theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Cervical Check Tribunal ‘not fit for purpose’, says Vicky Phelan

Campaigner Vicky Phelan has said the Cervical Check Tribunal is “ not fit for purpose ” and that she feels forced to advise affected patients not to engage with the process .
Ms Phelan said on Thursday there was “ a lot wrong ” with the Government ’ s plans for the tribunal and that a “ non-adversarial route ” was needed which would not oblige women to fight back against the labs .
She added that if the Minister for Health moved ahead without further engagement with patients , “ we will be forced to recommend to our members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cervical Check scandal came to light when Vicky Phelan settled a High Court action in 2018 over a misread smear test .
Since then , Ms Phelan , from Limerick , has spearheaded a campaign to highlight the plight of hundreds of women who suffered adverse health effects or died as a result of mistakes in reading smear test results .
The Cabinet agreed earlier this week that the tribunal , which is to investigate negligence in the State ’ s cancer screening programme , would begin its work on October 27th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative to legal proceedings for women affected by diagnostic mistakes arising from misread screenings .
It had originally been scheduled to begin its work last March , but was delayed over six months by the onset of the coronavirus outbreak .
Ms Phelan told RTÉ Radio ’ s Morning Ireland programme that the 221 Plus CervicalCheck patient support group had met with Stephen Donnelly and members of his department six weeks ago where they raised a number of issues they had with the tribunal .
She said the group was worried about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that applicants who receive an award be allowed to return should they suffer a recurrence of their cancer , in the same way that applicants before the Hep-C Tribunal could return if their health deteriorated .
The group also expressed concern around the statute of limitations .
“ We left the meeting at the time encouraged that there would be further consultation and we never felt at any stage that we weren ’ t heard , ” she said .
“ Yet , two days ago we found ourselves reeling in shock to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our concerns , but confirming the imminent establishment of the tribunal in seven days time.
” Ms Phelan noted that the group had not been given the opportunity to respond to the Minister ’ s decision to establish the tribunal before the public announcement .
She described Tánaiste Leo Varadkar ’ s apology last year as a “ momentous day for us ” which “ marked the start of the healing process ” .
“ We felt heard , ” she said .
“ Unfortunately this week when we read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything but heard.
” “ We simply don ’ t understand why the Minister would not take the opportunity to work with us , to make the tribunal something that our members might engage with .
“ The tribunal as we see is not fit for purpose .
More of our concerns should have been taken on board .
The tribunal sounds like a slap in the face.
” In a Twitter thread posted on Wednesday night , Ms Phelan said the Minister had given a “ flat rejection ” of all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laboratories must be involved in the proceedings if taken before the tribunal .
“ This will not be acceptable to many of our members ” , she wrote .
Ms Phelan called on the Minister to sit down with the group and to establish a tribunal in which the women would want to participate .
Later on Morning Ireland , Mr Donnelly said he would meet with the 221 Plus group before Tuesday , adding that all he wanted to do was “ set up a system that works for the women ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grievances , the health minister said the Government was working to make the tribunal as “ non-adversarial as possible ” but that questions needed to be asked to ensure all cases of negligence were established .
He said it had been agreed that the tribunal would end after a certain period of time , noting that it would be in place for nine months .
“ My concern is if we don ’ t go with the tribunal , and we end up back in the courts , the women involved can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be established , ” he said .
“ That means the State has to bring the labs in.
” If the labs are not involved , a second court case would have to follow and the women might be pulled back in , he said .
“ I don ’ t believe that would be fair on the women involved.
” Mr Donnelly said he was listening to the women involved and would continue to listen .

Vicky Phelan said on Thursday there was ‘a lot wrong’ with the Government’s plans for the tribunal. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times.
Campaigner Vicky Phelan has said the Cervical Check Tribunal is “not fit for purpose” and that she feels forced to advise affected patients not to engage with the process.
Ms Phelan said on Thursday there was “a lot wrong” with the Government’s plans for the tribunal and that a “non-adversarial route” was needed which would not oblige women to fight back against the labs.
She added that if the Minister for Health moved ahead without further engagement with patients, “we will be forced to recommend to our members that they do not engage”.
The Cervical Check scandal came to light when Vicky Phelan settled a High Court action in 2018 over a misread smear test. Since then, Ms Phelan, from Limerick, has spearheaded a campaign to highlight the plight of hundreds of women who suffered adverse health effects or died as a result of mistakes in reading smear test results.
READ MORE
The Cabinet agreed earlier this week that the tribunal, which is to investigate negligence in the State’s cancer screening programme, would begin its work on October 27th.
The tribunal was established as an alternative to legal proceedings for women affected by diagnostic mistakes arising from misread screenings. It had originally been scheduled to begin its work last March, but was delayed over six months by the onset of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ms Phelan told RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland programme that the 221 Plus CervicalCheck patient support group had met with Stephen Donnelly and members of his department six weeks ago where they raised a number of issues they had with the tribunal.
Adversarial
She said the group was worried about the adversarial nature of the tribunal and requested that applicants who receive an award be allowed to return should they suffer a recurrence of their cancer, in the same way that applicants before the Hep-C Tribunal could return if their health deteriorated. The group also expressed concern around the statute of limitations.
“We left the meeting at the time encouraged that there would be further consultation and we never felt at any stage that we weren’t heard,” she said. “Yet, two days ago we found ourselves reeling in shock to receive a letter, not only rejecting all of our concerns, but confirming the imminent establishment of the tribunal in seven days time.”
Ms Phelan noted that the group had not been given the opportunity to respond to the Minister’s decision to establish the tribunal before the public announcement.
She described Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s apology last year as a “momentous day for us” which “marked the start of the healing process”.
“We felt heard,” she said. “Unfortunately this week when we read the letter from Minister Donnelly we have felt anything but heard.”
“We simply don’t understand why the Minister would not take the opportunity to work with us, to make the tribunal something that our members might engage with.
“The tribunal as we see is not fit for purpose. More of our concerns should have been taken on board. The tribunal sounds like a slap in the face.”
In a Twitter thread posted on Wednesday night, Ms Phelan said the Minister had given a “flat rejection” of all the group’s concerns and stated that laboratories must be involved in the proceedings if taken before the tribunal. “This will not be acceptable to many of our members”, she wrote.
Ms Phelan called on the Minister to sit down with the group and to establish a tribunal in which the women would want to participate.
Negligence
Later on Morning Ireland, Mr Donnelly said he would meet with the 221 Plus group before Tuesday, adding that all he wanted to do was “set up a system that works for the women”.
Responding to Ms Phelan’s grievances, the health minister said the Government was working to make the tribunal as “non-adversarial as possible” but that questions needed to be asked to ensure all cases of negligence were established.
He said it had been agreed that the tribunal would end after a certain period of time, noting that it would be in place for nine months.
“My concern is if we don’t go with the tribunal, and we end up back in the courts, the women involved can take cases against the State but negligence has to be established,” he said. “That means the State has to bring the labs in.”
If the labs are not involved, a second court case would have to follow and the women might be pulled back in, he said. “I don’t believe that would be fair on the women involved.”
Mr Donnelly said he was listening to the women involved and would continue to listen.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Galway nursing home sees 26 out of 28 residents test positive for Covid-19

Twenty-six out of 28 residents at a Co Galway nursing home have tested positive for Covid-19 , a local GP has said .
Dr Martin Daly , general practitioner to a third of the nursing home residents , said he was contacted by a nurse from the home on Thursday morning who was “ extremely upset and desperate ” and had been caring for the 28 residents over the last 72 hours with just three other staff .
The facility in question- the Nightingale Nursing Home in Ballinasloe - has been contacted for comment .
The HSE has also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said one resident died on Wednesday , “ most likely through a Covid-related illness ” while another resident was admitted to hospital on Thursday .
“ A nursing home resident was admitted last Thursday into hospital for a non-Covid illness it would appear , tested positive for Covid .
Then the whole nursing home , which was the 28 residents and all the staff were tested .
26 out of the 28 residents tested positive over the weekend and all but four of the staff have tested positive , ” he told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation lies at the moment that in the last 72 hours , there ’ s one nursing professional , one care assistant and one person who prepares the food and one other carer trying to provide care to 28 vulnerable , elderly people with no immediate prospect of relief with more staff .
“ They have appealed to the HSE and have been told there are no staff available even in these emergency circumstances .
“ One person has died yesterday , most likely through a Covid-related illness and another person has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely with a Covid related illness.
” Dr Daly said he had contacted the HSE as had local TD Denis Naughten who said the HSE had said there was no prospect of relief .
“ That ’ s not good enough , ” Dr Daly told later RTÉ radio ’ s Today with Claire Byrne show .
The HSE needed to redeploy staff immediately .
The patients needed to be transferred as it was unfair to leave the nurse on her own in case she too becomes ill .
It could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not provide relief for the nursing home , he said .
“ The building is burning , They need to react .
These are vulnerable , elderly patients .
They deserve every chance to be looked after in their hour of need .
“ This is their hour of need.
” Dr Day said he was seeing a lot of positive cases of Covid among students in the area where he works in his general practice and at the Covid care hub in Athlone .
“ What we are seeing now far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April and May.
” Mr Naughten said he had spoken to directly to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Thurday saying he had asked him to “ directly intervene ” .
In the Dáil on Thursday , Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said seven of the eight nursing staff and 10 of the 11 care assistants had tested positive for Covid-19 .
He said that when the director of nursing phoned the HSE they were told “ don ’ t panic , get agency staff .
But there are no agency staff.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff on Thursday morning to the home in his Roscommon-Galway constituency “ and nobody showed up ” .
Mr Fitzmaurice said “ this nursing home is looking at having to send the rest of the residents into a hospital because the HSE did not send staff ” .
He said he was contacted by the director of nursing at the home “ who was distressed , felt helpless and was crying because they could not do anything because they were isolating ” .
Mr Naughten told the Dáil the nursing home was now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a cook and two other staff .
He called for a panel of staff to be put in place to go into a nursing home to deal with such cases , so that such cases are not repeated and these residents are not left in a deplorable situation .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was unaware of the case but would look into it immediately after this Dáil session and he was “ reassured ” to hear the Minster for Health “ is on the case ” .
Sinn Fein TD Pearse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again would residents in nursing homes be abandoned like they were earlier this year ” .
Mr Doherty said the proprietors of the nursing home “ have been begging in desperation for the HSE to help them for the last two days .
They have not received the help.
” He asked what systems are in place when an outbreak like this occurs in a situation where one nurse had been on call for 72 hours looking after 28 residents , one of whom subsequently died .
“ They are somebody ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the State and the State is abandoning them at their hour of need .
”

