Latest news with #CountyMeath
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Meath County Council awarded over €100,000 for biodiversity projects
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne, TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan, TD. The funding comes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF), a scheme established in 2018 to help local authorities implement biodiversity actions at local and regional levels. Since its creation, almost €11m has been distributed through the fund. Minister James Browne said: 'Local authorities are playing an essential role in protecting our biodiversity and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan recognises that role. Through these projects, each local authority will make a unique impact on their local biodiversity, but is also part of a bigger picture across the country. He added: 'I welcome the focus on partnership, research and best practice. I wish all of those involved the very best with the work and look forward to hearing more as they progress.' Minister Christopher O'Sullivan highlighted the range of work being undertaken: 'I'm really impressed with the diversity of projects funded this year. The Local Biodiversity Action Fund will enable every local authority around the country to enhance their actions on biodiversity, including research and recording of our unique species, from the Irish Mayfly, Woodland Bats to barn owls, and management of precious habitats such as meadows and wetlands.' Meanwhile Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer with Meath County Council, also welcomed the support. He said: 'We're delighted with the support received this year through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Our projects in Meath build on the success of previous years, supporting people to create habitats for wildlife, managing our own lands better for biodiversity, addressing urgent conservation needs and adding to our state of knowledge on biodiversity in the county.' Among the projects funded in Meath this year are: County Meath Wetland Survey – Phase 1 County Meath Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Survey – Phase 1 Invasive Alien Species Project – Quagga Mussel in Lough Sheelin Invasive Alien Species Project – Common Cordgrass in the Nanny Estuary Recording Irish Mayfly – establishing conservation status The Hare's Corner – assisting landowners to create new habitats for biodiversity Commons of Lloyd Biodiversity and Conservation Agriculture Project Continuation of Barn Owl Conservation Project Development of the Woodland Bat Monitoring Scheme Community biodiversity initiatives and outreach support This funding is said to support the objectives of Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions For Nature, launched in January 2024. For the first time, the plan has been published on a statutory basis under the Wildlife Amendment Act 2023, requiring public bodies to integrate biodiversity into their policies and report on progress. By 2050, the plan envisions that 'Biodiversity in Ireland is valued, conserved, restored and sustainably used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips in and near Dublin
While Dublin has plenty to keep you occupied, there is also loads to see and do just outside the city. Within 30 minutes, you can be out exploring the coastline, from tiny fishing villages with seafood restaurants around the harbour to hiking trails that lead to epic views. A little farther afield, there are historic towns, mountain ranges and Neolithic sites to explore, and if you have a car you can check out the gorgeous countryside that starts right on the city's doorstep. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Dublin. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Dublin. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to Dublin's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. Find a day trip by type: History Coast Culture Nature History Brú na Bóinne Older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge, this collection of Neolithic passage tombs is the shining star of Ireland's heritage sites. Entry is by guided tour only, and includes the grassy domed Knowth, with remarkably preserved megalithic art around its edge, and the star attraction Newgrange, the tomb of which you can enter. On the winter solstice, this chamber aligns perfectly with the sunrise and is illuminated with a stream of light, which is re-enacted on the tour. Contact: Area: County Meath How to get there: 1 hour drive from Dublin Powerscourt Estate With 47 acres of elaborate gardens, a Palladian mansion to explore and Ireland's highest waterfall, there's plenty at Powerscourt to keep you entertained for the day. Start off with a stroll around the grounds, checking out the view of the house from the Italian garden and visiting the pet cemetery, before lunch in the Avoca café and a drive round to the waterfall (bear in mind this costs extra). There's a great playground there, too. Kilkenny History buffs will be kept happy in the medieval city of Kilkenny, where fossils are embedded into the marble pavements and tiny tunnels and arches are dotted throughout the city centre. Start at Kilkenny Castle, an imposing 13th-century structure with beautiful state rooms – take a guided tour and you get to walk behind the velvet ropes. Afterwards, head out on the Medieval Mile Trail to learn about the city's historical links to witchcraft. Coast Howth It's scenic, charming and easy to reach by train – the fishing village of Howth ticks all the boxes for a quick and easy day trip from Dublin. From the Dart (train) station, walk along the harbourfront until you reach the Howth Cliff Path, a hiking trail that takes you up and over the heather-covered cliffs, high above the waves crashing below. Afterwards, head to one of the restaurants by the harbour for local lobster and crab, drenched in garlic butter. Killiney and Dalkey This chi-chi borough is where you'll find some of the wealthiest Dubliners, who live in the grand mansions overlooking the sea. You could spend a day pottering around the pretty village of Dalkey, but if you're up for a hike, the walk down the coast to Killiney is stunning, passing a popular sea (and nude) swimming spot, then up to Killiney Hill, where you can stand on top of the pyramid for exceptional views over the bay. Culture Athlone This pretty city on the water makes for a nice and easy day trip – kick things off at the 12th-century Athlone Castle, walking through the interactive exhibits (and picking up a cannonball), and then head up to the turrets for a great view of the town. Afterwards, pop into the nearby Luan Gallery before grabbing a bite at one of the riverside restaurants, or go for a drink in Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to AD 900. Belfast At just over two hours from Dublin by train, Belfast is a great shout for a quick hop over the border. Most sights are within easy reach of Grand Central Station, so stroll around the buzzy Cathedral Quarter, splashed with street art, or browse St George's Market at the weekend. The excellent Titanic Belfast is a little farther out, but you can catch the bus if you don't fancy the stroll along the riverside. Nature Wicklow Mountains National Park You often catch a glimpse of them as you fly into Dublin, but the Wicklow Mountains look even better up close. Drive to the national park and use that as your base for a hike – Djouce is challenging but beautiful, and the trail overlooks the inky black Lough Tay, otherwise known as Guinness Lake. Afterwards, head into Roundwood for a bite to eat. Mourne Mountains You will need a car to get there, but once you arrive, the Mournes are well worth the trek. Supposedly the inspiration for CS Lewis when he was writing The Chronicles of Narnia, these sweeping mountains are dappled with heather and gorse, and dotted with still, calm lakes. Walk one of the trails in Castlewellan Forest Park, or drive the six-mile Slieve Gullion loop, one of the most scenic in Northern Ireland. Contact: Area: Newry How to get there: 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Dublin Cavan Lakes This corner of Ireland is often bypassed for the more popular spots, but to miss it would be a shame – there are dense forests, peaceful lakes and tiny islands scattered throughout the water. Aim for Killykeen Forest Park and walk around the woodland trails, or book into one of the activities with Cavan Adventure Centre, where you can kayak to the crumbling remains of Clough Oughter Castle on a tiny island, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider's perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. About our expert Originally from Sussex, Nicola Brady went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. She's now based in Dublin, where she spends her time either eating or planning her next meal.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Inside the aftermath of one of Liverpool's darkest days
Treading slowly out of their Airbnb on to the heavily-policed street, the O'Brien family turned to inspect the aftermath of the appalling events the evening before. