theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Travel refunds up in the air as readers run out of patience

The Pricewatch mailbox continues to overflow with queries and complaints connected to travel , and it remains – by far – the single biggest area of concern among readers .
People are confused about their rights and worried about losing money and angered at companies who – they say – are deliberately making their lives more difficult by ignoring queries or putting up spurious roadblocks in the way of resolution .
Were we to feature every single complaint we have received in the last couple of months we would probably need a supplement , so large has the volume of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the queries we received on a single day early last week .
First up was a mail from a reader by the name of Frank Lawrence : “ I decided to drop you a line because I have been waiting for an Aer Lingus voucher since April 17th , ” his mail began .
“ I was supposed to travel to Paris from Dublin on May 2nd and to return on June 6th .
Of course , this was not possible due to the Covid-19 restrictions in France and Ireland .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the authorities in Ireland and across the EU have repeatedly stressed remain in force despite attempts by airlines to circumvent them – if a flight is cancelled by an airline , then a passenger has a legal right to a full refund and that refund has to be issued within seven working days of the impacted passenger seeking it .
As you will most likely be aware , many airlines across the EU have sought to issue passengers with vouchers instead of cash .
Our reader was actually happy with that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But over the last six or seven weeks he has got nothing .
“ I realise that Aer Lingus must be under a lot of pressure given the volume of cancellations , but I would have thought that much of this voucher process must be automated , ” he wrote .
“ Finally , today [ last Tuesday ] I decided to call the Aer Lingus website helpdesk number in Dublin , only to find that I was directed to a recorded message informing me that their agents couldn ’ t do anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Basically , the message was , you have to wait and there ’ s nothing you can do , so f**k off now !
” Our reader has followed the news at Irish and European levels regarding refunds versus vouchers .
“ In my case , I am happy to take a voucher .
I know I ’ ll use it , as I travel frequently enough within Europe , both for work and pleasure .
I ’ m contacting you because you seem to have success getting responses .
How long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voucher and what is reasonable ?
At the moment , there is no clarity and , it would appear , no deadline for Aer Lingus to deal with this.
” Aer Lingus said it was processing an “ unprecedented level of refund and voucher applications together with rebooking requests ” .
A spokeswoman said it had expanded its teams and introduced new processes in an effort to speed up the process time .
“ We are working around the clock to address the extraordinary increase in applications and are endeavouring to process refunds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The next mail we received was from Michael Thanner , and he had a question which was similar to one many of our readers have posed in recent days .
“ Myself and my wife are booked on a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Memmingen , Germany on Monday , July 6th , ” he began .
“ We have recently received notification that this flight is going ahead as scheduled .
However , we live in Kerry and would be travelling to Dublin for this flight .
As travel outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20th July we would like to postpone this flight , without incurring extra cost , until August.
” The couple wrote to Ryanair and said this was their preferred option .
He said the reply he received from the airline did not address the query .
This is what the response said .
“ We don ’ t have a confirmed list of our cancellation [ sic ] yet as we do not know which flights will be cancelled .
If a flight can departure [ sic ] it will be updated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be notified about the cancellation .
In case you received a disruption notification [ sic ] , we kindly advise you to follow the instruction provided in the email .
Please be advised that we can waive the flight change fee just in that case if the flight is disrupted .
I hope the above clarifies the matter .
Kind regards , Ryanair Customer Service.
” So , what are the rules ?
If our health experts and the Department of Foreign Affairs say we should not travel more than 20km and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlines offer refunds or the opportunity to rebook even if the flights in question depart as scheduled ?
We got in touch with our friends at Ryanair to find out how it would be handling such matters in the weeks ahead .
We received no response .
However , the Commission for Aviation Regulation has clarified that if an air carrier has not cancelled a flight , there is no entitlement to re-routing or a refund under the regulations .
“ Just what is up with Irish Ferries ?
” started the mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change our Rosslare-Pembroke ferry crossing .
According to Irish Ferries website this could be done online as the booking was more than five days ahead .
However when I attempted to manage my booking online I was instructed first to ‘ click on edit passenger details below to update nationality and date of birth ’ and ‘ contact us on 0818 300 400 ( ROI ) or 08717 300 400 ( GB ) to change to another sailing ’ .
So in fact it was not possible to change the booking online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online option apparently taken away from him , he did as he was told and contacted the company by phone .
Or at least he tried to .
“ On three occasions since last Friday I have tried to speak on the phone to someone at Irish Ferries , ” he wrote .
“ I also emailed them last Friday with , so far , no response .
Today , on phoning them for the third time , I was informed by an automated voice after 35 minutes on hold , that Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time but that I could leave a message if I wished .
This I tried to do , only to be informed that the mailbox was full and could take no more messages .
So far I have wasted nearly an hour and spent over €12 phoning Irish Ferries.
” We contacted Irish Ferries and received the following statement : “ Irish Ferries are unable to comment on individual customer details from a GDPR perspective , but can advise that if customers are trying to amend a booking online when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will see an error message , and therefore need to make contact with us via one of our multiple contact channels – telephone , social media or email .
“ We would also acknowledge that we are currently dealing with unprecedented large volumes of customers contacts due to the current Covid-19 pandemic , which have further increased as we approach the peak summer season .
Irish Ferries have added additional resource in the last week to help deal with this , and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all enquiries.
” Charlie Egan booked a return flight from Dublin to Vancouver which was due to leave on August 22nd and arrive back in Dublin on September 6th .
He booked the flight last December and it was for a trip to celebrate his and his wife ’ s 40th wedding anniversary .
“ I have recently received notification that this route is now cancelled/suspended for 2020 and I have been rerouted via Toronto both directions , which adds hours to our travel times both directions .
I contacted Air Canada to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do not wish to travel with this major change .
We would have flown if our Government gave the okay since the Covid-19 issues.
” He received a reply from Air Canada which more or less said that the airline does not come under rule EU261 and it has refused his request for a refund .
He sent us the email the company sent in relation to EU261 .
“ We realise you may disagree and view this approach as inconsistent with EU 261 regulations .
However , as a Canadian carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow a legal regime that is in exact contradiction with its own national laws , following fundamental principles of international air law.
” So , what is the law ?
Can an airline which flies into and out of an EU airport simply say EU regulations do not apply to it ?
Our understanding was no .
The law seemed very clear to us .
If a person books a flight with Air Canada that departs from a Canadian airport then Canadian regulations apply , but if a person books a flight with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport , then EU regulations apply .
But just to be sure we got in touch with the European Consumer Centre which knows more about such things than we do .
It said “ it would appear the consumer was misinformed ” and EU regulations do apply in this case .
“ If the matter is not resolved to the consumer ’ s satisfaction , they can consider making a complaint with the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
” We also contacted Air Canada but received no response .
Then there was Grace O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you are inundated with queries since you began giving advice over the radio about travel plans during Covid-19 , but I wonder if you could spare a minute to offer some advice , please ?
” her mail started .
“ Myself and my mother were due to fly to France on Thursday , 4th June for a family wedding .
Flights were Aer Lingus but it was actually booked through a booking engine which we didn ’ t realise at the time .
Saw it was Aer Lingus and automatically booked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the info together to see we booked through third party agent.
” The flights were booked last October and then , on March 6th , Grace received an email from the booking engine which said that Aer Lingus had changed the flights and they would now be departing a day earlier and she needed to contact them immediately or risk losing the flights and the money .
“ I spent all day on March 6th trying to contact the booking engine by phone , to no avail .
I then used their online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find an email address anywhere for them .
When I didn ’ t hear back I decided to contact Aer Lingus for advice on March 12th.
” It was probably the worst of times to be contacting an airline .
“ Then Covid-19 really hit Ireland , ” the mail continued , so our reader “ decided to hold off further contact due to this .
On April 19th , Aer Lingus replied to my contact advising that as we booked through third party they could not deal with us .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the booking engine advising me that they had received my enquiry but I had to stop contacting them as it was adding to their load and they couldn ’ t deal with my enquiry until my flight was within 72 hours [ of departure ] .
” So Grace decided then to wait as she had been told to .
“ Then I received an email from them on May 26th stating that I needed to contact them due to the change in my flights .
I could not get through and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since yesterday I have been trying to phone them to no avail .
Using Aer Lingus website , they no longer recognise our booking reference .
The booking engine website is at a standstill , not allowing me to query anything .
They state our flights are leaving tomorrow and Aer Lingus and Dublin airport websites show no flights from Dublin to Bordeaux tomorrow or Thursday.
” She wondered what more she could have done to get her money back .
Aer Lingus said the flight to Bordeaux had been cancelled but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engine could process the refund .
And still the mails came .
“ I got an email yesterday from Aer Lingus confirming that , as expected , my return flight from Miami later this month has been cancelled , ” wrote Eddie O ’ Sullivan .
“ However , they ’ ve been silent so far on the status of outbound flight to Orlando on June 17th .
As it stands , therefore , if I seek a refund on my home-bound flight I run the risk of being stuck in Florida with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obliged to refund me for both flights even though only the later one has been officially cancelled ?
” In a statement Aer Lingus said the both our reader ’ s outbound and inbound flights have now been cancelled “ and he will have received a notification from us to that effect .
In this instance he is entitled to either a full refund , or if he would prefer he can avail of the voucher option on aerlingus.com.
” And finally , we received an email from Yvonne Traynor who was confused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to partially cancelled flights .
“ My mother was to fly return to Izmir in Turkey over a week ago , and this leg of the journey was cancelled .
However , she would be due home on July 2nd and this part hasn ’ t been cancelled and it happens to be the more expensive part.
” Yvonne herself is in a similar situation .
“ Myself , husband and three kids were to fly to Malaga on July 23rd .
This was cancelled a fortnight ago .
But the return flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been cancelled.
” She said she would lose over €900 on the return flight if it is not cancelled .
“ What could you advise us to do in this situation ?
Clearly we won ’ t be travelling home from countries that we can ’ t travel to !
” The European Commission clarified details of this at the end of March .
In the case of two flights which are part of the same contract in the event of cancellation of the outbound flight , passengers should be offered two options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They should be either reimbursed for both flights or re-routed on another flight for the outbound flight .
“ In light of the above , the Regulation 261 applies to the flight to Izmir in Turkey and to Malaga in Spain , if the passenger was due to depart from an airport located in the territory of a member state of the EU and the flight in question was due to be operated by either an EU or non-EU air carrier .
If both flights , outbound and return flights , are subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the same contract , the passenger can seek reimbursement of the cost of the ticket .
”