Most of the residents in the Nightingale Nursing Home in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, have contracted coronavirus. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy
Staff at a nursing home in Co Galway in which 26 out of 28 residents have tested positive for Covid-19 have said they “feel abandoned” and are “in dire straits”.
One resident at Nightingale Nursing Home in Ahascragh died on Wednesday, from what is believed to be a Covid-related illness, while two others have been transferred to hospital on Thursday with the virus.
Patricia MacGabhann, director of nursing at Nightingale, said there was one nurse and one carer looking after 24 residents, 22 of which had tested positive for the virus. She said they had been working 13-hour shifts adding “I don’t know how they are coping”.
Hospital Report
Ms MacGabhann, who tested positive for the virus, told RTÉ’s Liveline the remainder of staff had also tested positive and were self-isolating.
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She said the HSE provided a nurse and a carer on Wednesday night and were supposed to provide two carers on Thursday morning but they never arrived.
“We’re trying to keep them [residents] alive and well, and we really feel abandoned. That’s the truth.”
A resident at the nursing home felt unwell last week and subsequently tested positive for coronavirus. Ms MacGabhann said residents and staff were tested on Monday and that there had been no cases previously at the home.
She said she had been in contact with the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority several times and that she felt “completely and utterly helpless” at not being able to help.
Ms MacGabhann said the response from the HSE was “don’t panic, leave it to me”, but she said she could not leave it with them and she was panicking.
"I'm so frustrated, I feel so helpless and so alone, we're like a little island in the middle of Ireland that's been abandoned," she said.
Ms MacGabhann said the HSE had directed them to seek agency staff but that there were no workers available. She said there were contingency plans in place at the nursing home but that they did not envision such a large percentage of staff “would be taken out like this”.
She said it was “uncivilised that old people are just thrown aside”.
Ms MacGabhann said the nursing home had been open since 1996 and that if residents were not helped they may have to be moved to hospitals.
“We just want someone to help us keep them alive, from any quarter,” she said.
The HSE has said it was providing supports to the nursing home.
"The HSE is supporting the nursing home and is working to source staff. Additional supports include the provision of staff from Roscommon University Hospital, " a spokeswoman for the HSE said. "Community Healthcare West and Saolta University Hospital Group and staff are supporting the nursing home in the delivery of a safe and secure service.
“The HSE is also conducting daily outbreak teleconferences with the nursing home.”
Rosters at the home are covered and the staffing situation is stable, according to HSE chief operations officer Anne O’Connor.
The HSE has a dedicated manager providing daily support, she said, and staffing was in place for the coming days.
A nurse from Roscommon hospital was in the home last night and the director of nursing from HSE West is there today to assess the stability of the situation, Ms O’Connor said.
“It has been a challenge to secure staff, especially agency staff,” Ms O’Connor said, adding that agency staff were sometimes unwilling to go into home due to outbreaks.
Hiqa said it was aware of the situation. “We are in constant contact with the nursing home and are aware that HSE is providing assistance to this provider,” it said.
Dr Martin Daly, general practitioner to one-third of the nursing home residents, said he was contacted by a nurse from the home on Thursday morning who was "extremely upset and desperate". "A nursing home resident was admitted last Thursday into hospital for a non-Covid illness it would appear, tested positive for Covid. Then the whole nursing home, which was the 28 residents and all the staff were tested. 26 out of the 28 residents tested positive over the weekend and all but four of the staff have tested positive," he told The Irish Times on Thursday.
Dr Daly said he had contacted the HSE as had local TD Denis Naughten who said the HSE had said there was no prospect of relief.
"That's not good enough," Dr Daly later told RTÉ radio's Today with Claire Byrne show.
It could not be that an organisation with 120,000 staff could not provide relief for the nursing home, he said.
“The building is burning, They need to react. These are vulnerable, elderly patients. They deserve every chance to be looked after in their hour of need.
“This is their hour of need,” he said.
Dr Daly said he was seeing a lot of positive cases of Covid-19 among students in the area where he works in his general practice and at the Covid care hub in Athlone. “What we are seeing now far supersedes the levels seen in March, April and May.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly defended the HSE's response in the Dáil saying: "Let me be very clear. These cases were detected through testing the HSE does. Infection preventing control teams were deployed. Staff have been deployed. Serial testing is ongoing."
He said “all staff and residents were tested” and “senior management are on site right now as we speak”.
Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd told the Dáil nurses could refuse to work in private nursing homes infected with Covid-19 under an agreement reached between unions and the HSE at the start of the pandemic.
He said they were obliged to work in public homes and hospitals. But “there cannot be a division between a public and a private patient in terms of professional assistance from a medical or qualified person”.
The HSE made an agreement that it cannot direct nurses to work in private facilities and it was “against the oath and principle of care” and “entirely unacceptable”.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said the outbreak “raises a red flag” on the need to protect nursing homes.
Mr Coveney acknowledged that the HSE had made mistakes on contact tracing in light of last weekend’s collapse in the operation and said that lessons must be learned from the first wave of the pandemic on protecting nursing homes.
“The HSE of course have made some mistakes, but our focus during an international pandemic and international crisis should be on solutions rather than blame. We have got to learn lessons, particularly in terms of how we protect vulnerable people in nursing homes,” he told The Irish Times.
“That’s why I think what we are hearing today raises a red flag that we have got to double down on ensuring that we are protecting residents in nursing homes in a much more impactful and effective way than we did in the first wave of Covid.”
In the Dáil on Thursday, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said seven of the eight nursing staff and 10 of the 11 care assistants had tested positive for Covid-19. He said that when the director of nursing phoned the HSE they were told "don't panic, get agency staff. But there are no agency staff."
He said the HSE promised to send staff on Thursday morning to the home in his Roscommon-Galway constituency “and nobody showed up”.
Mr Fitzmaurice said “this nursing home is looking at having to send the rest of the residents into a hospital because the HSE did not send staff”.
Mr Naughten told the Dáil the nursing home was now being run for the last three days by a cook and two other staff. He called for a panel of staff to be put in place to go into a nursing home to deal with such cases, so that such cases are not repeated and these residents are not left in a deplorable situation.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was unaware of the case but would look into it immediately after this Dáil session and he was "reassured" to hear the Minster for Health "is on the case".


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Gym owner who planned to stay open changes mind after gardaí visit

A gym owner in west Dublin who had planned to remain open on Thursday despite the Level 5 restrictions , has decided not to , following two visits from An Garda Síochána .
Simon Murphy , owner of Westside gym in Blanchardstown , had planned to open the gym to existing members only from this morning but decided against the move late on Wednesday night .
Mr Murphy said he had hoped other gyms would try to remain open which could potentially force politicians to revisit the guidelines in place for the next six weeks .
Mr Murphy said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to and this was his reasoning in closing the gym .
“ It got to the point where I ’ m kind of the only one in town who decided to try and raise some awareness and potentially make things change , ” Mr Murphy told The Irish Times on Thursday morning .
“ The precedent was there in the UK , when gyms stood together to make a change , things can actually happen.
” Gyms and leisure centres will be able to reopen across Liverpool after the UK government bowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regions under similar restrictions .
“ I tried to make my point and to get other people to come with me but it ’ s only a movement if people move ...
I wasn ’ t looking to gain market share , that was never an objective .
“ I was genuine in what I was saying , this is a mental health issue and I do believe this will be to people ’ s detriment .
“ For me , it ’ s really disappointing that other people wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change when the possibility I believe was really there .
“ We had visits from the guards ( sic ) and they outlined exactly what guidelines I ’ m in breach of , what rules I ’ m in breach of and basically where it would be taken step-by-step if I continued to go forward .
“ I knew that that was coming , especially when I was advertising what I was going to do .
I anticipated that , it wasn ’ t a shock.
” Under the Government ’ s Level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from midnight on Wednesday , gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools are required to close .
An online petition calling for the Government to list gyms as an essential service for the “ mental and physical wellbeing of the Irish people ” has been signed by more than 46,000 people .

