theirishtimes--2020-07-09--NI secretary ‘not allowing all same-sex couples to marry’

The Northern Ireland Secretary is preventing many same-sex couples from planning their weddings , one of the first to legally marry said .
Sharni and Robyn Edwards-Peoples criticised Brandon Lewis for the delay in laying regulations at parliament .
Those who want to convert existing civil partnerships to marriages are still unable to do so .
They called for urgent action on the one-year anniversary of the House of Commons vote to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland , which passed following an amendment from Conor McGinn MP .
Sharni Edwards-Peoples said : “ By not laying the necessary regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is stopping many couples from being able to plan their own big day.
” Same-sex civil marriage became legal in Northern Ireland on January 13th this year , and the first wedding took place on February 11th when Sharni Edwards and Robyn Peoples married in Carrickfergus .
However , couples who wish to have a religious ceremony as part of their wedding , or who wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage , are still not able to do so .
Campaigners want Mr Lewis to lay new regulations in parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urgency .
Weddings in Northern Ireland can take place indoors from this Friday , the Stormont Executive has agreed , as part of the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions .
Sharni Edwards-Peoples said : “ We loved having our big day back in February surrounded by the people we love .
“ It was a dream day for us and we want everyone to have the same chance to enjoy that feeling.
” Robyn Edwards-Peoples said as we emerge from lockdown , and with weddings now permitted , there will be a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
“ But same-sex couples like us , who want to have a religious ceremony or who want to convert their civil partnership , can ’ t even plan a date for their weddings at the moment.
” A UK government spokesperson said : “ The government legislated for same-sex civil marriage in Northern Ireland from January 13th , 2020 .
“ We intend to lay regulations next week to allow for same-sex religious marriage in Northern Ireland to come into effect from September 1st , 2020 .
“ Conversion entitlements regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of 2020.
” – PA

Robyn Peoples and Sharni Edwards kiss after they became Northern Ireland’s first legally married same-sex couple in February. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty
The Northern Ireland Secretary is preventing many same-sex couples from planning their weddings, one of the first to legally marry said.
Sharni and Robyn Edwards-Peoples criticised Brandon Lewis for the delay in laying regulations at parliament.
Those who want to convert existing civil partnerships to marriages are still unable to do so.
They called for urgent action on the one-year anniversary of the House of Commons vote to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland, which passed following an amendment from Conor McGinn MP.
READ MORE
Sharni Edwards-Peoples said: “By not laying the necessary regulations at parliament, the secretary of state is stopping many couples from being able to plan their own big day.”
Same-sex civil marriage became legal in Northern Ireland on January 13th this year, and the first wedding took place on February 11th when Sharni Edwards and Robyn Peoples married in Carrickfergus.
However, couples who wish to have a religious ceremony as part of their wedding, or who wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage, are still not able to do so.
Campaigners want Mr Lewis to lay new regulations in parliament and introduce these changes as a matter of urgency.
Weddings in Northern Ireland can take place indoors from this Friday, the Stormont Executive has agreed, as part of the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.
Sharni Edwards-Peoples said: “We loved having our big day back in February surrounded by the people we love.
“It was a dream day for us and we want everyone to have the same chance to enjoy that feeling.”
Robyn Edwards-Peoples said as we emerge from lockdown, and with weddings now permitted, there will be a lot of couples hoping to have long-awaited wedding days.
“But same-sex couples like us, who want to have a religious ceremony or who want to convert their civil partnership, can’t even plan a date for their weddings at the moment.”
A UK government spokesperson said: “The government legislated for same-sex civil marriage in Northern Ireland from January 13th, 2020.
“We intend to lay regulations next week to allow for same-sex religious marriage in Northern Ireland to come into effect from September 1st, 2020.
“Conversion entitlements regulations will follow as soon as possible before the end of 2020.” – PA


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Covid-19: Small minority of pubs putting health of customers and staff ‘at risk’

The Garda Siochána remain concerned that a minority of publicans are potentially operating in breach of Covid-19 public health regulations and licensing laws , a senior Government official has said .
Liz Canavan , assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach , was speaking after the Garda said that 26 licensed premises across the State could be prosecuted over the breaches .
More than 6,800 Covid-19 compliance checks were conducted by gardaí at pubs and restaurants last weekend after the Government permitted restaurants and pubs serving food to reopen as pandemic restrictions were eased on June 29th .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of 2,785 that have reopened , were potentially breaching health regulations or licensing laws even after providing them with the opportunity to rectify the situation .
Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ) , the force said in a statement .
Gardaí said that in many of the 26 cases they found customers consuming alcohol , but no evidence of food also being consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold .
Officers also observed a lack of adherence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups at the one table , little to no social distancing , no advisory signage and no records being kept for the purpose of contact tracing .
Ms Canavan said that the renewal of liquor licence applications “ will be at risk unless compliance is observed.
” “ The Gardaí remains concerned that a minority are potentially operating in breach of the regulations .
In doing so , they putting the health of their customers and staff and everyone that they come into contact with at risk of getting Covid-19 , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support businesses “ who are trying to do the right and to avoid those that are not ” .
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said gardaí remain concerned that “ a minority are potentially operating in breach of the regulations ” .
“ In doing so , they are putting the health of their customers and staff and everyone they come into contact with after at risk of getting Covid-19 .
We are sending a clear message to such premises that we will be opposing their liquor license renewal applications in September unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ In addition , the public has shown great restraint and responsibility to date in adhering to the public health guidelines .
The reality is that Covid-19 is still here .
We all have an individual responsibility to ensure we continue to play our part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 to protect our family , friends and neighbours.
” A spokesman for the Vintners Federation of Ireland said the statement from the Garda was “ a very clear warning and message ” to a small minority of publicans that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close some pubs .
“ If there is anyone out there thinking thy can ignore guidelines because they are not legally enforceable , they are mistaken .
If the publican is not serving a substantial meal , that is grounds for prosecution , ” said spokesman Brian Foley .
“ The fact that 26 publicans are having files sent to the DPP sends out a serious message of intent that if you continue to abuse the guidelines , you could lose your licence and your livelihood , the most severe sanction you could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owen Keegan said officials will be on the city ’ s streets this weekend monitoring the behaviour of people drinking in public areas , but they will rely on the gardaí to enforce regulations .
He told RTÉ ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney programme that if the officials find any misuse of approved street furniture it will be “ dealt with ” and that if there is illegal street furniture it will be removed .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned on Monday that people who go to pubs and fail to observe social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay the full reopening of pubs on July 20th .
This followed concerns being raised over groups gathering in parts of Dublin city centre over the weekend .
“ As you know the full opening was to take place on July 20th … it could be delayed if they don ’ t behave - we will get advice from the public health officials but we are worried about it , ” he said .
“ Some of the scenes that we witnessed are very worrying because social distancing was not being complied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspections and the opening hours weren ’ t being adhered to either.
” Mr Foley called for the urgent publication of the guidelines for the safe reopening of pubs which do not serve food so they can be prepared for the July 20th if it proceeds on this date .
“ Something as simple as , can they use barstools at a bar ?
In most rural pubs , the barstool is where the action is at so they need to know the guidelines for that , ” he said .
Infectious diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full reopening of the pubs should be put back until after the return of schools and primary and secondary education in late August and September .
“ The most important thing for our long-term wealth and happiness is getting our children back into some sort of education and social activities , ” he said .
“ If the adults defer their drinking for a few weeks , it is not such a big issue , whereas if our children defer their education for more months , that is a big problem.
” Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the return of pubs on a phased basis where they could reopen in “ some small and tentative way ” where customers would only be served at outdoor tables two metres apart with table service and servers wearing face coverings .
“ Reopening pubs like they used to be last year with crowded bars is a disaster for the spread of Covid-19 , ” he said .

