the 80 per cent controlling stake, although it is understood this deal has yet to be finalised.
The letter from Nama to the IGB Housing Action Group states "Under the planning conditions stipulated by An Bord Pleanála, the commercial agreement will have to be resolved. This will be a matter for whoever ultimately ends up controlling the site."
Bargaining chip
A spokesman for the housing group said it was “deeply concerned” an agreement on the funding of the affordable housing had not been finalised prior to the site sale.
“This should have been done and dusted years ago. Now there is a private developer involved that will only complicate matters.”
The group felt there was a danger the affordable housing would be used as a bargaining chip.
Local Labour councillor Kevin Donoghue said the delay in reaching a deal centred on the cost of the housing was particularly worrying.
The site represented the “only meaningful opportunity” to secure affordable homes in the area. “It would be a catastrophic failure for the Department of Housing not to come through on this.”
The council said queries should be referred to the Department of Housing
A spokesman for the department said it remained committed to working with the council and other parties “in order to progress this site, subject to agreement on all the normal and relevant terms, including value-for-money aspects”. The Ronan group said it had no comment to make.
The Glass Bottle Company site was bought in 2006 for €412 million by a consortium involving developer Bernard McNamara and State body the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Nama bought the debt associated with the site from the now defunct Anglo Irish Bank after the property crash.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Dublin city flats complex to undergo major refurbishment

One of Dublin ’ s oldest social housing flat complexes , which was proposed for demolition two years ago , is to undergo a major refurbishment and retrofitting programme .
Dublin City Council said the redevelopment of Pearse House , built in 1936-1938 in the southeast inner city , would take 12-15 years , reduce the number of flats in the complex and cost up to 60 per cent of the price of building new apartments .
The complex of 345 flats on Hanover Street , close to Pearse Street station , was designed by renowned architect Herbert Simms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social housing projects on the city ’ s record of protected structures .
Considerable investment has been made in recent years in attempts to modernise the building , including the installation of new windows and central heating , as well as roof and ventilation upgrades .
However , the council said the flat were “ below space standards compared to new-build ones ” and were “ expensive to heat and at risk of condensation ” .
In October 2018 residents held a protest outside the council ’ s offices due to ongoing rat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month the council ’ s housing committee voted to start the process of “ delisting ” the complex so the dilapidated flats could be demolished and replaced with “ decent modern accommodation ” .
Although the demolition of old rundown flats was supported by the council ’ s head of housing , Brendan Kenny , the council ’ s architecture department was opposed to the destruction of blocks built by Simms .
Proposals to instead refurbish and reconfigure the flats will be presented to councillors on Monday .
The existing one-bedroom apartments are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum standard of 45sq m ; two-bed apartments are 49-56sq m , compared with the minimum standard now of 73sq m ; and three-bed apartments are about 62 sq m compared with the current minimum of 90sq m. The council is proposing to either amalgamate the existing flats , which would bring the number in the complex from 345 to 215 , or to amalgamate and add an additional floor , to give a total of 275 flats .
In addition walls , floors and roofs would be insulated , PVC windows replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and renewable sources of heat and hot water installed .
The council estimates the cost at about 50-60 per cent “ of equivalent new build ” , depending on the option chosen .
The programme of work would take place in a “ minimum of 11 phases ” over 12-15 years .

One of Dublin’s oldest social housing flat complexes, which was proposed for demolition two years ago, is to undergo a major refurbishment and retrofitting programme.
Dublin City Council said the redevelopment of Pearse House, built in 1936-1938 in the southeast inner city, would take 12-15 years, reduce the number of flats in the complex and cost up to 60 per cent of the price of building new apartments.
The complex of 345 flats on Hanover Street, close to Pearse Street station, was designed by renowned architect Herbert Simms and is one of a small number of social housing projects on the city's record of protected structures.
Considerable investment has been made in recent years in attempts to modernise the building, including the installation of new windows and central heating, as well as roof and ventilation upgrades. However, the council said the flat were “below space standards compared to new-build ones” and were “expensive to heat and at risk of condensation”.
READ MORE
In October 2018 residents held a protest outside the council’s offices due to ongoing rat infestations in the complex. The following month the council’s housing committee voted to start the process of “delisting” the complex so the dilapidated flats could be demolished and replaced with “decent modern accommodation”.
Opposed to demolition
Although the demolition of old rundown flats was supported by the council's head of housing, Brendan Kenny, the council's architecture department was opposed to the destruction of blocks built by Simms.
Proposals to instead refurbish and reconfigure the flats will be presented to councillors on Monday.
The existing one-bedroom apartments are 37-39sq m, compared with the current minimum standard of 45sq m; two-bed apartments are 49-56sq m, compared with the minimum standard now of 73sq m; and three-bed apartments are about 62 sq m compared with the current minimum of 90sq m.
The council is proposing to either amalgamate the existing flats, which would bring the number in the complex from 345 to 215, or to amalgamate and add an additional floor, to give a total of 275 flats.
In addition walls, floors and roofs would be insulated, PVC windows replaced with “historically appropriate” aluminium glazing and renewable sources of heat and hot water installed.
The council estimates the cost at about 50-60 per cent “of equivalent new build”, depending on the option chosen. The programme of work would take place in a “minimum of 11 phases” over 12-15 years.


theirishtimes--2020-10-12--Catholic symbols in State schools to be phased out

State secondary schools are to phase out a range of Catholic influences such as mandatory graduation masses , the display of Catholic symbols only and visits from diocesan inspectors .
The new rules will apply to more than 200 secondary schools run by the State ’ s Education and Training Boards ( ETBs ) – formerly vocational schools – which are officially categorised as multidenominational .
However , an unpublished document on the core values of these schools has raised concern within the sector that Catholic practices are normalised in many State schools .
The “ framework for the recognition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ETB schools ” outlines steps schools should follow to bring them into line with a multidenominational ethos .
They include that any religious symbols on display must echo the beliefs of the wider school community rather than one particular religion .
It also means schools that symbolically represent religious celebrations should ensure balance , such as a school displaying a crib at Christmas but also Islamic symbols for Eid .
The framework states that ETB schools will not offer religious instruction or faith formation for a particular religion during the school day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on religious education in which students learn about a range of different religions and beliefs .
Religion teachers may only receive training from groups that are fully compatible with the multidenominational spirit of an ETB school .
The document also states that the only authority that should be allowed to inspect the teaching of religion should be the Department of Education ’ s inspectorate , rather the diocesan inspectors .
Schools events that mark a specific religious event or celebration must be on an opt-in basis rather than requiring students to opt out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the rules will not necessarily apply to a separate category of 70 ETB schools that have legally binding agreements with the Catholic Church that guarantee certain provisions for Catholic children .
Paddy Lavelle , general secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland , confirmed that the unpublished document formed part of a wider framework addressing the “ multidenominational aspect of our schools specifically and the importance of catering for children of all religious and non-religious worldviews equally ” .

A selection of religious symbols on display at Citywest and Saggart Community National School, an Education and Training Board (ETB). Photograph: Eric Luke
State secondary schools are to phase out a range of Catholic influences such as mandatory graduation masses, the display of Catholic symbols only and visits from diocesan inspectors.
The new rules will apply to more than 200 secondary schools run by the State’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs) – formerly vocational schools – which are officially categorised as multidenominational.
However, an unpublished document on the core values of these schools has raised concern within the sector that Catholic practices are normalised in many State schools.
The “framework for the recognition of religious belief/identities of all students in ETB schools” outlines steps schools should follow to bring them into line with a multidenominational ethos. They include that any religious symbols on display must echo the beliefs of the wider school community rather than one particular religion. It also means schools that symbolically represent religious celebrations should ensure balance, such as a school displaying a crib at Christmas but also Islamic symbols for Eid.
READ MORE
State curriculum
The framework states that ETB schools will not offer religious instruction or faith formation for a particular religion during the school day. Instead schools will offer the State curriculum on religious education in which students learn about a range of different religions and beliefs.
Religion teachers may only receive training from groups that are fully compatible with the multidenominational spirit of an ETB school. The document also states that the only authority that should be allowed to inspect the teaching of religion should be the Department of Education’s inspectorate, rather the diocesan inspectors. Schools events that mark a specific religious event or celebration must be on an opt-in basis rather than requiring students to opt out, it states.
It is understood that the rules will not necessarily apply to a separate category of 70 ETB schools that have legally binding agreements with the Catholic Church that guarantee certain provisions for Catholic children.
Paddy Lavelle, general secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland, confirmed that the unpublished document formed part of a wider framework addressing the "multidenominational aspect of our schools specifically and the importance of catering for children of all religious and non-religious worldviews equally".


