David W Higgins: Ireland is already an expensive place to visit – a tourist tax could tip us into a ‘no-go zone' for many
There are many stories of success in Irish tourism, but also those of failure. Galway Airport is one that comes to mind. At its peak the airport carried 300,000 passengers annually to and from 16 destinations.
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RTÉ News
3 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Wind farms provided 33% of Ireland's electricity so far this year
Irish wind farms have produced 33% of the country' electricity since the start of the year, new figures from Wind Energy Ireland show today. Wind Energy Ireland said around 22% of demand was meet by windfarms last month, up slightly when compared to May last year. It also said that wind farms had a significant impact on consumer bills and May marked the fourth consecutive month where average wholesale electricity prices have fallen. The average cost of a megawatt-hour of electricity was €68.66 on the windiest day, rising to an average across the month of €108.54. On the days when the country relied on imported gas, wholesale electricity prices were as high as €148.61. Kerry saw the highest wind energy output, followed by Cork and Galway in May. Noel Cunniffe, Wind Energy Ireland CEO, said that wind energy is driving down costs for consumers every month. "The more wind farms we can build, the less we are relying on imported fossil fuels, meaning lower carbon emissions and lower energy bills," he added. Meanwhile to mark Global Wind Day on 15 June, Wind Energy Ireland is inviting the public to explore their local wind farm. The "Get out in the wind" campaign celebrates the country's most abundant source of renewable electricity and the wind farms which supply clean, affordable power to Irish families and businesses. Noel Cunniffe said that Irish wind farms create jobs, support local communities, cut carbon emissions and cut energy bills. "But what people might not realise is that wind farms also have more local benefits, serving as havens for wildlife, and offering the perfect location for a variety of outdoor activities - from family walks and picnics, to hiking and biking," he said. The annual campaign helps people to understand how wind farms operate by enabling visitors to get up close to the source of more than a third of the country's electricity. Many wind farms are open to the public all year round, while several more are opening their doors for the month of June. Locations are open in Cavan, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow. Participating windfarms include Meenadreen Wind Farm in Co Donegal, whose trails form part of the scenic Leghowney Loop Walk, and Ireland's largest wind farm, Oweninny in Co Mayo.
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos
BOOZING on the beach, participating in pub crawl's and strolling shirtless through the streets are popular activities amongst Irish tourists jetting off to relax or party in Spain. But as 6 Building sandcastles may get you in some trouble in some areas Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists have been urged to stay clear of any protests Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti 6 Walking around without a shirt on could leave you facing a €600 fine (Stock Picture) Credit: Alamy The sunshine spot has been And locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists has put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. The new regulations could affect some of the nearly three million or so Irish punters expected to visit the hotspot this year. And any rule breakers could be hit with whopping fines of up to €3,000. Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink. Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. And the rule extends out to sea, covering party boats operating within one nautical mile of those towns. Those who don't follow the law could be hit with a steep fine, which starts at €500 for minor offences but rolls all the way up to €3,000. Tourists have also been warned that alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am in Spain - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage Those opting to relax at an all-inclusive resort can continue to expect sea and sunshine but have been warned that alcohol rules will apply there too. All-inclusive guests are subject to a The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are , and , Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza Big fines are being imposed on those who try to quaff more than six drinks across the day. People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering €1,500 to €3,000. ID PLEASE All tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID on their person "at all times". Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local And Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish tourists abroad that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. The DFA warned that those arrested can't always jet right back home. A spokesperson said: " If you're arrested by the Spanish police at any stage, please ensure that all judicial matters against you are resolved before you leave Spain and that you have paid any fines. " Otherwise, you may be detained when you come back to Spain and you may incur further fines or even a prison sentence ." Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent based in Ireland, also advises Irish sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." SHIRTLESS STROLL In specific areas of Spain tourists may face a fine for wearing swimwear outside of pool or areas. Going shirtless or donning a bikini while walking in specific public locations is a major no-no in some parts of Spain. And those who take the chance could be stopped by police in the street and slapped with a fine of up to €600. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. BAD BEACH BEHAVIOUR The swimwear rule is not the only new regulation to have been implemented across certain sunshine destination in Spain. In some seaside towns, entering the beach between midnight and 7am can see tourists landed with a fine worth between €750 and €1,200. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost €1,000. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening €1,200 bill while placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible €150 fine. WHY IS SPAIN CLAMPING DOWN ON TOURISTS? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to €2,000 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of €150. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, However, according to 'Frank The Stag Man', a travel agent who runs stag and hen dos in Benidorm, the fine does not include children's sandcastles and is aimed towards larger "sand architects ". ALCOHOL & DRUG CONSUMPTION The Irish government has issued warnings to Irish holidaymakers heading off to Spain to party. It said: "Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. "Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine. "There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain. "The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment. "The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs." 'STAY CLEAR' OF PROTESTS Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill on June 15 when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. Representatives of 60 groups in are among those who vowed that the date would mark their biggest protest yet. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Some cities in And the Irish government has warned tourists abroad to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. The Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. "We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. "You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain." YOU'RE GETTING TAXED A NUMBER of popular Spanish tourist destinations have a tourist tax in place. Popular regions like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia are among those who charge tourists a tax often added to their accomodation bill. However, some hotspots have confirmed that the tax on tourists will be upped this year. In the Balearic Islands, overnight charges may rise depending on the quality of the accommodation. The Balearic Islands include holiday hotspots such as Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. Cruise ship passengers visiting the popular region will be hit with a 200 per cent increase in tax. In Barcelona, the tourist tax is set to double per person per night. But children under 16 are exempt in both cases. CAP ON CARS & CARAVANS Ibiza has this month introduced a limit on the number of tourists cars and caravans that can visit the hugely popular holiday island. From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these vehicles will be allowed to be rental cars and the other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or Palma. And Irish tourists planning on taking a drive to the sunshine spots have been warned vehicles must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. I biza Island Council President Vicent Marí insisted the island is "not closing the door the door to tourists". He said: We're introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. "This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment. "We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused." 6 Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink (Stock Picture) Credit: Getty Images 6 Thousands took to the streets of Tenerife to protest about mass tourism last month Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists must have a valid ID on their person 'at all times' in Spain Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Extra.ie
18 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Cork beauty Chloe Loughnan pays flying visit to Dublin for glam event
Cork beauty Chloe Loughnan, was in tip-top form as she paid a fleeting but fabulous visit to Dublin this week. A native of Blackrock in Cork, Chloe has in recent years established herself as a TV presenter and celebrity in Turkey, where she had been living for many years. In addition to making a mark on Turkish TV, Chloe is also making waves stateside, where she landed a gig hosting a showbiz news-style show on American scenes. Chloe Loughnan. Pic: Instagram Over the past 13 years, globetrotter Chloe has modelled in Ireland, Paris, the US and Istanbul, where she branched into TV, launched her own range of juices and set up a swimwear brand. Speaking to Extra at the launch of OXG latest hair products in the swanky environs of Number 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Chloe was in fantastic form and looking her usual stunning-self. Chloe Loughnan. Pic: Instagram 'I present a show over there that's like a daily news style show so I'm just waiting to get a date then I'll be heading off.' Chloe, who is signed on to the books of model agent Andrea Roche Model & Influencer Agency, had been married to Turkey's most best known presenter for many years. Chloe Loughnan. Pic: Instagram During the course of her nine-year marriage, the Irish beauty learned to speak fluent Turkish so perfectly that she landed a major hosting gig on Turkish television. Since the end of her marriage Chloe has seen her career go from strength-to-strength, and she still regularly appears, not only on Turkish telly, but is also a frequent face on the U.S showbiz circuit. Chloe Loughnan. Pic: Instagram But while she enjoys flitting around the world Chloe says she loves nothing more than coming home to Ireland. 'I love coming home. It's so great to see my family and friends and catch up with everyone. And I really love coming to Dublin, especially in the summer on sunny days like today.. And to be in a room with just a fabulous bunch of women is just amazing.' Chloe Loughnan. Pic: Instagram 'And to be in a room with just a fabulous bunch of women is just amazing.'