Gardaí found customers consuming alcohol in a small number of pubs where there was no evidence of food also being consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold. File image: The Irish Times.
The Garda Siochána remain concerned that a minority of publicans are potentially operating in breach of Covid-19 public health regulations and licensing laws, a senior Government official has said.
Liz Canavan, assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach, was speaking after the Garda said that 26 licensed premises across the State could be prosecuted over the breaches.
More than 6,800 Covid-19 compliance checks were conducted by gardaí at pubs and restaurants last weekend after the Government permitted restaurants and pubs serving food to reopen as pandemic restrictions were eased on June 29th.
Officers found that 26 individual licensed premises, out of 2,785 that have reopened, were potentially breaching health regulations or licensing laws even after providing them with the opportunity to rectify the situation.
READ MORE
Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the force said in a statement.
Gardaí said that in many of the 26 cases they found customers consuming alcohol, but no evidence of food also being consumed and no evidence of receipts to show that food had been sold.
Large groups
Officers also observed a lack of adherence to public health advice such as allowing large groups at the one table, little to no social distancing, no advisory signage and no records being kept for the purpose of contact tracing.
Ms Canavan said that the renewal of liquor licence applications “will be at risk unless compliance is observed.”
“The Gardaí remains concerned that a minority are potentially operating in breach of the regulations. In doing so, they putting the health of their customers and staff and everyone that they come into contact with at risk of getting Covid-19,” she said.
She urged the public to support businesses “who are trying to do the right and to avoid those that are not”.
Minority
Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey said gardaí remain concerned that “a minority are potentially operating in breach of the regulations”.
“In doing so, they are putting the health of their customers and staff and everyone they come into contact with after at risk of getting Covid-19. We are sending a clear message to such premises that we will be opposing their liquor license renewal applications in September unless they come into compliance,” he said.
“In addition, the public has shown great restraint and responsibility to date in adhering to the public health guidelines. The reality is that Covid-19 is still here. We all have an individual responsibility to ensure we continue to play our part in reducing the spread of Covid-19 to protect our family, friends and neighbours.”
A spokesman for the Vintners Federation of Ireland said the statement from the Garda was “a very clear warning and message” to a small minority of publicans that the authorities are taking breaches seriously and could close some pubs.
“If there is anyone out there thinking thy can ignore guidelines because they are not legally enforceable, they are mistaken. If the publican is not serving a substantial meal, that is grounds for prosecution,” said spokesman Brian Foley.
“The fact that 26 publicans are having files sent to the DPP sends out a serious message of intent that if you continue to abuse the guidelines, you could lose your licence and your livelihood, the most severe sanction you could face.”
Monitoring
Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan said officials will be on the city’s streets this weekend monitoring the behaviour of people drinking in public areas, but they will rely on the gardaí to enforce regulations.
He told RTÉ’s Today with Sarah McInerney programme that if the officials find any misuse of approved street furniture it will be “dealt with” and that if there is illegal street furniture it will be removed.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned on Monday that people who go to pubs and fail to observe social distancing rules could force the Government to delay the full reopening of pubs on July 20th. This followed concerns being raised over groups gathering in parts of Dublin city centre over the weekend.
“As you know the full opening was to take place on July 20th … it could be delayed if they don’t behave - we will get advice from the public health officials but we are worried about it,” he said.
“Some of the scenes that we witnessed are very worrying because social distancing was not being complied with at all during a number of the inspections and the opening hours weren’t being adhered to either.”
Next phase
Mr Foley called for the urgent publication of the guidelines for the safe reopening of pubs which do not serve food so they can be prepared for the July 20th if it proceeds on this date.
“Something as simple as, can they use barstools at a bar? In most rural pubs, the barstool is where the action is at so they need to know the guidelines for that,” he said.
Infectious diseases specialist Professor Sam McConkey said that a full reopening of the pubs should be put back until after the return of schools and primary and secondary education in late August and September.
“The most important thing for our long-term wealth and happiness is getting our children back into some sort of education and social activities,” he said.
“If the adults defer their drinking for a few weeks, it is not such a big issue, whereas if our children defer their education for more months, that is a big problem.”
Prof McConkey said he would prefer to see the return of pubs on a phased basis where they could reopen in “some small and tentative way” where customers would only be served at outdoor tables two metres apart with table service and servers wearing face coverings.
“Reopening pubs like they used to be last year with crowded bars is a disaster for the spread of Covid-19,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Surge in bike thefts tracks Covid-19  bicycle boom

Bicycle thefts jumped by almost half last month during the Covid-19 pandemic with thieves profiting from unprecedented demand as people struggled to buy from shops .
The number of reported bike thefts in Dublin jumped by 46 per cent in June and 40 per cent nationally , though the real numbers are much higher since only about a third of all such thefts are reported to gardaí .
Six hundred thefts across the State were reported in June , compared with 428 in June 2019 .
Dublin , which usually accounts for about 70 per cent of all reported thefts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from 297 in June last year .
Thefts in March and April during the height of the lockdown fell by 13 per cent and 19 per cent respectively when people were told to stay at or within two kilometres of their homes .
All crime decreased in March and April , but bicycle theft fell by less than the average amount .
However , bicycle thefts jumped dramatically as the State opened up in May , rising by 15 per cent in Dublin and by 9 per cent nationally .
That trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that bicycle owners are becoming more wary as reported thefts so far this month ( 88 ) are slightly down on July 2019 ( 94 ) .
More than 2,500 bicycles have been reported as stolen so far in 2020 , compared with 2,431 last year .
Thefts are being driven by thieves trying to fill second-hand demand , says Garda superintendent Liam Geraghty However , he said there is no evidence that bicycles are being stolen “ to order ” and most remain opportunistic thefts , helped by less-experienced new cyclists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations .
Cyclists should buy locks that cost up to 15 per cent of the price they paid for their bicycles , and bicycles should be chained to fixed objects such as lamp posts or railings .
Global demand for bicycles has surged during the Covid-19 crisis , as people avoid public transport or seek new forms of exercise as gyms and team training were unavailable .
Halfords , with 20 stores in the Republic , reported a 57 per cent increase in sales in the 13 weeks to July 3rd for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France between May 12th and June 12th jumped by 117 per cent .
In Ireland , the new Decathlon store in Ballymun , in Dublin , sold 500 bicycles in its first 10 days , while Cycle Superstore in Tallaght , the largest bicycle shop in the country , is now dealing with 1,200 calls a day .

The number of reported bike thefts in Dublin jumped by 46% in June and 40% nationally. Photograph: Alan Betson
Bicycle thefts jumped by almost half last month during the Covid-19 pandemic with thieves profiting from unprecedented demand as people struggled to buy from shops.
The number of reported bike thefts in Dublin jumped by 46 per cent in June and 40 per cent nationally, though the real numbers are much higher since only about a third of all such thefts are reported to gardaí.
Six hundred thefts across the State were reported in June, compared with 428 in June 2019. Dublin, which usually accounts for about 70 per cent of all reported thefts, had 434 robberies in June, up from 297 in June last year.
Thefts in March and April during the height of the lockdown fell by 13 per cent and 19 per cent respectively when people were told to stay at or within two kilometres of their homes.
READ MORE
All crime decreased in March and April, but bicycle theft fell by less than the average amount. However, bicycle thefts jumped dramatically as the State opened up in May, rising by 15 per cent in Dublin and by 9 per cent nationally.
That trend continued in June, but there are signs that bicycle owners are becoming more wary as reported thefts so far this month (88) are slightly down on July 2019 (94).
More than 2,500 bicycles have been reported as stolen so far in 2020, compared with 2,431 last year. Thefts are being driven by thieves trying to fill second-hand demand, says Garda superintendent Liam Geraghty
However, he said there is no evidence that bicycles are being stolen “to order” and most remain opportunistic thefts, helped by less-experienced new cyclists using inadequate locks or parking in risky locations.
Locks
Cyclists should buy locks that cost up to 15 per cent of the price they paid for their bicycles, and bicycles should be chained to fixed objects such as lamp posts or railings.
Global demand for bicycles has surged during the Covid-19 crisis, as people avoid public transport or seek new forms of exercise as gyms and team training were unavailable.
Halfords, with 20 stores in the Republic, reported a 57 per cent increase in sales in the 13 weeks to July 3rd for the UK and Ireland, while sales in France between May 12th and June 12th jumped by 117 per cent.
In Ireland, the new Decathlon store in Ballymun, in Dublin, sold 500 bicycles in its first 10 days , while Cycle Superstore in Tallaght, the largest bicycle shop in the country, is now dealing with 1,200 calls a day.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Regeneron awarded $450m by US to develop Covid-19 antibody cocktail

US biopharma company Regeneron , which employs more than 1,000 people in Limerick , has been awarded $ 450 million by the US government to develop a Covid-19 antibody cocktail .
The cocktail , known as Regn-Cov2 , uses laboratory-produced monoclonal antibodies to mimic natural antibodies from infected people .
The US federal fund is designed to help to ramp up the production of “ neutralising ” antibodies that are tailored to mimic immune-system responses to the Covid-19 virus .
Regeneron confirmed this week it has started “ late-stage clinical trials ” with 2,000 patients to assess the effectiveness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials in June .
One of the trials , run jointly with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , will test Regn-Cov2 ’ s ability to prevent infection in those with close exposure to a Covid-19 patient , such as a house mate .
The contract supports continued manufacturing so it can be made available immediately if clinical trials are successful and the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) grants emergency use authorisation or product approval .
The US government is spending billions of dollars on likely winners to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 300,000 US-made treatment doses and 1.3 million potential prevention doses ready by the end of summer .
If FDA approval is granted , the cocktail will be made available at no cost in the US , Regeneron said .
Other Regn-Cov2 trials are also under way , with preliminary data expected later this summer .
The US-owned company announced plans earlier to create 60 more jobs at its Limerick facility .
The cocktail , however , will initially be made at its plant in Albany , New York .
The cocktail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent and treat Covid-19 infections , even in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic ” , said Regeneron president and chief scientific officer George D Yancopoulos .
To overcome issues with existing plasmas , scientists have developed monoclonal antibodies which are carefully selected for their ability to target specific pathogens and then mass-produced in a lab .
Regn-Cov2 contains two antibodies that latch on to and help to neutralise Covid-19 , hampering its ability to infect healthy cells , according to Regeneron .
The antibodies bind to the virus ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ juts from the surface of the pathogen and plugs into cells to trigger infection .
It found the antibodies by studying genetically modified mice with human-like immune systems and antibodies collected from human Covid-19 patients .