Simon Murphy, owner of the Westside Gym in Blanchardstown, who had vowed to stay open but changed his mind after gardaí spoke to him. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
A gym owner in west Dublin who had planned to remain open on Thursday despite the Level 5 restrictions, has decided not to, following two visits from An Garda Síochána.
Simon Murphy, owner of Westside gym in Blanchardstown, had planned to open the gym to existing members only from this morning but decided against the move late on Wednesday night.
Mr Murphy said he had hoped other gyms would try to remain open which could potentially force politicians to revisit the guidelines in place for the next six weeks.
Mr Murphy said he was disappointed other gyms had decided not to and this was his reasoning in closing the gym.
READ MORE
“It got to the point where I’m kind of the only one in town who decided to try and raise some awareness and potentially make things change,” Mr Murphy told The Irish Times on Thursday morning.
“The precedent was there in the UK, when gyms stood together to make a change, things can actually happen.”
Gyms and leisure centres will be able to reopen across Liverpool after the UK government bowed to pressure to bring it in line with other regions under similar restrictions.
“I tried to make my point and to get other people to come with me but it’s only a movement if people move...I wasn’t looking to gain market share, that was never an objective.
“ I was genuine in what I was saying, this is a mental health issue and I do believe this will be to people’s detriment.
“For me, it’s really disappointing that other people wouldn’t stand up and try to make a change when the possibility I believe was really there.
“We had visits from the guards (sic) and they outlined exactly what guidelines I’m in breach of, what rules I’m in breach of and basically where it would be taken step-by-step if I continued to go forward.
“I knew that that was coming, especially when I was advertising what I was going to do. I anticipated that, it wasn’t a shock.”
Under the Government’s Level 5 restrictions, which came into force from midnight on Wednesday, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are required to close.
An online petition calling for the Government to list gyms as an essential service for the “mental and physical wellbeing of the Irish people” has been signed by more than 46,000 people.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--'You can’t see the waves coming' - crew describes dramatic rescue of ship off Irish coast

Nine members of a stricken freighter are recovering following a major rescue operation involving three RNLI lifeboats and the Irish Coast Guard in stormy seas off the south east coast .
The ‘ Lily B ’ cargo ship , which had lost power in heavy seas off Co Wexford on Tuesday afternoon and was drifting dangerously close to Hook Head , has been towed back to Waterford Port at Belview .
The Waterford Port tug , Tramontane assisted by the tug , Bargarth towed the 4,000 tonne freighter into Waterford Port after three RNLI lifeboats had spent several hours getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rocks .
The RNLI lifeboats from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay in Wexford and Dunmore East in Waterford spent almost 12 hours on the mission , battling stormy seas with Gale Force 8 winds and six metre high waves on Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday .
The entire operation was co-ordinated by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre in Dublin which also tasked the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 to provide air cover in case the crew needed to be airlifted off .
Neville Murphy , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ronald from Dunmore East , described the challenges that all three lifeboat crews faced as they fought to prevent the freighter from hitting the rocks until the tugs arrived .
“ We watched her for a while and worked out her position re the rocks and the rate of drift so we could work out roughly what time she was going to hit the rocks so we had to act because we knew the tug wouldn ’ t get there in time .
Mr Murphy said conditions at the time were horrendous with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metre waves but great credit was due to the coxswains of all three lifeboats for getting them close enough to get tows aboard .
“ We went very close to throw a line aboard but it ’ s down to the skill and seamanship of the coxswain of the lifeboats and they showed some fantastic skills yesterday that made the operation work - I couldn ’ t praise them enough .
“ Even trying to communicate to the crew in those conditions was difficult and then you are trying to manoeuvre around this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the sea while you are being tossed about as well .
“ You would be there trying to fix ropes on the back and get things set up for a tow and the next thing there would be a wave come crashing down on your head - you wouldn ’ t even see it coming at times - that made it really difficult .
“ We were able to move her a bit - we were moving at 1 knot - that ’ s how much we could get with the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her away from the danger area for the tug to get set up.
” “ It was tough enough during the day in those conditions but when it turns to night , it ’ s a different ball game because you can ’ t see the waves coming at you so it ’ s hard to judge things and it hits you harder at night .
“ We were virtually a full 12 hours out there so it was a long shift and the body is fairly wrecked today because it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real team effort and thankfully it worked out well in the end.
” The Lily B , which had sailed from Northern Germany with a cargo of coal , will be inspected by Department of Transport Marine Survey Office personnel in Belview and it is understood that all nine crew members are well .

Nine members of a stricken freighter are recovering following a major rescue operation involving three RNLI lifeboats and the Irish Coast Guard in stormy seas off the south east coast.
The 'Lily B' cargo ship, which had lost power in heavy seas off Co Wexford on Tuesday afternoon and was drifting dangerously close to Hook Head, has been towed back to Waterford Port at Belview.
The Waterford Port tug, Tramontane assisted by the tug, Bargarth towed the 4,000 tonne freighter into Waterford Port after three RNLI lifeboats had spent several hours getting tows aboard and pulling her away from the rocks.
The RNLI lifeboats from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay in Wexford and Dunmore East in Waterford spent almost 12 hours on the mission, battling stormy seas with Gale Force 8 winds and six metre high waves on Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday.
READ MORE
The RNLI lifeboat from Kilmore Quay during the rescue. Photograph: Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat
The Rosslare RNLI boat during the operation. Photograph: Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat
The entire operation was co-ordinated by the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre in Dublin which also tasked the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 to provide air cover in case the crew needed to be airlifted off.
Neville Murphy, a crew member aboard the RNLI Elizabeth and Ronald from Dunmore East, described the challenges that all three lifeboat crews faced as they fought to prevent the freighter from hitting the rocks until the tugs arrived.
“We watched her for a while and worked out her position re the rocks and the rate of drift so we could work out roughly what time she was going to hit the rocks so we had to act because we knew the tug wouldn’t get there in time.
Mr Murphy said conditions at the time were horrendous with gale force eight winds throwing up six metre waves but great credit was due to the coxswains of all three lifeboats for getting them close enough to get tows aboard.
“We went very close to throw a line aboard but it’s down to the skill and seamanship of the coxswain of the lifeboats and they showed some fantastic skills yesterday that made the operation work - I couldn’t praise them enough.
“Even trying to communicate to the crew in those conditions was difficult and then you are trying to manoeuvre around this 4,000 tonne freighter that was being hammered by the sea while you are being tossed about as well.
“You would be there trying to fix ropes on the back and get things set up for a tow and the next thing there would be a wave come crashing down on your head - you wouldn’t even see it coming at times - that made it really difficult.
The Rosslare RNLI boat during the operation. Photograph: Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat
“We were able to move her a bit - we were moving at 1 knot - that’s how much we could get with the two lifeboats attached so we managed to bring her away from the danger area for the tug to get set up.”
“It was tough enough during the day in those conditions but when it turns to night, it’s a different ball game because you can’t see the waves coming at you so it’s hard to judge things and it hits you harder at night.
“We were virtually a full 12 hours out there so it was a long shift and the body is fairly wrecked today because it was a serious endurance test but it was a real team effort and thankfully it worked out well in the end.”
The Lily B, which had sailed from Northern Germany with a cargo of coal, will be inspected by Department of Transport Marine Survey Office personnel in Belview and it is understood that all nine crew members are well.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Large crowds gather on Dublin’s Grafton Street on eve of lockdown

Gardaí broke up a large impromptu gathering with music on Grafton St , Dublin , just hours before the Republic entered Level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 plan at midnight .
However , Garda sources said the gathering on Wednesday night was not organised and appeared to have arisen as a number of people stopped around a street performer .
More passers-by joined them over a short space of time and created a crowd .
The same sources said while some people in the crowd were drinking , the vast majority of those present were not consuming alcohol and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment ” .
Officers patrolling the south inner city through yesterday moved along a number of groups that were drinking around the Grafton Street area , with several groups also gathering at South William Street but being moved on .
Gardaí said when people were asked to move on they did so and while a video circulating on social media showed a large crowd dancing to music on Grafton Street , believed to be just after 9.30pm , those people left when they were asked to .
Gardaí familiar what the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video in circulation - featuring the song Freed From Desire , by Gala – depicted the incident .
However , another video being circulated , depicting more unruly scenes on Grafton Street , had been recorded some time ago and was not from last night .
The video has emerged as a major Garda operation was under way to coincide with the commencement of Level 5 across the Republic , with 2,500 gardaí on duty at any one time working extended rosters and encouraging people to stay at home unless their journey was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential retailers have also closed for the six-week duration of Level 5 .
In reply to queries , Garda Headquarters did not comment directly on the video , but confirmed a group was moved on after it had gathered on Grafton Street .
“ Gardaí in Dublin conducted regular high visibility patrols along Grafton Street and surrounding streets throughout yesterday evening , ” the Garda said in its response .
“ Gardaí asked any large groups to move on .
All complied .
No arrests were made.
” However , the Garda also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility , social distancing , wearing of masks in public area and other such public health guidelines are not penal regulations ” .
That means while people have been asked via public health advice designed to combat the spread of Covid-19 not to gather in groups and to socially distance and take other precautions , this was advice only .
Gardaí do not have the power to take action against anyone not adhering to public health advice .
Enforcement arises with only a smaller number of measures , though further Garda powers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were being considered and were expected to be rolled out very soon .