The Pricewatch mailbox continues to overflow with queries and complaints connected to travel, and it remains – by far – the single biggest area of concern among readers. People are confused about their rights and worried about losing money and angered at companies who – they say – are deliberately making their lives more difficult by ignoring queries or putting up spurious roadblocks in the way of resolution.
Were we to feature every single complaint we have received in the last couple of months we would probably need a supplement, so large has the volume of correspondence been. Here are just some of the queries we received on a single day early last week.
First up was a mail from a reader by the name of Frank Lawrence: "I decided to drop you a line because I have been waiting for an Aer Lingus voucher since April 17th," his mail began. "I was supposed to travel to Paris from Dublin on May 2nd and to return on June 6th. Of course, this was not possible due to the Covid-19 restrictions in France and Ireland. "
Now, under EU regulations – regulations that the authorities in Ireland and across the EU have repeatedly stressed remain in force despite attempts by airlines to circumvent them – if a flight is cancelled by an airline, then a passenger has a legal right to a full refund and that refund has to be issued within seven working days of the impacted passenger seeking it. As you will most likely be aware, many airlines across the EU have sought to issue passengers with vouchers instead of cash. Our reader was actually happy with that and was not demanding his cash back.
READ MORE
But over the last six or seven weeks he has got nothing.
“I realise that Aer Lingus must be under a lot of pressure given the volume of cancellations, but I would have thought that much of this voucher process must be automated,” he wrote. “Finally, today [last Tuesday] I decided to call the Aer Lingus website helpdesk number in Dublin, only to find that I was directed to a recorded message informing me that their agents couldn’t do anything to help and could not take calls. Basically, the message was, you have to wait and there’s nothing you can do, so f**k off now!”
Our reader has followed the news at Irish and European levels regarding refunds versus vouchers. "In my case, I am happy to take a voucher. I know I'll use it, as I travel frequently enough within Europe, both for work and pleasure. I'm contacting you because you seem to have success getting responses. How long does one have to wait for a voucher and what is reasonable? At the moment, there is no clarity and, it would appear, no deadline for Aer Lingus to deal with this."
Aer Lingus said it was processing an “unprecedented level of refund and voucher applications together with rebooking requests”. A spokeswoman said it had expanded its teams and introduced new processes in an effort to speed up the process time. “We are working around the clock to address the extraordinary increase in applications and are endeavouring to process refunds and vouchers as quickly as we can. “
Ryanair
The next mail we received was from Michael Thanner, and he had a question which was similar to one many of our readers have posed in recent days. "Myself and my wife are booked on a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Memmingen, Germany on Monday, July 6th," he began.
“We have recently received notification that this flight is going ahead as scheduled. However, we live in Kerry and would be travelling to Dublin for this flight. As travel outside of our region is not permitted until 20th July we would like to postpone this flight, without incurring extra cost, until August.”
The couple wrote to Ryanair and said this was their preferred option. He said the reply he received from the airline did not address the query.
This is what the response said.
“We don’t have a confirmed list of our cancellation [sic] yet as we do not know which flights will be cancelled. If a flight can departure [sic] it will be updated on the website, if not, passengers will be notified about the cancellation. In case you received a disruption notification [sic], we kindly advise you to follow the instruction provided in the email. Please be advised that we can waive the flight change fee just in that case if the flight is disrupted. I hope the above clarifies the matter. Kind regards, Ryanair Customer Service.”
So, what are the rules? If our health experts and the Department of Foreign Affairs say we should not travel more than 20km and warn against non-essential overseas travel, do airlines offer refunds or the opportunity to rebook even if the flights in question depart as scheduled?
We got in touch with our friends at Ryanair to find out how it would be handling such matters in the weeks ahead. We received no response. However, the Commission for Aviation Regulation has clarified that if an air carrier has not cancelled a flight, there is no entitlement to re-routing or a refund under the regulations.
Irish Ferries
"Just what is up with Irish Ferries?" started the mail from Richard Gem. "We wanted to change our Rosslare-Pembroke ferry crossing. According to Irish Ferries website this could be done online as the booking was more than five days ahead. However when I attempted to manage my booking online I was instructed first to 'click on edit passenger details below to update nationality and date of birth' and 'contact us on 0818 300 400 (ROI) or 08717 300 400 (GB) to change to another sailing'. So in fact it was not possible to change the booking online," he said.
With the online option apparently taken away from him, he did as he was told and contacted the company by phone. Or at least he tried to. “On three occasions since last Friday I have tried to speak on the phone to someone at Irish Ferries,” he wrote.
“I also emailed them last Friday with, so far, no response. Today, on phoning them for the third time, I was informed by an automated voice after 35 minutes on hold, that Irish Ferries were unable to take my call at this time but that I could leave a message if I wished. This I tried to do, only to be informed that the mailbox was full and could take no more messages. So far I have wasted nearly an hour and spent over €12 phoning Irish Ferries.”
We contacted Irish Ferries and received the following statement:
“Irish Ferries are unable to comment on individual customer details from a GDPR perspective, but can advise that if customers are trying to amend a booking online when the outward leg has been already travelled on, they will see an error message, and therefore need to make contact with us via one of our multiple contact channels – telephone, social media or email.
“We would also acknowledge that we are currently dealing with unprecedented large volumes of customers contacts due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, which have further increased as we approach the peak summer season. Irish Ferries have added additional resource in the last week to help deal with this, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we work hard to get to all enquiries.”
Air Canada
Charlie Egan booked a return flight from Dublin to Vancouver which was due to leave on August 22nd and arrive back in Dublin on September 6th. He booked the flight last December and it was for a trip to celebrate his and his wife's 40th wedding anniversary.
"I have recently received notification that this route is now cancelled/suspended for 2020 and I have been rerouted via Toronto both directions ,which adds hours to our travel times both directions. I contacted Air Canada to seek a refund under EU261 rules as I do not wish to travel with this major change. We would have flown if our Government gave the okay since the Covid-19 issues."
He received a reply from Air Canada which more or less said that the airline does not come under rule EU261 and it has refused his request for a refund.
He sent us the email the company sent in relation to EU261.
“We realise you may disagree and view this approach as inconsistent with EU 261 regulations. However, as a Canadian carrier, we cannot be required to follow a legal regime that is in exact contradiction with its own national laws, following fundamental principles of international air law.”
So, what is the law? Can an airline which flies into and out of an EU airport simply say EU regulations do not apply to it? Our understanding was no. The law seemed very clear to us. If a person books a flight with Air Canada that departs from a Canadian airport then Canadian regulations apply, but if a person books a flight with the airline that departs from an EU airport, then EU regulations apply.
But just to be sure we got in touch with the European Consumer Centre which knows more about such things than we do. It said “it would appear the consumer was misinformed” and EU regulations do apply in this case. “If the matter is not resolved to the consumer’s satisfaction, they can consider making a complaint with the Commission for Aviation Regulation.” We also contacted Air Canada but received no response.
Booking engine
Then there was Grace O'Donoghue. "I'm sure you are inundated with queries since you began giving advice over the radio about travel plans during Covid-19, but I wonder if you could spare a minute to offer some advice, please?" her mail started.
“Myself and my mother were due to fly to France on Thursday, 4th June for a family wedding. Flights were Aer Lingus but it was actually booked through a booking engine which we didn’t realise at the time. Saw it was Aer Lingus and automatically booked them but stupidly didn’t put the info together to see we booked through third party agent.”
The flights were booked last October and then, on March 6th, Grace received an email from the booking engine which said that Aer Lingus had changed the flights and they would now be departing a day earlier and she needed to contact them immediately or risk losing the flights and the money.
“I spent all day on March 6th trying to contact the booking engine by phone, to no avail. I then used their online contact form as it was not possible to find an email address anywhere for them. When I didn’t hear back I decided to contact Aer Lingus for advice on March 12th.”
It was probably the worst of times to be contacting an airline.
“Then Covid-19 really hit Ireland,” the mail continued, so our reader “decided to hold off further contact due to this. On April 19th, Aer Lingus replied to my contact advising that as we booked through third party they could not deal with us. On May 3rd, I received a reply from the booking engine advising me that they had received my enquiry but I had to stop contacting them as it was adding to their load and they couldn’t deal with my enquiry until my flight was within 72 hours [of departure].”
So Grace decided then to wait as she had been told to. "Then I received an email from them on May 26th stating that I needed to contact them due to the change in my flights. I could not get through and again used contact form to contact them. Since yesterday I have been trying to phone them to no avail. Using Aer Lingus website, they no longer recognise our booking reference. The booking engine website is at a standstill, not allowing me to query anything. They state our flights are leaving tomorrow and Aer Lingus and Dublin airport websites show no flights from Dublin to Bordeaux tomorrow or Thursday."
She wondered what more she could have done to get her money back. Aer Lingus said the flight to Bordeaux had been cancelled but stressed that only the third party booking engine could process the refund.
Partially-cancelled flights
And still the mails came.
"I got an email yesterday from Aer Lingus confirming that, as expected, my return flight from Miami later this month has been cancelled," wrote Eddie O'Sullivan. "However, they've been silent so far on the status of outbound flight to Orlando on June 17th. As it stands, therefore, if I seek a refund on my home-bound flight I run the risk of being stuck in Florida with no flight home. Are Aer Lingus obliged to refund me for both flights even though only the later one has been officially cancelled?"
In a statement Aer Lingus said the both our reader’s outbound and inbound flights have now been cancelled “and he will have received a notification from us to that effect. In this instance he is entitled to either a full refund, or if he would prefer he can avail of the voucher option on aerlingus.com.”
And finally, we received an email from Yvonne Traynor who was confused about where she stood when it came to partially cancelled flights.
"My mother was to fly return to Izmir in Turkey over a week ago, and this leg of the journey was cancelled. However, she would be due home on July 2nd and this part hasn't been cancelled and it happens to be the more expensive part."
Yvonne herself is in a similar situation. “Myself, husband and three kids were to fly to Malaga on July 23rd. This was cancelled a fortnight ago. But the return flight nine days later still hasn’t been cancelled.”
She said she would lose over €900 on the return flight if it is not cancelled. “What could you advise us to do in this situation? Clearly we won’t be travelling home from countries that we can’t travel to!”
The European Commission clarified details of this at the end of March. In the case of two flights which are part of the same contract in the event of cancellation of the outbound flight, passengers should be offered two options, the ECC told us. “They should be either reimbursed for both flights or re-routed on another flight for the outbound flight.
“In light of the above, the Regulation 261 applies to the flight to Izmir in Turkey and to Malaga in Spain, if the passenger was due to depart from an airport located in the territory of a member state of the EU and the flight in question was due to be operated by either an EU or non-EU air carrier. If both flights, outbound and return flights, are subject to a single booking and are part of the same contract, the passenger can seek reimbursement of the cost of the ticket.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Cork residents urge gardaí to use 1947 Act to stop house parties