An electron microscope image of Sars-CoV-2 (round blue objects) emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Photograph: National Institutes of Health/AFP via Getty Images
US biopharma company Regeneron, which employs more than 1,000 people in Limerick, has been awarded $450 million by the US government to develop a Covid-19 antibody cocktail.
The cocktail, known as Regn-Cov2, uses laboratory-produced monoclonal antibodies to mimic natural antibodies from infected people.
The US federal fund is designed to help to ramp up the production of “neutralising” antibodies that are tailored to mimic immune-system responses to the Covid-19 virus.
Regeneron confirmed this week it has started “late-stage clinical trials” with 2,000 patients to assess the effectiveness of the antibody cocktail. It only began trials in June.
READ MORE
One of the trials, run jointly with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will test Regn-Cov2’s ability to prevent infection in those with close exposure to a Covid-19 patient, such as a house mate.
The contract supports continued manufacturing so it can be made available immediately if clinical trials are successful and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants emergency use authorisation or product approval.
The US government is spending billions of dollars on likely winners to tackle Covid. Regeneron expects to have up to 300,000 US-made treatment doses and 1.3 million potential prevention doses ready by the end of summer.
If FDA approval is granted, the cocktail will be made available at no cost in the US, Regeneron said. Other Regn-Cov2 trials are also under way, with preliminary data expected later this summer.
Additional jobs
The US-owned company announced plans earlier to create 60 more jobs at its Limerick facility. The cocktail, however, will initially be made at its plant in Albany, New York.
The cocktail could offer "a potential solution to prevent and treat Covid-19 infections, even in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic", said Regeneron president and chief scientific officer George D Yancopoulos.
To overcome issues with existing plasmas, scientists have developed monoclonal antibodies which are carefully selected for their ability to target specific pathogens and then mass-produced in a lab.
Regn-Cov2 contains two antibodies that latch on to and help to neutralise Covid-19, hampering its ability to infect healthy cells, according to Regeneron. The antibodies bind to the virus’s “spike protein”, a structure that juts from the surface of the pathogen and plugs into cells to trigger infection.
It found the antibodies by studying genetically modified mice with human-like immune systems and antibodies collected from human Covid-19 patients.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Mother and five children sleeping in car while seeking accommodation

A Tipperary mother says she has been sleeping in her car with her five children since last week because she can not get emergency accommodation .
Roseanne Joyce ( 37 ) has been told by Tipperary County Council there is no emergency accommodation and has advised her to return to her parents ’ home in Nenagh until she can source private rented accommodation , with the support of the housing assistance payment ( HAP ) .
Ms Joyce and her parents say , however , she can no longer stay at the three-bedroom house , where she has been since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As well as my parents I have two sisters there and a nephew .
There was 11 of us there – five adults and six kids – so you can imagine the strain and pressure we were all under , ” says Ms Joyce .
She and her children , aged between three and 16 , had returned from London , where they had been after the break-up of her marriage in July 2018 .
Before that they had lived in local authority housing in Shannon , Co Clare .
She is repaying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Council .
On their return , Tipperary County Council approved Ms Joyce for HAP .
She has been seeking rented housing since , and is allowed pay up to €720 per month for a three-bedroom home under the HAP limits .
“ My mother and father , they minded us for five months but they are not young .
It caused a lot of problems to be honest , especially with the kids , so many of them .
The queue for the bathroom alone .
There was a massive row and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I came here with my children , ” she says , speaking to The Irish Times in the council offices ’ carpark in Nenagh .
“ They knew where I was living and I explained I ’ d had to leave .
I said I needed somewhere , a hostel or something .
I just need somewhere until I find a HAP house .
They said there was nothing they could do.
” She shows blankets folded in the boot of her car , a blow-up mattress and four-man tent .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work the tent , and it ’ s been too wet .
I was just going to find a field and put it up.
” They slept in the car , she says , last Wednesday and Thursday , pulling in to different locations each night .
“ I sleep in the driver seat .
My oldest daughter sleeps in the passenger seat .
David ( 5 ) and Danny ( 9 ) sit in the back seat with Joanna Rose ( 3 ) in her seat.
” Thomas ( 13 ) sleeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She has been washing in garage and council bathrooms , she adds .
On Friday , gardaí were called to the council where she had spent the day with the children .
“ The guards were very nice .
They rang around looking for somewhere for us .
In the end , my sister said she ’ d take us just until Monday.
” Gardaí said they could not comment on an individual case .
Her sister , Breda Quilligan , said she agreed to to take them in , “ under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am in a tiny , upstairs , two-bedroom apartment with three kids .
Roseanne had to sleep on clothes on the floor .
It ’ s too hectic here.
” Their mother , Christina Harty , confirmed Ms Joyce and the children had been with her and her husband “ since early February ” .
“ There were 11 of us in a small house all through the lockdown .
The house was too full of kids and my husband is a sick man.
” She added : “ I hope she gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t come back here and there ’ s no one else to help her.
” Ms Joyce returned to the council offices on Monday and Tuesday asking for emergency accommodation .
She has not been permitted to park at the offices overnight .
Jack Griffin , development worker with the Tipperary Rural Traveller Project said the organisation had been advocating for Ms Joyce since May .
“ There seems to be systemic failing , that there is no emergency accommodation in north Tipperary .
We have flagged with the council that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since May.
” A spokesman for the council said there was a “ dearth ” of emergency accommodation across Tipperary .
He did not accept the family had no option but to sleep in the car , however , and described spending her days with the children in the council car park as a “ protest ” .
He said the council ’ s homelessness officer had “ gone above and beyond ” in assisting Ms Joyce source HAP accommodation , adding a property had been identified in Cashel , 53km from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised to view .
Her children had experienced “ a lot of upset ” in recent months , she said .
“ They are happily settled now in schools in Nenagh , and my family is here .
I need to be close to them .
I ’ m open to living outside Nenagh , but Cashel is too far away .
If I take that house I ’ d never get back to my family.
” Though local authorities are not legally obliged to provide emergency accommodation to homeless people , under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set out .
These include to “ arrange lodgings or contribute to the cost of such accommodation or lodgings for a homeless person ” .
Under the Act a person “ shall ” be regarded as “ homeless ” if “ there is no accommodation available which , in the opinion of the authority , he , together with any other person who normally resides with him .
.
.
can reasonably occupy or remain in occupation of ” .
Ms Joyce said the council “ seem to think I have somewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never been in this position before .
All I want is a room for my kids to sleep while I find us a home ” .

Roseanne Joyce with three of her five children – Johanna Rose, David and Danny – in the car they live in outside the offices of Tipperary County Council in Nenagh. Photograph: John D Kelly
A Tipperary mother says she has been sleeping in her car with her five children since last week because she cannot get emergency accommodation.
Roseanne Joyce (37) has been told by Tipperary County Council there is no emergency accommodation and has advised her to return to her parents' home in Nenagh until she can source private rented accommodation, with the support of the housing assistance payment (HAP).
Ms Joyce and her parents say, however, she can no longer stay at the three-bedroom house, where she has been since February, due to overcrowding.
“As well as my parents I have two sisters there and a nephew. There was 11 of us there – five adults and six kids – so you can imagine the strain and pressure we were all under,” says Ms Joyce.
READ MORE
She and her children, aged between three and 16, had returned from London, where they had been after the break-up of her marriage in July 2018. Before that they had lived in local authority housing in Shannon, Co Clare. She is repaying rental arrears on that house to Clare County Council.
On their return, Tipperary County Council approved Ms Joyce for HAP. She has been seeking rented housing since, and is allowed pay up to €720 per month for a three-bedroom home under the HAP limits.
“My mother and father, they minded us for five months but they are not young. It caused a lot of problems to be honest, especially with the kids, so many of them. The queue for the bathroom alone. There was a massive row and I left on July 1st.
“I came here with my children,” she says, speaking to The Irish Times in the council offices’ carpark in Nenagh. “They knew where I was living and I explained I’d had to leave. I said I needed somewhere, a hostel or something. I just need somewhere until I find a HAP house. They said there was nothing they could do.”
She shows blankets folded in the boot of her car, a blow-up mattress and four-man tent. “I couldn’t figure out how to work the tent, and it’s been too wet. I was just going to find a field and put it up.”
They slept in the car, she says, last Wednesday and Thursday, pulling in to different locations each night.
Garage bathrooms
"I sleep in the driver seat. My oldest daughter sleeps in the passenger seat. David (5) and Danny (9) sit in the back seat with Joanna Rose (3) in her seat." Thomas (13) sleeps in a third seat at the back. She has been washing in garage and council bathrooms, she adds.
On Friday, gardaí were called to the council where she had spent the day with the children. “The guards were very nice. They rang around looking for somewhere for us. In the end, my sister said she’d take us just until Monday.”
Gardaí said they could not comment on an individual case.
Her sister, Breda Quilligan, said she agreed to to take them in, "under the circumstances . . . but I am in a tiny, upstairs, two-bedroom apartment with three kids. Roseanne had to sleep on clothes on the floor. It's too hectic here."
Their mother, Christina Harty, confirmed Ms Joyce and the children had been with her and her husband "since early February".
“There were 11 of us in a small house all through the lockdown. The house was too full of kids and my husband is a sick man.”
She added: “I hope she gets some help from the council because she can’t come back here and there’s no one else to help her.”
Ms Joyce returned to the council offices on Monday and Tuesday asking for emergency accommodation. She has not been permitted to park at the offices overnight.
Jack Griffin, development worker with the Tipperary Rural Traveller Project said the organisation had been advocating for Ms Joyce since May.
‘Protest’ action
“There seems to be systemic failing, that there is no emergency accommodation in north Tipperary. We have flagged with the council that she could not stay where she was, since May.”
A spokesman for the council said there was a “dearth” of emergency accommodation across Tipperary. He did not accept the family had no option but to sleep in the car, however, and described spending her days with the children in the council car park as a “protest”.
He said the council's homelessness officer had "gone above and beyond" in assisting Ms Joyce source HAP accommodation, adding a property had been identified in Cashel, 53km from Nenagh, which Ms Joyce had been advised to view.
Her children had experienced “a lot of upset” in recent months, she said.
“They are happily settled now in schools in Nenagh, and my family is here. I need to be close to them. I’m open to living outside Nenagh, but Cashel is too far away. If I take that house I’d never get back to my family.”
Though local authorities are not legally obliged to provide emergency accommodation to homeless people, under the 1998 Housing Act their general responsibilities are set out. These include to “arrange lodgings or contribute to the cost of such accommodation or lodgings for a homeless person”.
Under the Act a person “shall” be regarded as “homeless” if “there is no accommodation available which, in the opinion of the authority, he, together with any other person who normally resides with him . . . can reasonably occupy or remain in occupation of”.
Ms Joyce said the council “seem to think I have somewhere to go . . . I have never been in this position before. All I want is a room for my kids to sleep while I find us a home”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Mouth cancers going undiagnosed during Covid-19 crisis, dentists warn