A video circulating on social media showed a large crowd dancing to music on Grafton Street, believed to be just after 9.30pm, before Level 5 lockdown started at midnight. Source: Twitter
Gardaí broke up a large impromptu gathering with music on Grafton St, Dublin, just hours before the Republic entered Level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 plan at midnight.
However, Garda sources said the gathering on Wednesday night was not organised and appeared to have arisen as a number of people stopped around a street performer. More passers-by joined them over a short space of time and created a crowd.
The same sources said while some people in the crowd were drinking, the vast majority of those present were not consuming alcohol and appeared to have stopped “spur of the moment”.
Hospital Report
Officers patrolling the south inner city through yesterday moved along a number of groups that were drinking around the Grafton Street area, with several groups also gathering at South William Street but being moved on.
READ MORE
People on Grafton Street, Dublin for some last minute socialising on Wednesday night. Photograph by Crispin Rodwell
City centre revellers enjoy some last minute socialising on Dublin’s Grafton Street before Level 5 lockdown started at midnight. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Gardaí said when people were asked to move on they did so and while a video circulating on social media showed a large crowd dancing to music on Grafton Street, believed to be just after 9.30pm, those people left when they were asked to.
Gardaí familiar what the incident on Grafton St last night said a video in circulation - featuring the song Freed From Desire, by Gala – depicted the incident. However, another video being circulated, depicting more unruly scenes on Grafton Street, had been recorded some time ago and was not from last night.
The video has emerged as a major Garda operation was under way to coincide with the commencement of Level 5 across the Republic, with 2,500 gardaí on duty at any one time working extended rosters and encouraging people to stay at home unless their journey was work-related or for essential reasons. All non-essential retailers have also closed for the six-week duration of Level 5.
In reply to queries, Garda Headquarters did not comment directly on the video, but confirmed a group was moved on after it had gathered on Grafton Street.
“Gardaí in Dublin conducted regular high visibility patrols along Grafton Street and surrounding streets throughout yesterday evening,” the Garda said in its response.
“Gardaí asked any large groups to move on. All complied. No arrests were made.”
However, the Garda also stated that impromptu “gatherings, individual responsibility, social distancing, wearing of masks in public area and other such public health guidelines are not penal regulations”.
That means while people have been asked via public health advice designed to combat the spread of Covid-19 not to gather in groups and to socially distance and take other precautions, this was advice only. Gardaí do not have the power to take action against anyone not adhering to public health advice.
Enforcement arises with only a smaller number of measures, though further Garda powers for policing the Covid-19 pandemic in Level 5 were being considered and were expected to be rolled out very soon.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Coronavirus: HSE apologises to thousands asked to do their own contact tracing

The CEO of the HSE Paul Reid has apologised to the 2,000 people who tested positive for Covid-19 and were asked to forward a text to their own close contacts .
“ It ’ s an unfortunate situation , I regret it , ” Mr Reid said on Thursday , as the country entered its first day of a six-week stint at Level 5 Coronavirus restrictions .
The restrictions , which are among the most severe in Europe , will be enforced by new powers for gardaí which are expected to be in place by next week , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other businesses shut their doors on Wednesday night , while hundreds of thousands of workers will now be obliged to work from home from Thursday .
The Irish Times reported on Tuesday that thousands of close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases from over a three-day period would not be contacted by the HSE because the contact tracing system was overwhelmed by cases last weekend .
Instead , the HSE on Wednesday asked 2,000-2,500 people who had tested positive for Covid to tell their close contacts to contact their GPs immediately to seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Today with Claire Byrne show on Thursday , Mr Reid said what had happened with contact tracing at the weekend was a cause of concern , but it was not a decision that was taken lightly .
“ We were not catching up on the backlog over the weekend , ” he said .
Despite recruiting an extra 70 contact tracers per week , the “ huge surge ” in the past 10 days “ did catch us.
” The recruitment process had not caught up with the surge in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which commenced on September 7th saw 2,000 people apply and 800 interviews were held over five weeks .
There were now 500 working in contact tracing with the plan to build up to 800 in the next few weeks .
Both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly admitted that they learned of the breakdown in tracing only when they read The Irish Times story .
Mr Reid acknowledged that he should have communicated the decision to advise people to do their own contact tracing with the Taoiseach , with whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a decision that had to be made about the operation and it was one he stood over , he said .
Every decision that was made with regard to health “ gets political.
” The reality was that as they ( the HSE ) were dealing with the situation they were contacted by the media “ and that ’ s what happened.
” “ We want to be transparent at all times , and sometimes events catch up with us.
” It had been an unfortunate situation and he regretted that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reid acknowledged that timing was bad on the first day of lockdown and that it was putting pressure on GPs .
It had been a risk-based decision that had to be made .
He defended the testing system saying it was “ one of the best in Europe.
” When asked about the number of positive cases that will be contacts of the 2,000 people asked to do their own contact tracing , Mr Reid said that the mean number of contacts per person was four .
The majority of close contacts were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE will continue to build up lab capacity , tracing capacity and ICU capacity , he said and the Government had offered its full support to provide resources for “ what we need , if we need it.
” “ But the only way we can reverse this is to reduce community transmission .
The public can turn this around , ” he said .
Mr Reid expressed concern about the level of traffic on the roads in Dublin this morning , saying “ the message is to stay at home.
” Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exit from Level 5 in December could be on a “ region by region ” basis depending on a range of factors .
Mr Donnelly said the decision to move to Level 5 restrictions was “ a pre-emptive strike ” and although the hospital services were “ ok ” at present , if the decision to go into lockdown had not been made , such services would have suffered .
Speaking on RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland , Mr Donnelly said that at the end of the six week period the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) , will look carefully at the situation at that time in order to establish how best to exit Level 5 .
Mr Donnelly also denied that the contact tracing system has fallen down .
It was not correct to say this as in the past six weeks there had been a 400 per cent increase in calls , he said .
For a short period last weekend there had been a “ one-off situation ” where demand had outstripped supply and a one-off “ operational decision ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Donnelly said , and the HSE had assured him that it would not happen again .
In an ideal world that would not have happened , he said and he was willing to apologise to those asked to call their own close contacts , but it was important to remember that the country was in the middle of a global pandemic and things were not operating as normal .
He said he had spoken to some of the people impacted .
Recruitment had ramped up , he said .
There were now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked about claims that some of those working on contact tracing were on zero hours contracts , the Minister said that he had asked the HSE for a full report on the contracts being given to such workers .

A further three coronavirus-related deaths and 1,066 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in the Republic as the country entered its first day of a six-week lockdown.
This brings the total number of deaths related to the disease in the State to 1,871 and the total number of confirmed cases to 54,476.
Of the cases reported on Thursday, 244 were in Dublin, 104 in Galway, 98 in Cork, 92 in Meath, with the remaining 528 spread across the rest of the country.
Hospital Report
The median age of the people who tested positive is 32 with 67 per cent under 45 years of age.
READ MORE
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Heather Burns said: “The 14-day incidence was at three per 100,000 at the end of June, today it is 302 per 100,000 population. The risk of you being exposed to Covid-19 is now 100 times greater than it was four months ago. Please limit your risk by staying at home and following public health advice.”
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the Nphet modelling group said the reproduction number was now 1.3-1.4 nationally. “If we work hard together to get the reproduction number to 0.5, we should succeed in reducing cases to below 100 a day in six weeks time.”
Earlier, the chief executive of the HSE Paul Reid apologised to the 2,000 people who tested positive for Covid-19 and were asked to forward a text to their own close contacts.
“It’s an unfortunate situation, I regret it,” Mr Reid said on Thursday.
The Level 5 restrictions introduced on Thursday, which are among the most severe in Europe, will be enforced by new powers for gardaí which are expected to be in place by next week, according to the Government.
Thousands of retail premises and other businesses shut their doors on Wednesday night, while hundreds of thousands of workers will now be obliged to work from home from Thursday.
The Irish Times reported on Tuesday that thousands of close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases from over a three-day period would not be contacted by the HSE because the contact tracing system was overwhelmed by cases last weekend.
Instead, the HSE on Wednesday asked 2,000-2,500 people who had tested positive for Covid to tell their close contacts to contact their GPs immediately to seek a test.
Speaking on RTÉ radio's Today with Claire Byrne show on Thursday, Mr Reid said what had happened with contact tracing at the weekend was a cause of concern, but it was not a decision that was taken lightly.
“We were not catching up on the backlog over the weekend,” he said.
Despite recruiting an extra 70 contact tracers per week, the “huge surge” in the past 10 days “did catch us.”
The recruitment process had not caught up with the surge in cases, he said. The recruitment campaign which commenced on September 7th saw 2,000 people apply and 800 interviews were held over five weeks. There were now 500 working in contact tracing with the plan to build up to 800 in the next few weeks.
Exiting lockdown
Meanwhile Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said an exit from Level 5 in December could be on a “region by region” basis depending on a range of factors.
Mr Donnelly said the decision to move to Level 5 restrictions was “a pre-emptive strike” and although the hospital services were “okay” at present, if the decision to go into lockdown had not been made, such services would have suffered.
Speaking on RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland, Mr Donnelly said that at the end of the six-week period the Government, along with the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), will look carefully at the situation at that time in order to establish how best to exit Level 5.
Mr Donnelly also denied that the contact tracing system has fallen down. It was not correct to say this as in the past six weeks there had been a 400 per cent increase in calls, he said.
For a short period last weekend there had been a “one-off situation” where demand had outstripped supply and a one-off “operational decision” was made to reset the system, Mr Donnelly said, and the HSE had assured him that it would not happen again.
In an ideal world that would not have happened, he said and he was willing to apologise to those asked to call their own close contacts, but it was important to remember that the country was in the middle of a global pandemic and things were not operating as normal. He said he had spoken to some of the people impacted.
Recruitment had ramped up, he said. There were now “significantly” more staff in place.
When asked about claims that some of those working on contact tracing were on zero hours contracts, the Minister said that he had asked the HSE for a full report on the contracts being given to such workers.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--John Gilligan arrested along with two others in southern Spain