Residents living near University College Cork have called on the HSE and gardaí to use powers available under health legislation to stop students and others having house parties .
Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association spokeswoman Catherine Clancy said the gardaí and the HSE should use the 1947 Health Act to stop parties in the area in the interest of public health .
Ms Clancy said the residents understand that the 1947 Health Act gives the HSE the power to enter and investigate houses where it is believed there is a breach of health regulations including those governing Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE to connect with An Garda Síochána , who already have the information on these houses as they have been called on over the last four or five days , to go in and close them down , ” she said .
“ This weekend we have seen yet again more lockdown Covid-19 house parties in the area and enough is enough .
We have brought this as far as we , as a community , can and it ’ s now up to the relevant bodies to deal with this.
” Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cork city , said the 1947 Health Act has provisions including penalties of fines and jail for those who breach the regulations and the authorities should seriously looking at utilising it .
“ A property where there has been an outbreak of an infectious disease such as Covid-19 could have serious implications for the future sale or letting of the property , ” she added .
UCC president Prof Patrick G O ’ Shea and CIT president Dr Barry O ’ Connor along with the presidents of the colleges ’ student unions Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an end to such parties and appealed for students to behave responsibly .
“ In the past week there have been distressing incidents of antisocial behaviour in our local community , particularly in the College Road and Magazine Road area , ” they said in a letter issued to all students .
In the letter , they acknowledge many instances of such behaviour did not involve UCC and CIT students but they urged students to adhere to national health guidelines and act responsibly and respectfully at this anxious time .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect ourselves and our community , and , while term has finished , students acting irresponsibly are reminded that they are still subject to disciplinary procedures.
” They said that both UCC and CIT were working together with gardaí and the local authorities on this issue and they encouraged all students to demonstrate behaviour that “ protects you and our community ” .

The Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association protesting last weekend against house parties held in breach of Covid-19 restrictions. File photograph: Catherine Clancy
Residents living near University College Cork have called on the HSE and gardaí to use powers available under health legislation to stop students and others having house parties.
Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association spokeswoman Catherine Clancy said the gardaí and the HSE should use the 1947 Health Act to stop parties in the area in the interest of public health.
Ms Clancy said the residents understand that the 1947 Health Act gives the HSE the power to enter and investigate houses where it is believed there is a breach of health regulations including those governing Covid-19.
"We are calling on the HSE to connect with An Garda Síochána, who already have the information on these houses as they have been called on over the last four or five days, to go in and close them down," she said.
READ MORE
“This weekend we have seen yet again more lockdown Covid-19 house parties in the area and enough is enough. We have brought this as far as we, as a community, can and it’s now up to the relevant bodies to deal with this.”
Ms Clancy, a former lord mayor of Cork city, said the 1947 Health Act has provisions including penalties of fines and jail for those who breach the regulations and the authorities should seriously looking at utilising it.
“A property where there has been an outbreak of an infectious disease such as Covid-19 could have serious implications for the future sale or letting of the property,” she added.
UCC president Prof Patrick G O'Shea and CIT president Dr Barry O'Connor along with the presidents of the colleges' student unions Ben Dunlea and Aisling O'Mahony called for an end to such parties and appealed for students to behave responsibly.
"In the past week there have been distressing incidents of antisocial behaviour in our local community, particularly in the College Road and Magazine Road area," they said in a letter issued to all students.
In the letter, they acknowledge many instances of such behaviour did not involve UCC and CIT students but they urged students to adhere to national health guidelines and act responsibly and respectfully at this anxious time.
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure we protect ourselves and our community, and, while term has finished, students acting irresponsibly are reminded that they are still subject to disciplinary procedures.”
They said that both UCC and CIT were working together with gardaí and the local authorities on this issue and they encouraged all students to demonstrate behaviour that “protects you and our community”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Public warned against use of inflatable toys in open water

The Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland have warned the public against the use of inflatable toys in open water .
Both bodies have called on parents and guardians never to allow inflatable toys to be used on rivers , lakes or beaches .
The organisations said recent good weather has already resulted in people using inflatable toys “ which has quickly led them into danger and the need for our rescue services to respond ” .
Roger Sweeney , from Water Safety Ireland , said lifeguards have seen an increase in the use of inflatable toys such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Drownings typically occur when a person overestimates their ability and underestimates the risk , ” he said .
“ The risk that an inflatable toy can take a person out of their depth and out of their comfort zone is very high due to Ireland ’ s changeable offshore winds and the range of our tides .
This is further compounded if the toy deflates and the person tries to swim or paddle a partly deflated toy to safety.
” Mr Sweeney said inflatable toys “ provide a false sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Parents and guardians have been asked never to allow inflatable toys to be used on rivers, lakes or beaches. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónail
The Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland have warned the public against the use of inflatable toys in open water.
Both bodies have called on parents and guardians never to allow inflatable toys to be used on rivers, lakes or beaches.
The organisations said recent good weather has already resulted in people using inflatable toys “which has quickly led them into danger and the need for our rescue services to respond”.
Roger Sweeney, from Water Safety Ireland, said lifeguards have seen an increase in the use of inflatable toys such as air mattresses, boats and inflatable rings.
READ MORE
“Drownings typically occur when a person overestimates their ability and underestimates the risk,” he said.
“The risk that an inflatable toy can take a person out of their depth and out of their comfort zone is very high due to Ireland’s changeable offshore winds and the range of our tides. This is further compounded if the toy deflates and the person tries to swim or paddle a partly deflated toy to safety.”
Mr Sweeney said inflatable toys “provide a false sense of security and should be avoided”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--‘We missed the public’: Cork City Library prepares for partial reopening

As librarians around the country brace themselves for a resumption of borrowing when libraries reopen on Monday , staff in Cork prepare to once again provide services to 35,000 members .
Leading from the front are senior executive librarian Patricia Looney and her colleagues , Yvonne Moloney and Helen McGonagle who are readying the Central Branch on the Grand Parade for the reopening .
“ We ’ re going to operate a return-and-collect service where people will ring or email in what books they want to borrow – we will take the calls in the morning and then spend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Looney .
“ It ’ s going to be labour intensive to get the books together for people so we will be telling them that they can come in to collect the books on the afternoon of the day after they phone in their requests.
” Conscious of the need to curb any risk of books – or people – spreading Covid-19 , returned books will be left quarantine in a return box for 72 hours just in case the borrower may have had the disease .
Staff will be protected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the foyer of the Central Library building along with plentiful supplies of hand sanitiser .
While the main body of the library will remain closed until the end of the month , the return-and-collect service will hopefully help meet the needs of borrowers who have remained loyal to the service during the lockdown .
Ms Moloney , executive librarian for community and inclusion , says Cork City Library was the first in the country to operate a home-delivery service and they saw that increase during the Covid-19 lockdown .
“ We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the lockdown but another 78 joined up during the lockdown so our driver , John O ’ Sullivan , was delivering books to those people throughout the lockdown , ” she said .
“ We would have been delivering as far out as Ballincollig and Rochestown and Glanmire , to elderly or vulnerable people , who are cocooning , and some of them are going to stay with the service even when we reopen fully.
” “ We missed the public , ” says Ms Moloney , “ a lot of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been on the phone to a lot of them and they appreciated the housebound service – one woman told us she saved her life because she lives in books .
”

As librarians around the country brace themselves for a resumption of borrowing when libraries reopen on Monday, staff in Cork prepare to once again provide services to 35,000 members.
Leading from the front are senior executive librarian Patricia Looney and her colleagues, Yvonne Moloney and Helen McGonagle who are readying the Central Branch on the Grand Parade for the reopening.
“We’re going to operate a return-and-collect service where people will ring or email in what books they want to borrow – we will take the calls in the morning and then spend the afternoon getting them together,” says Ms Looney.
“It’s going to be labour intensive to get the books together for people so we will be telling them that they can come in to collect the books on the afternoon of the day after they phone in their requests.”
READ MORE
Conscious of the need to curb any risk of books – or people – spreading Covid-19, returned books will be left quarantine in a return box for 72 hours just in case the borrower may have had the disease.
Staff will be protected by Perspex screens on the tables set up in the foyer of the Central Library building along with plentiful supplies of hand sanitiser.
While the main body of the library will remain closed until the end of the month, the return-and-collect service will hopefully help meet the needs of borrowers who have remained loyal to the service during the lockdown.
Ms Moloney, executive librarian for community and inclusion, says Cork City Library was the first in the country to operate a home-delivery service and they saw that increase during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“We had some 45 people on our housebound service before the lockdown but another 78 joined up during the lockdown so our driver, John O’Sullivan, was delivering books to those people throughout the lockdown,” she said.
"We would have been delivering as far out as Ballincollig and Rochestown and Glanmire, to elderly or vulnerable people, who are cocooning, and some of them are going to stay with the service even when we reopen fully."
“We missed the public,” says Ms Moloney, “a lot of them are like old friends – I’ve been on the phone to a lot of them and they appreciated the housebound service – one woman told us she saved her life because she lives in books.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Dublin boarding school reviewing racism allegations from pupils

A private school in south Dublin has begun a review into allegations from past and current pupils .
St Columba ’ s College , a boarding and day school for Irish and international student with fees of up to €29,000 per year , has received the complaints in the past week .
The school , in Whitechurch , Dublin 16 , has issued a statement confirming steps were being taken to investigate allegations of racism from a number of former students and current pupils .
The Irish Times understands some of the students who have made complaints are black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their time there .
In reply to queries from The Irish Times on Sunday , the school confirmed it received an initial complaint last weekend , followed by others coming forward with more allegations , and that it was acting on the complaints .
“ On Sunday , May 31st , St Columba ’ s College was contacted by a former pupil of the college , who bravely shared with us her experiences of racism while attending the school , ” said warden of St Columba ’ s College Mark Boobbyer .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former and current pupils , to share similar experiences .
We can only imagine how difficult it was for the young people involved to write down those experiences .
We thank them for having the courage to bring these matters to our attention .
“ The board and management of St Columba ’ s College is taking these matters very seriously and are taking a number of steps to address and respond to the issues raised .
“ The college has established an independent review to consider the issues raised by the pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether there is a culture of racism , direct or indirect , within the college and , importantly , to make appropriate recommendations arising out of the review .
“ This review is being conducted by an experienced legal and governance professional and involve others with expertise in the area of cultural diversity , with direct experience within an educational setting .
We have asked those working on the review to conduct it within a six-week period .
This is to allow sufficient time to ensure that the process is thorough and robust.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The college is committed to shining a searchlight into these issues , which are of the utmost importance to the college community and are part of a wider discourse in society .
“ I very much hope that the conversation which will ensue from this process will be a catalyst that will allow us to ensure the care for our pupils is of the highest standard .
Where there are lessons to learn we will not be afraid learn them.
” St Columba ’ s College caters for day and boarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to €28,742 for senior pupils who board .
The school is situated on a 140-acre campus at Kilmashogue Lane in the foothills of the Dublin mountains , overlooking Dublin Bay .
It was founded in Co Meath in 1843 and moved to south Dublin in 1849 .
It describes itself as having a “ Church of Ireland foundation and ethos ” but also “ warmly welcomes pupils of all other faiths and indeed no faith ” and has an ethos that is “ inclusive and tolerant ” .

St Columba’s College has issued a statement confirming steps were being taken to investigate allegations of racism from a number of former students and current pupils.
A private school in south Dublin has begun a review into allegations from past and current pupils.
St Columba’s College, a boarding and day school for Irish and international student with fees of up to €29,000 per year, has received the complaints in the past week.
The school, in Whitechurch, Dublin 16, has issued a statement confirming steps were being taken to investigate allegations of racism from a number of former students and current pupils.
The Irish Times understands some of the students who have made complaints are black and have alleged racism within the school during their time there.
READ MORE
In reply to queries from The Irish Times on Sunday, the school confirmed it received an initial complaint last weekend, followed by others coming forward with more allegations, and that it was acting on the complaints.
“On Sunday, May 31st, St Columba’s College was contacted by a former pupil of the college, who bravely shared with us her experiences of racism while attending the school,” said warden of St Columba’s College Mark Boobbyer.
“Her actions motivated other people, both former and current pupils, to share similar experiences. We can only imagine how difficult it was for the young people involved to write down those experiences. We thank them for having the courage to bring these matters to our attention.
“The board and management of St Columba’s College is taking these matters very seriously and are taking a number of steps to address and respond to the issues raised.
“The college has established an independent review to consider the issues raised by the pupils and former pupils and specifically to evaluate whether there is a culture of racism, direct or indirect, within the college and, importantly, to make appropriate recommendations arising out of the review.
“This review is being conducted by an experienced legal and governance professional and involve others with expertise in the area of cultural diversity, with direct experience within an educational setting. We have asked those working on the review to conduct it within a six-week period. This is to allow sufficient time to ensure that the process is thorough and robust.”
The statement from Mr Boobbyer continued: “The college is committed to shining a searchlight into these issues, which are of the utmost importance to the college community and are part of a wider discourse in society.
“I very much hope that the conversation which will ensue from this process will be a catalyst that will allow us to ensure the care for our pupils is of the highest standard. Where there are lessons to learn we will not be afraid learn them.”
Fees
St Columba’s College caters for day and boarded pupils with fees ranging from €8,654 per year to €28,742 for senior pupils who board.
The school is situated on a 140-acre campus at Kilmashogue Lane in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, overlooking Dublin Bay. It was founded in Co Meath in 1843 and moved to south Dublin in 1849.
It describes itself as having a “Church of Ireland foundation and ethos” but also “warmly welcomes pupils of all other faiths and indeed no faith” and has an ethos that is “inclusive and tolerant”.


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Covid-19: One further death and 25 new cases in Republic

One more person diagnosed with Covid-19 in the Republic has died , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) has confirmed this afternoon .
There have now been a total 1,679 coronavirus-related deaths in the State .
As of midnight on Saturday June 6th , the HPSC had been notified of 25 confirmed cases of Covid-19 , meaning there was now a total of 25,201 confirmed cases .
A breakdown of data which is up to date as of midnight on Friday 5th , relating to 25,176 cases , reveals 57 per cent of cases involve women and 43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases is 48 .
A total of 3,321 cases , or 13 per cent , have been hospitalised .
Of those , 409 have been admitted to ICU .
A total of 8,057 cases were associated with healthcare workers .
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,139 ( 48 per cent of all cases ) , followed by Cork with 1,529 cases and Kildare with 1,428 .
Of those for whom transmission status is known , community transition accounts for 39 per cent , close contact accounts for 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 per cent .
Earlier , HSE figures showed the number of coronavirus-infected people being admitted to hospital has continued to decline , but the number of close contacts of infected cases has risen over the past week .
There were 124 confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country ’ s 29 acute hospitals on Saturday night at 8pm , down from 182 a week earlier and 618 a month ago .
There were a further 188 suspected cases , the same number as a week earlier but down from 376 a month earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care units fell to 36 , a reduction of one on the previous day , while there were five suspected Covid-19 cases in ICU , down from 10 a day earlier .
There were two new confirmed Covid-19 cases admitted to hospital in the 24-hour period to Saturday evening , down from six a day earlier , 16 the previous week and 27 a month earlier .
The Mater hospital in Dublin had the largest number of confirmed Covid-19 patients at 31 , followed by Tallaght Hospital with 19 and University Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest number of infected patients in ICU with eight , followed by St James ’ s Hospital with six , Beaumont in Dublin with five and Tallaght with four .
There were 21 confirmed Covid-19 patients and a further three suspected patients on ventilators on Saturday night , down from 23 and six respectively the previous night .
The HSE figures on contact tracing – the identification of people who had contact with Covid-19 cases – shows the average number of close contacts rose above four twice in the first week of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts had remained at or below three for the second half of April and much of May before rising late last month and reaching close to five over the past week .
The rise in the number of close contacts coincides with the period after the first phase of lockdown restrictions being lifted on May 18th and ahead of the second phase beginning tomorrow .
The average amount of time it took State officials to take a swab and obtain a test result over the past seven days fell to 1.3 days on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the previous week .

The average amount of time it took State officials to take a swab and obtain a test result over the past seven days fell to 1.3 days. Photograph: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg
One more person diagnosed with Covid-19 in the Republic has died, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has confirmed this afternoon.
There have now been a total 1,679 coronavirus-related deaths in the State.
As of midnight on Saturday June 6th, the HPSC had been notified of 25 confirmed cases of Covid-19, meaning there was now a total of 25,201 confirmed cases.
A breakdown of data which is up to date as of midnight on Friday 5th, relating to 25,176 cases, reveals 57 per cent of cases involve women and 43 per cent male. The median age of confirmed cases is 48.
READ MORE
A total of 3,321 cases, or 13 per cent, have been hospitalised. Of those, 409 have been admitted to ICU. A total of 8,057 cases were associated with healthcare workers.
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,139 (48 per cent of all cases), followed by Cork with 1,529 cases and Kildare with 1,428.
Of those for whom transmission status is known, community transition accounts for 39 per cent, close contact accounts for 59 per cent and travel abroad accounts for 2 per cent.
Earlier, HSE figures showed the number of coronavirus-infected people being admitted to hospital has continued to decline, but the number of close contacts of infected cases has risen over the past week.
There were 124 confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country’s 29 acute hospitals on Saturday night at 8pm, down from 182 a week earlier and 618 a month ago. There were a further 188 suspected cases, the same number as a week earlier but down from 376 a month earlier.
The number of infected patients in intensive care units fell to 36, a reduction of one on the previous day, while there were five suspected Covid-19 cases in ICU, down from 10 a day earlier.
There were two new confirmed Covid-19 cases admitted to hospital in the 24-hour period to Saturday evening, down from six a day earlier, 16 the previous week and 27 a month earlier.
The Mater hospital in Dublin had the largest number of confirmed Covid-19 patients at 31, followed by Tallaght Hospital with 19 and University Hospital Limerick with 11.
The Mater had the highest number of infected patients in ICU with eight, followed by St James’s Hospital with six, Beaumont in Dublin with five and Tallaght with four.
There were 21 confirmed Covid-19 patients and a further three suspected patients on ventilators on Saturday night, down from 23 and six respectively the previous night.
The HSE figures on contact tracing – the identification of people who had contact with Covid-19 cases – shows the average number of close contacts rose above four twice in the first week of June.
The average number of close contacts had remained at or below three for the second half of April and much of May before rising late last month and reaching close to five over the past week.
The rise in the number of close contacts coincides with the period after the first phase of lockdown restrictions being lifted on May 18th and ahead of the second phase beginning tomorrow.
The average amount of time it took State officials to take a swab and obtain a test result over the past seven days fell to 1.3 days on Saturday, the same amount it was taking the previous week.


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Gun of same type used to kill Lyra McKee found in Derry

A handgun of the same type and calibre as the weapon used to murder Lyra McKee has been found during police searches in Derry .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) district commander , Chief Supt Emma Bond , said while it was an “ encouraging line of inquiry ” , police “ can not definitively say at this time whether or not this is the murder weapon ” .
Speaking at a press conference in Derry on Sunday , Chief Supt Bond told reporters that the gun would be subject to extensive forensic examination , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was the gun used to kill McKee .
“ That determination will be guided by the forensics , ” she said .
A bomb which was primed and ready to be used and a quantity of ammunition were also found during searches of 38 acres of land , predominantly fields , between the Ballymagroarty estate and the Whitehouse Road on the outskirts of Derry on Friday and Saturday .
It was described by police as a “ fully primed command wire device ” which contained a “ considerable amount of explosives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe was intended to be used to attack police .
“ We believe there was the potential for an imminent attack and there was a clear plan to murder police officers , ” she said .
Police believe it may have been intended to be moved and used elsewhere .
A “ strong line of inquiry ” , she said , was that the munitions found belonged to dissident republican organisation the New IRA .
Chief Supt Bond said the weapons had been discovered near a children ’ s den and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for exercise .
The searches began after suspicious activity was reported to the police .
“ The fact that these items were left close to a built-up , populated area , and particularly on land where children are known to play , yet again underlines the total lack of regard these violent terrorist criminals have for their own communities , ” she said .
McKee , a 29-year-old writer and journalist , was shot while observing a riot in Derry ’ s Creggan estate in April 2019 , and died shortly afterwards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRA was responsible .
A 52-year-old man , Paul McIntyre , of Kinnego Park in Derry , was charged with her murder earlier this year .
He denies the charge .
Chief Supt Bond said the discovery demonstrated “ just how reckless these individuals are , the fact that they are content to put not only police officers but also put their own communities at risk [ in ] places where young people play and people use the fields to visit ” .
The North ’ s Minister of Justice , Naomi Long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved lives today and their actions keep people safe .
They do this without fear or favour , despite being under threat themselves .
“ Their actions are in stark contrast to the callous and malicious behaviour of those who would seek to use potentially lethal weapons to control their own communities through fear and violence .
”

Lyra McKee (29) was shot while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019. Photograph: Jess Lowe
A handgun of the same type and calibre as the weapon used to murder Lyra McKee has been found during police searches in Derry.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) district commander, Chief Supt Emma Bond, said while it was an “encouraging line of inquiry”, police “cannot definitively say at this time whether or not this is the murder weapon”.
Speaking at a press conference in Derry on Sunday, Chief Supt Bond told reporters that the gun would be subject to extensive forensic examination, including fingerprint and DNA testing, to establish if it was the gun used to kill McKee. “That determination will be guided by the forensics,” she said.
A bomb which was primed and ready to be used and a quantity of ammunition were also found during searches of 38 acres of land, predominantly fields, between the Ballymagroarty estate and the Whitehouse Road on the outskirts of Derry on Friday and Saturday.
READ MORE
‘Fully primed’
It was described by police as a “fully primed command wire device” which contained a “considerable amount of explosives” contained in a lunchbox, which they believe was intended to be used to attack police.
“We believe there was the potential for an imminent attack and there was a clear plan to murder police officers,” she said. Police believe it may have been intended to be moved and used elsewhere.
A “strong line of inquiry”, she said, was that the munitions found belonged to dissident republican organisation the New IRA.
Chief Supt Bond said the weapons had been discovered near a children’s den and in an area used by the local people for exercise. The searches began after suspicious activity was reported to the police.
“The fact that these items were left close to a built-up, populated area, and particularly on land where children are known to play, yet again underlines the total lack of regard these violent terrorist criminals have for their own communities,” she said.
McKee, a 29-year-old writer and journalist, was shot while observing a riot in Derry’s Creggan estate in April 2019, and died shortly afterwards. Police believe dissident republican organisation the New IRA was responsible.
A 52-year-old man, Paul McIntyre, of Kinnego Park in Derry, was charged with her murder earlier this year. He denies the charge.
‘Reckless’
Chief Supt Bond said the discovery demonstrated “just how reckless these individuals are, the fact that they are content to put not only police officers but also put their own communities at risk [in] places where young people play and people use the fields to visit”.
The North’s Minister of Justice, Naomi Long, said the police had “undoubtedly saved lives today and their actions keep people safe. They do this without fear or favour, despite being under threat themselves.
“Their actions are in stark contrast to the callous and malicious behaviour of those who would seek to use potentially lethal weapons to control their own communities through fear and violence.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Coronavirus: Northern Ireland reports no new deaths

No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Sunday .
The death toll reported by the North ’ s Department of Health is 537 , after one death was reported on Saturday .
There have been another six further confirmed cases of Covid-19 , bringing the total recorded since the outbreak began to 4,796 .
Scotland reported no further coronavirus deaths on Sunday , for the first time since lockdown began in the UK in March .
Northern Ireland ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster said on Saturday she hoped to be in a position by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving in the right direction and we are coming out ” ( of lockdown ) .
“ I suppose the worry then is , and the worry for us all , is the threat of a second wave of the pandemic , and that will be devastating if we don ’ t manage that because of course the economy is the main concern there , ” she told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Political Thinking With Nick Robinson programme .
She said that she and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being ill “ brought out their humanity ” .
“ Neither of our mothers thankfully had Covid-19 , but both were admitted in or around the same time bizarrely , and so as well as dealing with everything that we have to deal with in government , we have to deal with the pressure of our mothers being in hospital ... that of course brings out the humanity in both of us , ” she said .
Ms Foster said she has had moments when she wonders if the right thing is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introducing strict social distancing measures , which she described as “ some of the most draconian steps that have ever been taken in this country since World War Two ” .
“ It ’ s a huge responsibility so of course we have those moments , I have those moments , when you think about are you doing the right thing and you do lean heavily on our medical advisers at this time and then try to take the decisions based on what they tell us , ” she said .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of the number of deaths in Northern Ireland , we have managed to keep them as low as we possibly could and that has worked well.
” – PA