A high number of mouth cancers could be missed , or found late because people are unable , or less likely to go to their dentist during the Covid-19 crisis , dentists now warn .
Dentists are attempting to catch up with cases , but Professor Leo Stassen , an oral surgeon who specialises in treating cancers , warns that late-diagnosis will become a nationwide issue as the State emerges from lockdown .
“ I think it ’ s going to be a big problem , ” he said , noting that dentists were helping to discover between 150 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic struck .
Prof Stassen , president of the Irish Dental Association ( IDA ) , identified two cases of mouth cancer during the lockdown when he was sent photographs of two concerned patients , but many patients are ignoring symptoms .
Rather than seek medical treatment , some people are wrongly concerned about the risks of coronavirus when they go to the dentist , or unaware emergency dental services have continued to operate throughout .
Mouth cancers are relatively common .
Cases caught early have about a 90 per cent survival rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases caught at a later stage of development have a survival rate of between 5 and 10 per cent .
Prof Stassen also noted that his and other clinics are now facing “ drastically reduced ” patient capacity due to social distancing measures and patients will have to be prioritised based on their case files .
As well as those with unchecked symptoms , patients who have recovered from the disease must be checked to ensure they do not develop a second case .
In the past 10-15 years , the management of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , “ Covid-19 has knocked us off our perch ” .
Limerick dentist Dr Robert Bowe was alarmed to discover two mouth cancers in the first three weeks after he returned to regular practice ; before that he had seen just one case in eight years .
“ People had to put things off although we were open for emergencies and people could travel out of their areas and come to the dentist , but generally people were avoiding interactions , ” he said of recent months .
“ My point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a dentist , what other things are being put off ?
” One of his patients had a mouth ulcer underneath a denture which went unchecked .
Another had swelling around a tooth .
On later inspection he was concerned by the pattern and took a scan which he sent on to a doctor .
The patient was booked in for medical treatment the following day and had a biopsy which later confirmed B-cell lymphoma .
“ The message would be that if you have an ulcer that hasn ’ t gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it [ checked ] , ” he said .
“ The vast majority that are investigated aren ’ t anything to worry about but if it needs treatment , if it ’ s picked up early it ’ s much easier to treat.
” The association recently warned that Ireland was facing an “ unprecedented crisis ” , following a survey of 329 practitioners on the fallout from Covid-19 .
As well as addressing the financial difficulties experienced by practices , it noted the pandemic was impacting on people ’ s ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s chief executive , noted in May that besides the impossibility of routine dentistry at the time , many practitioners were unable to provide emergency care because of a lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Since then , dental services have resumed and some dentists have sourced their own PPE .
“ Oral health is a key part of a person ’ s overall health , and the effects of this outbreak will have repercussions that will last long after the virus has disappeared , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unless supports are put in place for dentists , dental practices will close and patients will have to travel further for dental care and hospitals will be overwhelmed with emergency dental appointments .
”

A high number of mouth cancers could be missed, or found late because people are unable, or less likely to go to their dentist during the Covid-19 crisis, dentists now warn.
Dentists are attempting to catch up with cases, but Professor Leo Stassen, an oral surgeon who specialises in treating cancers, warns that late-diagnosis will become a nationwide issue as the State emerges from lockdown.
“I think it’s going to be a big problem,” he said, noting that dentists were helping to discover between 150 and 180 cancers each year before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Prof Stassen, president of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), identified two cases of mouth cancer during the lockdown when he was sent photographs of two concerned patients, but many patients are ignoring symptoms.
READ MORE
Rather than seek medical treatment, some people are wrongly concerned about the risks of coronavirus when they go to the dentist, or unaware emergency dental services have continued to operate throughout.
Mouth cancers are relatively common. Cases caught early have about a 90 per cent survival rate and may only require surgery, while cases caught at a later stage of development have a survival rate of between 5 and 10 per cent.
Prof Stassen also noted that his and other clinics are now facing “drastically reduced” patient capacity due to social distancing measures and patients will have to be prioritised based on their case files.
As well as those with unchecked symptoms, patients who have recovered from the disease must be checked to ensure they do not develop a second case.
In the past 10-15 years, the management of oral cancer has greatly improved but, he said, “Covid-19 has knocked us off our perch”.
Limerick dentist Dr Robert Bowe was alarmed to discover two mouth cancers in the first three weeks after he returned to regular practice; before that he had seen just one case in eight years.
“People had to put things off although we were open for emergencies and people could travel out of their areas and come to the dentist, but generally people were avoiding interactions,” he said of recent months.
“My point is, if I am seeing this as a dentist, what other things are being put off?”
One of his patients had a mouth ulcer underneath a denture which went unchecked. Another had swelling around a tooth. On later inspection he was concerned by the pattern and took a scan which he sent on to a doctor. The patient was booked in for medical treatment the following day and had a biopsy which later confirmed B-cell lymphoma.
“The message would be that if you have an ulcer that hasn’t gone away after two weeks you should get it [checked],” he said.
“The vast majority that are investigated aren’t anything to worry about but if it needs treatment, if it’s picked up early it’s much easier to treat.”
The association recently warned that Ireland was facing an "unprecedented crisis", following a survey of 329 practitioners on the fallout from Covid-19.
As well as addressing the financial difficulties experienced by practices, it noted the pandemic was impacting on people’s ability to seek treatment.
Fintan Hourihan, the group's chief executive, noted in May that besides the impossibility of routine dentistry at the time, many practitioners were unable to provide emergency care because of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Since then, dental services have resumed and some dentists have sourced their own PPE.
“Oral health is a key part of a person’s overall health, and the effects of this outbreak will have repercussions that will last long after the virus has disappeared,” he said.
“The bleak reality is that, unless supports are put in place for dentists, dental practices will close and patients will have to travel further for dental care and hospitals will be overwhelmed with emergency dental appointments.”


theirishtimes--2020-07-10--Trinity gets ‘Normal People bounce’ with record application numbers

Trinity College Dublin appears to have benefitted from a “ Normal People bounce ” after it recorded its highest number of college applicants this year .
Students have made more than 40,000 applications to study courses at Trinity through the Central Applications Office ( CAO ) system , an 11 per cent increase on last year .
It included a small increase in UK applications , halting a slide over recent years which had been attributed to Brexit .
The university featured prominently in the TV series , which aired in May and June during the CAO ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures in the university had been anticipating an increase in applications when they saw record-breaking viewing figures for the series .
A spokesman it was delighted by the “ positive interest show by students in studying at Trinity ” this year .
“ We had expected interest in Trinity programmes to be high – as it always is – and are greatly looking forward to welcoming a new cohort of undergraduates in September , ” the spokesman said .
The spokesman said that , while it was difficult to say definitively whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the series significantly boosted interest in the college .
“ It ’ s hard to quantify what exactly influenced students ’ decisions , but it seems likely that all the exposure may well have played a role.
” Unlike the steamy TV series , social distancing is set to become a feature of college life for students at Trinity this year .
The university says only limited numbers will be permitted on campus at any one time and “ blended learning ” is planned in the coming academic year .
While larger lectures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller lectures , seminars and tutorials will take place on campus .
Students will most likely have access to the campus on certain days of the week in turns .
It says it is exploring ways of allowing Freshers ’ Week , along with clubs and societies , to function in line with social distancing requirements .
Latest CAO figures show a total of 77,800 students have applied for higher education courses this year , a similar number to last year .
Over half of the students who applied through the CAO adjusted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There was also good news for UCD and Maynooth University , which recorded significant increases in applications numbers this year .

Paul Mescal as Connell and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne in Normal People. Photograph: Enda Bowe/Element
Trinity College Dublin appears to have benefitted from a "Normal People bounce" after it recorded its highest number of college applicants this year.
Students have made more than 40,000 applications to study courses at Trinity through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system, an 11 per cent increase on last year.
It included a small increase in UK applications, halting a slide over recent years which had been attributed to Brexit.
The university featured prominently in the TV series, which aired in May and June during the CAO’s “change of mind” window.
READ MORE
Senior figures in the university had been anticipating an increase in applications when they saw record-breaking viewing figures for the series.
A spokesman it was delighted by the “positive interest show by students in studying at Trinity” this year.
“We had expected interest in Trinity programmes to be high – as it always is – and are greatly looking forward to welcoming a new cohort of undergraduates in September,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman said that, while it was difficult to say definitively whether the increase was linked to Normal People, the series significantly boosted interest in the college.
“It’s hard to quantify what exactly influenced students’ decisions, but it seems likely that all the exposure may well have played a role.”
Social distancing
Unlike the steamy TV series, social distancing is set to become a feature of college life for students at Trinity this year.
Daisy Edgar-Jones, right, in a scene from Normal People, in which Trinity College Dublin featured prominently. Photograph: Enda Bowe/Element
The university says only limited numbers will be permitted on campus at any one time and “blended learning” is planned in the coming academic year.
While larger lectures will take place online, it says smaller lectures, seminars and tutorials will take place on campus.
Students will most likely have access to the campus on certain days of the week in turns.
It says it is exploring ways of allowing Freshers’ Week, along with clubs and societies, to function in line with social distancing requirements.
Latest CAO figures show a total of 77,800 students have applied for higher education courses this year, a similar number to last year.
Over half of the students who applied through the CAO adjusted their course choices in May and June.
There was also good news for UCD and Maynooth University, which recorded significant increases in applications numbers this year.


theirishtimes--2020-07-10--Work on children’s hospital halted over Covid-19 costs stand-off

Construction work has yet to resume on the €1.7 billion national children ’ s hospital , seven weeks after coronavirus restrictions on building were lifted , because of a dispute between the main contractor and the board of the hospital .
The stand-off relates “ primarily to the cost implications of the closure and reopening of the site and who should bear them ” , the hospital board has said .
The board admitted there would be further delays to the completion of the hospital but added it was “ too early to fully assess the time or cost impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been done on site since March 31st , when construction work across the State came to a halt as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 .
This industry-wide restriction was lifted on May 18th but almost two months later work has yet to resume at the hospital site .
A previous stoppage on site was estimated to have added €10 million a month to the construction costs of the hospital , indicating that the current delay may already have cost the taxpayer an extra €30 million with no resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Development Board ( NPHDB ) said contractors Bam Ireland should return to the site “ without delay ” and the matter should be put to the dispute management process in the meantime which , the board said , was agreed when the contracts were signed .
The stand-off between the board and the developer is the latest setback for the hospital which was over budget and behind schedule even before the Covid-19 crisis .
The board said it was clear “ on its expectation that the main contractor meets its obligation by returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hospital is scheduled to be finished by the end of December 2022 with the handover to the State in early 2023 .
Covid-19 and further delays in opening are putting those dates in doubt .
The board said the contractor had not made up for time lost even before Covid-19 .
“ The NPHDB is continuing to engage with the contractor to obtain an updated programme of works that is in line with its contractual commitments , ” it said .
“ There will be delays associated with the requirement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 restrictions and following reopening in respecting social distancing , however it is too early to fully assess the time or cost impact of the pandemic .
“ Since the commencement of the easing of restrictions on May 18th , the NPHDB has been engaging with Bam , the main contractor at the new children ’ s hospital , to ensure the earliest possible reopening of the site .
“ Some matters still remain unresolved at this time , relating primarily to the cost implications of the closure and reopening of the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board , contractors and the design team are continuing to work remotely on all non-site-based construction elements of the project in the interim , in line with Government guidance .
It concluded : “ All those involved in the design and build of the new children ’ s hospital are acutely aware of how urgent it is to complete the hospital as soon as possible within the budget allowed and is committed to doing so as quickly as possible on behalf of children , young people and their families.
” Bam Ireland is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight nature of the site and its location beside St James ’ s Hospital which has been one of the main hospitals dealing with the pandemic in the State .
It has told the board that it is not an ordinary construction site and there are costs involved in social distancing which need to be met .
Bam Ireland said it had no comment about its dispute with the board of the hospital .

A view of the construction site of the national children’s hospital near St James’s Hospital in Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan
Construction work has yet to resume on the €1.7 billion national children’s hospital, seven weeks after coronavirus restrictions on building were lifted, because of a dispute between the main contractor and the board of the hospital.
The stand-off relates “primarily to the cost implications of the closure and reopening of the site and who should bear them”, the hospital board has said.
The board admitted there would be further delays to the completion of the hospital but added it was “too early to fully assess the time or cost impact of the pandemic”.
No work has been done on site since March 31st when construction work across the State came to a halt as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. This industry-wide restriction was lifted on May 18th but almost two months later work has yet to resume at the hospital site.
READ MORE
A previous stoppage on site was estimated to have added €10 million a month to the construction costs of the hospital, indicating that the current delay may already have cost the taxpayer an extra €30 million with no resolution in site.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) said contractors Bam Ireland should return to the site "without delay" and the matter should be put to the dispute management process in the meantime which, the board said, was agreed when the contracts were signed.
The stand-off between the board and the developer is the latest setback for the hospital which was over budget and behind schedule even before the Covid-19 crisis.
The board said it was clear “on its expectation that the main contractor meets its obligation by returning to the site without further delay”.
The hospital is scheduled to be finished by the end of December 2022 with the handover to the State in early 2023.
Covid-19 and further delays in opening are putting those dates in doubt. The board said the contractor had not made up for time lost even before Covid-19.
“The NPHDB is continuing to engage with the contractor to obtain an updated programme of works that is in line with its contractual commitments,” it said.
“There will be delays associated with the requirement to cease works on the site due to Covid-19 restrictions and following reopening in respecting social distancing, however it is too early to fully assess the time or cost impact of the pandemic.
“Since the commencement of the easing of restrictions on May 18th, the NPHDB has been engaging with Bam, the main contractor at the new children’s hospital, to ensure the earliest possible reopening of the site.
“Some matters still remain unresolved at this time, relating primarily to the cost implications of the closure and reopening of the site and who should bear them.”
The board, contractors and the design team are continuing to work remotely on all non-site-based construction elements of the project in the interim, in line with Government guidance.
It concluded: “All those involved in the design and build of the new children’s hospital are acutely aware of how urgent it is to complete the hospital as soon as possible within the budget allowed and is committed to doing so as quickly as possible on behalf of children, young people and their families.”
Bam Ireland is believed to have concerns about the relatively tight nature of the site and its location beside St James’s Hospital which has been one of the main hospitals dealing with the pandemic in the State.
It has told the board that it is not an ordinary construction site and there are costs involved in social distancing which need to be met.
Bam Ireland said it had no comment about its dispute with the board of the hospital.


theirishtimes--2020-07-10--Gardaí investigate allegation of rape in direct provision centre

Detectives are investigating an allegation that an African woman seeking asylum was raped by another asylum seeker in a direct provision centre four months ago .
A full medical report has been prepared and the Garda has confirmed it is investigating an “ alleged sexual assault of a female ” and that a man was arrested , but has been released without charge .
The woman was moved by the authorities from the centre after the alleged attack to a women ’ s refuge where she spent one month .
She was then moved into emergency accommodation for asylum seekers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the woman , who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity , says she feels forgotten by the State because she now has to share a room , rather than the single room she says was promised .
In an interview with The Irish Times , she says she was told she would be given her own room to ensure privacy while she recovered but has been sharing with another woman since arrival .
The woman , who came to Ireland from an African country seeking asylum last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident in the direct provision centre where she lived in the early hours of March 1st .
The attack , she alleges , happened after she attended a birthday celebration for a roommate in one of the centre ’ s bedrooms : “ When the others left the room I went to the bathroom and he came from behind and attacked me .
“ He dragged me back into the room and raped me .
I was fighting back for a long time , I fell to the floor and hit my head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , maybe an hour .
He was quiet the whole time , he didn ’ t say anything , ” she says .
Afterwards , the woman says she returned to her room and tried to sleep .
The following morning she told her roommate what had happened and they went to hospital .
She underwent a full medical examination before a garda accompanied her back to the hostel the following day .
A copy of the woman ’ s medical records has been released by the hospital to the woman ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very bad , I felt ashamed and I was worried the guy had infected me .
The garda explained what had happened to management .
It was a duty security guard and it felt like he didn ’ t believe me .
Then I was taken to a women ’ s refuge.
” There , she received psychological support .
However , she then learned she would be moved back into direct provision .
“ They explained I had to leave because the other women were not seeking asylum , they were Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , but further scheduled tests were put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Gardaí checked on her twice while she was at the refuge .
However , she says she has not had contact from the Department of Justice since she was moved into emergency accommodation .
Management there told her she could not be moved into a private room because space is not available .
“ There is not much support here , they don ’ t know much about me .
I only talk to my solicitor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
I thought I would be safe in this country .
I came here because I needed safety but I ’ m so worried now.
” Gender and anti-trafficking expert Dr Nusha Yonkova says securing single-occupancy rooms has always been problematic for victims of sexual abuse or trafficking living in direct provision .
“ These women are often unable to cohabit as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder .
Sleep is so important for their recovery , but it ’ s psychologically damaging to be put in with another woman .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres are “ micro-societies and so they have their flaws ” , says Dr Yonkova .
“ We ’ ve ended up in a situation where women can be violated in what should be a safe space .
There aren ’ t many cases of this , but it does happen and gives rise to enormous concern.
” The Department of Justice spokesman said it took the safety and wellbeing of direct provision residents “ very seriously ” and accusations of sexual assault are “ treated with the utmost seriousness ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the resident in every way possible ” , said a spokesman , adding that it would not comment on an individual case .