Former drugs gang leader John Gilligan has been arrested in the Alicante area of Spain where he moved following attempts on his life in Ireland .
Garda sources said they were aware of Gilligan ’ s arrest but are still trying to establish why he had been detained by Spanish police on the Costa Blanca .
The Irish Times understands Dubliner Gilligan ( 68 ) was arrested with two other men .
One of those men is Irish and has been well known to Gilligan for decades .
The identity of the third man arrested was not clear .
Gilligan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time while running his drugs empire and at one point owned a pub - The Judges Chamber near Alicante - with associates .
Gardaí were making inquiries with the authorities in southern Spain on Thursday in a bid to establish the circumstances of his arrest .
Members of his drugs gang shot dead Veronica Guerin in 1996 .
Gilligan was found not guilty of that murder though he was jailed on drugs trafficking charges .
He emerged from Portlaoise Prison in October , 2013 , after serving 17 years .
Most of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a short period added for threatening to kill a prison officer .
In early December 2013 , when Gilligan had been free for six weeks ; two gunmen walked into the Halfway House Pub in Ashtown , north Dublin .
Gardaí believe they were looking for him .
Gilligan was less than 1km away in the Hole in the Wall Pub at the time .
He was formally issued with a warning by gardaí that his life was in danger .
For a period he was driven around by a minder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of months later , at the end of February 2014 , Gilligan was again targeted .
This time he was shot and wounded at his brother ’ s house in Clondalkin .
Photos emerged of him in a wheelchair after the attack and he fled to the UK for a period .
Exactly two weeks after the attack that almost killed Gilligan , Stephen ‘ Dougie ’ Moran , who had been driving him around in Dublin , was shot dead at his home in Lucan on the evening of March 15th .

Former drugs gang leader John Gilligan has been arrested in the Alicante area of Spain where he moved following attempts on his life in Ireland. Video: Policía Nacional
Former drugs gang leader John Gilligan has been arrested in the Alicante area of Spain where he moved following attempts on his life in Ireland.
Garda sources said they were aware of Gilligan’s arrest but are still trying to establish why he had been detained by Spanish police on the Costa Blanca.
The Irish Times understands Dubliner Gilligan (68) was arrested with two other men.
One of those men is Irish and has been well known to Gilligan for decades.
READ MORE
The identity of the third man arrested was not clear.
Gilligan has links to Spain where he spent time while running his drugs empire and at one point owned a pub - The Judges Chamber near Alicante - with associates.
Gardaí were making inquiries with the authorities in southern Spain on Thursday in a bid to establish the circumstances of his arrest.
Members of his drugs gang shot dead Veronica Guerin in 1996.
Gilligan was found not guilty of that murder though he was jailed on drugs trafficking charges.
He emerged from Portlaoise Prison in October, 2013, after serving 17 years. Most of that time was served on a drug-dealing sentence, with a short period added for threatening to kill a prison officer.
In early December 2013, when Gilligan had been free for six weeks; two gunmen walked into the Halfway House Pub in Ashtown, north Dublin.
Gardaí believe they were looking for him.
Gilligan was less than 1km away in the Hole in the Wall Pub at the time.
He was formally issued with a warning by gardaí that his life was in danger. For a period he was driven around by a minder in a bulletproof car.
A couple of months later, at the end of February 2014, Gilligan was again targeted. This time he was shot and wounded at his brother's house in Clondalkin. Photos emerged of him in a wheelchair after the attack and he fled to the UK for a period.
Exactly two weeks after the attack that almost killed Gilligan, Stephen 'Dougie' Moran, who had been driving him around in Dublin, was shot dead at his home in Lucan on the evening of March 15th.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--China’s scaled-up climate targets send ‘a pointed message to US’

China ’ s ramping-up of climate ambitions “ would make a profound contribution ” to efforts seeking to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 2 degrees in line with Paris agreement targets , according to analysis by the Institute of International & European Affairs ( IIEA ) .
Beijing ’ s recent declaration that it will hit peak greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060 , is “ a significant shift ” in the global climate agenda , the IIEA concludes – and is driven by geostrategic considerations , energy security concerns , intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its middle-class .
In the geopolitical context , the paper adds , the move was primarily driven by the deterioration of US-Chinese bilateral climate relations since the election of president Donald Trump in 2016 , and the US pulling out of the Paris climate pact .
Mr Trump stated he believes climate change is “ a hoax ” and “ the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive ” .
China ’ s president Xi Jinping has sent “ a pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his country ’ s ambitious climate agenda in advance of the upcoming presidential election ” , while attempting to offset any scaled-up demands or pressure that may arise should Joe Biden be successful , the paper adds .
“ The US is now the only major polluting country which has yet to set a target to end its contribution to the climate crisis.
” In addition , ambitious climate action may deliver some geopolitical cover for China , argues author Luke O ’ Callaghan-White , IIEA researcher on climate and energy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action efforts may deliver geostrategic and reputational benefits to China as it navigates a trade war with the US , and faces international sanctions in response to its mass internment of Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang province , and its promulgation of a robust state security law in Hong Kong , ” he adds .
Given China ’ s unsustainable energy mix ( it is currently responsible for 28 per cent of global emissions and 25 per cent of the world ’ s coal ) , a big shift in its energy mix was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its ambition was not ” .
China is already a leader in renewables – accounting for 70 per cent of the world ’ s solar panel production and 45 per of the world ’ s investment in renewable energy – and set to become a renewable energy superpower .
Covid-19 has had a major impact on the global energy sector , and though China produces more coal than any other country , it still relies on imports to meet demand .
Moreover , “ much of China ’ s foreign energy supply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions , ” O ’ Callaghan-White notes .
“ By producing more of its own clean energy , China will reduce its reliance on fuel imports and the risks of energy disruption which could compromise its economic and geopolitical agenda.
” The announcement was also prompted by overcrowding in urban areas , where more than 700 million people live .
This “ intensifies smog and environmental degradation in cities .
Air pollution is estimated to be responsible for more than 1 million deaths every year in China.
” While political dissent and protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in recent years major demonstrations voicing dissatisfaction with air quality took place in many Chinese cities .
It led to Mr Xi vowing to clean up air and water quality and to make China an “ ecological civilisation ” .
The government ’ s new climate pledge may serve as a signal to the Chinese people it is serious about taking sustained action to improve air quality in its cities , the paper suggests .
Meanwhile , to maintain the support of a growing middle-class constituency , the Chinese government needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and climate action ” .
China ’ s climate-neutral pledge is likely to not only “ strengthen global efforts to reduce rising temperatures , it will also coincide with a positive impact on China ’ s economic power and competitiveness , ” the paper concludes .
China ’ s heft and significant climate ambitions could have a transformative impact on international “ green ” energy markets , it notes .
“ This would leave China well-placed considering its technological expertise in renewables has established it as a leading exporter of clean energy technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which lends impetus to the country ’ s economic growth.
” While the European Commission has sought to consolidate the EU ’ s global leadership role in developing renewable hydrogen fuel , “ European companies may lose out to a China committed to carbon neutrality given the size of the Chinese market and the benefits that accrue from its economies of scale , ” it warns .
The report , Course Correction : China Is Going Carbon Neutral , is available from iiea.com