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Covid-19 testing could be affected by lab workers’ pay dispute

Medical scientists , including those involved in testing for Covid-19 , have warned that there is an increasing mood for industrial action over pay issues .
The chairman of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association Kevin O ’ Boyle said there was “ palpable anger and unrest in laboratories all across the country and the likelihood of industrial action is growing ” .
The union , which represents over more than 1,800 medical scientists in public and private hospitals as well as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service , urged the Government to make progress in dealing with a long-standing pay dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
The association said its members carried out “ critical diagnostic testing of patient samples in public hospitals – including urgent testing for Covid-19 ” .
Terry Casey , the union ’ s general secretary , said : “ At this stage we are not confident that some form of industrial action can be averted .
This long-running pay dispute requires immediate resolution to avoid widespread disruption to laboratory diagnostic services as we enter the winter flu season , with the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to give grave cause for concern.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HSE , Department of Health and Department of Expenditure and Public Reform to engage in urgent and meaningful talks on pay and conditions , in the context of next weekend ’ s annual general meeting , ” he said .
The union said medical scientists were involved in a long-running dispute that dated from 2002 regarding a claim for pay parity with scientific colleagues who work in biochemistry laboratories .
“ Medical scientists carry out identical work , with the same responsibilities , and yet are paid on average 8 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is grossly unfair .
It is an obvious inequity which requires urgent resolution.
” The union said there was a significant national shortage of qualified medical scientists and that up to 130 posts were unfilled .
“ The [ union ] believes that the key reason for these vacant posts is inferior pay and conditions for medical scientists in public health services , including poor career structure and limited promotional opportunities.
” “ Instead graduates are opting for more lucrative positions in the private sector .
It is estimated that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up to 50 choose not to enter the public health service.
” The union said : “ Medical laboratories in the Irish health service are now at tipping point resulting from the critical shortage of qualified medical scientists .
The Covid-19 pandemic , and the requirement to provide urgent additional testing capacity in all hospital laboratories , have turned an already difficult situation into an emergency .
”

Medical scientists, including those involved in testing for Covid-19, have warned that there is an increasing mood for industrial action over pay issues.
The chairman of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association Kevin O'Boyle said there was "palpable anger and unrest in laboratories all across the country and the likelihood of industrial action is growing".
The union, which represents over more than 1,800 medical scientists in public and private hospitals as well as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, urged the Government to make progress in dealing with a long-standing pay dispute ahead of its annual general meeting next weekend.
Hospital Report
The association said its members carried out “critical diagnostic testing of patient samples in public hospitals – including urgent testing for Covid-19”.
READ MORE
Terry Casey, the union's general secretary, said: "At this stage we are not confident that some form of industrial action can be averted. This long-running pay dispute requires immediate resolution to avoid widespread disruption to laboratory diagnostic services as we enter the winter flu season, with the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to give grave cause for concern."
"The [union] is calling on the HSE, Department of Health and Department of Expenditure and Public Reform to engage in urgent and meaningful talks on pay and conditions, in the context of next weekend's annual general meeting," he said.
Unfilled posts
The union said medical scientists were involved in a long-running dispute that dated from 2002 regarding a claim for pay parity with scientific colleagues who work in biochemistry laboratories.
“Medical scientists carry out identical work, with the same responsibilities, and yet are paid on average 8 per cent less,” Mr Casey said. “This is grossly unfair. It is an obvious inequity which requires urgent resolution.”
The union said there was a significant national shortage of qualified medical scientists and that up to 130 posts were unfilled.
“The [union] believes that the key reason for these vacant posts is inferior pay and conditions for medical scientists in public health services, including poor career structure and limited promotional opportunities.”
“Instead graduates are opting for more lucrative positions in the private sector. It is estimated that of the 90-120 medical scientists who graduate annually, up to 50 choose not to enter the public health service.”
The union said: “Medical laboratories in the Irish health service are now at tipping point resulting from the critical shortage of qualified medical scientists. The Covid-19 pandemic, and the requirement to provide urgent additional testing capacity in all hospital laboratories, have turned an already difficult situation into an emergency.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--‘I’m really stressed about catching the virus,’ says woman (27) with arthritis

Aged just 27 , Suzi Coombs isn ’ t how most would imagine a typical arthritis patient .
But her debilitating condition has deteriorated dramatically as a result of the Covid crisis , which has delayed badly needed medical care .
As well strong painkillers to help her cope with the chronic pain , sleeping pills have been added to her lengthening prescriptions over recent months to help her get through what , at times , feels like a hopeless ordeal .
Diagnosed two years ago with Ankylosing Spondylitis — a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her hospital appointments have all been cancelled since the start of the pandemic .
So too , the physiotherapy and acupuncture that helped her manage the condition , which makes it difficult getting dressed in the morning , when it takes as long as two hours to limber up .
And , because her prescriptions include immunosuppressants to prevent her inflammatory strain of arthritis attacking her joints , she is considered particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus .
“ I ’ ve moved in with my mother , who is also cocooning , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen my boyfriend , but apart from that I haven ’ t been out at all.
” The Fine Arts graduate who qualified with a Masters degree from NUI Galway in public advocacy and activism has been forced to put her career on hold , leaving a communications role with a charity to focus on managing her declining health .
“ It has turned into a full time job fighting for what I need , especially with the waiting lists , ” she says .
Exasperated with years-long queues to see pain management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union loan last year to go private .
When the private hospitals were taken over by the State as a result of the crisis , planned pain relief injections into her sacroiliac joints were postponed .
“ There ’ s a backlog now .
I will have to wait until at least the end of the year , unless the hospitals are taken over again , ” she says .
Regular rheumatology appointments were also canceled — she hasn ’ t seen a rheumatologist since January and her next appointment isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also on an orthopedic waiting list for possible surgery .
“ I haven ’ t seen anyone for a long time .
I can ’ t get through to anyone on the phone , ” says Coombs .
“ I do think the Government hasn ’ t really considered what putting a stop to those services might mean for people in practical terms .
The face to face care that I was getting has completely stopped .
“ Over the last few months my sleep is disturbed , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with it coming in waves , there is no end in sight .
It has left me feeling hopeless.
” On World Arthritis Day , Arthritis Ireland said tens of thousands of people with the disease in Ireland , who have an auto-immune condition or who need immunosuppressants , are more vulnerable than others to Covid-19 .
Findings from a survey of more than 1,000 people with the conditions , between June and September , found 83 per cent reported being often or sometimes worried about getting “ very ill ” if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were cocooning during the pandemic .
More than four in ten ( 44 per cent ) had appointments with a rheumatologist cancelled or postponed since the first lockdown in March .
Waiting lists to see a rheumatologist increased from 17,853 to 20,185 ( 13 per cent ) from January to September .
The true number needing to be seen is likely to be worse because of a backlog in GP referrals , according to Arthritis Ireland .
Gráinne O ’ Leary , chief executive of Arthritis Ireland , said it was “ particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those polled who had with inflammatory arthritis had their rheumatology appointments cancelled or postponed .
“ We need urgent action to ensure that people with arthritis can access the health services they need in a timely fashion .
Arthritis is a chronic , destructive disease – it doesn ’ t stop while we ’ re trying to solve the pandemic , ” she added .

Aged just 27, Suzi Coombs isn’t how most would imagine a typical arthritis patient. But her debilitating condition has deteriorated dramatically as a result of the Covid crisis, which has delayed badly needed medical care.
As well strong painkillers to help her cope with the chronic pain, sleeping pills have been added to her lengthening prescriptions over recent months to help her get through what, at times, feels like a hopeless ordeal.
Diagnosed two years ago with Ankylosing Spondylitis — a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine — Coombs, from Galway city, said her hospital appointments have all been cancelled since the start of the pandemic.
So too, the physiotherapy and acupuncture that helped her manage the condition, which makes it difficult getting dressed in the morning, when it takes as long as two hours to limber up.
READ MORE
And, because her prescriptions include immunosuppressants to prevent her inflammatory strain of arthritis attacking her joints, she is considered particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus.
“I’ve moved in with my mother, who is also cocooning,” she says. “I’ve seen my boyfriend, but apart from that I haven’t been out at all.”
The Fine Arts graduate who qualified with a Masters degree from NUI Galway in public advocacy and activism has been forced to put her career on hold, leaving a communications role with a charity to focus on managing her declining health.
“It has turned into a full time job fighting for what I need, especially with the waiting lists,” she says.
Exasperated with years-long queues to see pain management specialists, Coomb took out a credit union loan last year to go private. When the private hospitals were taken over by the State as a result of the crisis, planned pain relief injections into her sacroiliac joints were postponed.
“There’s a backlog now. I will have to wait until at least the end of the year, unless the hospitals are taken over again,” she says.
Regular rheumatology appointments were also canceled — she hasn’t seen a rheumatologist since January and her next appointment isn’t until April next year — and she’s also on an orthopedic waiting list for possible surgery.
“I haven’t seen anyone for a long time. I can’t get through to anyone on the phone,” says Coombs.
“I do think the Government hasn’t really considered what putting a stop to those services might mean for people in practical terms. The face to face care that I was getting has completely stopped.
“Over the last few months my sleep is disturbed, I’m really stressed about catching the virus, and with it coming in waves, there is no end in sight. It has left me feeling hopeless.”
On World Arthritis Day, Arthritis Ireland said tens of thousands of people with the disease in Ireland, who have an auto-immune condition or who need immunosuppressants, may be more vulnerable than others to Covid-19.
Findings from a survey of more than 1,000 people with the conditions , between June and September, found 83 per cent reported being often or sometimes worried about getting “very ill” if they were infected, while three quarters were cocooning during the pandemic.
More than four in ten (44 per cent) had appointments with a rheumatologist cancelled or postponed since the first lockdown in March.
Waiting lists to see a rheumatologist increased from 17,853 to 20,185 (13 per cent) from January to September. The true number needing to be seen is likely to be worse because of a backlog in GP referrals, according to Arthritis Ireland.
Gráinne O’Leary, chief executive of Arthritis Ireland, said it was “particularly concerning” that 44 per cent of those polled who had with inflammatory arthritis had their rheumatology appointments cancelled or postponed.
“We need urgent action to ensure that people with arthritis can access the health services they need in a timely fashion. Arthritis is a chronic, destructive disease – it doesn’t stop while we’re trying to solve the pandemic,” she added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--PPE drives littering in Irish towns to worst levels in over a decade

The dumping of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is a significant contributory factor to littering in Irish towns and cities falling to the worst level in well over a decade , a major new report has found .
The report was commissioned by Irish Business Against Litter ( IBAL ) , an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity is contingent on a clean , litter-free environment .
Its first nationwide litter report since the coronavirus crisis , published on Monday , showed a dramatic fall in the number of towns and cities deemed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level since 2007 .
Cities fared particularly badly , with Dublin , Galway and Limerick city centres all losing their “ clean ” status .
While no area was branded a “ litter blackspot ” , the worst affected areas , deemed to be “ seriously littered ” , were Dublin ’ s north inner city and Limerick city south , with the townland of Galvone subjected to a “ monumental level ” of dumping .
In something of a sign of the times , the report showed PPE litter to be widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cans and glass bottles .
IBAL ’ s Conor Horgan said the coronavirus pandemic has led to more littering and less cleaning up by volunteers .
“ The rise in litter levels this year is across the board , ” he said .
“ The Covid crisis has seen more dumping , more outdoor socialising , especially drinking , and PPE litter , but less cleaning by local authorities and less activity by volunteers like Tidy Towns.
” He called the situation “ a perfect storm , in many ways ” , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst position we ’ ve been in in over 10 years ” .
“ In the fight against Covid-19 , local authorities have curtailed cleaning schedules and diverted resources to other areas , ” he continued .
“ At the same time , households have been generating more litter during lockdown and there has been a visible increase in drinking outdoors as pubs are closed , a fact borne out by the rise in bottles and cans found by the An Taisce inspectors , Galway city being one example .
“ However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps also a reflection of pubs and offices being closed .
Half of all recycle facilities surveyed were heavily littered , another likely consequence of the Covid crisis.
” Mr Horgan said the prevalence of PPE litter across the country was a matter of particular concern , with discarded masks five times as common as gloves .
“ Understandably , people are reluctant to pick up these items for fear of contracting Covid , so they tend to stay on the ground , ” he said .
“ We need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reusable masks.
” Kilkenny was again judged the best of the 40 towns and cities surveyed .
An Taisce , who carried out the report , deemed 23 towns to be “ clean ” , which represented a fall of more than 20 per cent on last year .
The number of towns reaching the highest cleanliness level – “ cleaner than European norms ” – dropped by a quarter to nine , with Kilkenny edging out Athlone , Killarney and Portlaoise at the top of the rankings .
Dublin ’ s Ballymun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 2019 , with its Main Street praised as “ very well presented , with a virtual absence of litter throughout ” .
Mr Horgan also said that the number of “ very bad sites ” within towns explained the overall deterioration in cleanliness .
“ It is a source of particular frustration that those sites which we had identified last year as heavily littered were – for the most part – not cleaned up in the interim , ” he said .
“ Of 61 sites described as either heavily littered or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent were clean in this latest report .
We ’ ve been saying for years that the most immediate way to improve a town or city is to focus on the bad areas – clearly this is not being done.
” Among the worst sites surveyed , “ heavy levels of litter abounded ” at Galvone Business Park in Limerick , while the area ’ s recycle facility was “ subject to dumping on a monumental scale ” .
There were “ major accumulations ” of food related and other miscellaneous items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ossary Road in Dublin .
Elsewhere , St Patrick ’ s Park in Navan was “ one of the worst sites ” seen by IBAL in recent years with “ heavy levels of dumping ” of large scale household items such as mattresses , couches and black sacks .
“ In these exceptional times , when councils ’ resources are stretched , civic responsibility is called for more than ever , ” added Mr Horgan .
“ The mantra ‘ we ’ re all in this together ’ extends to the proper disposal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is prone to contamination .
With fewer people available or willing to pick up litter , the message has to be not to litter in the first place .
”

The dumping of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a significant contributory factor to littering in Irish towns and cities falling to the worst level in well over a decade, a major new report has found.
The report was commissioned by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.
Its first nationwide litter report since the coronavirus crisis, published on Monday, showed a dramatic fall in the number of towns and cities deemed to be “clean”, to its lowest level since 2007.
Cities fared particularly badly, with Dublin, Galway and Limerick city centres all losing their “clean” status.
READ MORE
While no area was branded a “litter blackspot”, the worst affected areas, deemed to be “seriously littered”, were Dublin’s north inner city and Limerick city south, with the townland of Galvone subjected to a “monumental level” of dumping.
In something of a sign of the times, the report showed PPE litter to be widespread and a rise in the prevalence of cans and glass bottles.
Dumping
IBAL’s Conor Horgan said the coronavirus pandemic has led to more littering and less cleaning up by volunteers.
“The rise in litter levels this year is across the board,” he said. “The Covid crisis has seen more dumping, more outdoor socialising, especially drinking, and PPE litter, but less cleaning by local authorities and less activity by volunteers like Tidy Towns.”
He called the situation “a perfect storm, in many ways”, which has brought the State to “the worst position we’ve been in in over 10 years”.
“In the fight against Covid-19, local authorities have curtailed cleaning schedules and diverted resources to other areas,” he continued.
“At the same time, households have been generating more litter during lockdown and there has been a visible increase in drinking outdoors as pubs are closed, a fact borne out by the rise in bottles and cans found by the An Taisce inspectors, Galway city being one example.
“However, there was a reduction in cigarette butts, perhaps also a reflection of pubs and offices being closed. Half of all recycle facilities surveyed were heavily littered, another likely consequence of the Covid crisis.”
Mr Horgan said the prevalence of PPE litter across the country was a matter of particular concern, with discarded masks five times as common as gloves.
“Understandably, people are reluctant to pick up these items for fear of contracting Covid, so they tend to stay on the ground,” he said. “We need to see a rapid rise in the use of reusable masks.”
Kilkenny was again judged the best of the 40 towns and cities surveyed. An Taisce, who carried out the report, deemed 23 towns to be “clean”, which represented a fall of more than 20 per cent on last year.
The number of towns reaching the highest cleanliness level – “cleaner than European norms” – dropped by a quarter to nine, with Kilkenny edging out Athlone, Killarney and Portlaoise at the top of the rankings.
Frustration
Dublin’s Ballymun was among the few areas to improve on 2019, with its Main Street praised as “very well presented, with a virtual absence of litter throughout”.
Mr Horgan also said that the number of “very bad sites” within towns explained the overall deterioration in cleanliness.
“It is a source of particular frustration that those sites which we had identified last year as heavily littered were – for the most part – not cleaned up in the interim,” he said.
“Of 61 sites described as either heavily littered or blackspots in 2019, fewer than 40 per cent were clean in this latest report. We’ve been saying for years that the most immediate way to improve a town or city is to focus on the bad areas – clearly this is not being done.”
Among the worst sites surveyed, “heavy levels of litter abounded” at Galvone Business Park in Limerick, while the area’s recycle facility was “subject to dumping on a monumental scale”.
There were “major accumulations” of food related and other miscellaneous items in the water in the Canal at Ossary Road in Dublin.
Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Park in Navan was “one of the worst sites” seen by IBAL in recent years with “heavy levels of dumping” of large scale household items such as mattresses, couches and black sacks.
“In these exceptional times, when councils’ resources are stretched, civic responsibility is called for more than ever,” added Mr Horgan.
“The mantra ‘we’re all in this together’ extends to the proper disposal of waste, not least waste that is prone to contamination. With fewer people available or willing to pick up litter, the message has to be not to litter in the first place.”
Seriously littered areas
Limerick city south – Galvone
Dublin north inner city
Littered
Cork northside
Tallaght
Tipperary
Cleaner than European norms
Kilkenny
Athlone
Killarney
Portlaoise
Maynooth
Ennis
Roscommon
Fermoy
Waterford city centre


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Playing sports linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression in teenagers

Teenagers who play sport are much more likely to have higher levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression , new research shows .
The study by researchers at Dublin City University found that only 8 per cent of teenagers are getting the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity .
The research , which explores the association between physical inactivity and mental health issues among adolescents , found 40 per cent self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety .
The findings are based on a nationwide survey of more than 5,500 adolescents from 79 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Females ( 47 per cent ) were much more likely than males ( 28 per cent ) to report mental health issues .
While previous studies have examined physical activity levels among teenagers in Ireland as well as the prevalence of anxiety and depression , this is the first study to explore the association between the two in the same cohort .
The respondents completed a number of questionnaires capturing physical activity levels , sports participation and mental wellbeing as part of an anonymous online survey .
A total of 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 per cent took part in team sports .
Those who engaged in sport were found to have higher levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression , with team sports conferring an additional benefit .
A total of 70 per cent of male adolescents took part in a team sport compared to 56 per cent of females .
Levels of physical activity , among females , decreased as they get older and only 1 per cent of sixth-year female students achieve the recommended physical activity guidelines per day .
Overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported greater levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety .
A fifth of adolescents did not take part in any activity , either individual or team-based .
In addition , almost 90 per cent of adolescents who identified as non-gender reported high levels of anxiety and depression .
The research was undertaken by PhD student and PE teacher John Murphy and DCU academics Dr Bronagh McGrane and Dr Mary Rose Sweeney .
They concluded that schools and the wider community should promote regular physical activity and engagement in individual or team sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in adolescents .
Mr Murphy said the findings emphasise the importance of increasing physical activity levels among adolescents who are least active .
“ This research highlights the importance of young people remaining involved in sport throughout adolescence for both the physical and mental health benefits , ” he said , Dr Mary Rose Sweeney noted that the research was conducted before the coronavirus pandemic .
“ As a society we need to increase the opportunities for young people to become more active , ” she said .
“ Funding for intervention research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different intensities of physical activity on mental wellbeing in adolescents is needed , to explore whether increases in physical activity could be a viable alternative to pharmacological agents , increasingly being prescribed for adolescents .
”

A study by researchers at Dublin City University found that only 8 per cent of teens are getting the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Photograph: iStock
Teenagers who play sport are much more likely to have higher levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, new research shows.
The study by researchers at Dublin City University found that only 8 per cent of teenagers are getting the daily recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
The research, which explores the association between physical activity and mental health issues among adolescents, found 40 per cent self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The findings are based on a nationwide survey of more than 5,500 adolescents from 79 secondary schools across the State late last year.
READ MORE
Females (47 per cent) were much more likely than males (28 per cent) to report mental health issues.
While previous studies have examined physical activity levels among teenagers in Ireland as well as the prevalence of anxiety and depression, this is the first study to explore the association between the two in the same cohort.
Symptoms
The respondents completed a number of questionnaires capturing physical activity levels, sports participation and mental wellbeing as part of an anonymous online survey.
A total of 80 per cent reported playing one sport and 66 per cent took part in team sports.
Those who engaged in sport were found to have higher levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, with team sports conferring an additional benefit.
A total of 70 per cent of male adolescents took part in a team sport compared to 56 per cent of females.
Levels of physical activity, among females, decreased as they get older and only 1 per cent of sixth-year female students achieve the recommended physical activity guidelines per day.
Overall, the study found that young males reported greater levels of wellbeing and lower symptoms of anxiety.
A fifth of adolescents did not take part in any activity, either individual or team-based.
In addition, almost 90 per cent of adolescents who identified as non-gender reported high levels of anxiety and depression.
The research was undertaken by PhD student and PE teacher John Murphy and DCU academics Dr Bronagh McGrane and Dr Mary Rose Sweeney.
They concluded that schools and the wider community should promote regular physical activity and engagement in individual or team sports to enhance wellbeing and positive mental health in adolescents.
Physical activity
Mr Murphy said the findings emphasise the importance of increasing physical activity levels among adolescents who are least active.
“This research highlights the importance of young people remaining involved in sport throughout adolescence for both the physical and mental health benefits,” he said,
Dr Mary Rose Sweeney noted that the research was conducted before the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a society we need to increase the opportunities for young people to become more active,” she said.
“Funding for intervention research exploring the impact of different types and different intensities of physical activity on mental wellbeing in adolescents is needed, to explore whether increases in physical activity could be a viable alternative to pharmacological agents, increasingly being prescribed for adolescents.”
* This article was amended on 12/10/2020 to correct an error


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--How to avoid having a nightmare before Christmas