No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Sunday.
The death toll reported by the North’s Department of Health is 537, after one death was reported on Saturday.
There have been another six further confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total recorded since the outbreak began to 4,796.
Scotland reported no further coronavirus deaths on Sunday, for the first time since lockdown began in the UK in March.
READ MORE
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster said on Saturday she hoped to be in a position by the end of the summer “where things are moving in the right direction and we are coming out” (of lockdown). “I suppose the worry then is, and the worry for us all, is the threat of a second wave of the pandemic, and that will be devastating if we don’t manage that because of course the economy is the main concern there,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Political Thinking With Nick Robinson programme.
She said that she and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill found the shared experience of both their mothers being ill “brought out their humanity”. “Neither of our mothers thankfully had Covid-19, but both were admitted in or around the same time bizarrely, and so as well as dealing with everything that we have to deal with in government, we have to deal with the pressure of our mothers being in hospital ... that of course brings out the humanity in both of us,” she said.
Ms Foster said she has had moments when she wonders if the right thing is being done with regards to the pandemic after introducing strict social distancing measures, which she described as “some of the most draconian steps that have ever been taken in this country since World War Two”.
“It’s a huge responsibility so of course we have those moments, I have those moments, when you think about are you doing the right thing and you do lean heavily on our medical advisers at this time and then try to take the decisions based on what they tell us,” she said. “And I’m pleased to say that in terms of the number of deaths in Northern Ireland, we have managed to keep them as low as we possibly could and that has worked well.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-06-07--Teenager arrested after 17-year-old stabbed in Co Cork

A teenager was attacked and stabbed during a row in Co Cork on Saturday night and gardaí have appealed to the public for assistance in their investigation into an incident .
The 17-year-old suffered a number of serious wounds to his head and back when he was struck with a broken bottle in the Waterpark area of Carrigaline in south Cork at around 10.25pm .
It is understood the injured youth was walking with his girlfriend near a green area when they were approached by another group who asked them for money so they could get a bus back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injured youth , who is from Carrigaline , was attacked during a row over the bus money by another teenager who struck him on the head with a broken bottle and also stabbed him in the back causing serious injuries .
The alarm was raised and 10 garda units including uniformed officers , detectives and members of the Armed Support Unit responded , with First Aid given to the injured teenager at the scene .
He was later taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital ( CUH ) where he underwent surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ non-life threatening ” .
He was described as being in a stable condition on Sunday .
Gardaí immediately began an investigation and arrested a 17-year-old suspect , who is not from Carrigaline , a short distance away and they recovered a mobile phone which had been stolen from the injured teenager .
The suspect was taken to the Bridewell Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act which allows gardaí detain suspects for up to 24 hours before they have to be charged or released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assault on Saturday night and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the area while they also recovered a broken bottle which they believe was used in the assault .
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident and for anyone with information to come forward and contact them at Togher Garda station on 021-4947170 .
In particular , they are appealing for any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and may have camera footage , including dash-cam , to contact them and make @ @ @

A teenager has been arrested over an assault in Co Cork
A teenager was attacked and stabbed during a row in Co Cork on Saturday night and gardaí have appealed to the public for assistance in their investigation into an incident.
The 17-year-old suffered a number of serious wounds to his head and back when he was struck with a broken bottle in the Waterpark area of Carrigaline in south Cork at around 10.25pm.
It is understood the injured youth was walking with his girlfriend near a green area when they were approached by another group who asked them for money so they could get a bus back to Cork city.
It is understood that the injured youth, who is from Carrigaline, was attacked during a row over the bus money by another teenager who struck him on the head with a broken bottle and also stabbed him in the back causing serious injuries.
READ MORE
The alarm was raised and 10 garda units including uniformed officers, detectives and members of the Armed Support Unit responded, with First Aid given to the injured teenager at the scene.
He was later taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he underwent surgery for his injuries which were described as “non-life threatening” . He was described as being in a stable condition on Sunday.
Gardaí immediately began an investigation and arrested a 17-year-old suspect, who is not from Carrigaline, a short distance away and they recovered a mobile phone which had been stolen from the injured teenager.
The suspect was taken to the Bridewell Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act which allows gardaí detain suspects for up to 24 hours before they have to be charged or released.
Gardaí cordoned off the scene of the assault on Saturday night and Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the area while they also recovered a broken bottle which they believe was used in the assault.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident and for anyone with information to come forward and contact them at Togher Garda station on 021-4947170.
In particular, they are appealing for any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and may have camera footage, including dash-cam, to contact them and make it available.


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Howth resident can challenge housing development permission, High Court says

A local resident has secured leave from the High Court to challenge permission for a substantial housing development in Howth , north Co Dublin .
The judicial review proceedings by Christian Morris are aimed at overturning An Bord Pleanála ’ s grant of permission last March to Crekav Trading for the development at the former Baily Court Hotel , Main Street , Howth , and on adjoining lands south of the Martello Tower on Balscadden Road .
The proposed development is for 177 residential units in three apartment blocks and one mews building , ranging in height from five to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 171 apartments and six duplexes , comprising 44 one-bedroom units , 103 two-bed units and 30 three-bedroom units .
The development has been classified as a strategic housing development , meaning a developer bypasses the local housing authority to seek permission directly from the board .
In a judgment on Monday , Mr Justice Denis McDonald found Mr Morris , representing himself , had raised a number of substantial grounds entitling him to judicial review .
Those grounds included whether the Board and its inspector adequately addressed concerns about the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health and environmental implications of the associated excavations .
The judge said Mr Morris ’ case in that regard was supported by observations submitted to the Board from the local community council and residents association , including that there is already land slippage in the area and that the proposed development involves removal of some 78,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel , which may lead to more extensive and severe slippage in the future .
While he was concerned about the “ broad-brush ” way Mr Morris had pleaded this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis the relevant grounds should be read in conjunction with submissions of the council and residents association on the subsidence/landslide risk .
Mr Morris could also challenge the decision on grounds whether the Board adequately addressed coastal erosion issues raised by the residents association , he said .
The association had argued , because the development site is 28 metres from the cliff face above Balscadden Bay , permission would be contrary to objectives to limit coastal erosion set out in Fingal County Council ’ s development plan .
Mr Morris could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not consistent with the zoning of the site under the Fingal County Council development plan , the judge said .
He granted leave to challenge a condition imposed by the Board that a proposed widening of the footpath along Balscaddden Road should be omitted from the development .
The Board has said the widening should be omitted “ to protect pedestrians and safeguard the structural integrity of the road ” but Mr Morris argued that did “ not make sense ” .
Mr Morris was entitled to challenge the permission on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the court was not suggesting the Board would not be able to justify the condition and the reason for it , it was “ difficult to see ” how not widening the footpath can be said to protect pedestrians .
The judge also granted leave to Mr Morris to seek costs orders and to challenge the permission over the Board ’ s failure to list him among those who submitted observations on the proposed development .
Having dismissed various other grounds advanced , the judge made directions for exchange of legal documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for further directions .

A file photograph of the former Baily Court Hotel, Howth where the proposed housing development had been approved by An Bord Pleanála. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill
A local resident has secured leave from the High Court to challenge permission for a substantial housing development in Howth, north Co Dublin.
The judicial review proceedings by Christian Morris are aimed at overturning An Bord Pleanála’s grant of permission last March to Crekav Trading for the development at the former Baily Court Hotel, Main Street, Howth, and on adjoining lands south of the Martello Tower on Balscadden Road.
The proposed development is for 177 residential units in three apartment blocks and one mews building, ranging in height from five to seven storeys. The Board permitted construction of 171 apartments and six duplexes, comprising 44 one-bedroom units, 103 two-bed units and 30 three-bedroom units.
The development has been classified as a strategic housing development, meaning a developer bypasses the local housing authority to seek permission directly from the board.
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In a judgment on Monday, Mr Justice Denis McDonald found Mr Morris, representing himself, had raised a number of substantial grounds entitling him to judicial review.
Those grounds included whether the Board and its inspector adequately addressed concerns about the risk of subsidence and landslide on the site and the health and environmental implications of the associated excavations.
The judge said Mr Morris’ case in that regard was supported by observations submitted to the Board from the local community council and residents association, including that there is already land slippage in the area and that the proposed development involves removal of some 78,000 cubic metres of sand and gravel, which may lead to more extensive and severe slippage in the future.
While he was concerned about the “broad-brush” way Mr Morris had pleaded this issue, the court would grant leave on the basis the relevant grounds should be read in conjunction with submissions of the council and residents association on the subsidence/landslide risk.
Mr Morris could also challenge the decision on grounds whether the Board adequately addressed coastal erosion issues raised by the residents association, he said. The association had argued, because the development site is 28 metres from the cliff face above Balscadden Bay, permission would be contrary to objectives to limit coastal erosion set out in Fingal County Council’s development plan.
Mr Morris could also challenge the development on grounds it is not consistent with the zoning of the site under the Fingal County Council development plan, the judge said.
He granted leave to challenge a condition imposed by the Board that a proposed widening of the footpath along Balscaddden Road should be omitted from the development.
The Board has said the widening should be omitted “to protect pedestrians and safeguard the structural integrity of the road” but Mr Morris argued that did “not make sense” .
Mr Morris was entitled to challenge the permission on that ground also, the judge said. While the court was not suggesting the Board would not be able to justify the condition and the reason for it, it was “difficult to see” how not widening the footpath can be said to protect pedestrians.
The judge also granted leave to Mr Morris to seek costs orders and to challenge the permission over the Board’s failure to list him among those who submitted observations on the proposed development.
Having dismissed various other grounds advanced, the judge made directions for exchange of legal documents and returned the matter to late June for further directions.


