Latest news with #Blanchardstown
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Gardaí appeal for information on anniversary of the murder of Linda Evans Christian
Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information on the eighth anniversary of the murder of Linda Evans Christian. On Saturday, 1st July 2017, her family reported her missing, and on Monday, 17th July 2017, her body was discovered at Coolmine Woods, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Advertisement Despite an extensive Garda investigation and a number of enquiries followed, including the arrest of a male in 2018, no one has been brought to justice for Linda's murder. Gardaí and Linda's family are appealing for people to come forward to assist with the investigation. An Garda Síochána would encourage anyone with any information regarding Linda's disappearance and murder, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to make contact with the investigation team. Particularly, any person who may have information on Linda's movements around Coolmine Woods at the time of her disappearance is asked to contact gardaí. With the passage of time, people may now feel more comfortable sharing information with Gardaí. An Garda Síochána would like to assure the public that they will treat anyone assisting the investigation in a sensitive manner. Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Irish Times
Gardaí renew appeal for information on murder of woman whose body was found eight years ago
Gardaí are appealing for information about the murder of a woman on the eighth anniversary of the discovery of her body. Linda Evans Christian (29) was seen leaving the Ash Ward of James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where she had been receiving treatment, on June 24th, 2017. Her body was found in Coolmine Woods, Blanchardstown, on July 17th, more than two weeks after she had been reported missing on July 1st. An extensive Garda investigation and a number of enquiries followed, including the arrest of a man in 2018. No one has been brought to justice for the murder. READ MORE Gardaí, as well as the woman's family, have renewed their appeal for those with information to come forward to assist with the investigation, no matter how insignificant their contribution might seem. In particular, any person who may have information on her movements around Coolmine Woods at the time of her disappearance is asked to contact gardaí. Ms Christian had been living in the Dublin 15 area. She was 5ft 3in tall, slim with long brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a green bomber jacket, blue jeans and carrying a pink gym bag when last seen. Given how much time has passed, people may feel more comfortable sharing information around the incident. Anyone who does come forward to assist the investigation will be treated in a sensitive manner. Anyone with information can contact Blanchardstown Garda station can at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
BreakingNews.ie
10-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Teenager who sued over a delay in hearing loss diagnosis settles action for €500,000
A teenager whose hearing loss was not properly diagnosed until he was seven years old has settled a High Court action for €500,000. The settlement of Sean Munnelly's case against the HSE came after several days of hearing in the High Court. Advertisement The boy's counsel, Hugh O'Keeffe SC, instructed by Ciaran Tansey solicitor, told Ms Justice Denise Brett that as a result of communication from the other side, an offer had been made which had been approved. Sean Munnelly (17) of Blanchardstown, Dublin, had, through his mother Patricia Sweeney, sued the HSE. The case had been before the court for assessment of damages only and was expected to last a number of weeks. In the proceedings, it was claimed that the boy likely had hearing loss present at birth. Advertisement He had frequent ear infections as a young child, and his parents expressed concern regarding his hearing on a number of occasions. However, his right-sided hearing loss, it was claimed, was not properly diagnosed when he was seven years of age, and he only received management for this hearing loss when he was eight years old. The boy's hearing was only tested formally in September 2011 when he was four years of age. It was contended that the 2011 test incorrectly concluded that the boy's hearing was normal in both ears. This, it said, directly led to further delay in audiological management for the boy. In September 2014, the boy was referred to a privately funded audiological practice, and his hearing loss was correctly identified. It is claimed that it took another ten months before the boy received management for his hearing loss at HSE West. Advertisement It was claimed there was a failure to deliver to the boy the standard of care which he was legitimately and reasonably entitled to expect in the circumstances. It was further claimed there was a failure to exercise reasonable and ordinary care and skill in about the examination, investigation, assessment, diagnosis and audiological management of the boy. There was also, it was claimed, a failure to perform adequate audiological assessment in a timely manner and provide neonatal hearing screening. He had been caused to require a private audiology assessment before his hearing loss was finally diagnosed in September 2014. At the ruling of the HSE offer, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said, considering the litigation risk in the case, the €500,000 offer should be accepted.
