Letters: Housing is not as complex as we're led to believe – if focus is taken off wealth
It requires only that those with their hands on the levers of power approach the issue with the sole focus of ensuring an adequate supply of fit-for-purpose housing, rather than straining every sinew creating and sustaining a source of wealth for the chosen few.
Jim O'Sullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo
I am risking the wrath of the weather gods – pray for my barbecue hopes
I feel I must apologise to the Irish nation in advance. I intend to barbecue tomorrow.
I realise this virtually guarantees the immediate collapse of the high-pressure system currently blessing our shores.
The gods of weather, as we know, are petty and vindictive, and nothing tempts their wrath quite like the sight of someone confidently wheeling out a barbecue, charcoal at the ready, burgers defrosting, with dangerous optimism.
Still, hope springs eternal, and the delicious Armagh delicacy, vegetable roll, is already sitting in the fridge.
I ask only for forgiveness – and perhaps a brief, merciful window of sunshine between 1pm and 3pm.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
'Irish Independent' bang on the money – let's bask in this glorious sunshine
Your editorial is spot on ('Make the most of this welcome weather, we don't see it too often', July 11).
Even when we see the sunshine, we don't always feel its warmth with that annoying cold east wind that seems to shadow us for most of the year.
Sunshine is the best daily medicine for our body, mind and soul. So soak it in to a factor of 50 and let those shadows fall away behind you.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin
Daily horrors of corporal punishment in schools must be investigated
Education Minister Helen McEntee has announced the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into sexual abuse in all day and boarding schools.
I attended Willow Park and Blackrock College as a boarder in the 1960s. Sadly, I experienced many years of physical and mental abuse.
It is very disappointing that corporal punishment, suffered by so many in this country, has not been included in this investigation.
Any kind of abuse, be it sexual or otherwise, stays with victims for the rest of their lives.
Brian McDevitt, Glenties, Co Donegal
How dare Netanyahu talk of peace prizes while bombs still being dropped
I concur with the gist of your editorial ('Talking about peace prizes as bombs fall is in appalling taste,' July 10) that Benjamin Netanyahu's nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is distasteful.
Israel has always enacted a system of oppression, colonialism and hegemony in historical Palestine.
Its policies were intended to spur territorial fragmentation, segregation, displacement of indigenous people, dispossession of lands and properties and the utter revocation of political, social, cultural, religious and economic rights.
Until Israel dismantles its repugnant apartheid system and addresses the underlying causes of this intractable conflict, peace will remain a mirage.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London
Effort that went into the July 12 hate bonfire shows how far we still have to go
The time, effort and energy that went into the construction of the bonfire in Moygashel ahead of the commemorations of The Twelfth, as well as the placards and 'migrant boat' on the top, must have been considerable ('Act that fuels racism – outrage as 'migrant boat' placed on top of loyalist bonfire in Co Tyrone', Irish Independent, July 9). It is not the first bonfire controversy, and is unlikely to be the last.
One wonders if it is time to bring down peace walls, do away with segregated schooling and deploy a concerted effort at cross-border relationship-building and foster community civic engagement in the true spirit of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.
Stephen O'Hara, Carrowmore, Co Sligo
Life is fleeting and time moves fast, so be sure to be present in the moment
There is no doubt that life moves pretty fast. If one does not stop and look around once in a while, one could miss it.
Someone recently said they were just minding their own business when all of a sudden 1975 was 50 years ago.
Even though we are passing through life, we should never stop having fun.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Unbiased reporting on Trump might help build better ties with the US
The heading of your editorial of July 4 ('In Trumpian world, our rich ties to US need to be solidified') is somewhat contradicted by the reference in July 8's 'Donald Trump now unhappily president of the US'.
Somewhat undiplomatic, don't you think? Of course, it is in line with utterances from our Government and media. All of this doesn't look like consolidating our ties with the US.
Generally, is it not time to promote balanced and factual reporting on the US, not dependent on biased reporting constantly lamenting Trump's election?
Do we not care enough to seek accommodation rather than confrontation?