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Two men arrested after body of man discovered in Dublin house

Two men have been arrested after the body of a man in his 40s was discovered in a house in Clondalkin , Dublin last month .
The men who are in their 30s were arrested Monday morning in the Dublin area and are currently detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , 1984 at Clondalkin and Lucan Garda stations .
Alan Hall ( 45 ) was found dead at a property in Bluebell Avenue on May 18th which had been extensively damaged by smoke due to a fire .
A postmortem was carried out the following day but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post mortem are not being released at this time for operational reasons .
Last month gardaí based in the Clondalkin station have issued an appeal for assistance from members of the public , including those who knew Mr Hall .
The dead man is understood to have lived alone at the house on Bluebell Avenue where he died and was receiving assistance from homeless services .
Mr Hall is understood to have previously worked as a butcher and while he was known to gardaí he was not a serious criminal and he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garda for some time .
He returned to the house at some stage on Sunday , May 17th but his body was only discovered the following morning after neighbours were alerted by the fire alarm .
Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene and discovered Mr Hall ’ s remains .
Supt Seamus Dalton then said gardaí were “ conducting a criminal investigation into all the circumstances ” surrounding the case .
He appealed to anybody who was in the vicinity of Bluebell Avenue or the Old Naas Road , Dublin 12 , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the morning of Monday May 18th to contact the Garda at 01-6667600 , the Garda Confidential Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station .

The dead man is understood to have lived alone at the house on Bluebell Avenue where he died and was receiving assistance from homeless services. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
Two men have been arrested over the death of Alan Hall (45) in a house in Clondalkin, Dublin last month.
The exact cause of the Mr Hall’s death remains unclear. He was found with extensive injuries consistent with an attack but there are also signs of smoke inhalation.
A postmortem could not definitively state if the victim was murdered, meaning the investigation has not yet been upgraded to a murder inquiry. Gardaí are hoping the arrest and questioning of the two men, who are in their 30s, will progress the investigation.
On Monday the Garda said it was treating the death as having occurred in “unexplained circumstances.”
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One line of inquiry is Mr Hall fell asleep or went unconscious as a result of his injuries before a fire broke out in the home.
The two suspects were arrested Monday morning in the Dublin area and are currently detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Clondalkin and Lucan Garda stations.
Mr Hall was found dead at a property in Bluebell Avenue on May 18th which had been extensively damaged by smoke due to a fire. A postmortem was carried out the following day.
Last month gardaí based in the Clondalkin station issued an appeal for assistance from members of the public, including those who knew Mr Hall.
The dead man is understood to have lived alone at the house on Bluebell Avenue and was receiving assistance from homeless services.
Mr Hall is understood to have previously worked as a butcher and while he was known to gardaí he was not a serious criminal and he had not come to the attention of the Garda for some time.
He returned to the house at some stage on Sunday, May 17th but his body was only discovered the following morning after neighbours were alerted by the fire alarm.
Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene and discovered Mr Hall's remains. Supt Seamus Dalton then said gardaí were "conducting a criminal investigation into all the circumstances" surrounding the case.
He appealed to anybody who was in the vicinity of Bluebell Avenue or the Old Naas Road, Dublin 12, on either the evening of Sunday May 17th or the morning of Monday May 18th to contact the Garda at 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Number 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
A spokesperson for the homeless group Lending Hand said following Mr Hall’s death that he was “one of the nicest, soundest blokes. He didn’t deserve the way he died, no human does and not anyone that is like Alan.
“Even though he had his own troubles, he would always make us laugh, loved a chat and a slagging match.
“There is a massive hole in our hearts. Alan, we hope you get the best bed in heaven and hope you’re at peace, goodnight buddy, we will miss you.”


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: Numbers on wage subsidy scheme rise as pandemic unemployment recipients fall

There has been a marked fall in the number of people receiving the pandemic unemployment payment but a rise in those receiving the temporary wage subsidy scheme .
The Department an Taoiseach said on Monday that there has been a drop of 27,000 to 515,000 in the number of people receiving the € 350 payment in the past week .
That follows a drop of 36,000 last week and the number is now some 80,000 lower than the high of almost 600,000 .
The cost to the Exchequer this week is € 118 million .
However , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased for the fourth week in a row and has now stands at 529,000 .
The scheme helps businesses remain viable during the coronavirus pandemic .
The figure represents an increase of over 20,000 on the number receiving the payment last week .
The increase was expected as those who went back to work with employers in vulnerable sectors would change to receiving subsidy payments while working , whereas until now they were receiving the unemployment payments .
“ We certainly expected to see some swap-over , ” said a Government source .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rate in the drop of those receiving unemployment is expected to accelerate sharply in the coming weeks as more and more businesses re-open after the three month furlough .
It is expected to fall below half a million next week for the first time since April .
The second factor that will accelerate a fall will be the Government decision that part-time workers who were earning € 200 per week or less before the Covid-19 outbreak will , from June 29th , no longer be entitled to receive the full €350 payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the Government press briefing on Monday , assistant general secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach Liz Canavan said that “ no person on the lower rate will receive less than they did ( pre-Covid ) ” .
The cumulative value of the employee subsidy scheme now stands a €1.42 billion with 59,000 employers now benefitting .
The number is expected to increase sharply in the coming weeks before the scheme is closed in August .
Keep contact to small number of people Meanwhile , Minister for Health Simon Harris has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be considered , but that it would be difficult to implement in a small country like Ireland .
A “ more nuanced approach ” was something that could be considered , especially when there were county figures like Sligo where there has not been a case of the virus in 23 days , he said .
Mr Harris also appealed to the public to “ cop on ” and to keep a list of people they meet .
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast said he said he was concerned about the increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when diagnosed with the virus .
“ Now is not the time to meet your first cousin once removed , ” he said , urging people to keep the number of close contact to small numbers .
The Minister also said he would like to see more people wearing face coverings on public transport and when shopping .
“ It ’ s not a magic shield , but it is a help.
” The Department of Health reported on Sunday that one more person had died from Covid-19 , bringing the death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a further 25 confirmed cases of the disease reported , bringing the total number of cases to 25,201 .
Later on RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland , Mr Harris said that progress against the virus was still fragile , but that “ today is a great day for the country , a really good day .
People brought us to this point , ” he said as Ireland enters its second phase of lockdown easing .
The Minister said he wanted to see the good day become a good week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He called on people to decide in advance who they were going to meet and to do so out of doors if possible .
“ If we get through this phase things are looking good.
” However , Mr Harris warned that if the R number begins to increase then public health experts will step in and advise the government what to do .
The R number describes an infection ’ s level of contagion .
“ Thankfully the trajectory is low ” at present , the Minister said .
Public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two metres was safer than one metre , he added , but there may be some settings where the two metre guideline could not be easily applied , such as in the hospitality sector .
The issue will be reviewed by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) over the next week to two weeks to provide guidance , he said .
“ We need to do this in a public health led way , not by ‘ he who shouts loudest.
’ “ What looks slow today , looks prudent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing that we are willing to adapt .
We are looking at the remaining phases and how best to sequence .
It ’ s not a race , it ’ s a marathon , we have to plan with caution .
We may be able to get the summer back.
” The Minister defended the Government ’ s timing on the reopening of schools saying that the safety of children had been a priority .
The reopening of crèches was also a challenge , he said and they could not open until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked about government formation talks and if he would remain in his portfolio , Mr Harris said he loved being Minister for Health and that he expected there would be a draft plan for government later this week .
A number of key issues needed to be resolved , he added .
“ I hope this week will see progress.
” Pubs serving food and opening on June 29th will have to give customers limited time slots in their premises and provide a “ substantial ” meal , under new guidelines being considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospitality industry following the Covid-19 lockdown are due to be published on Tuesday and sources involved in the drafting of the documents say pubs intending to open at the end of month may be asked to provide two courses and operate table service .
Hotels will also be advised to place key cards onto guests ’ phones , ban buffets and provide breakfast in the room .
Sources have said there is concern in the hospitality industry at the impact this will have on five-star hotels in particular and that further advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the draft guidelines still contain references to the two-metre social distancing rule , there is significant pressure and lobbying from business groups to reduce this to one metre .
Meanwhile , Dublin buses , trains and trams will be closely monitored on Monday to ensure continued physical distancing as the second reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown kicks in .
Government and transport sources said difficulties in maintaining the two-metre limit between passengers would increase pressure to introduce mandatory wearing of face coverings .
Bus and train inspectors are due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin Bus services and on Dart and commuter trains as capacity will be limited to 25 per cent or less of normal to protect against the spread of the virus .
Normal weekday services are resuming after public transport use fell by 90 per cent during the lockdown .
Inspectors will check for “ any particular pinch points ” , said one source , though the most pressure is not expected until the hospitality industry opens in the third phase on June 29th .

