Latest news with #ClaireByrne
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Dublin City Council cited ‘low usage' to shut €1.4m toilet -- but stopped counting users in 2023
Dublin City Council blamed 'low usage' as the reason for closing a €1.4million public toilet in the capital, but the council hasn't recorded the number of people using the toilet in over a year-and-a-half. The announcement at the start of May that the only public toilets in the city centre would be closed was quickly reversed after backlash from city councillors and the public. Dublin City Council (DCC) had said the toilets, installed near St Stephen's Green shopping centre in June 2020, would be removed due to 'low usage' and were used by 1,500 people per week. However, a FOI request by found DCC stopped recording these figures in September 2023. Dublin City Council blamed 'low usage' as the reason for closing a €1.4million public toilet in the capital, but the council hasn't recorded the number of people using the toilet in over a year-and-a-half. Pic: Rolling News The council stated the number of people entering the toilets was counted by security staff with 'a hand-held device similar to what you might see security staff use at nightclubs', and that data was 'sporadic and limited'. A report given to councillors in April of this year also repeated the '1,500 person per week' statistic without informing the councillors that this was data from two years ago. The report also noted that the 'current operator for this unit is ceasing trading' and DCC did not plan to seek a new operator. South East Inner City councillor Claire Byrne said: 'If misleading figures in terms of usage were presented as a strong argument for shutting the toilets, I think that's really disappointing.' A DCC spokesman said the toilets were installed as a temporary measure during Covid.
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
A stressful job: why gardaí struggle with mental health issues
Analysis: The mental wellbeing of those who protect and serve us is a public issue of major concern and needs to be properly supported and resourced The impact of the policing role on the mental health of members of An Garda Siochána is more than an issue for their workplace; it is also a public issue of major concern. The mental wellbeing of those who protect and serve us can influence how they will engage with the public, how they respond to crisis situations and how they develop and sustain their own careers. In recent years it has been reported that an increasing number of Gardai have been referred for psychiatric or psychological assessment or other mental health care. Several studies in the past few years offer a sobering look at the realities faced by members of An Garda Síochána. They highlight not just the everyday stress of the job, but also deeper, systemic barriers to seeking help, both of which are linked with an increasing number of Gardai resigning from the force. These studies paint a picture of a profession under pressure—and a culture struggling to respond. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, gardaí feel they can not speak out about policing problems Trauma is a part of the job Let's start with the obvious: being a police officer means that you are going to encounter violence, trauma, and high-pressure situations on an almost daily basis. These include road traffic fatalities, suicides, assaults and sexual offences. These are what researchers call operational stressors, and they are the parts of policing most of us think about when we consider the toll it takes on mental health. It is estimated that a police officer will encounter between 400 to 600 traumatic incidents during an average career, compared with the three to four traumatic events typically thought to be experienced by the public. But here's the twist: research has consistently shown that it's not just these operational stressors that wear police officers down. In fact, many said they expected and accepted that part of the job. What they find harder to cope with are things like workplace bullying, shift work, excessive workloads, limited resources, and unrealistic public expectations. These are known as organisational stressors and they are persistent, frustrating, and—crucially—preventable. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, how gardaí prepare to give families devastating news Research by the Garda Representative Association has found that issues related to bullying, mental health and excessive workload have all contributed to increasing number of resignations from An Garda Siochana, as well as contributing to officer burnout. However, the current Garda Commissioner has denied that these issues are impacting on Gardai. Presenteeism and pressure: mental health behind the uniform One of the more troubling findings is how many Gardaí keep showing up for duty even when they're not mentally well enough to do so. This phenomenon, known as presenteeism, can be damaging for the individual, their colleagues and the public. But it's not just about bravado or dedication. Officers often feel they have no other choice. So why do they do this? Because talking about mental health at work still feels risky for some gardaí. Despite some progress in recent years, policing is an occupation where a culture persists which associates struggling with weakness, and where seeking support might make you look unreliable or unfit for duty. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) hears calls for more to be done to keep members in the force Even though support is available through an Employee Assistance Programme and an online service called KOPS, many gardaí do not use these services when they are struggling. This is often explained by a lack of trust in internal support systems, a worry about confidentiality, the negative impact on careers and a fear of being labelled. Stigma is still the strongest barrier Being stigmatised for speaking about mental health is also a major concern in policing. This is not just among management, but between peers too. There's still a sense that "real" officers can handle whatever comes their way, without complaint or counselling. And for those who do reach out? There's often a fear that it won't stay private. Many Gardaí said they'd prefer external, independent services where they could speak freely, without fear of judgment or repercussions. This distrust reflects a wider cultural challenge. Policing in Ireland—and elsewhere—has long been shaped by values of stoicism and toughness. But those same values can become barriers when it comes to mental health. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Garda Representative Association annual delegate conference to hear that policing model is not fit for purpose What needs to change? The research findings are clear: support needs to be accessible, trusted, and genuinely confidential. That means better training for managers, more visible support from leadership, and above all, an end to the silence and stigma. But there's a deeper issue here too. Aside from facing personal struggles, gardaí are also navigating a system that often makes things worse. From endless paperwork to unpredictable rosters and limited time off, the structure of policing itself is causing harm. Fixing this isn't about yoga classes or free mindfulness apps (though those can help). It's about systemic change: resourcing stations properly, listening to frontline staff, and creating a culture where mental health is taken seriously—not just in policy, but in practice. If we want Gardaí to look after us, we need to look after them It's easy to say we support gardaí, but real support is demonstrated by more than words. It means ensuring they have the tools, resources and respect they need to stay mentally and physically well. Right now, too many officers feel they can't speak up. Too many work through burnout and trauma in silence; and too many feel like asking for help is a risk they can't afford to take. These recent studies don't just highlight the problem but offer a roadmap forward. They call for trusted, independent support services, better training and communication and a culture that values well-being as much as performance. If we want Gardaí to look after us, we need to look after them.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
5 lessons from National Children's Hospital for future projects in Ireland
The National Children's Hospital (NCH) project stands as one of Ireland's most significant infrastructure undertakings - and one of its most instructive failures. Originally conceived as a state-of-the-art facility to consolidate paediatric services across Dublin, the project has instead become emblematic of systemic challenges plaguing Irish public infrastructure development. With costs spiralling beyond €2.2 billion and completion dates repeatedly deferred, the NCH offers invaluable lessons for future major infrastructure initiatives. This is even more relevant as the sector embarks on the development of the National Maternity Hospital and other critical public works. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, Dr Paul Davis from DCU assesses the latest delays to the Children's Hospital project These lessons extend far beyond mere cost overruns or construction delays. They illuminate fundamental weaknesses in how Ireland approaches large-scale public infrastructure, from initial conception through final delivery. Understanding these failures is crucial not only for avoiding repetition but for establishing a more robust framework for future development. Governance failures are the starting point for dysfunctional projects The most profound lesson from the NCH concerns governance architecture. Despite establishing multiple specialised committees and oversight bodies, the project suffered from fragmented decision-making structures that operated in relative isolation. This created what organisational theorists term "accountability gaps". These spaces where responsibility becomes diffused across multiple entities, resulted in effective accountability residing nowhere. The absence of a unified command structure proved particularly damaging. Various stakeholders - for example, the Health Service Executive, the Department of Health, construction contractors and clinical staff - operated with competing priorities and insufficient coordination mechanisms. This fragmentation manifested in delayed responses to emerging challenges and led to inconsistent strategic direction throughout the project lifecycle. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, health economist Dr Brian Turner on the ongoing delays to the NCH project I believe that future infrastructure projects require centralised governance frameworks with clearly delineated authority structures. This means establishing single points of accountability for major decisions while maintaining appropriate checks and balances. The governance model must also ensure that oversight bodies possess both the expertise and authority to challenge assumptions and redirect project trajectories when necessary. Traditional management tools are not good enough The NCH project initially relied on conventional project management tools. These tools, primarily Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets, proved fundamentally inadequate for managing the complex, multi-billion-euro infrastructure development. The subsequent integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) demonstrated the transformative potential of advanced project management technologies, enabling more accurate cost estimation, enhanced design collaboration and sophisticated risk assessment capabilities. But technological adoption alone proves insufficient without corresponding organisational capacity. The effective utilisation of advanced project management systems requires comprehensive training programs, cultural adaptation within organisations and integration with existing operational frameworks. Future projects must prioritise technological infrastructure from initial planning phases rather than retrofitting solutions after problems emerge. From RTE Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, why is so expensive to construct medical facilities in Ireland? Real-time data analytics and integrated project delivery methods offer additional advantages, including enhanced stakeholder coordination, reduced operational redundancies, and streamlined workflow management. These technologies enable more responsive project management, allowing teams to identify and address challenges before they escalate into major disruptions. It became evident through multiple appearances at the Public Accounts Committee that this data was not begin collected nor used properly. Changing the script around procurement value and risk The NCH's initial procurement approach prioritised lowest-bid submissions. This reflected a narrow understanding of value that failed to account for broader project implications. This strategy systematically underestimated total project costs while overlooking significant risk factors that subsequently materialised as major challenges. Contemporary procurement theory emphasises value-based selection criteria that integrate price considerations with quality assessments, delivery capabilities, and risk management competencies. This approach recognises that apparent cost savings during procurement often translate into substantial expenses during implementation phases. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, is Ireland's public infrastructure lagging behind? Effective procurement strategies also foster collaborative relationships between public sector clients and private sector contractors. Rather than adversarial dynamics focused solely on cost minimisation, successful projects develop partnership frameworks that encourage innovation, shared risk management, and mutual investment in project success. This collaborative approach enables more creative problem-solving and adaptive responses to emerging challenges. Communicating what you're doing to the general public The NCH project's communication failures contributed significantly to eroding public confidence in Irish infrastructure development capabilities. Inconsistent messaging, delayed disclosure of cost overruns and limited stakeholder engagement created an information vacuum that fostered speculation and distrust. Transparent communication strategies serve multiple functions beyond mere public relations. They enable early identification of potential problems through stakeholder feedback. They create mechanisms for community input that can improve project outcomes. More importantly still, they establish accountability frameworks that encourage responsible decision-making throughout project lifecycles. From RTÉ Radio 1's Late Debate, when will patients eventually be treated in the new and overdue Children's Hospital? Future projects must establish regular communication protocols that provide consistent updates to stakeholders, including the general public. This includes proactive disclosure of challenges and setbacks rather than reactive responses to external pressure. The importance of comprehensive risk management I think that fundamentally, the NCH project failed to integrate comprehensive risk management into its planning and execution phases. Risk assessment was treated as a secondary consideration rather than a core component of project architecture. This reactive approach to risk management resulted in expensive crisis responses rather than proactive mitigation strategies. Effective risk management requires systematic identification of potential challenges during initial planning phases. It also requires the development of corresponding mitigation strategies, as well as continuous monitoring throughout project implementation. This includes financial risks, technical challenges, regulatory changes, and stakeholder dynamics that could affect project trajectories. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Dr. Paul Davis examines the findings of an external audit into the infamous Leinster House bike shelter Risk management must also incorporate scenario planning. These scenarios should consider multiple potential outcomes and develop adaptive strategies for each possibility. This approach enables projects to maintain momentum despite encountering unforeseen challenges while minimising disruption to overall objectives. What all of this means for future infrastructure development These lessons have direct relevance for Ireland's upcoming infrastructure initiatives, particularly the National Maternity Hospital and other major public works. Implementing these insights requires systematic changes to how Ireland approaches large-scale infrastructure development, from initial conceptualisation through final delivery. Success requires integrating governance reform, technological advancement, procurement innovation, communication enhancement, and risk management improvement into comprehensive project frameworks. This holistic approach recognises that infrastructure development challenges are inherently systemic rather than isolated technical problems. Ireland's future infrastructure success depends on delivering major public works efficiently, transparently and in accordance with public expectations The NCH experience demonstrates that effective infrastructure development requires more than engineering expertise or construction capabilities. It demands sophisticated organisational frameworks. These framework must have the capability and capacity to coordinate complex stakeholder relationships, manage evolving requirements, and maintain public trust throughout extended implementation periods. Ireland's future infrastructure success depends on internalising these lessons and developing institutional capabilities that can deliver major public works efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with public expectations. The stakes are too high, and the public resources too valuable, to repeat the mistakes that have characterised the National Children's Hospital project.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
How carrying spuds and playing Wordle are signs of good health