The upcoming US election has been described as 'the most important election in our lifetimes' by environmental scientists. Video: Enda O'Dowd
China’s ramping-up of climate ambitions “would make a profound contribution” to efforts seeking to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 2 degrees in line with Paris agreement targets, according to analysis by the Institute of International & European Affairs (IIEA).
Beijing's recent declaration that it will hit peak greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060, is "a significant shift" in the global climate agenda, the IIEA concludes – and is driven by geostrategic considerations, energy security concerns, intense urbanisation in China, and exponential growth of its middle-class.
In the geopolitical context, the paper adds, the move was primarily driven by the deterioration of US-Chinese bilateral climate relations since the election of president Donald Trump in 2016, and the US pulling out of the Paris climate pact. Mr Trump stated he believes climate change is "a hoax" and "the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive".
China's president Xi Jinping has sent "a pointed geopolitical message to the US by outlining his country's ambitious climate agenda in advance of the upcoming presidential election", while attempting to offset any scaled-up demands or pressure that may arise should Joe Biden be successful, the paper adds. "The US is now the only major polluting country which has yet to set a target to end its contribution to the climate crisis."
READ MORE
Geopolitical cover
In addition, ambitious climate action may deliver some geopolitical cover for China, argues author Luke O’Callaghan-White, IIEA researcher on climate and energy.
"Taking a leadership role in international climate action efforts may deliver geostrategic and reputational benefits to China as it navigates a trade war with the US, and faces international sanctions in response to its mass internment of Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang province, and its promulgation of a robust state security law in Hong Kong, " he adds.
Given China’s unsustainable energy mix (it is currently responsible for 28 per cent of global emissions and 25 per cent of the world’s coal), a big shift in its energy mix was anticipated, but “the scale of its ambition was not”.
The announcement was also prompted by overcrowding in urban areas, where more than 700 million people live
China is already a leader in renewables – accounting for 70 per cent of the world’s solar panel production and 45 per of the world’s investment in renewable energy – and set to become a renewable energy superpower.
Covid-19 has had a major impact on the global energy sector, and though China produces more coal than any other country, it still relies on imports to meet demand. Moreover, “much of China’s foreign energy supply, including oil, comes from politically destabilised regions,” O’Callaghan-White notes.
“By producing more of its own clean energy, China will reduce its reliance on fuel imports and the risks of energy disruption which could compromise its economic and geopolitical agenda.”
The announcement was also prompted by overcrowding in urban areas, where more than 700 million people live. This “intensifies smog and environmental degradation in cities. Air pollution is estimated to be responsible for more than 1 million deaths every year in China.”
Demonstrations
While political dissent and protest is rare and harshly punished in China, in recent years major demonstrations voicing dissatisfaction with air quality took place in many Chinese cities. It led to Mr Xi vowing to clean up air and water quality and to make China an “ecological civilisation”.
The government’s new climate pledge may serve as a signal to the Chinese people it is serious about taking sustained action to improve air quality in its cities, the paper suggests. Meanwhile, to maintain the support of a growing middle-class constituency, the Chinese government needs to be seen to pursue “robust environmental and climate action”.
China’s climate-neutral pledge is likely to not only “strengthen global efforts to reduce rising temperatures, it will also coincide with a positive impact on China’s economic power and competitiveness,” the paper concludes.
China’s heft and significant climate ambitions could have a transformative impact on international “green” energy markets, it notes. “This would leave China well-placed considering its technological expertise in renewables has established it as a leading exporter of clean energy technology, creating a balance of trade advantage which lends impetus to the country’s economic growth.”
While the European Commission has sought to consolidate the EU's global leadership role in developing renewable hydrogen fuel, "European companies may lose out to a China committed to carbon neutrality given the size of the Chinese market and the benefits that accrue from its economies of scale," it warns.
The report, Course Correction: China Is Going Carbon Neutral, is available from iiea.com


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Thousands of gardaí mount checkpoints and patrol parks, beauty spots

Gardaí have started a major high visibility policing operation to coincide with the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions being introduced nationwide .
Under the Government ’ s five-tiered framework for living with the virus , the Republic moved to Level 5 restrictions at midnight on Wednesday for six weeks .
Gardaí said they were introducing a range of measures including high visibility patrols and rolling checkpoints on the country ’ s main roads to coincide with the imposition of the new measures .
There will be over 2,500 Gardai on duty at any one time to ensure compliance with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkpoints on motorways introduced earlier this month will remain and will be supplemented by hundreds of rolling checkpoints on main and secondary roads .
Gardaí said there would also be patrols in parks , natural beauty spots , and public amenities .
They will also continue to assist vulnerable people , in particular those who are isolated and victims of domestic abuse .
Training in the Garda College will be suspended for the next nine weeks except for specialist training activity .
It will allow 200 Garda trainees and 60 gardaí working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-line policing .
Where possible gardaí in administrative roles will be re-deployed to operational duties .
The 12-hour contingency roster will be extended until the end of March 2021 .
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said : “ There was very good compliance by the public with the travel restrictions when they were in place before .
It is vital that we see that high level of compliance again this time .
The public health advice is clear .
This will help save lives .
“ In particular , we would ask people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or travel outside the 5km limit unless it meets the essential criteria.
” He added that the Garda was continuing with its graduated response of policing by consent .
“ This is a difficult time for everybody , but if we all work together we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect our families , friends and neighbours , ” the commissioner said .
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said gardaí had been helping vulnerable people and those who feel isolated throughout the pandemic and would continue to do so .
“ Gardai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had socially distanced contacts , ” he said .
“ If people need such assistance or know someone who does , please contact your local Garda station .
We are here to help.
” - PA Jennifer Bray writes : Under new legislation agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday night , gardaí will be empowered to arrive at a property and direct that any gathering or party in breach of public health guidelines be stopped .
People who breach other aspects of the six-week lockdown , such as the 5km travel restriction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum fine will be €500 but it is likely that the starting fine could be much lower , potentially €60 , although this detail has yet to be agreed and does not feature in the legislation .
The Government has said it intends to enact the new law “ as soon as possible.
” At this moment in time , it appears that it will be the end of next week at the earliest before the measures are signed into law .

There will be over 2,500 gardaí on duty at any one time during the six-week lockdown. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
Gardaí have started a major high visibility policing operation to coincide with the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions being introduced nationwide.
Under the Government’s five-tiered framework for living with the virus, the Republic moved to Level 5 restrictions at midnight on Wednesday for six weeks.
Gardaí said they were introducing a range of measures including high visibility patrols and rolling checkpoints on the country’s main roads to coincide with the imposition of the new measures.
Hospital Report
There will be over 2,500 Gardai on duty at any one time to ensure compliance with the public health guidelines.
READ MORE
The 132 static checkpoints on motorways introduced earlier this month will remain and will be supplemented by hundreds of rolling checkpoints on main and secondary roads.
Gardaí said there would also be patrols in parks, natural beauty spots, and public amenities.
They will also continue to assist vulnerable people, in particular those who are isolated and victims of domestic abuse.
Training in the Garda College will be suspended for the next nine weeks except for specialist training activity.
It will allow 200 Garda trainees and 60 gardaí working as tutors and instructors to be transferred to front-line policing.
Where possible gardaí in administrative roles will be re-deployed to operational duties.
The 12-hour contingency roster will be extended until the end of March 2021.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "There was very good compliance by the public with the travel restrictions when they were in place before. It is vital that we see that high level of compliance again this time. The public health advice is clear. This will help save lives.
“In particular, we would ask people to think about their journeys and not exercise or travel outside the 5km limit unless it meets the essential criteria.”
He added that the Garda was continuing with its graduated response of policing by consent.
“This is a difficult time for everybody, but if we all work together we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect our families, friends and neighbours,” the commissioner said.
Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said gardaí had been helping vulnerable people and those who feel isolated throughout the pandemic and would continue to do so.
“Gardai have collected prescriptions, delivered pensions and had socially distanced contacts,” he said.
“If people need such assistance or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.” - PA
Jennifer Bray writes: Under new legislation agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday night, gardaí will be empowered to arrive at a property and direct that any gathering or party in breach of public health guidelines be stopped. People who breach other aspects of the six-week lockdown, such as the 5km travel restriction, face on the spot fines. The maximum fine will be €500 but it is likely that the starting fine could be much lower, potentially €60, although this detail has yet to be agreed and does not feature in the legislation.
The Government has said it intends to enact the new law “as soon as possible.” At this moment in time, it appears that it will be the end of next week at the earliest before the measures are signed into law.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--Welcome to Level Five: what does it all mean?