The woman underwent a full medical examination before a garda accompanied her back to the hostel the following day. Photograph: Frank Miller
Detectives are investigating an allegation that an African woman seeking asylum was raped by another asylum seeker in a direct provision centre four months ago.
A full medical report has been prepared and the Garda has confirmed it is investigating an “alleged sexual assault of a female” and that a man was arrested, but has been released without charge.
The woman was moved by the authorities from the centre after the alleged attack to a women’s refuge where she spent one month. She was then moved into emergency accommodation for asylum seekers where she has been living since April.
However, the woman, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity, says she feels forgotten by the State because she now has to share a room, rather than the single room she says was promised.
READ MORE
In an interview with The Irish Times, she says she was told she would be given her own room to ensure privacy while she recovered but has been sharing with another woman since arrival.
The woman, who came to Ireland from an African country seeking asylum last year, says she was raped by another resident in the direct provision centre where she lived in the early hours of March 1st.
The attack, she alleges, happened after she attended a birthday celebration for a roommate in one of the centre’s bedrooms: “When the others left the room I went to the bathroom and he came from behind and attacked me.
“He dragged me back into the room and raped me. I was fighting back for a long time, I fell to the floor and hit my head. The whole thing took about 40 minutes, maybe an hour. He was quiet the whole time, he didn’t say anything,” she says.
Hospital
Afterwards, the woman says she returned to her room and tried to sleep. The following morning she told her roommate what had happened and they went to hospital. She underwent a full medical examination before a garda accompanied her back to the hostel the following day. A copy of the woman’s medical records has been released by the hospital to the woman’s solicitor.
“I was feeling very bad, I felt ashamed and I was worried the guy had infected me. The garda explained what had happened to management. It was a duty security guard and it felt like he didn’t believe me. Then I was taken to a women’s refuge.”
There, she received psychological support. However, she then learned she would be moved back into direct provision. “They explained I had to leave because the other women were not seeking asylum, they were Irish women.”
Medical treatment was given, too, but further scheduled tests were put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Gardaí checked on her twice while she was at the refuge.
However, she says she has not had contact from the Department of Justice since she was moved into emergency accommodation. Management there told her she could not be moved into a private room because space is not available.
“There is not much support here, they don’t know much about me. I only talk to my solicitor. It’s all too much for me. I thought I would be safe in this country. I came here because I needed safety but I’m so worried now.”
Lack of privacy
Gender and anti-trafficking expert Dr Nusha Yonkova says securing single-occupancy rooms has always been problematic for victims of sexual abuse or trafficking living in direct provision.
“These women are often unable to cohabit as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder. Sleep is so important for their recovery, but it’s psychologically damaging to be put in with another woman. The only solution is privacy.”
Direct provision centres are "micro-societies and so they have their flaws", says Dr Yonkova.
“We’ve ended up in a situation where women can be violated in what should be a safe space. There aren’t many cases of this, but it does happen and gives rise to enormous concern.”
The Department of Justice spokesman said it took the safety and wellbeing of direct provision residents “very seriously” and accusations of sexual assault are “treated with the utmost seriousness”.
The International Protection Accommodation Service will "endeavour to support the resident in every way possible", said a spokesman, adding that it would not comment on an individual case.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--SDLP acknowledges ‘immense hurt’ after councillors oppose ‘Omagh’ extradition

The SDLP leader has said it was wrong for his party to support a proposal passed by councillors in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council opposing the extradition of a man found liable in a civil court for the 1998 Omagh bombing .
The proposal was brought before a meeting of the council ’ s policy and resources committee on Wednesday evening by Independent councillor Bernice Swift , and was supported by Sinn Féin , the SDLP , and some independent councillors .
The wording of the item , which was brought during Any Other Business at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes to the offices of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice and Equality in support of Irish citizen , Liam Campbell , against his extradition to Lithuania , to protect the fundamental human and civil rights of an Irish citizen against human rights abuse ” .
Thirty-one people , including unborn twins , were killed in the Real IRA bombing of the Co Tyrone town in August 1998 .
Nobody has ever been convicted of the attack in a criminal court .
Campbell is one of four men who have been found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
He is wanted in Lithuania on international arms trafficking charges .
Following a judgement in the High Court in Dublin last month , an extradition order is to be made on July 13th .
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood , said on Thursday that the party ’ s councillors would reverse their position when it comes before a full council meeting for ratification .
He said their decision to support the proposal had caused “ immense hurt ” , adding that the party would offer to meet with the relatives of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express their “ profound regret ” .
The SDLP ’ s group leader on Fermanagh and Omagh council , Mary Garrity , apologised “ unreservedly ” for their decision to support the motion , and confirmed they would oppose it at the full council meeting .
“ The SDLP has opposed violence and the perpetrators of violence for fifty years , it was never our intention to cause additional hurt to victims and as a council group , we regret that , ” she said .
The director of services with the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which represents a number of the families bereaved by the Omagh bombing , said “ anger , shock , and feelings of bewilderment and betrayal have been expressed to us by victims and survivors of the bomb from across the community ” .
He said it was “ absolutely scandalous ” that the council in Omagh would support such a motion , and said there were “ questions that need answering .
“ The SDLP in particular but not exclusively need to explain their support for the motion and why they felt it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a commander of death of the very citizens and community to which they owe their positions as councillors .
“ SEFF represents a number of the bereaved and injured and their message as relayed through us is simple ; you who promoted and also endorsed last night ’ s motion have betrayed us and you are walking on the graves of our loved ones , ” he said .
Ulster Unionist Party ( UUP ) councillor Chris Smyth , who is the chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council , voted against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the human rights of Liam Campbell but paid no regard to the rights of the 29 people and two unborn children who were murdered on the streets of Omagh in 1998 , ” Mr Smyth said .
“ I thought the rights of our citizens would have been the primary concern of the Council which covers the Omagh area .
“ In the middle of a pandemic , I simply can not understand what has possessed the members of the council who thought it appropriate to lobby on behalf of Mr Campbell when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without proper justice , ” he said .
It was also opposed by DUP councillors , who said they were “ truly sickened , angry and upset ” that the “ deplorable ” motion had been passed .
The decision , they said , “ adds insult to injury to the innocent victims of terrorism ” , and called on those who backed the proposal to “ realise the hurt they have caused and withdraw their support ” .

The SDLP leader has said it was wrong for his party to support a proposal passed by councillors in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council opposing the extradition of a man found liable in a civil court for the 1998 Omagh bombing.
The proposal was brought before a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee on Wednesday evening by Independent councillor Bernice Swift, and was supported by Sinn Féin, the SDLP, and some independent councillors.
The wording of the item, which was brought during Any Other Business at the end of the meeting, proposed that the council "writes to the offices of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice and Equality in support of Irish citizen, Liam Campbell, against his extradition to Lithuania, to protect the fundamental human and civil rights of an Irish citizen against human rights abuse".
Thirty-one people, including unborn twins, were killed in the Real IRA bombing of the Co Tyrone town in August 1998.
READ MORE
Nobody has ever been convicted of the attack in a criminal court. Campbell is one of four men who have been found liable of the bombing in a civil court.
He is wanted in Lithuania on international arms trafficking charges. Following a judgement in the High Court in Dublin last month, an extradition order is to be made on July 13th.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, said on Thursday that the party's councillors would reverse their position when it comes before a full council meeting for ratification.
He said their decision to support the proposal had caused “immense hurt”, adding that the party would offer to meet with the relatives of those killed and the injured in order to express their “profound regret”.
The SDLP's group leader on Fermanagh and Omagh council, Mary Garrity, apologised "unreservedly" for their decision to support the motion, and confirmed they would oppose it at the full council meeting.
“The SDLP has opposed violence and the perpetrators of violence for fifty years, it was never our intention to cause additional hurt to victims and as a council group, we regret that,” she said.
‘Bewilderment and betrayal’
The director of services with the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), which represents a number of the families bereaved by the Omagh bombing, said "anger, shock, and feelings of bewilderment and betrayal have been expressed to us by victims and survivors of the bomb from across the community".
He said it was “absolutely scandalous” that the council in Omagh would support such a motion, and said there were “questions that need answering.
“The SDLP in particular but not exclusively need to explain their support for the motion and why they felt it appropriate or necessary to support the interests of a commander of death of the very citizens and community to which they owe their positions as councillors.
“SEFF represents a number of the bereaved and injured and their message as relayed through us is simple; you who promoted and also endorsed last night’s motion have betrayed us and you are walking on the graves of our loved ones,” he said.
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) councillor Chris Smyth, who is the chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, voted against.
“This nauseating proposal referred to the human rights of Liam Campbell but paid no regard to the rights of the 29 people and two unborn children who were murdered on the streets of Omagh in 1998,” Mr Smyth said.
“I thought the rights of our citizens would have been the primary concern of the Council which covers the Omagh area.
“In the middle of a pandemic, I simply cannot understand what has possessed the members of the council who thought it appropriate to lobby on behalf of Mr Campbell when the victims of the bomb still go without proper justice,” he said.
It was also opposed by DUP councillors, who said they were “truly sickened, angry and upset” that the “deplorable” motion had been passed.
The decision, they said, “adds insult to injury to the innocent victims of terrorism”, and called on those who backed the proposal to “realise the hurt they have caused and withdraw their support”.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Officer from outside North to lead inquiry into Bobby Storey funeral