Analysis: If you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, carry a bag of spuds up the stairs and name 20 animals in 30 seconds, you're doing well While ageing is inevitable, ageing well is something we can influence. It's not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake – it's whether you've got the puff to blow them out, the balance to carry the cake and the memory to remember why you're celebrating. As we age, our bodies change. Muscle mass shrinks, bones weaken, reaction times slow. But that doesn't mean we're all destined for a future of walking frames and daytime TV. Ageing well isn't about staying wrinkle-free – it's about staying independent, mobile, mentally sharp and socially connected. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, have classical conductors cracked the key to healthy ageing? In gerontology, there's a saying: we want to add life to years, not just years to life. That means focusing on quality – being able to do what you love, move freely, think clearly and enjoy time with others. There's no one-size-fits-all definition, but some simple home tests can give you a good idea. No fancy lab required – just a toothbrush, a stopwatch and a sense of humour. Balance One fun (and surprisingly useful) way to test your balance is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. If you can do this for 30 seconds or more (eyes open), that's a great sign of lower-body strength, coordination and postural stability. A 2022 study found that people who couldn't balance on one leg for ten seconds had an 84% higher risk of death over a median follow-up of seven years compared than those who could. As such, balance is like a superpower for healthy ageing — it reduces falls, supports mobility and can be improved at any age. Grip Grip strength is more than just opening jars. It's a powerful indicator of overall health, predicting heart health, cognitive function and even mortality risk. Research shows that for every 5kg decrease in grip strength, the risk of death from all causes rose by 16%. You can test grip strength using a hand-dynamometer (many gyms or clinics have them), or simply take note of everyday tasks – is opening bottles, carrying groceries or using tools becoming harder? Floor-to-feet feat Can you sit on the floor and stand up without using your hands? This test is a true measure of your lower-body strength and flexibility, which are essential for daily activities and reducing the risk of falls. If you can do it, you're in great shape. From RTÉ Radio 1's Brendan O'Connor Show, Prof Niall Moyna from DCU on how to age-proof your body If it's too tough, try the sit-to-stand test. Using a chair (no arms),see how many sit-to-stand transitions you can do in 30 seconds. This task is a good measure of lower limb function, balance and muscle strength, it can also predict people at risk of falls and cardiovascular issues. Mental sharpness Cognitive function can be measured in all sorts of complex ways, but some basic home tests are surprisingly telling. Try naming as many animals as you can in 30 seconds. Fewer than 12 might indicate concern; more than 18 is a good sign. Try spelling "world" backwards or recalling a short list of three items after a few minutes. This skill is an important strategy to enhance memory in older adults. Challenge yourself with puzzles, Sudoku, Wordle or learning a new skill. These kinds of "verbal fluency" and memory recall tests are simple ways to spot early changes in brain health – but don't panic if you blank occasionally. Everyone forgets where they left their keys sometimes. From RTÉ Radio 1's The Business, Liam Geraghty meets the crossword puzzle makers, the people behind those black and white puzzles that get the grey matter going Lifestyle matters There's no magic bullet to ageing well – but, if one existed, it would probably be a combination of exercise, diet, sleep and social connections. Some of the best-studied strategies include: Daily movement: walking, resistance training, swimming or tai chi keep your muscles and bones strong and support balance and heart health. Healthy eating: a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts – is linked to better brain and heart health. Sleep: seven to nine hours of quality sleep support memory, immunity and mood. Connection: some research suggests that loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Stay engaged, join a club, volunteer, or just pick up the phone to a friend. Ageing well isn't about staying wrinkle-free – it's about staying independent, mobile, mentally sharp and socially connected If you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, carry a bag of spuds up the stairs and name 20 animals under pressure, then you're doing very well. If not (yet), that's OK, these are skills you can build over time. Ageing well means taking a proactive approach to health: making small, consistent choices that lead to better mobility, clearer thinking and richer social connections down the line. So tonight, give the one-leg toothbrush challenge a go. Your future self might thank you - especially if they still have all their teeth.
RTÉ News
27-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Why does air travel make us so cranky?
Analysis: A look at the science behind why flying brings out the worst in us and what we can do about it The holidays are coming, airports are packed and emotions are running high. You've probably seen it or even been part of it: that tense moment when a passenger snaps at a flight attendant, or a near-meltdown over a seat reclining too far. Why does flying seem to bring out the worst in us? Airplanes are, quite literally, a pressure cooker for emotions. For many, airports and airplanes are synonymous with anxiety, which often begins well before they step into the terminal. These environments combine stress, discomfort and a loss of control, often leaving even the calmest travellers feeling on edge. Planes also make inequalities bleedingly obvious. We've all experienced the envy of walking through first-class cabins to reach economy. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, travel correspondent for the London Independent Simon Calder on warnings over summer air traffic disruption It's easy to see why air rage has become so common. In fact, reported incidents have skyrocketed in recent years, exacerbated by pandemic-related anxieties. So, let's have a look at the science behind why we get so cranky when we fly. But more importantly, what we can do about it. Air rage is getting worse In recent years, reports of unruly passenger behaviour around the world have surged. Perhaps the most comprehensive indicator is the data compiled by the United States' Federal Aviation Administration, which show a clear connection to the pandemic effect. In 2021, 5,973 incidents of unruly passenger behaviour were recorded, a staggering 492% increase compared to the year before. To put this in perspective, the four-year average of such incidents for the period 2017–2020 was 901.75 (2017: 544, 2018: 889, 2019: 1,161, 2020: 1,009). While the numbers have decreased since their peak in 2021, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the US FAA reported 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023, and 1,954 so far in 2024 (with final numbers for the year still pending). From RTÉ Radio1's Liveline, are airplane seats getting smaller? These incidents in the US alone have led to 402 enforcement actions initiated in 2023, compared to a pre-pandemic high of 83 in a single year. Since 2021, fines totalling more than $21 million have been levied as a result of such incidents. The issue is not limited to the United States (although the US seems to have a higher share of such cases). The International Air Transport Association reported an increase in unruly passenger incidents globally, with one incident per 568 flights in 2022 – up from one per 835 flights in 2021. The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbally abusive behaviour and intoxication. Notably, while non-compliance incidents initially fell after mask mandates were removed on most flights, the frequency began to rise again in 2022, ending the year 37% higher than in 2021. Examples of non-compliance include: What's behind the air rage phenomenon? Research has highlighted that the phenomenon arises from an interplay of stressors unique to aviation. Environmental stressors Research consistently identifies the physical environment of airplanes as a significant contributor to passenger frustration and antisocial behaviour. Factors such as cramped seating, limited personal space and high-density cabin configurations exacerbate discomfort and feelings of confinement. Psychological factors such as anxiety, claustrophobia and aviophobia (fear of flying) can also trigger an unusual behaviour that the passenger may not show in other social contexts. In some studies, physical discomfort, such as encroachments into personal space, has been found the leading trigger for anger among passengers. Emotional triggers such as frustration over delays, long queues at the security check or unmet service expectations can escalate minor grievances into disruptive outbursts. Noise and hunger could further compound the situation. It can create a volatile atmosphere even before passengers acted out. From RTÉ Radio 1's The Business, it seems that all of us are living in "the age of rage," with people getting angrier, fuses getting shorter, and more signs being posted in passport and post offices warning people not to be aggressive Research has also suggested that low-cost carriers, while not directly responsible for air rage, create environments conducive to disruptive behaviour due to reduced service levels, inadequate facilities and passenger stress from automation and cost-cutting measures. Social stressors The role of inequality within the cabin environment is another potent factor. Research shows that airplanes serve as a microcosm of class-based society, with physical inequality (the presence of first-class cabins) and situational inequality (boarding through first-class sections) increasing the sense of frustration. Interestingly, situational inequality can even affect first-class passengers, by highlighting their privileges, sometimes fostering a sense of entitlement that may lead to antisocial behaviour. Alcohol use and nicotine withdrawal Alcohol is a dominant precipitant of air rage incidents. Some studies have found that more than half of reported air rage cases involved alcohol intoxication, often fuelled by liberal airport alcohol policies and in-flight consumption. Similarly, nicotine withdrawal was another factor, with nearly 9% of incidents attributed to smokers unable to satisfy their cravings during long flights. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Ryanair calls for two drink limit in airport bars Sociodemographic influences Empirical data suggest sociodemographic factors play a significant role in air rage incidents. One study examining 228 air rage cases found nearly 90% of incidents involved male passengers, with younger adults, particularly those aged 30–39, being the most frequently implicated. Cultural norms and expectations around air travel also influence behaviour. They shape how passengers respond to delays, discomfort, breaches of etiquette or perceived inequities. What can be done? In the UK, airlines and airport authorities have implemented measures, such as Edinburgh's " No Excuse for Abuse" campaign, to address the rise in disruptive behaviour. Such initiatives remind passengers to treat staff and fellow travellers with respect, while emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to aggression. But tackling air rage requires more than just slogans. De-escalation techniques and early recognition of disruptive behaviour can help diffuse situations before they escalate. Studies suggest experienced and well-trained crew members are better equipped to handle such incidents. There are also simple things you can do to improve the flying experience. You may choose to avoid overindulging in alcohol before or during the flight, even if it feels like a way to relax. Staying hydrated and opting for non-alcoholic beverages can help keep emotions in check. Be mindful of others when reclining your seat, storing baggage, or navigating the aisle. A little courtesy can go a long way. Reduce stress by arriving early, ensuring your documents are in order. Avoid rushing through the airport, which is often a recipe for heightened anxiety and irritability. Travel can be stressful for everyone. Showing empathy and being polite, even in frustrating situations, can help de-escalate potential conflicts. Ultimately, it may be helpful to remember that air travel isn't always glamorous. Acknowledge that delays, discomfort and inconveniences are often part of the experience and accepting this reality can help reduce frustration.