It is easy to get caught up in the madness of crowds .
This page found itself in a toy shop exactly a week ago after hearing reports of parents panic-buying toys .
Once the on-the-scene reporting was done and dusted , the page found itself panic-buying toys and , before anyone could say , “ There are still 81 sleeps until Christmas , ” there we were standing in line like a gombeen waiting to hand over more than €200 to a nice chap in Smyths .
Never mind Last Minute Man , the omnipresent festive clown who always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve , putting themselves under enormous pressure and all but guaranteeing their loved ones rubbish presents .
Pricewatch was First Minute Man .
For reasons that anyone who has ever had a child or who has even been a child will probably instantly understand , we can say no more , now or ever , about what was in our arms .
But as we left the shop , we couldn ’ t help but wonder what in the name of the little baby in the crib we were going to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we might keep them out of view between now and Christmas , and whether or not anyone would have any interest in them whenever they eventually see them .
We were not acting alone ; it was the same toy story across the country , with Barbie queues forming in shops big and small as parents reacted nervously to news that the country was heading towards Level 5 of the Government ’ s plan for Living With Covid – a name , incidentally , which sounds like a hideously grim sequel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the lovely Lucy Kennedy .
As it turned out , Level 5 was averted – at least for now – and the shops will stay open .
But the panic was real and a reminder to everyone of the need to be more organised this year .
And that is why we are unapologetically starting our Christmas coverage today , weeks before Halloween , with a parental primer which hopefully might help reduce anxiety in the weeks ahead .
We should point out that when it comes to Christmas morning , everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Claus .
He has been self-isolating since last January and – in any event – is entirely immune to Covid-19 , as are all his elves .
That means presents will come as they always do and Santa and his reindeer will need to be fed in houses across Ireland as they always are .
However , it is possible that some parents might like to supplement the work going on in the North Pole right now , while family and friends cut adrift from each other for too long might want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what to buy is always a big question .
Generally speaking , it is always a good idea to wait until late in the season to be jolly as there are none so fickle as little folk .
Leaving it late also means you have had a chance to watch The Late Late Toy Show to get a sense of the things that people might want .
But this year , a year like no other , there will be no crowds rushing into toy shops on December 23rd .
Shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably won ’ t much fancy it either .
And the Toy Show won ’ t be on for weeks yet so we are starved of that peerless guidance too .
Companies such as Amazon , Argos and – closer to home – Smyths don ’ t get to be the size they are without knowing a thing or two about consumer behaviour and without being able to make a reasonable stab at what people are likely to buy each year , which is why we turned to them for advice .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pokémon and LOL Surprise will be among its top sellers this year , as well as new releases from classic brands such as Monopoly , Barbie , WWE and Lego .
“ We have some cool characters , from LOL Remix and Pokémon to Mario and The Child , as well as our exclusive Wrekkin ’ Slambulance , as seen live on WWE last week , ” says Sinead Byrne , joint head of marketing at Smyths .
She reckons the Slambulance will be the number one toy this season followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Animatronic taking the bronze medal position .
After that there will be the LOL Surprise !
OMG Remix 4-in-1 Plane and the Barbie Princess Adventure Prance & Shimmer Horse to round out the top five .
Argos also announced its top toy predictions for 2020 last week , and among the toys it expects to feature on children ’ s Christmas lists this year are a Lego Lamborghini , a flamingo that sits on the toilet and poos ( yay ! )
a dancing unicorn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” from Disney ’ s The Mandalorian – which people in the know know as Baby Yoda .
“ The time we ’ ve been spending at home has generated a strong sense of nostalgia for our favourite toys , ” a spokeswoman said .
“ Half of parents reminisced about their old toys at some point during the nationwide lockdown and , as a result , 22 per cent plan to gift their child something that conjures memories of their own childhood this Christmas.
” She said that , as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test of time make several appearances on the Argos top toy rundown , combining classic choices with something fresh and modern.
” Nintendo and Lego , both of which have maintained their popularity for several generations , have collaborated to release the Lego Adventures with Mario Starter Course , which has a price tag of about €54 and offers children – and indeed adults – the chance to recreate the iconic platform games in physical form , collecting coins and squashing enemies .
There is also the Present Pets Fancy Puppy interactive plush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and actions , the Lego Super Mario starter set , Monopoly Sore Losers and Paw Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller motorised team vehicle with Chase & T-Rex .
Over at Amazon , a list of presents for different age groups was drawn up , with Barbie , Minecraft , Star Wars , Lego and LOL Surprise dolls all making an appearance as well that Baby Yoda thing .
For children under the age of two , it suggests a Dyson Toy vacuum and the Lego Disney Princess Ariel ’ s Undersea Castle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be – the website says – in the market for Little Live Pets Got ta Go Flamingo ( again , yay ! )
and Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box .
There is also the FurReal Poopalots Big Wags interactive pet toys .
And , in case you are wondering ( and we were ) , they are “ realistic toy pets ” who do exactly what it says in the box .
Amazon predicts the special child in your life will love this dog that they will need to feed , walk and clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real-life furry companion ” .
Hmm .
Amazon ’ s top toys for boys and girls aged between six and eight are the Baby Yoda , the Barbie Fashionista dolls , and the Think Fun Gravity Maze , while kids aged between nine and 11 might do well to get the National Geographic Earth Science Kit , a collection of more than 15 no-fuss science and STEM experiments to do at home , from creating water tornadoes or an erupting volcano to growing a crystal .
There is also a Fleece quilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a super-soft fleece blanket .
For those over the age of 12 there is the Friends TV series Monopoly .
“ Could this game BE any more fun ?
This Monopoly board with a Friends twist features properties like Central Perk and tokens like Monica ’ s chef ’ s hat and Phoebe ’ s guitar , ” the site says .
There is also a Throw Throw Burrito game which , we are told , is the “ hottest card game [ and ] involves throwing soft foam burritos at each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there will then be the Santa visits to work out .
SantaOnline.ie is a clever response to the Great Unplesantness and promises to bring the big man into your home – at least in a virtual sense .
Think Zoom work meeting , only with more Ho-Ho-Hos .
Families will be able to book a day and a time for a virtual meeting with Santa at prices which start at €15 per child .
They will then get a confirmation email from the North Pole via SantaOnline.ie and a link .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the moment of Zoom .
When the time comes , parents will follow the link and Santa will appear on the computer screen and talk to their loved ones in the intimate setting of their own home .
The people behind the concept are a company by the name of ThinkNBlink , which in Christmases past had grottoes across the country for clients such as Tesco , Ikea , Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and the Square Town Centre in Tallaght .
“ We would usually have 150 people working on over 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year , ” says Graham Carroll of ThinkNBlink .
“ So , we have taken all that knowledge and brought it online.
” The company will also be donating a euro of every booking to Laura Lynn and has also set it up so that grandparents and immune-comprised people who may be cocooning will also be able to simultaneously join in on the visit and it can be recorded on your device .
Of course , the Santa visit will not have to be entirely virtual ; there are other alternatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to travel outside of their county , something which is , sadly , not a given at the time of writing .
Rathwood in Co Carlow has long hosted one of the most popular Santa grottoes in Ireland , with prime slots booking out well in advance of December .
Sitting on Santa ’ s knee in Carlow will be out this year for so many obvious reasons , so Rathwood devised what it says is “ an original idea for these unusual times ” .
On arrival families will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rathwood Express and be brought on “ a magical journey through a festive forest ” where they will see Santa ’ s reindeer .
The train will then enter a circus big top and families “ will enjoy a magical show with Santa , Mrs Claus and the elves from the comfort of their family pod on the train.
” A socially distanced Santa will then greet family pods and each child will get that all-important gift .
Palmerstown House has also modified its Santa experience to reflect a changed world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ families will not have to check in at reception and will instead present a barcode to Santa ’ s helpers in the designated welcome zone .
Families will travel in a bubble and , while they will be able to see other families , it will only be from a safe distance .
Then comes the Santa ’ s Express Christmas train which will travel through the grounds of Palmerstown House Estate to Santa ’ s Magical Manor .
Each family will have their own space separated by perspex screens .
Santa will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there will be presents followed by a journey back to the North Pole Village by train .
Tickets are priced from €21 for children and €15.50 for adults and infants and can be booked on santashouseexpress.ie .
Another thing to be aware of this year is storage .
In times past , things which had to be shielded from some eyes could be bought much later in the season and stored in offices until the big reveal , or even left in car boots until the time came .
But now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many spare rooms turned into offices , and big trips into big urban centres in the days before Christmas not looking likely for many , parents will have to be cleverer than ever when it comes to storage .
With that in mind , now might be a good time to clear out a space in the attic , if you have such a thing .
If you do the clearing out now rather than when you actually need it – be that in a week or 10 weeks – you will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or perhaps you have a shed that is full of junk .
Once you can lock it securely and it is dry then it might work .
Although bear in mind that criminals are always on the lookout for an opportunity .
Calling in favours of friends or family with more space and a less pressing need to keep things under wraps is another option .
Or , if you are really stuck and have some pretty big things that need to be kept securely for a couple of months , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound extreme but there are a whole lot of such services around the country , with many offering deals including 50 per cent discounts on the first month , meaning you could rent yourself something secure close to where you live for two months for about €100 .
While we mentioned the two As of Amazon and Argos above , we are still all about shopping local and reckon people should do what they can to find local stockists of the gifts that might make their way under the tree this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hard , and the local ones come with the advantage that they tend to be much easier to make contact with if things go wrong .
But can we stress again the importance of shopping early this year .
It may seem crazy but it is the best thing you can do .
nimblefingers.ie If you are in the market for a trampoline or a swing set or climbing frames , or books or toys for children and adults and hobbyists , or games or pretty much anything fun you can think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
thetoyshoponline.ie A super cute site with a large array of toys and scooters and all the rest .
smythstoys.com Just because it is one of the biggest toy shops on these islands , it doesn ’ t make it less Irish than it was .
It stock large ranges of all toys and operates a handy click-and-collect service if you are not keen on wandering the aisles .
mimitoys.ie An ever-increasing range of environmentally sound toys for all kids .
Again , this is a site that eschews that easily breakable plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little shop on Galway ’ s Quay St that was always worth a browse in pre-Covid times .
The actual shop is on the small side , but there are no space issues on the website .
A shop full of wooden and traditional toys .
littleones.ie Gorgeous shop based in Ennis , absolutely stuffed with the cutest of presents from Ireland and elsewhere .
Definitely worth a visit , if only in a virtual sense .
kaliedy.com A new kid on the block , this site was born out of the ashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish stockiest of a wide range of developmental toys from the Early Learning Centre , making it an ideal starting point for parents of young children .