The North ’ s Chief Constable has requested the appointment of a senior police officer from outside Northern Ireland to lead the police investigation into potential breaches of the coronavirus regulations at the funeral of senior Belfast republican Bobby Storey .
Simon Byrne said he had taken the decision to “ ensure independent oversight of the investigation.
” He also said the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) had received a complaint from a member of the public about the police ’ s actions leading up to the funeral on June 30th .
“ This has now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration , ” he said .
The attendance of the North ’ s deputy first minister , Michelle O ’ Neill , and other senior members of Sinn Féin at a funeral which appeared to break both the coronavirus regulations and social distancing guidelines prompted the most significant fall-out in the Northern Executive since the restoration of the Assembly in January , as well as questions over the actions of other bodies .
Belfast City Council offered on Thursday to refund the cremation fee to eight families who were not allowed to attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the same day as the funeral of the former IRA member .
It has also offered to help facilitate a memorial service for the families ’ loved ones .
The council previously apologised for an “ error of judgement ” after Mr Storey ’ s was the only one of nine committal services which took place following cremations at Roselawn Cemetery on June 30th where family were allowed to be present .
In a statement the council said it recognised that this was “ an extremely sensitive and difficult time for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deeply sorry for how this error will have affected these eight families.
” Councillors in Belfast will debate a motion on Friday calling for an independent investigation into what happened at Roselawn Cemetery on June 30th .
The special council meeting , which was called by the DUP , will consider the events at the cemetery and crematorium and will discuss “ the steps which should now be taken.
” Joint media briefings by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister , which became an almost daily occurrence during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked at a press conference on Thursday when joint media briefings would resume , Arlene Foster said there had to be “ a recognition that the credibility of messaging was damaged by what happened last week ” .
“ I hope that we can build that credibility up again but there has to be a willingness to acknowledge that it was damaged during what happened in west Belfast last Tuesday [ June 30th ] .
” Earlier this week the North ’ s Assembly passed a motion signed by the four other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Neill and the Minister for Finance , Conor Murphy , to apologise for their actions at the funeral .
Ms O ’ Neill repeated her apology to grieving families , saying that they had been “ really , really hurt , and I ’ m sorry that ’ s the case ” but she was “ satisfied that I did act responsibly within the church as part of a limited group of no more than 30 people as part of the cortege , and at the cemetery in Milltown where I @ @ @ @ @

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill at the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey in west Belfast on June 30th. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The North's Chief Constable has requested the appointment of a senior police officer from outside Northern Ireland to lead the police investigation into potential breaches of the coronavirus regulations at the funeral of senior Belfast republican Bobby Storey.
Simon Byrne said he had taken the decision to "ensure independent oversight of the investigation."
He also said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had received a complaint from a member of the public about the police's actions leading up to the funeral on June 30th.
“This has now been forwarded to the Police Ombudsman for her consideration,” he said.
READ MORE
The attendance of the North’s deputy first minister, Michelle O’Neill, and other senior members of Sinn Féin at a funeral which appeared to break both the coronavirus regulations and social distancing guidelines prompted the most significant fall-out in the Northern Executive since the restoration of the Assembly in January, as well as questions over the actions of other bodies.
Belfast City Council offered on Thursday to refund the cremation fee to eight families who were not allowed to attend a committal service for their loved ones on the same day as the funeral of the former IRA member.
Memorial service
It has also offered to help facilitate a memorial service for the families’ loved ones.
The council previously apologised for an “error of judgement” after Mr Storey’s was the only one of nine committal services which took place following cremations at Roselawn Cemetery on June 30th where family were allowed to be present.
In a statement the council said it recognised that this was “an extremely sensitive and difficult time for any family who is grieving, and we are deeply sorry for how this error will have affected these eight families.”
Councillors in Belfast will debate a motion on Friday calling for an independent investigation into what happened at Roselawn Cemetery on June 30th.
The special council meeting, which was called by the DUP, will consider the events at the cemetery and crematorium and will discuss “the steps which should now be taken.”
Joint media briefings by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, which became an almost daily occurrence during the coronavirus pandemic, have been suspended since June 30th.
‘Credibility’
Asked at a press conference on Thursday when joint media briefings would resume, Arlene Foster said there had to be "a recognition that the credibility of messaging was damaged by what happened last week".
“I hope that we can build that credibility up again but there has to be a willingness to acknowledge that it was damaged during what happened in west Belfast last Tuesday [June 30th].”
Earlier this week the North's Assembly passed a motion signed by the four other parties in the Executive calling on Ms O'Neill and the Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy, to apologise for their actions at the funeral.
Ms O'Neill repeated her apology to grieving families, saying that they had been "really, really hurt, and I'm sorry that's the case" but she was "satisfied that I did act responsibly within the church as part of a limited group of no more than 30 people as part of the cortege, and at the cemetery in Milltown where I paid my respects".


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Manager’s action against St John of God settled, court told

A social care manager with St John of God has settled proceedings taken against his employer over what he claimed was a flawed disciplinary process against him .
The case by Mark Smyth , a social care manager with St John of God Community Services Dublin South East , was settled following mediation , the High Court heard on Thursday .
The matter came before Ms Justice Leone Reynolds .
She was told the parties had resolved the matter , that the case could be adjourned to all the terms of the settlement agreement , which is confidential , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter to a date later this month .
Last month Mr Smyth secured a temporary injunction preventing his employer from conducting a disciplinary meeting , called arsing out of the contents of an investigation into certain allegations against him .
In his action Mr Smyth , who denied all allegations of wrongdoing , claimed the complaints made about him in 2015 were vague and lacking in specifics .
Those complaints were made after he raised issues with his manager about false reports made by others working at a special school for young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Represented by Frank Callinan SC , with Johanna Mehigan and Conor Duff , Mr Smyth claimed the investigation – upon which the disciplinary process was based – was highly flawed .
It was claimed the employer brought in an independent HR professional to conduct an investigation arising out of allegations made against Mr Smyth .
That investigation took place between 2016 and 2019 .
During the course of the investigation the investigator made a complaint about Mr Smyth to his employer .
Mr Smyth was cleared of any wrongdoing at a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint by the investigator , who ultimately cleared Mr Smyth of the allegations against him .
But it was claimed the investigator made certain adverse findings , which he was not entitled to do about Mr Smyth .
Arising out of those adverse findings an investigation was launched by Mr Smyth ’ s employer .
His lawyers called on John of God to cease the investigation .
In correspondence John of God denied the investigation is flawed and said it was entitled to proceed , resulting in the bringing of the High Court @ @

In correspondence St John of God denied the investigation is flawed and said it was entitled to proceed, resulting in the bringing of the High Court action. File photograph: The Irish Times
A social care manager with St John of God has settled proceedings taken against his employer over what he claimed was a flawed disciplinary process against him.
The case by Mark Smyth, a social care manager with St John of God Community Services Dublin South East, was settled following mediation, the High Court heard on Thursday.
The matter came before Ms Justice Leone Reynolds. She was told the parties had resolved the matter, that the case could be adjourned to all the terms of the settlement agreement, which is confidential, be implemented.
The judge agreed to adjourn the matter to a date later this month.
READ MORE
Last month Mr Smyth secured a temporary injunction preventing his employer from conducting a disciplinary meeting, called arsing out of the contents of an investigation into certain allegations against him.
In his action Mr Smyth, who denied all allegations of wrongdoing, claimed the complaints made about him in 2015 were vague and lacking in specifics.
Those complaints were made after he raised issues with his manager about false reports made by others working at a special school for young people operated by St John of God.
Represented by Frank Callinan SC, with Johanna Mehigan and Conor Duff, Mr Smyth claimed the investigation – upon which the disciplinary process was based – was highly flawed.
It was claimed the employer brought in an independent HR professional to conduct an investigation arising out of allegations made against Mr Smyth.
Cleared of wrongdoing
That investigation took place between 2016 and 2019. During the course of the investigation the investigator made a complaint about Mr Smyth to his employer.
Mr Smyth was cleared of any wrongdoing at a very early stage by his employer regarding the complaint by the investigator, who ultimately cleared Mr Smyth of the allegations against him. But it was claimed the investigator made certain adverse findings, which he was not entitled to do about Mr Smyth.
Arising out of those adverse findings an investigation was launched by Mr Smyth’s employer. His lawyers called on John of God to cease the investigation.
In correspondence John of God denied the investigation is flawed and said it was entitled to proceed, resulting in the bringing of the High Court action.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Judge commends abuse survivor for courage in coming forward