Mary Stewart, Donegal town
Rebel County really likes to slather it on thick, but this takes it to a new level
RTÉ says the council is giving out free factor-50 in Cork city parks. We don't want to rub the Rebels up the wrong way, nor do we want them getting any redder.
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Storm Floris: Full list of Irish travel updates including Bus Eireann, Luas and major airports amid power outages
A few flights were cancelled at Dublin Airport and Belfast City Airport A NUMBER of public transport services have issued travel updates as Storm Floris batters the country. As many public transport services maintain their services during the disruptive weather event, some experience travel disruptions due to the arrival of the storm. 6 Storm Floris is currently battering Ireland, bringing chaos to the country Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish Rail confirmed some disruptions to their services Credit: Alamy 6 Dublin Airport gave an update on their flight operations Credit: Getty Images - Getty Met Eireann issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the majority of the northern counties, which lists "difficult travelling conditions" due to strong, gusty westerly winds this afternoon. The warning is currently in effect and will last until 4pm today for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry. However, there is also another Status Yellow warning for gale from Valentia to Rossan Point to Belfast Lough and on the Irish Sea North of Anglesey. And this alert is currently in effect and will last until 7pm today. Storm Floris is expected to cause some potential damage to the temporary structure and cause power outages in the affected counties. ESB Networks' live power outage shows that over 3,000 customers in the affected counties were impacted by the storm. The power outage affected 800 customers in Gurteen in Co Sligo, and the emergency crews reported that the power supply will be restored by 1:30pm. 175 customers in Creeslough, Co Donegal, will see their power supply restored within hours, while the nearby area with 118 affected customers is left in the dark with no estimated restore time. The ESB crews confirmed that they are working to repair several faults in different locations today to restore power supply for the affected homeowners and businesses. With their efforts since this morning, nearly 1,400 customers saw their power supply restored at lunch time. Storm Floris hits with 90mph 'danger to life' wind set to wreak havoc – as thousands told do NOT travel Fallen debris and loose objects are expected to be found on the roads, which will lead to further delays for motorists and public transport services. The Traffic Infrastructure Ireland reported that the Mulroy Bay Bridge in Donegal is experiencing high winds, with the weather station reporting an average wind speed of 74.2km/h. The M3/N3 Northbound is suffering delays due to debris on the road between J5 Dunboyne and J6 Dunshaghlin, with motorists urged to drive cautiously and reduce speed. IRISH AIRPORTS UPDATES Dublin Airport chiefs confirmed that flight operations are continuing as normal, as they are "not expecting any significant impact from Storm Floris". Last night, Emerald Airlines cancelled six flights scheduled for today, both services to and from Donegal and the return service to Leeds Bradford. However, they warned that poor weather in other regions could impact flight schedules as the day goes on. Belfast City Airport is currently experiencing travel disruptions to their flight operations, with flights across the United Kingdom being cancelled or delayed. Flights from and to Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester with Aer Lingus and Loganair have been cancelled. British Airways and EasyJet are still operating their services despite the disruptive weather event. PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPDATES Bus Eireann confirmed that the storm has impacted none of their services as all services are operating according to schedule. And the busy Luas services are operating normally with no disruptions. Dublin Bus services are operating as usual - with no disruptions caused by the storm. Dublin Coach, with frequent services to and from the Clare region, has stated that all services will operate as scheduled, but passengers are advised to allow extra travel time. Irish Rail confirmed that the storm did not affect the services today but two busy services are currently experiencing disruptions for different reasons. The 11.25 Cork/Heuston service is operating approximately 13 minutes behind schedule due to an operational issue. And the 11:30 Heuston/Galway is running 15 minutes behind schedule due to an issue at a level crossing between Tullamore/Portarlington. 6 Luas services are not affected by the disruptive weather event Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Dublin Bus services have not been affected Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Lions End of Tour Wrap: Keenen Tour winning try, Beirne's off the charts performances and Ringrose selflessness