Sitting on Santa’s knee will be out this year for so many obvious reasons. Photograph: iStock
It is easy to get caught up in the madness of crowds. This page found itself in a toy shop exactly a week ago after hearing reports of parents panic-buying toys. Once the on-the-scene reporting was done and dusted, the page found itself panic-buying toys and, before anyone could say, "There are still 81 sleeps until Christmas," there we were standing in line like a gombeen waiting to hand over more than €200 to a nice chap in Smyths.
Never mind Last Minute Man, the omnipresent festive clown who always leaves all present-buying until 5pm on Christmas Eve, putting themselves under enormous pressure and all but guaranteeing their loved ones rubbish presents. Pricewatch was First Minute Man.
For reasons that anyone who has ever had a child or who has even been a child will probably instantly understand, we can say no more, now or ever, about what was in our arms. But as we left the shop, we couldn’t help but wonder what in the name of the little baby in the crib we were going to do with the things we had just bought, how we might keep them out of view between now and Christmas, and whether or not anyone would have any interest in them whenever they eventually see them.
We were not acting alone; it was the same toy story across the country, with Barbie queues forming in shops big and small as parents reacted nervously to news that the country was heading towards Level 5 of the Government's plan for Living With Covid – a name, incidentally, which sounds like a hideously grim sequel to the popular Virgin Media Television series fronted by the lovely Lucy Kennedy.
READ MORE
As it turned out, Level 5 was averted – at least for now – and the shops will stay open. But the panic was real and a reminder to everyone of the need to be more organised this year.
And that is why we are unapologetically starting our Christmas coverage today, weeks before Halloween, with a parental primer which hopefully might help reduce anxiety in the weeks ahead.
Queues forming outside Smyths store in Carrickmines, Dublin, on Monday October 5th, as people worried that Ireland was about to enter Level 5 restrictions. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
We should point out that when it comes to Christmas morning, everything will still be taken care of by Santa Claus. He has been self-isolating since last January and – in any event – is entirely immune to Covid-19, as are all his elves. That means presents will come as they always do and Santa and his reindeer will need to be fed in houses across Ireland as they always are.
However, it is possible that some parents might like to supplement the work going on in the North Pole right now, while family and friends cut adrift from each other for too long might want to buy presents ahead of time too.
Fickle
But what to buy is always a big question. Generally speaking, it is always a good idea to wait until late in the season to be jolly as there are none so fickle as little folk. Leaving it late also means you have had a chance to watch The Late Late Toy Show to get a sense of the things that people might want. But this year, a year like no other, there will be no crowds rushing into toy shops on December 23rd. Shops will not allow such pandemonium and shoppers probably won’t much fancy it either. And the Toy Show won’t be on for weeks yet so we are starved of that peerless guidance too.
Companies such as Amazon, Argos and – closer to home – Smyths don't get to be the size they are without knowing a thing or two about consumer behaviour and without being able to make a reasonable stab at what people are likely to buy each year, which is why we turned to them for advice.
The people at Smyths Toys reckon Paw Patrol, Pokémon and LOL Surprise will be among its top sellers this year, as well as new releases from classic brands such as Monopoly, Barbie, WWE and Lego.
The time we've been spending at home has generated a strong sense of nostalgia for our favourite toys
"We have some cool characters, from LOL Remix and Pokémon to Mario and The Child, as well as our exclusive Wrekkin' Slambulance, as seen live on WWE last week," says Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths.
She reckons the Slambulance will be the number one toy this season followed by the Pokémon Carry Case at number two, with Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Animatronic taking the bronze medal position. After that there will be the LOL Surprise! OMG Remix 4-in-1 Plane and the Barbie Princess Adventure Prance & Shimmer Horse to round out the top five.
Argos also announced its top toy predictions for 2020 last week, and among the toys it expects to feature on children's Christmas lists this year are a Lego Lamborghini, a flamingo that sits on the toilet and poos (yay!) a dancing unicorn and the animatronic doll of "The Child" from Disney's The Mandalorian – which people in the know know as Baby Yoda.
“The time we’ve been spending at home has generated a strong sense of nostalgia for our favourite toys,” a spokeswoman said. “Half of parents reminisced about their old toys at some point during the nationwide lockdown and, as a result, 22 per cent plan to gift their child something that conjures memories of their own childhood this Christmas.”
She said that, as a result, “franchises that have stood the test of time make several appearances on the Argos top toy rundown, combining classic choices with something fresh and modern.”
Nintendo and Lego, both of which have maintained their popularity for several generations, have collaborated to release the Lego Adventures with Mario Starter Course, which has a price tag of about €54 and offers children – and indeed adults – the chance to recreate the iconic platform games in physical form, collecting coins and squashing enemies.
There is also the Present Pets Fancy Puppy interactive plush pet toy assortment with over 100 sounds and actions, the Lego Super Mario starter set, Monopoly Sore Losers and Paw Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller motorised team vehicle with Chase & T-Rex.
Age groups
Over at Amazon, a list of presents for different age groups was drawn up, with Barbie, Minecraft, Star Wars, Lego and LOL Surprise dolls all making an appearance as well that Baby Yoda thing.
For children under the age of two, it suggests a Dyson Toy vacuum and the Lego Disney Princess Ariel's Undersea Castle.
Kids aged between three and four will be – the website says – in the market for Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo (again, yay!) and Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box. There is also the FurReal Poopalots Big Wags interactive pet toys. And, in case you are wondering (and we were), they are “realistic toy pets” who do exactly what it says in the box. Amazon predicts the special child in your life will love this dog that they will need to feed, walk and clean up after, “preparing them for a real-life furry companion”. Hmm.
Amazon's top toys for boys and girls aged between six and eight are the Baby Yoda, the Barbie Fashionista dolls, and the Think Fun Gravity Maze, while kids aged between nine and 11 might do well to get the National Geographic Earth Science Kit, a collection of more than 15 no-fuss science and STEM experiments to do at home, from creating water tornadoes or an erupting volcano to growing a crystal.
There is also a Fleece quilt kit – a no-sew DIY kit to create a super-soft fleece blanket.
For those over the age of 12 there is the Friends TV series Monopoly. “Could this game BE any more fun? This Monopoly board with a Friends twist features properties like Central Perk and tokens like Monica’s chef’s hat and Phoebe’s guitar,” the site says .
There is also a Throw Throw Burrito game which, we are told , is the “hottest card game [and] involves throwing soft foam burritos at each other.
Once the presents are sorted, there will then be the Santa visits to work out. SantaOnline.ie is a clever response to the Great Unplesantness and promises to bring the big man into your home – at least in a virtual sense. Think Zoom work meeting, only with more Ho-Ho-Hos.
Families will be able to book a day and a time for a virtual meeting with Santa at prices which start at €15 per child. They will then get a confirmation email from the North Pole via SantaOnline.ie and a link. A gift will arrive in the post prior to the moment of Zoom.
We would usually have 150 people working on over 30 Christmas events and experiences at this time of the year
When the time comes, parents will follow the link and Santa will appear on the computer screen and talk to their loved ones in the intimate setting of their own home.
The people behind the concept are a company by the name of ThinkNBlink, which in Christmases past had grottoes across the country for clients such as Tesco, Ikea, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and the Square Town Centre in Tallaght.
"We would usually have 150 people working on over 30 Christmas events and experiences at this time of the year," says Graham Carroll of ThinkNBlink. "So, we have taken all that knowledge and brought it online."
The company will also be donating a euro of every booking to Laura Lynn and has also set it up so that grandparents and immune-comprised people who may be cocooning will also be able to simultaneously join in on the visit and it can be recorded on your device.
Santa visits
Of course, the Santa visit will not have to be entirely virtual; there are other alternatives, although many will depend on people being able to travel outside of their county, something which is, sadly, not a given at the time of writing.
Rathwood in Co Carlow has long hosted one of the most popular Santa grottoes in Ireland, with prime slots booking out well in advance of December. Sitting on Santa’s knee in Carlow will be out this year for so many obvious reasons, so Rathwood devised what it says is “an original idea for these unusual times”.
On arrival families will be assigned a “secure pod” on the Rathwood Express and be brought on “a magical journey through a festive forest” where they will see Santa’s reindeer. The train will then enter a circus big top and families “will enjoy a magical show with Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves from the comfort of their family pod on the train.”
A socially distanced Santa will then greet family pods and each child will get that all-important gift.
Palmerstown House has also modified its Santa experience to reflect a changed world. A contactless system has been developed so families will not have to check in at reception and will instead present a barcode to Santa's helpers in the designated welcome zone. Families will travel in a bubble and, while they will be able to see other families, it will only be from a safe distance.
Then comes the Santa’s Express Christmas train which will travel through the grounds of Palmerstown House Estate to Santa’s Magical Manor. Each family will have their own space separated by perspex screens.
Santa will then greet small numbers of families together and there will be presents followed by a journey back to the North Pole Village by train. Tickets are priced from €21 for children and €15.50 for adults and infants and can be booked on santashouseexpress.ie.
Finding toy makers and sellers online is not hard, and the local ones come with the advantage that they tend to be much easier to make contact with if things go wrong. Photograph: iStock
The big reveal
Another thing to be aware of this year is storage. In times past, things which had to be shielded from some eyes could be bought much later in the season and stored in offices until the big reveal, or even left in car boots until the time came.
But now, with so few people in offices and many spare rooms turned into offices, and big trips into big urban centres in the days before Christmas not looking likely for many, parents will have to be cleverer than ever when it comes to storage.
With that in mind, now might be a good time to clear out a space in the attic, if you have such a thing. If you do the clearing out now rather than when you actually need it – be that in a week or 10 weeks – you will make things a whole lot easier for yourself. Or perhaps you have a shed that is full of junk. Once you can lock it securely and it is dry then it might work. Although bear in mind that criminals are always on the lookout for an opportunity.
Calling in favours of friends or family with more space and a less pressing need to keep things under wraps is another option. Or, if you are really stuck and have some pretty big things that need to be kept securely for a couple of months, you could hire a lock-up.
It may sound extreme but there are a whole lot of such services around the country, with many offering deals including 50 per cent discounts on the first month, meaning you could rent yourself something secure close to where you live for two months for about €100.
Shop local
While we mentioned the two As of Amazon and Argos above, we are still all about shopping local and reckon people should do what they can to find local stockists of the gifts that might make their way under the tree this year. Finding toy makers and sellers online is not hard, and the local ones come with the advantage that they tend to be much easier to make contact with if things go wrong. But can we stress again the importance of shopping early this year. It may seem crazy but it is the best thing you can do.
nimblefingers.ie
If you are in the market for a trampoline or a swing set or climbing frames, or books or toys for children and adults and hobbyists, or games or pretty much anything fun you can think of, you will find it here.
thetoyshoponline.ie
A super cute site with a large array of toys and scooters and all the rest.
smythstoys.com
Just because it is one of the biggest toy shops on these islands, it doesn't make it less Irish than it was. It stock large ranges of all toys and operates a handy click-and-collect service if you are not keen on wandering the aisles.
mimitoys.ie
An ever-increasing range of environmentally sound toys for all kids. Again, this is a site that eschews that easily breakable plastic stuff on the market.
woodenheart.ie
Gorgeous little shop on Galway's Quay St that was always worth a browse in pre-Covid times. The actual shop is on the small side, but there are no space issues on the website. A shop full of wooden and traditional toys.
littleones.ie
Gorgeous shop based in Ennis, absolutely stuffed with the cutest of presents from Ireland and elsewhere. Definitely worth a visit, if only in a virtual sense.
kaliedy.com
A new kid on the block, this site was born out of the ashes of Mothercare Ireland and is the only Irish stockiest of a wide range of developmental toys from the Early Learning Centre, making it an ideal starting point for parents of young children.