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Drone delivery company Manna expects approval for quieter aircraft within months
Drone delivery company Manna expects to have regulatory approval for new technology that would cut noise pollution from its aircraft by 40 per cent within months. The company has drawn criticism from members of the Oireachtas and the public alike due to noise complaints after it set up a facility near Blanchardstown Centre last year, where its base is surrounded by popular fast-food chains and cafes. Flying at 60km/h at a height between 50m and 65m, the drones can deliver food or coffee to local areas within three minutes, the company has said. Manna chief executive Bobby Healy appeared before the Oireachtas transport committee on Wednesday and told TDs and Senators the company has developed and tested new technology that reduces noise levels by 40 per cent. READ MORE The technology involves new propellers and a reduction in the mass and weight of the aircraft. He said Manna has been in talks with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) about its plans 'for several months', and that it is currently awaiting approval for deployment. Mr Healy said Manna has been testing the new technology at its facility in Moorock, Co Offaly. 'We continue to invest in technology to go even further — and we foresee a future where people will barely hear us at all,' he said. While Mr Healy admitted the drones currently make a 'noticeable' sound, he claimed it was 'generally unobtrusive'. The drones currently fly at a maximum of 65 metres above ground, and the reduced mass would allow them to fly at 80 metres, while a lighter aircraft also has 'a big impact' on decibel levels, Mr Healy said. 'Leading experts in acoustics science from Trinity College assessed our aircraft and found that while cruising at 80m, they emit just 57 decibels – quieter than a conversation – and only for around 10 seconds as they pass overhead,' Mr Healy said. He said the 'noisiest part' of the delivery is when the drone arrives overheard and descends to 15m. 'It's pretty loud, I will admit,' he said. 'It's about 59 decibels. We will bring that down to about 55 with our new propellers and our mass reduction.' Mr Healy said that while approval and its timing was a matter for the IAA, he expects it to happen within months. 'I can't say when we can expect the permission, but it's quite a tight regulatory process,' he said. 'We have submitted all the documents. I do feel it [will be] soon. It could be weeks, it could be months, but certainly not further.' IAA chief operating officer Jim Gavin, also appearing before the committee, described the regulatory process as 'quite complex', but added that he would expect to see 'movement on it in the short-term'. Manna raised $30 million (€25.6 million) in funding earlier this year as part of plans to expand its business in Ireland and further afield. It has also lodged plans with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for an aerial food delivery hub in Dundrum.
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- Irish Times
Teenager jailed for role in Tristan Sherry death further sentenced over sawn-off shotgun
A teenager jailed for violent disorder during the melee in which Tristan Sherry was beaten to death has been sentenced to a further three years and eight months in prison after he was caught 'red-handed' burying a sawn-off shotgun, ammunition and more than €55,000 worth of drugs for the Hennessy crime gang. The Dubliner (18), who cannot be named because he was a minor when he came before the courts, previously pleaded guilty to a number of offences at Tolka Valley Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on May 7th and 8th, 2024. Among the charges were possession of a side-by-side shotgun, possession of cannabis and diamorphine for the purpose of sale or supply to another and possession of a drug named phenacetin, in circumstances giving rise to the inference that it was connected to a drug-trafficking offence. He was also charged with the possession of ammunition. READ MORE Sentencing the youth to five years in prison with the final one year and four months suspended at the Special Criminal Court on Monday , Ms Justice Karen O'Connor said the defendantwas 'essentially caught red-handed'. However, she said the court had to be conscious of the evidence that he was 'acting under the influence' of others at the time who were 'no doubt older than him'. She also noted his pleas of guilty were mitigating factors in the case. The judge noted evidence at a previous sentencing hearing that the defendant had been acting 'at the behest of the Hennessy organised crime group'. She said the fact he was only 17 at the time was a 'significant factor' which the court had to consider. The judge noted the defendant had a 'challenging upbringing' and has been described as a 'vulnerable young man'. She said the sentence imposed on Monday would run consecutive to the jail term he is currently serving, meaning he will serve a total sentence of five years. The Special Criminal Court previously heard that on May 7th, 2024, an undercover drug unit in Blanchardstown observed the teenager digging in the ground. When the gardaí approached, they saw the butt of a shotgun sticking out of the earth. Eight drug packages wrapped in black clingfilm were beside the hole. The scene was preserved, and the following morning gardaí discovered further drug and ammunition packages. In a separate matter, the Special Criminal Court previously found the teenager guilty of violent disorder at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve, 2023. During a trial last year, the court heard that gangland figure Jason Hennessy snr was celebrating with about 30 people, including the defendant. Tristan Sherry and a second gunman entered the restaurant with their faces covered and hoods up. Hennessy snr suffered a fatal gunshot wound as he grappled with Sherry, but he managed to drag the gunman to the ground. Others in the party piled in on Sherry, stamping on his torso and head, stabbing him repeatedly and using various objects to beat him to death. Three people were convicted of murder arising out of the assault on Sherry. The defendant in this case initially hid under a table, but when he emerged he engaged in violence against Sherry for about five seconds.