As of midnight Wednesday , the Republic moved into Level 5 of the Government ’ s restrictions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic .
The restrictions are expected to be place for the next six weeks , meaning Irish life changes fundamentally from Thursday .
Here we explain exactly what will be different .
First things first , one thing that – for now at least – will stay the same is schools and childcare facilities .
These are to remain open , notwithstanding some disquiet from teachers and unions in relation to safety matters .
Non-contact training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors in pods of 15 .
All other training activities should be individual only , with some exemptions .
Some good news is that the moratorium on evictions has been reinstated and that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme have been amended to provide further supports to businesses and employees who get laid off .
The Government said it was taking these steps to reflect the difficulties these restrictions place on individuals and families across the State , the risk of job losses and of poverty and homelessness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are asked to stay at home and to work from home unless providing an essential service for which their physical presence is required .
A list of these can be found on the Government ’ s website .
People are permitted to exercise , but only within a radius of 5km of their home .
And yes , there are penalties for anyone found to be in breach of this .
That being said , there are some exemptions .
Once again , these include those doing essential work and those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purposes include shopping for – there ’ s that word again – essential items ; travelling to and from work ; attending medical appointments and collecting medicines and other health products .
Other exemptions include “ vital family reasons ” such as providing care to children , the elderly , or vulnerable people , and in particular for those who live alone .
You are also allowed an exemption for farming purposes such as caring for animals .
Furthermore , there are exemptions for weddings and funerals at which up to 25 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemption is for visiting a grave .
There should be no visits to other people ’ s homes or gardens .
However , there will be the concept of an extended household , or support bubble , for certain people to support those at risk of social isolation and/or mental health risks .
No social or family gatherings should take place .
However , it is possible to meet with one other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden , such as a park , including for exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or outdoor events , but essential retail and essential services will remain open .
These include banks , pharmacies , launderettes and so on .
A full list can be found on the Government ’ s website .
Public transport will operate at 25 per cent capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work .
School transport is unaffected .
Professional , elite sports and inter-county Gaelic games , horseracing and greyhound racing can continue behind closed doors .
Bars , cafes , restaurants and wet pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wet pubs in Dublin remain closed .
Hotels , guesthouses and B & Bs may remain open , but only to support provision of essential services .
Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to “ continue to exercise personal judgment ” , but it is recommended that they stay at home as much as possible , limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time , while remaining physically distanced .
When taking exercise outdoors , it is important to maintain two metres distance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
It is recommended to shop during designated hours only , while wearing a face covering , and to avoid public transport .
Religious services will be available online .
Museums , galleries and other cultural attractions will remain closed , while libraries will be available for online services only .
Outdoor playgrounds , play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures , but visits to long term residential care facilities , like nursing homes , are suspended with the exception of visits required for critical and compassionate circumstances .

As of midnight Wednesday, the Republic moved into Level 5 of the Government’s restrictions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The restrictions are expected to be place for the next six weeks, meaning Irish life changes fundamentally from Thursday. Here we explain exactly what will be different.
First things first, one thing that – for now at least – will stay the same is schools and childcare facilities. These are to remain open, notwithstanding some disquiet from teachers and unions in relation to safety matters.
Non-contact training will continue for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15. All other training activities should be individual only, with some exemptions.
READ MORE
Some good news is that the moratorium on evictions has been reinstated and that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme have been amended to provide further supports to businesses and employees who get laid off.
The Government said it was taking these steps to reflect the difficulties these restrictions place on individuals and families across the State, the risk of job losses and of poverty and homelessness.
Stay at home
But now comes the hard part. People are asked to stay at home and to work from home unless providing an essential service for which their physical presence is required. A list of these can be found on the Government’s website.
People are permitted to exercise, but only within a radius of 5km of their home. And yes, there are penalties for anyone found to be in breach of this.
That being said, there are some exemptions. Once again, these include those doing essential work and those who have “essential purposes”.
Essential purposes include shopping for – there’s that word again – essential items; travelling to and from work; attending medical appointments and collecting medicines and other health products.
Other exemptions include “vital family reasons” such as providing care to children, the elderly, or vulnerable people, and in particular for those who live alone. You are also allowed an exemption for farming purposes such as caring for animals.
Furthermore, there are exemptions for weddings and funerals at which up to 25 people are allowed to attend. The last exemption is for visiting a grave.
There should be no visits to other people’s homes or gardens. However, there will be the concept of an extended household, or support bubble, for certain people to support those at risk of social isolation and/or mental health risks.
No social or family gatherings should take place. However, it is possible to meet with one other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for exercise.
Retail
There will be no organised indoor or outdoor events, but essential retail and essential services will remain open. These include banks, pharmacies, launderettes and so on. A full list can be found on the Government’s website.
Public transport will operate at 25 per cent capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. School transport is unaffected.
Professional, elite sports and inter-county Gaelic games, horseracing and greyhound racing can continue behind closed doors.
Bars, cafes, restaurants and wet pubs may provide take-away and delivery services only. Wet pubs in Dublin remain closed. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs may remain open, but only to support provision of essential services.
Those aged over 70 and the medically vulnerable are advised to “continue to exercise personal judgment”, but it is recommended that they stay at home as much as possible, limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced.
When taking exercise outdoors, it is important to maintain two metres distance from others and to wash hands on returning home. It is recommended to shop during designated hours only, while wearing a face covering, and to avoid public transport.
Religious services will be available online. Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions will remain closed, while libraries will be available for online services only.
Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks will remain open with protective measures, but visits to long term residential care facilities, like nursing homes, are suspended with the exception of visits required for critical and compassionate circumstances.


theirishtimes--2020-10-22--£700m ‘wasted by delays and overruns’ in 11 key northern infrastructure projects

A total of £700m was wasted by delays and budget overruns on 11 of Northern Ireland ’ s highest priority infrastructure projects , according to a report published on Thursday by the Northern Assembly ’ s Public Accounts Committee ( PAC ) .
The committee chairman , the DUP MLA William Humphrey , said the committee was “ shocked ” by their findings , which were “ apparent across the entire range of high value and flagship projects.
” The £700m “ could have been better invested in our schools , hospitals , roads and transport networks , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee included the upgrades to the A6 and A5 roads , the Belfast Mother and Children ’ s Hospital , public transport infrastructure in Belfast , Ulster University ’ s Greater Belfast development and regional and sub-regional sports stadia , such as Casement Park , the Kingspan Stadium and Windsor Park .
The PAC estimates that by the end of March 2021 , more than £14.8bn will have been spent on the 11 projects .
The committee made 15 recommendations , including the need for accountability for delivery at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital projects .
The system for commissioning and delivering major capital projects was , it said , “ over-complicated ” and “ there remains a need to assess the extent to which alternative structures could improve project delivery.
” The report also concluded that many of the issues “ could have been reduced if , at the outset of projects , departments had fully considered , and planned for , project risks and engaged adequately with planners , local communities and special interest groups.
” This was “ particularly evident ” , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Casement Park project .
Last week the North ’ s Minister for Infrastructure , Nichola Mallon , recommended planning approval for a new GAA stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast .
Plans to develop the now virtually derelict stadium have been stalled amid legal and planning rows for about seven years .
The committee said it had been “ appalled ” to learn that advice from experienced , external consultants was only sought after initial planning permission was quashed , and it was “ incredible ” that the issue of traffic at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed at the start of the project .
In consequence , it recommended that “ expert advice is sought , and acted upon , by departments at the outset of projects.
” The Department for Communities ’ experience with Casement Park , the Committee said , “ clearly illustrates the consequences of failing to undertake effective engagement with local communities at the outset of projects ” and “ without community confidence and buy-in to the project , much upset was caused , significant project delays were encountered and development costs more than doubled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the committee ’ s view , could have been avoided.
” The report also noted the delays associated with securing planning permission and judicial reviews , and recommended that the civil service works with the judiciary to simplify and improve the process , including reviewing the bar for taking judicial reviews .
It was “ vitally important ” , the report found , that senior staff in projects “ have relevant experience and are retained throughout life of projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
” “ These important capital projects should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the delays and excess costs , ” Mr Humphrey said .
“ We are clear that the departments involved , and the civil service , need to make the improvements we have outlined in our recommendations .
”

Last week the North’s Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, recommended planning approval for a new GAA stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A total of £700m was wasted by delays and budget overruns on 11 of Northern Ireland's highest priority infrastructure projects, according to a report published on Thursday by the Northern Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The committee chairman, the DUP MLA William Humphrey, said the committee was "shocked" by their findings, which were "apparent across the entire range of high value and flagship projects."
The £700m “could have been better invested in our schools, hospitals, roads and transport networks,” he said.
The projects considered by the committee included the upgrades to the A6 and A5 roads, the Belfast Mother and Children's Hospital, public transport infrastructure in Belfast, Ulster University's Greater Belfast development and regional and sub-regional sports stadia, such as Casement Park, the Kingspan Stadium and Windsor Park.
READ MORE
The PAC estimates that by the end of March 2021, more than £14.8bn will have been spent on the 11 projects.
The committee made 15 recommendations, including the need for accountability for delivery at the top of the civil service and central monitoring of major capital projects.
The system for commissioning and delivering major capital projects was, it said, “over-complicated” and “there remains a need to assess the extent to which alternative structures could improve project delivery.”
The report also concluded that many of the issues “could have been reduced if, at the outset of projects, departments had fully considered, and planned for, project risks and engaged adequately with planners, local communities and special interest groups.”
This was “particularly evident”, the committee said, in regard to the Casement Park project.
Last week the North's Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, recommended planning approval for a new GAA stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast.
Plans to develop the now virtually derelict stadium have been stalled amid legal and planning rows for about seven years.
The committee said it had been “appalled” to learn that advice from experienced, external consultants was only sought after initial planning permission was quashed, and it was “incredible” that the issue of traffic at the stadium had not been foreseen and addressed at the start of the project.
In consequence, it recommended that “expert advice is sought, and acted upon, by departments at the outset of projects.”
The Department for Communities’ experience with Casement Park, the Committee said, “clearly illustrates the consequences of failing to undertake effective engagement with local communities at the outset of projects” and “without community confidence and buy-in to the project, much upset was caused, significant project delays were encountered and development costs more than doubled.
“That is not acceptable and, in the committee’s view, could have been avoided.”
The report also noted the delays associated with securing planning permission and judicial reviews, and recommended that the civil service works with the judiciary to simplify and improve the process, including reviewing the bar for taking judicial reviews.
It was “vitally important”, the report found, that senior staff in projects “have relevant experience and are retained throughout life of projects to ensure transparency and accountability.”
“These important capital projects should and could have been delivered without many of the delays and excess costs,” Mr Humphrey said.
“We are clear that the departments involved, and the civil service, need to make the improvements we have outlined in our recommendations.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-23--Young people ‘sick of being told what not to do’, says WHO’s Mike Ryan