The number of people receiving the pandemic unemployment payment has fallen sharply as businesses start to reopen. However, there has also been a marked increase in the numbers receiving the temporary wage subsidy scheme as many firms remain unable to pay all the wages of their employees. As thousands of businesses and shops reopened on Monday as the restrictions were eased under phase two of the reopening, the Department of An Taoiseach said the number of people receiving the €305 pandemic payment was now 515,000, a fall of 27,000 compared to last week. However, the number of people receiving the wage subsidy scheme has increased for the fourth week in a row and has now stands at 529,000. This scheme helps businesses remain viable during the coronavirus pandemic and sees part of a person’s wages ‘topped up’.
The figure represents an increase of over 20,000 on the number receiving this payment last week. A second factor that will accelerate the fall in the numbers receiving the pandemic payment is the impact of the Government decision that part-time workers who were earning € 200 per week or less before the Covid-19 outbreak will, from June 29th, no longer be entitled to receive the full €350 payment but will receive a payment of €205. At the Government press briefing on Monday, assistant general secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach Liz Canavan said “no person on the lower rate will receive less than they did (pre-Covid)”. The cumulative value of the employee subsidy scheme now stands a €1.42 billion with 59,000 employers now benefitting. The number is expected to increase sharply in the coming weeks before the scheme is closed in August.
Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty has said that parents who cannot return to work because of childcare issues will be able to claim the pandemic payment. “We have to support people until they can return to work,” she told RTE radio’s Today with Sarah McInerney show. “I want to reassure people the department will be there to support them until they can go back to work.” She said the reopening of crèches and child care facilities on June 29th “will make a massive difference,” she added.
Regional responses
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said regional responses to restrictions for Covid-19 could be considered but it would be difficult to implement in a small country like Ireland. A "more nuanced approach" was something that could be considered, especially when there were county figures like Sligo where there had not been a case of the virus in 23 days, he said. Mr Harris also appealed to the public to "cop on" and to keep a list of people they meet.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast said he said he was concerned about the increase in the number of contacts people were listing when diagnosed with the virus. "Now is not the time to meet your first cousin once removed," he said, urging people to keep the number of close contact to small numbers. The Minister also said he would like to see more people wearing face coverings on public transport and when shopping. "It's not a magic shield, but it is a help."
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The Department of Health reported on Sunday that one more person had died from Covid-19, bringing the death toll in the State to 1,679. There were a further 25 confirmed cases of the disease reported, bringing the total number of cases to 25,201. Later on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Harris said progress against the virus was still fragile, but that “today is a great day for the country, a really good day. People brought us to this point,” he said as Ireland enters its second phase of lockdown easing. The Minister said he wanted to see the good day become a good week, a good month and a good year. He called on people to decide in advance who they were going to meet and to do so out of doors if possible. “If we get through this phase things are looking good.”
Hospitality industry
Pubs serving food and opening on June 29th will have to give customers limited time slots in their premises and provide a “substantial” meal, under new guidelines being considered by Government officials. Guidelines for reopening the hospitality industry following the Covid-19 lockdown are due to be published on Tuesday and sources involved in the drafting of the documents say pubs intending to open at the end of month may be asked to provide two courses and operate table service. Hotels will also be advised to place key cards onto guests’ phones, ban buffets and provide breakfast in the room. Sources have said there is concern in the hospitality industry at the impact this will have on five-star hotels in particular and that further advice may be needed in relation to spas. While the draft guidelines still contain references to the two-metre social distancing rule, there is significant pressure and lobbying from business groups to reduce this to one metre.
Transport monitoring
Meanwhile, Dublin buses, trains and trams will be closely monitored on Monday to ensure continued physical distancing as the second reopening phase from the Covid-19 lockdown kicks in. Government and transport sources said difficulties in maintaining the two-metre limit between passengers would increase pressure to introduce mandatory wearing of face coverings. Bus and train inspectors are due to monitor passenger numbers and distancing behaviour on Dublin Bus services and on Dart and commuter trains as capacity will be limited to 25 per cent or less of normal to protect against the spread of the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-06-08--Lifting Covid-19 lockdown: Revised roadmap for reopening Ireland

The plan to reopen the State after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic will largely end on July 20th , and will now only comprise four phases rather than five .
People can travel within their own counties from Monday and the domestic tourism industry will reopen from June 29th in an effort to salvage some of the summer season .
Here is the revised reopening Ireland plan in detail : Travel : You can travel anywhere within your own county , or up to 20km from your home , whichever is greater .
Gatherings : Groups of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or outdoors but at a two-metre distance .
Cocooning : Those aged over 70 or medically vulnerable may have a “ small number of visitors ” in their homes with physical distancing .
Shops are providing dedicated hours .
Commercial and services : All retail stores are allowed to open again with staggered opening times .
Libraries have reopened .
Marts without spectators can resume .
Leisure : Groups of up to 15 can meet for outdoor sporting activities .
Playgrounds can reopen as can commercial versions of the same .
Outdoor camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 15 people involved .
“ Certain types ” of elite sports training can resume .
Greyhound racing can resume but without spectators at tracks .
Work : More people can return to work but working from home remains the message for those who can .
Funerals : Up to 25 people are allowed to attend .
Commercial and services : All retail in shopping centres with no public congregation will be allowed to reopen .
People have been told to expect queues , and to go in collect what is necessary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions will be lifted .
Commercial and services : Cafes and restaurants can open again but with social distancing and strict cleaning operations .
Creches for children of essential workers and those who need to return to work .
Pubs can reopen , effectively operating as restaurants with no bar service .
Places of worship will reopen .
Leisure and tourism : Some behind-closed-doors sporting activities can resume .
Domestic tourism can resume but no date yet for recommended air travel .
This includes hotels , hostels , museums , galleries and caravan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all other people can reopen on a limited bases .
Hairdressers and barbers can reopen .
Gatherings : Hospital visits can resume .
Sometime after this point schools will reopen .
Leisure : Theatres , cinemas , nightclubs and casinos can reopen , but all where social distancing measures can function .
Festivals and cultural gatherings can resume but with limited attendance ( large weddings will be restricted ) .
Close contact sports , including rugby and boxing , can come back , as can gym activity where high standards of cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will resume but with restrictions on numbers .
So , too , can indoor activities such as bowling and bingo halls .

The plan to reopen the State after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic will largely end on July 20th, and will now only comprise four phases rather than five.
People can travel within their own counties from Monday and the domestic tourism industry will reopen from June 29th in an effort to salvage some of the summer season.
Here is the revised reopening Ireland plan in detail:
Phase Two, Monday, June 8th
Travel: You can travel anywhere within your own county, or up to 20km from your home, whichever is greater.
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Gatherings: Groups of up to six people can meet indoors or outdoors but at a two-metre distance.
Cocooning: Those aged over 70 or medically vulnerable may have a "small number of visitors" in their homes with physical distancing. Shops are providing dedicated hours.
Commercial and services: All retail stores are allowed to open again with staggered opening times. Libraries have reopened. Marts without spectators can resume.
Leisure: Groups of up to 15 can meet for outdoor sporting activities. Playgrounds can reopen as can commercial versions of the same. Outdoor camps are allowed for children with no more than 15 people involved. "Certain types" of elite sports training can resume. Greyhound racing can resume but without spectators at tracks.
Work: More people can return to work but working from home remains the message for those who can.
Funerals: Up to 25 people are allowed to attend.
Monday, June 15th
Commercial and services: All retail in shopping centres with no public congregation will be allowed to reopen. People have been told to expect queues, and to go in collect what is necessary and leave.
Phase Three, Monday, June 29th
Travel: All domestic travel restrictions will be lifted.
Gatherings: Prison visits will resume.
Commercial and services: Cafes and restaurants can open again but with social distancing and strict cleaning operations. Creches for children of essential workers and those who need to return to work. Pubs can reopen, effectively operating as restaurants with no bar service. Places of worship will reopen.
Leisure and tourism: Some behind-closed-doors sporting activities can resume. Domestic tourism can resume but no date yet for recommended air travel. This includes hotels, hostels, museums, galleries and caravan parks.
Phase Four, Monday, July 20th
Commercial and services: Creches for all other people can reopen on a limited bases. Hairdressers and barbers can reopen.
Gatherings: Hospital visits can resume. Sometime after this point schools will reopen.
Leisure: Theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and casinos can reopen, but all where social distancing measures can function. Festivals and cultural gatherings can resume but with limited attendance (large weddings will be restricted). Close contact sports, including rugby and boxing, can come back, as can gym activity where high standards of cleaning are employed. Attendances at sports events will resume but with restrictions on numbers. So, too, can indoor activities such as bowling and bingo halls.
Work: Phased return to normal.