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Sandymount residents urge rethink on cycle plans

A group of Sandymount residents is urging Dublin City Council not to go ahead with plans to reallocate road space on Strand Road for a cycle path .
The council plans to requisition a traffic lane on the coast road for a two-way cycle path , and introduce a one-way system , with cars allowed to travel outbound only to the Merrion Gates .
The STC Community Group , of residents of Serpentine Avenue Tritonville Road , Claremont and adjoining roads in Sandymount , have put forward an alternative proposal , which would see the seaside footpath turned into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ landside ” of the road .
The last 270m before the Merrion Gates , where the footpath would not be wide enough to accommodate cyclists would become a “ shared space ” , the group said with speed restrictions for motorists to improve safety .
“ While it is not possible with the current layout to provide cycle protection for the last 270m of strand road , we do not feel that having to ‘ share ’ this short tight stretch is a huge ask given that it is what cyclists currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The council said its planned cycle path , which will be implemented later this year for a six-month trial , is needed to ensure schoolchildren can cycle safely .
However , the group said few children use the coast road to cycle to school , but they do use roads within Sandymount which would become “ rat runs ” if cars were not permitted to use Strand Road .
The council has acknowledged traffic is likely to increase on the Merrion Road and roads in Sandymount when the one-way system is introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was concerned about the relocation of a bus service from Strand Road if the one-way system was introduced , which would cause particular difficulties for elderly residents in accessing Sandymount village .
Councillors from Labour and Fine Gael will on Monday ask the council management to consider the group ’ s proposals before beginning the trial .
However , the council , as part of a public consultation process on the cycle route has assessed the option of converting the footpath to a cycle lane .
In its report , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it said : “ Using all the footpath on the sea side for a cycle route would require us to extend the footpath over the entire length , narrow the carriageway to 6m and remove all informal parking along the entire length of Strand Road .
“ Even if this was implemented there is still 300m on the approach to Merrion Gates where it is not possible to provide any cycle protection without the removal of a traffic lane.
” Almost 3,000 people responded to a public consultation process on the cycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ strongly in favour of proceeding with trial ” , the council said .
Just over a quarter ( 27 per cent ) objected to the trial , while 17 per cent stated they had some concerns .
The council does not require the sanction of councillor to go ahead with its cycle path plans .

Dublin City Council has been urged not to go ahead with plans to reallocate road space on Strand Road for a cycle path. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
A group of Sandymount residents is urging Dublin City Council not to go ahead with plans to reallocate road space on Strand Road for a cycle path.
The council plans to requisition a traffic lane on the coast road for a two-way cycle path, and introduce a one-way system, with cars allowed to travel outbound only to the Merrion Gates.
The STC Community Group, of residents of Serpentine Avenue Tritonville Road, Claremont and adjoining roads in Sandymount, have put forward an alternative proposal, which would see the seaside footpath turned into a cycle path, with pedestrians using the “landside” of the road.
The last 270m before the Merrion Gates, where the footpath would not be wide enough to accommodate cyclists would become a “shared space”, the group said with speed restrictions for motorists to improve safety.
READ MORE
“While it is not possible with the current layout to provide cycle protection for the last 270m of strand road, we do not feel that having to ‘share’ this short tight stretch is a huge ask given that it is what cyclists currently have to do,” it said.
The council said its planned cycle path, which will be implemented later this year for a six-month trial, is needed to ensure schoolchildren can cycle safely. However, the group said few children use the coast road to cycle to school, but they do use roads within Sandymount which would become “rat runs” if cars were not permitted to use Strand Road.
Concerned
The council has acknowledged traffic is likely to increase on the Merrion Road and roads in Sandymount when the one-way system is introduced on Strand Road.
The group also said it was concerned about the relocation of a bus service from Strand Road if the one-way system was introduced, which would cause particular difficulties for elderly residents in accessing Sandymount village.
Councillors from Labour and Fine Gael will on Monday ask the council management to consider the group’s proposals before beginning the trial.
However, the council, as part of a public consultation process on the cycle route has assessed the option of converting the footpath to a cycle lane.
In its report, which will be presented to councillors on Monday, it said: “Using all the footpath on the sea side for a cycle route would require us to extend the footpath over the entire length, narrow the carriageway to 6m and remove all informal parking along the entire length of Strand Road.
“Even if this was implemented there is still 300m on the approach to Merrion Gates where it is not possible to provide any cycle protection without the removal of a traffic lane.”
Almost 3,000 people responded to a public consultation process on the cycle track proposal, with 56 per cent “strongly in favour of proceeding with trial”, the council said. Just over a quarter (27 per cent) objected to the trial, while 17 per cent stated they had some concerns.
The council does not require the sanction of councillor to go ahead with its cycle path plans.


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Motorcyclist (30s) dies after road collision in Co Westmeath

A motorcyclist in his 30s has died following a road collision in Mullingar , Co Westmeath on Sunday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ were alerted to the incident on the R400 at Gainstown shortly after 5pm .
It @ @ @ @ @ the road and struck a ditch .
The driver , a man in his 30s @ @ @ @ @ the scene a short time later .
Garda forensic collision investigators were examining the site @ @ @ @ @ local traffic diversions are in place .
The man ’ s body has been removed @ @ @ @ @ will be made for a post-mortem examination .
The local Coroner is due to be @ @ @ @ @ to anyone with any information , particularly any road users who may have camera footage @ @ @ @ @ Station on 044 938 4000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 .

The crash took place on the R400 near Mullingar, Co Westmeath. File photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
A motorcyclist in his 30s has died following a road collision in Mullingar, Co Westmeath on Sunday evening.
Gardaí and the emergency services were alerted to the incident on the R400 at Gainstown shortly after 5pm.
It is understood the motorcycle left the road and struck a ditch. The driver, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Garda forensic collision investigators were examining the site on Sunday evening, and local traffic diversions are in place.
READ MORE
The man’s body has been removed to Mullingar Hospital where arrangements will be made for a post-mortem examination. The local Coroner is due to be notified.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with any information, particularly any road users who may have camera footage, to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044 938 4000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Northern Ireland: 1,066 cases of Covid-19 reported and one further death

Almost 2,000 new cases of coronavirus were identified in Northern Ireland over the weekend .
A further 1,066 cases were reported by the North ’ s Department of Health on Sunday , and 902 on Saturday .
One more coronavirus-related death was recorded on Sunday , bringing the total number of fatalities to 588 , the department said .
The North ’ s Executive is to meet on Monday and will consider the need for further restrictions to stem the number of cases , which continues to rise .
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard told the BBC the spiralling number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and this should “ focus minds around the Executive table ” .
“ I think there was a logical and a sense behind local lockdowns , but I now think we ’ re moving fast into looking at a more generalised lockdown , ” he said .
“ We need to act .
I can ’ t second guess what the advice is going to be at the meeting from the Chief Medical Officer , but I think the wider public now understand the sort of area we ’ re in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that ’ s why we need to see that collective action this week.
” In Derry and Strabane , where localised restrictions were introduced a week ago , 1,426 cases have been confirmed in the last seven days , and the number of cases per 100,000 of population has increased to 946.6 .
Belfast saw 1,504 new cases in the last seven days , and the rate per 100,000 is 441 .
There are also concerns about the rate of infection in Newry , Mourne and Down and mid-Ulster .
A total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus in the North , and 19 are in intensive care .
Meanwhile the North ’ s Communities Minister , Carál Ní Chuilín , has said she is self-isolating after close family members tested positive for Covid-19 .
Ms Ní Chuilín , who is an Assembly member for North Belfast , said she had tested negative for the virus but would remain in quarantine for 14 days and would work remotely from home .
The Deputy First Minister , Michelle O ’ Neill , is also self-isolating after a close family member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also tested negative for Covid-19 .