A judge has commended a survivor of child sexual abuse for her “ strength and courage ” in coming forward to make a complaint against her father due to her concerns for other children .
Raymond McElwaine ( 68 ) of Silverwood Road , Rathfarnham , Dublin , pleaded guilty to eight sample counts of indecent assault and sexual assault of his daughter at the former family home in Balrothery Estate on dates between June 1988 and December 1994 .
Ms Jennifer Lydon McElwaine , who was aged between six and 11 years old when she was abused , waived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be named .
In her victim impact statement she outlined how the sexual abuse perpetrated by her father continued to affect every aspect of her life : “ It is a cancer I am fighting every day.
” She outlined how after she had first spoken up as a six-year-old about what was happening her mother had been very upset and her father had cried and pleaded that it was a mistake and a misunderstanding .
She described the fear and shame and how lonely and scared she had felt .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard and validated as a small child was enormous .
She described how her father controlled everything in the house and she now understood how her late mother had been controlled and manipulated by her father as she had been .
What did Ms McElwaine say ?
Ms Lydon McElwaine told the court when she later came forward as an adult to disclose the abuse to her family due to her concerns about children , her father had implied she was making it up .
“ My father cried and manipulated his way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outlined her devastation at how relationships within the family had suffered as a result .
She said her father had shown no remorse .
“ I never wanted this .
All I wanted was my father to acknowledge what he had done , ” she said .
Ms Lydon McElwaine said her father had been meant to protect her but instead used her for his own sexual gratification .
“ The only person my father ever protected was himself .
.
.
I have been left with a cross to bear for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told Judge Karen O ’ Connor .
“ Child sexual abuse is a life sentence.
” Judge O ’ Connor said that despite going through the bereavement of her mother she still had the strength to speak out in an effort to protect other children which showed great courage and concern for others .
She told Ms Lydon McElwaine she deserved “ to feel proud that you have the strength to do what you have done ” .
She said she hoped the relationships within the family could be repaired .
Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a probation report be prepared and remanded McElwaine in custody until October 8th , 2020 , for finalisation of sentence .

The judge adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report be prepared and remanded Raymond McElwaine (68) in custody until October 8th, 2020, for finalisation of sentence. File photograph: The Irish Times
A judge has commended a survivor of child sexual abuse for her “strength and courage” in coming forward to make a complaint against her father due to her concerns for other children.
Raymond McElwaine (68) of Silverwood Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin, pleaded guilty to eight sample counts of indecent assault and sexual assault of his daughter at the former family home in Balrothery Estate on dates between June 1988 and December 1994.
Ms Jennifer Lydon McElwaine, who was aged between six and 11 years old when she was abused, waived her right to anonymity so her father could be named.
In her victim impact statement she outlined how the sexual abuse perpetrated by her father continued to affect every aspect of her life: “ It is a cancer I am fighting every day.”
READ MORE
She outlined how after she had first spoken up as a six-year-old about what was happening her mother had been very upset and her father had cried and pleaded that it was a mistake and a misunderstanding. She described the fear and shame and how lonely and scared she had felt.
She said the detrimental effect of not being heard and validated as a small child was enormous. She described how her father controlled everything in the house and she now understood how her late mother had been controlled and manipulated by her father as she had been.
What did Ms McElwaine say?
Ms Lydon McElwaine told the court when she later came forward as an adult to disclose the abuse to her family due to her concerns about children, her father had implied she was making it up.
“My father cried and manipulated his way out of it,” she said and outlined her devastation at how relationships within the family had suffered as a result.
She said her father had shown no remorse.
“I never wanted this. All I wanted was my father to acknowledge what he had done,” she said.
Ms Lydon McElwaine said her father had been meant to protect her but instead used her for his own sexual gratification.
“The only person my father ever protected was himself . . . I have been left with a cross to bear for the rest of my life,” she told Judge Karen O’Connor. “Child sexual abuse is a life sentence.”
Judge O’Connor said that despite going through the bereavement of her mother she still had the strength to speak out in an effort to protect other children which showed great courage and concern for others.
She told Ms Lydon McElwaine she deserved “to feel proud that you have the strength to do what you have done”. She said she hoped the relationships within the family could be repaired.
Judge O’ Connor adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report be prepared and remanded McElwaine in custody until October 8th, 2020, for finalisation of sentence.


theirishtimes--2020-07-09--Phoenix Park gates to reopen on Friday morning

All of the perimeter gates to Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park , with the exception of Knockmaroon Gate , will be reopened on Friday morning , the Office of Public Works has confirmed .
The decision has prompted surprise .
The OPW closed many of the gates as a response to Covid-19 travel restrictions in March and subsequent plans to reopen them on two separate occasions in June were aborted .
At the time the authority said motorists would face new restrictions to “ curb traffic volumes ” and maintain “ safe , quiet , open spaces for pedestrians and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday it issued an unexpected update announcing the re-opening of all perimeter entrances with the exception of Knockmaroon Gate on Friday morning .
The main Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances were never closed in order to facilitate the use of Chesterfield Avenue as a through-road and to provide access to some buildings in the park .
The measures have been kept under constant review by city officials although earlier this month , a parks official wrote to Green Party councillor Darcy Lonergan noting “ a revelation to see how the citizens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this period and ... the significant increase in pedestrian and cycling activity.
” “ The Park has seen a sea-change in how the public and visitors are enjoying the biodiversity , natural landscape and wilderness of the Park .
With this in mind , reducing the volume of ‘ through-traffic ’ is critical and maintaining safe , quiet , open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy is a key priority for OPW.
” On Thursday , the OPW said nobody was immediately available to comment on its decision .
Exactly how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear .
Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon said the announcement came as a surprise to councillors and some residents in the vicinity of the park , with no explanation as to the timing .
“ What I assumed , and I think what most people assumed , was that this was the way it was and there was going to be a consultation on what to do in the future , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a very strange reversal and so rapid ; to send out a notification at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning ...
I don ’ t think anybody saw this coming.
” Mr Pidgeon said it was his belief the park should ultimately be closed to through traffic with access only available to those visiting the amenity .
The OPW said that once ongoing works are complete on Knockmaroon Gate it too will re-open .
It has asked drivers “ to be respectful to all pedestrians and cyclists ” and said measures will remain under review .

The OPW has asked drivers “to be respectful to all pedestrians and cyclists” and said measures will remain under review. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
All of the perimeter gates to Dublin's Phoenix Park, with the exception of Knockmaroon Gate, will be reopened on Friday morning, the Office of Public Works has confirmed. The decision has prompted surprise.
The OPW closed many of the gates as a response to Covid-19 travel restrictions in March and subsequent plans to reopen them on two separate occasions in June were aborted.
At the time the authority said motorists would face new restrictions to “curb traffic volumes” and maintain “safe, quiet, open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy”.
However, on Thursday it issued an unexpected update announcing the re-opening of all perimeter entrances with the exception of Knockmaroon Gate on Friday morning.
READ MORE
The main Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances were never closed in order to facilitate the use of Chesterfield Avenue as a through-road and to provide access to some buildings in the park.
The measures have been kept under constant review by city officials although earlier this month, a parks official wrote to Green Party councillor Darcy Lonergan noting “a revelation to see how the citizens of Dublin have engaged with the Phoenix Park during this period and...the significant increase in pedestrian and cycling activity.”
“The Park has seen a sea-change in how the public and visitors are enjoying the biodiversity, natural landscape and wilderness of the Park. With this in mind, reducing the volume of ‘through-traffic’ is critical and maintaining safe, quiet, open spaces for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy is a key priority for OPW.”
On Thursday, the OPW said nobody was immediately available to comment on its decision. Exactly how it plans to reduce traffic volumes remains unclear.
Green Party councillor Michael Pidgeon said the announcement came as a surprise to councillors and some residents in the vicinity of the park, with no explanation as to the timing.
“What I assumed, and I think what most people assumed, was that this was the way it was and there was going to be a consultation on what to do in the future,” he said.
“It’s a very strange reversal and so rapid; to send out a notification at 4.30pm that they are going to reopen in the morning...I don’t think anybody saw this coming.”
Mr Pidgeon said it was his belief the park should ultimately be closed to through traffic with access only available to those visiting the amenity.
The OPW said that once ongoing works are complete on Knockmaroon Gate it too will re-open. It has asked drivers “to be respectful to all pedestrians and cyclists” and said measures will remain under review.