The rain that fell relentlessly for five days in Sydney finally abated on Monday. As blue skies return to city's skyline, the mass exodus of British & Irish Lions supporters continued and hotels emptied as quickly as the lower tier of Accor Stadium on Saturday night during the lightning delay that interrupted the final Test with Australia. It was a flat, and soggy, ending to the 2025 tour for Andy Farrell's squad as the Wallabies finally got the victory they felt their play had deserved for at least three halves of Test rugby across as many weeks. Yet the Lions have departed Australian shores with heads held high after securing a 2-1 series victory and while the naysayers, mostly from afar, will argue it has been an underwhelming tour, the scale of their achievement in delivering that success for the first time in a dozen years and only the third time in the professional era should be celebrated, particularly by Irish rugby supporters. Led by Ireland's head coach and the bulk of his national team coaches and performance staff, this has been the most green-tinged of Lions tours, with a record number of Ireland players who delivered some excellent individual performances as the backbone of a winning side. Lions board chair and tour manager Ieuan Evans, a series-winning player himself in that historic 1997 victory over South Africa, underlined just how difficult one of these tours is to get right. Read More Lightning doesn't strike thrice for the Lions as Australia lay down a marker 'These tours are not designed to be easy to win and compete in,' the former Wales wing said on Sunday before the 90-strong touring party of players, coaches and staff members were scattered to the four winds. 'Winning Lions teams are supposed to be really challenging, really exceptionally challenging. You have to have the right culture in order to succeed as well as the talent and the hard work. 'You expect that talent and hard work to come to the fore because the players of this sort of quality do not get to where they are without it,' Evans added. But you need the culture to allow that to come to the fore and Andy Farrell is exceptional at that.' Evans' view of Farrell's ability to create that winning environment for a group of athletes from four different nations over such a short period of time has been endorsed, tellingly, by many of the non-Irish players selected by the head coach. England back-rower Ben Earl has raved about his experience every time has faced the media here, saying earlier on the tour he had learned more in five weeks with the Lions than he had in the previous four years. That may say as much about the English national set-up as it does about his Lions tour but his take on Farrell had not diminished by the end of the series, in which the Saracens forward came off the bench during the first and third Tests. INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE: England back-rower Ben Earl has raved about his experience every time has faced the media here, saying earlier on the tour he had learned more in five weeks with the Lions than he had in the previous four years. 'He has made me fully believe in how good I am,' Earl said of the Lions boss on Saturday night. 'Every time he talks to the group, I'm like, I'll do anything for that man - I'm ready to play. 'Even when I'm not playing. Like, obviously, how many times am I not playing, maybe four or five times. Like, every time he spoke to the group, I'm like, God, when the time comes, I'm ready to play for this bloke. "I still feel like if there was any circumstance where I would end up wearing that jersey, I know he'd back me 100% and he'd make me feel like I fully deserve that. And I think that's just testament to him, testament to the environment created, along with the other coaches." Was this a great Lions team and tour? It may not be in the pantheon of the giants of 1974 and 1997 and others of much older stock but it was a winning outfit that overcame a Wallabies side which grew into the series after a poor start and belied the gloomy predictions of Joe Schmidt's side being whitewashed by cricket scores. That it was a competitive series, in which the Lions only outscored their hosts in two of the four halves, validates the battling and competitive qualities which Farrell's players possess and value of their series victory. That deserves credit. Read More Bundee Aki reveals wife gave birth in car hours before first Lions test TOUR HIGHLIGHT: Nothing will be the ingredients that went into making the Second Test so memorable. A crowd of 90,307 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, a stirring return to form from the Wallabies to take a 23-5 lead inside 30 minutes, and an epic fightback from the Lions sealed courtesy of Hugo Keenan try in the last minute that was controversial in its making. It sealed a first series win for the Lions since 2013, was the first 2-0 lead created by the Lions since 1997 and was a wonderful, wonderful occasion. PLAYER OF THE SERIES: To think Tadhg Beirne's selection at blindside flanker was considered a risk, the Munster and Ireland star's performance levels were off the charts and he fully deserved the honour. WALLABY TO WATCH: Max Jorgensen, the Waratahs wing is just 20 years old but he impressed in the number 11 jersey throughout the series, scoring in the first and third Tests, his try on Saturday as he pounced a loose ball on halfway showcasing his power and pace. WALALBY TO WATCH: 20-year-old Maz Jorgensen was impressive on the win for the Wallabies. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher TOUR HERO: Garry Ringrose's selfless decision to remove himself from the side for the second Test due to concussion symptoms two days out from the MCG match, thereby allowing Huw Jones time to prepare as his midfield replacement. TOUR COMEBACK: Hugo Keenan's tour got off to a nightmarish start, denied his Lions debut, initially by a minor injury and then a virus that by his own admission. 'I was sick for about 12 days. I couldn't stop, yeah… getting off the jacks was an issue. Yeah, I lost about five or six kilos. It was a rough few weeks,' the full-back said memorably having made just two appearances ahead of starting all three Tests and becoming the player who secured the series win in Melbourne. ON-FIELD MOMENT: The Lions secured that series having led the second Test only by a matter of seconds, thanks to Keenan's excellent finish as the men in red, prompted by Finn Russell, kept their cool, stuck to the plan and managed the game better than the Wallabies. It needed a much-debated ruck clear-out by Jac Morgan on opposing replacement back-rower Carlo Tizzano to get the job done, which only added to the drama before referee Andrea Piardi concluded there was no foul play and wild celebrations ensued. OFF-FIELD LIONS MOMENT: Andy Farrell and captain Maro Itoje's media conference after the second Test being drowned out the by a dressing-room sing-song conducted by a squad of roaring Lions. TOUR LOWPOINT: The Sydney rain which did its best to ruin the spectacle for 80,000-plus supporters at Accor Stadium on Saturday night, including a near 40-minute lightning delay. It coincided with the poorest Lions performance of the tour and the Wallabies' best, a 22-12 defeat of the tourists that hopefully restores faith in the green and gold among supporters in a challenging sports market dominated by Aussie Rules and Rugby League. BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: That Josh van der Flier, so dependable for Farrell as a near-permanent selection in the Ireland back-row at openside flanker, was overlooked for the series and did not play a minute of rugby as a Test Lion despite putting in some impressive performances on tour. A crying shame for the 2022 World Rugby men's player of the year. BEST QUOTE: 'Our Wives Think We're At Coldplay' – Lions supporters' banner at the First Nations & Pasifika game in Melbourne. BEST QUOTE: British & Irish Lions supporters before the second test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile BEST INVOCATION OF SCIENCE TO MAKE A POINT: Joe Schmidt reverting to schoolteacher mode to explain Jac Morgan's clearout on Australia's Carlo Tizzano: "We are all aware of Newton's third law (of motion) - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck. "I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction.' BEST NICKNAME: A tie between Jamie Osborne's 'Showbiz' and Ollie Chessum's 'Bin Chicken', the colloquial name given in these parts to the Australian White Ibis, a long-nosed bird seen wandering around city centres pecking at food thrown on the floor or left on outdoor tables. LIONS IN AUSTRALIA BY THE NUMBERS Played: 9, Won: 8, Lost: 1 Test series v Wallabies: Won 2-1 Players used: 49 Most appearances: Ronan Kelleher, Alex Mitchell – 8 each Tadhg Beirne, Ben Earl, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Huw Jones, Jac Morgan, Will Stuart – 7 each Bundee Aki, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Tom Curry, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Maro Itoje, Andrew Porter, Finn Russell, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan – 6 each. Most minutes: Tadhg Beirne – 507 Huw Jones – 455 Tommy Freeman – 428 Maro Itoje – 419 Finn Russell – 419 Jack Conan – 414 Most tries: Duhan van der Merwe – 5 Huw Jones – 4 Dan Sheehan – 3 Garry Ringrose - 3 Most points:
Extra.ie
7 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Met Eireann warns heatwave with weather model 'flashing red'