There is “ too much of the nanny state ” about the way in which young people are scolded about their behaviour around Covid-19 , Dr Mike Ryan has said .
The Irish-born World Health Organisation executive director said young people were “ sick of being told what not to do ” and governments risked losing them in their messaging .
He suggested there needed to be a more positive message of self-empowerment and that advice to young people should be couched in more positive language .
“ We have not empowered people to be their own risk managers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what to do , ” he said .
“ No human being can sustain that , particularly young people .
We are losing our youth by having that kind of a negative view.
” Speaking at the MacGill Summer School , which is being held online because of the pandemic , Dr Ryan said people forced into quarantine need to be supported and appreciated more .
“ It ’ s not about sticking somone in a hotel room or the spare room and leaving them there for 14 days and hoping that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone insane in the meantime .
We are talking about supportive quarantine , ” he explained .
“ It ’ s a situation where you thank and honour the person who is voluntarily removing themselves from society on behalf of us all .
Can we support that person doing that ?
” “ If we could identify a higher proportion of cases and ask close contacts to quarantine with our support , we wouldn ’ t necessarily be having lockdowns , ” he said .
Dr Ryan said there had been a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer to prepare for a second wave especially when it came to testing and tracing .
“ There was always going to be a second or third punch in this .
We have all been taken by surprise , but I don ’ t think we should have been.
” He concluded though by stating treatments are much better than they were and the number of deaths are falling .

World Health Organisation executive director Mike Ryan: “If we could identify a higher proportion of cases and ask close contacts to quarantine with our support, we wouldn’t necessarily be having lockdowns.” Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini
There is "too much of the nanny state" about the way in which young people are scolded about their behaviour around Covid-19, Dr Mike Ryan has said.
The Irish-born World Health Organisation executive director said young people were “sick of being told what not to do” and governments risked losing them in their messaging.
He suggested there needed to be a more positive message of self-empowerment and that advice to young people should be couched in more positive language.
Hospital Report
“We have not empowered people to be their own risk managers. We need to move towards telling people what to do,” he said.
READ MORE
“No human being can sustain that, particularly young people. We are losing our youth by having that kind of a negative view.”
Online event
Speaking at the MacGill Summer School, which is being held online because of the pandemic, Dr Ryan said people forced into quarantine need to be supported and appreciated more.
“It’s not about sticking somone in a hotel room or the spare room and leaving them there for 14 days and hoping that they haven’t starved to death or gone insane in the meantime. We are talking about supportive quarantine,” he explained.
“It’s a situation where you thank and honour the person who is voluntarily removing themselves from society on behalf of us all. Can we support that person doing that?”
‘Lost opportunity’
“If we could identify a higher proportion of cases and ask close contacts to quarantine with our support, we wouldn’t necessarily be having lockdowns,” he said.
Dr Ryan said there had been a "lost opportunity" across Europe during the summer to prepare for a second wave especially when it came to testing and tracing. "There was always going to be a second or third punch in this. We have all been taken by surprise, but I don't think we should have been."
He concluded though by stating treatments are much better than they were and the number of deaths are falling.


theirishtimes--2020-10-23--Garda checkpoints turn motorists back, traffic volumes drop

Gardaí were given new powers late on Wednesday night to prosecute people who were found making unnecessary journeys , and informed sources said those powers were used from early on Thursday .
Some people who were stopped at Garda checkpoints accepted their journeys were not essential and agreed to return home .
The new regulations state that nobody should “ leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse ” , including for essential work , health-related appointments or caring for vulnerable people , among others .
While gardaí were only using prosecution as a last resort , anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fined up to €2,500 and jailed for up to six months .
As a significant Garda operation , consisting of more than 130 static checkpoints and thousands of rolling checkpoints , was under way traffic congestion was reported in some areas , with very long delays on the M1 close to the Border .
Transport Infrastructure Ireland reported that traffic volume had decreased in morning rush hour by 27-66 per cent at 15 locations it tracked , compared with the same day last year .
The largest decrease was recorded on the M1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 per cent .
“ Car traffic volumes on the radial routes into Dublin this morning generally show a marked decrease compared with Thursday of last week , ” TII said .
“ Car traffic is down 9 per cent on the N7 at Citywest , and is down 11 per cent on the M1 at Swords to Dublin Airport , down 20 per cent on the M4 at Celbridge-Maynooth , and 11 per cent on the M11 at Bray.
” Separately , bus drivers have said there was “ mayhem ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as excessive numbers of passengers sought to travel on services , their trade union has said .
The National Bus and Rail Union said its members experienced difficulties trying to accommodate passengers on services across a number of routes after the new 25 per cent capacity restriction under Level 5 came into effect at midnight .
The union ’ s general secretary , Dermot O ’ Leary , said there had been “ several pinch points and locations where passengers have tried to gain access in large numbers to Dublin Bus services ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ‘ mayhem ’ , as excessive numbers of commuters tried to board buses across a range of routes .
Some Bus Éireann services have also experienced capacity constraints where demand has outstripped the Level 5 reduced capacity.
” “ Thankfully ( thus far at least ) no confrontation or conflict has been reported , though we are extremely conscious that frustration can lead to such a scenario .
We can not blame passengers , striving as they are to get to their place of work , at a time which suits their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services may , or can , be scheduled.
” Dublin Bus did not comment on the union ’ s claims .
Bus Éireann said most of its services operated close to the revised 25 per cent capacity levels on Thursday morning .

Garda checkpoint at the entrance to Phoenix Park in Dublin on the first day of a national level 5 lockdown. Photograph: Collins
Gardaí were given new powers late on Wednesday night to prosecute people who were found making unnecessary journeys, and informed sources said those powers were used from early on Thursday. Some people who were stopped at Garda checkpoints accepted their journeys were not essential and agreed to return home.
The new regulations state that nobody should “leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse”, including for essential work, health-related appointments or caring for vulnerable people, among others.
While gardaí were only using prosecution as a last resort, anyone convicted of the criminal offence could be fined up to €2,500 and jailed for up to six months.
Hospital Report
As a significant Garda operation, consisting of more than 130 static checkpoints and thousands of rolling checkpoints, was under way traffic congestion was reported in some areas, with very long delays on the M1 close to the Border.
READ MORE
Transport Infrastructure Ireland reported that traffic volume had decreased in morning rush hour by 27-66 per cent at 15 locations it tracked, compared with the same day last year. The largest decrease was recorded on the M1 close to Jonesborough, where it declined 66 per cent.
“Car traffic volumes on the radial routes into Dublin this morning generally show a marked decrease compared with Thursday of last week,” TII said.
“Car traffic is down 9 per cent on the N7 at Citywest, and is down 11 per cent on the M1 at Swords to Dublin Airport, down 20 per cent on the M4 at Celbridge-Maynooth, and 11 per cent on the M11 at Bray.”
Buses ‘mayhem’
Separately, bus drivers have said there was “mayhem” on some bus services in Dublin on Thursday as excessive numbers of passengers sought to travel on services, their trade union has said.
The National Bus and Rail Union said its members experienced difficulties trying to accommodate passengers on services across a number of routes after the new 25 per cent capacity restriction under Level 5 came into effect at midnight.
The union’s general secretary, Dermot O’Leary, said there had been “several pinch points and locations where passengers have tried to gain access in large numbers to Dublin Bus services”.
“Some drivers are describing it as ‘mayhem’, as excessive numbers of commuters tried to board buses across a range of routes. Some Bus Éireann services have also experienced capacity constraints where demand has outstripped the Level 5 reduced capacity.”
“Thankfully (thus far at least) no confrontation or conflict has been reported, though we are extremely conscious that frustration can lead to such a scenario. We cannot blame passengers, striving as they are to get to their place of work, at a time which suits their particular needs, as opposed to when services may, or can, be scheduled.”
Dublin Bus did not comment on the union’s claims.
Bus Éireann said most of its services operated close to the revised 25 per cent capacity levels on Thursday morning.