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill is self-isolating after a contact tested positive for Covid-19; she has tested negative. File photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA Wire
Almost 2,000 new cases of coronavirus were identified in Northern Ireland over the weekend.
A further 1,066 cases were reported by the North's Department of Health on Sunday, and 902 on Saturday.
One more coronavirus-related death was recorded on Sunday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 588, the department said.
The North’s Executive is to meet on Monday and will consider the need for further restrictions to stem the number of cases, which continues to rise.
READ MORE
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard told the BBC the spiralling number of cases was "alarming and disconcerting" and this should "focus minds around the Executive table".
“I think there was a logical and a sense behind local lockdowns, but I now think we’re moving fast into looking at a more generalised lockdown,” he said.
“We need to act. I can’t second guess what the advice is going to be at the meeting from the Chief Medical Officer, but I think the wider public now understand the sort of area we’re in, they’re deeply worried ... I think that’s why we need to see that collective action this week.”
In Derry and Strabane, where localised restrictions were introduced a week ago, 1,426 cases have been confirmed in the last seven days, and the number of cases per 100,000 of population has increased to 946.6.
Belfast saw 1,504 new cases in the last seven days, and the rate per 100,000 is 441. There are also concerns about the rate of infection in Newry, Mourne and Down and mid-Ulster.
A total of 137 people are now in hospital with coronavirus in the North, and 19 are in intensive care.
Meanwhile the North’s Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has said she is self-isolating after close family members tested positive for Covid-19.
Ms Ní Chuilín, who is an Assembly member for North Belfast, said she had tested negative for the virus but would remain in quarantine for 14 days and would work remotely from home.
The Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, is also self-isolating after a close family member was confirmed to have coronavirus. She has also tested negative for Covid-19.


theirishtimes--2020-10-11--Drive-through flu vaccination clinic could be used for a Covid-19 vaccine – GP

The country ’ s first formal drive-through flu vaccination clinic could serve as template for delivering a Covid-19 vaccine to large numbers whenever one becomes available , according to a GP involved in the new scheme .
Dr Mike Thompson of the Imokilly Medical Centre in Midleton , Co Cork established the East Cork Flu Vaccine Drive-Through Clinic , which , over the weekend , vaccinated an estimated 1,000 people against the flu .
“ We felt the safest way to administer the vaccine was to give it to people in their car so we copied the idea from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 earlier in the year , ” Dr Thompson told The Irish Times .
“ And we decided to preserve out GP capacity from Monday to Friday by setting up the clinic at the weekends so we had a team of three doctors , a nurse , two administrators and a medical student administering the vaccine.
” Dr Thompson explained how the team , which included fellow east Cork GPs , Dr Sean McCarthy and Dr Clare Cooney , made contact with the Defence Forces and One Ordinance Battalion from Collins Barracks offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tent at a site at the Market Green in Midleton , supplied by local retailer Tom Kelly .
Medical student Glen Curtin set up a website where people could book an appointment for their vaccination .
“ It worked a treat – we had three GPs , nurse Aimee Quirke and administrators Tara Cuthbert and Noelle Sloane operating the system and on Saturday we did 390 cars and today we did 164 cars , ” he said .
According to Dr Thompson , he still has to check on the exact numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were on average two occupants per car , it meant they delivered the vaccine to over 1,000 people .
“ We started at 9.30am on Saturday and finished at 4pm and we went from 10am until 2pm today and the only thing that stopped us was that we ran out of vaccine and we had to confine ourselves to those who had booked .
“ We turned away 112 cars on Saturday and 80 today – these were people who turned up on spec , and while we had a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was booked to turn up today did , which is very encouraging.
” Dr Thompson said that apart from having to refuse vaccines to those who had not booked an appointment online , the system worked well with the team on average delivering the vaccine to the occupants of a car every minute .
“ We can do a car a minute for ten hours so that ’ s 60 cars an hour or 600 cars in a ten-hour period and over eight weekends or 16 days , that ’ s 7,200 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see in a year , ” he said .
“ We never had more than five cars waiting at any one time – people drove up , we had their PPS number and date of birth from their online booking so we checked who they were and administered the vaccine and they drove off .
“ And there was a really good vibe about it all – we gave it to the kids via a nasal spray and people were really appreciative , saying it was really convenient , just getting the jab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping or whatever.
” Dr Thompson said he believed other GPs could adopt similar drive-through flu vaccine clinics in their towns , and that it could easily be adapted to inoculate large numbers whenever a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available .
“ We don ’ t have any Covid-19 vaccine yet but very definitely this model could be used – it ’ s easy to operate , it ’ s quick , convenient and safe with people staying in their cars .
It ’ s an ideal way of giving a vaccine to large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was hopeful that social distancing because of Covid-19 will mean fewer people get the flu this year , concern about Covid-19 has resulted in more people being interested in getting the flu vaccine .
“ The HSE has ordered 1.35 million adult flu vaccines and 600,000 children ’ s vaccines – I think the number for children is going to be fine but I can see there being a shortage for adults given the demand we are experiencing .
“ I certainly have never seen this level of interest from people wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re almost trying to sell it to people , encouraging them and cajoling them to get it but now we have people ringing up looking for it .
“ So we ’ re hoping that in our case after the success of the drive-through clinic weekend , the HSE will supply more vaccines to supply the clinic as our next session on October 31st/November 1st is already booked out .
”

The country’s first formal drive-through flu vaccination clinic could serve as template for delivering a Covid-19 vaccine to large numbers whenever one becomes available, according to a GP involved in the new scheme.
Dr Mike Thompson of the Imokilly Medical Centre in Midleton, Co Cork established the East Cork Flu Vaccine Drive-Through Clinic, which, over the weekend, vaccinated an estimated 1,000 people against the flu.
“We felt the safest way to administer the vaccine was to give it to people in their car so we copied the idea from the drive-through testing that was set up for Covid-19 earlier in the year,” Dr Thompson told The Irish Times.
“And we decided to preserve out GP capacity from Monday to Friday by setting up the clinic at the weekends so we had a team of three doctors, a nurse, two administrators and a medical student administering the vaccine.”
READ MORE
Cars queue up for the drive-through flu vaccine clinic. Photograph: Mike Thompson
Dr Thompson explained how the team, which included fellow east Cork GPs, Dr Sean McCarthy and Dr Clare Cooney, made contact with the Defence Forces and One Ordinance Battalion from Collins Barracks offered assistance.
They set up a drive-through tent at a site at the Market Green in Midleton, supplied by local retailer Tom Kelly.
Medical student Glen Curtin set up a website where people could book an appointment for their vaccination.
"It worked a treat – we had three GPs, nurse Aimee Quirke and administrators Tara Cuthbert and Noelle Sloane operating the system and on Saturday we did 390 cars and today we did 164 cars," he said.
According to Dr Thompson, he still has to check on the exact numbers of individual vaccines given but on the basis that there were on average two occupants per car, it meant they delivered the vaccine to over 1,000 people.
“We started at 9.30am on Saturday and finished at 4pm and we went from 10am until 2pm today and the only thing that stopped us was that we ran out of vaccine and we had to confine ourselves to those who had booked.
“We turned away 112 cars on Saturday and 80 today – these were people who turned up on spec, and while we had a few no shows on Saturday, everyone who was booked to turn up today did, which is very encouraging.”
Dr Thompson said that apart from having to refuse vaccines to those who had not booked an appointment online, the system worked well with the team on average delivering the vaccine to the occupants of a car every minute.
“We can do a car a minute for ten hours so that’s 60 cars an hour or 600 cars in a ten-hour period and over eight weekends or 16 days, that’s 7,200 people which is more than a GP would see in a year,” he said.
“We never had more than five cars waiting at any one time – people drove up, we had their PPS number and date of birth from their online booking so we checked who they were and administered the vaccine and they drove off.
“And there was a really good vibe about it all – we gave it to the kids via a nasal spray and people were really appreciative, saying it was really convenient, just getting the jab and then going off and doing their shopping or whatever.”
Dr Thompson said he believed other GPs could adopt similar drive-through flu vaccine clinics in their towns, and that it could easily be adapted to inoculate large numbers whenever a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available.
“We don’t have any Covid-19 vaccine yet but very definitely this model could be used – it’s easy to operate, it’s quick, convenient and safe with people staying in their cars. It’s an ideal way of giving a vaccine to large numbers.”
Dr Thompson said that while he was hopeful that social distancing because of Covid-19 will mean fewer people get the flu this year, concern about Covid-19 has resulted in more people being interested in getting the flu vaccine.
“The HSE has ordered 1.35 million adult flu vaccines and 600,000 children’s vaccines – I think the number for children is going to be fine but I can see there being a shortage for adults given the demand we are experiencing.
“I certainly have never seen this level of interest from people wanting the flu vaccine – normally we’re almost trying to sell it to people, encouraging them and cajoling them to get it but now we have people ringing up looking for it.
“So we’re hoping that in our case after the success of the drive-through clinic weekend, the HSE will supply more vaccines to supply the clinic as our next session on October 31st/November 1st is already booked out.”