Irish weather looks to be up to its usual tricks this week with sunny skies quickly replacing the wet winds of Storm Floris. Met Éireann already issued multiple weather warnings for the Bank Holiday weekend after the storm brought heavy rain, very strong winds and widespread destruction to primarily the northwest. The weather system has brought winds of up to 90km/h in some areas and is expected to move on towards Scotland on Monday afternoon. Storm Floris has brought very strong winds and heavy rain. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images After Floris moves on, the forecast for the rest of the week looks mixed with sunshine and rain typically expected. Met Éireann has predicted sunny spells and occasional showers with temperatures rising above the seasonal average. The national forecaster is also tracking what looks like a return of high pressure and hot weather next week, similar to what we saw earlier in the summer. High pressure during the summer typically brings calmer conditions, lighter winds and more stable weather patterns, leading to dry, sunny and warm days. According to the forecast for August 11 to August 17: 'This week is expected to be predominately settled with high pressure continuing to build from the south before shifting eastwards. A predominately southerly airflow will result in warmer than average temperatures. 'Drier than average conditions are also expected for much of the country though as the high pressure shifts further eastwards, that could allow some fronts to encroach into the northwest of the country leading to closer to normal rainfall amounts there.' However, Met Éireann are not the only ones sounding the heat alarm. Weather models have begun 'flashing red', a term used to describe forecast graphics showing above-average temperatures or potential heat spikes, highlighted in deep shades of red. Summer heat looks set for a return. Pic: These maps, which are subject to change, are currently indicating a burst of summer warmth beginning Monday, August 11, with highs of 23C. Temperatures are signalled to rise to 25C on Tuesday, August 12, hold near 24C on Wednesday, dip slightly into the low 20s for Thursday and Friday, and then bounce back to 25C on Saturday, August 16 and 24C on Sunday, August 17. Looking further ahead, Met Éireann's outlook for the following week of August 18 to August 24 is more uncertain but still positive. It reads: 'A less clear picture is indicated for Week 3 with just weak high pressure signalled suggesting a decline on the high pressure from Week 1 and 2 but not currently expected to turn unsettled as a primarily easterly airflow will continue to bring warmer and drier than average conditions.' Meanwhile, the national forecaster has issued a detail breakdown of what the rest of this week will look like, with a mix of sun and rain. It said: 'Bank Holiday Monday will start off wet and windy across much of the country with fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds, veering westerly, with the strongest winds in the north, reaching gale force in coastal parts there and for a time along the west coast. 'The rain will quickly clear eastwards through the morning with sunny spells and showers to follow, these becoming a little more frequent in Ulster and Connacht later, but isolated otherwise. Highest temperatures of 16C to 21C , coolest in the north and northwest with the winds moderating through the day, staying strong in northern areas for much of the day. 'Tuesday, will bring a lot of dry weather overall, with spells of sunshine. There'll be a scattering of showers for a time, mainly further north. Highest temperatures of 15C in the north to 21C further south, with moderate to fresh west to northwest winds, decreasing light to moderate later in the day. High temperatures are expected next week. Pic: Mark Gusev/Shutterstock 'Wednesday will bring some spells of sunshine for a time, the best of these in the east. Overall there'll be a good lot of dry weather for much of the day, though it'll turn increasingly cloudy, with some well scattered showers developing in the afternoon and with rain and drizzle moving into western parts later. 'Highest temperatures of 17C to 20C and it'll become breezy through the day with southerly winds increasing fresh and gusty and strengthening along western coasts. 'Any remaining rain in parts of the east and southeast will soon clear to leave a good lot of dry weather overall on Thursday, with sunshine, but with scattered passing showers too. Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C in moderate, occasionally fresh and gusty westerly winds, strong at times in coastal parts of the north and west. 'Friday is likely to bring a good lot of cloud overall, with some showers, though there'll be some bright or sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C in moderate to fresh and occasionally gusty southwest to west winds. 'Our weather will continue mixed into next weekend. At the moment it look like Saturday will bring a good deal of dry weather, with a few showers and some spells of sunshine, before cloud and rain starts to move in from the west later. 'That rain is likely to clear on Saturday night, with sunshine and a scattering of showers to follow for Sunday.'
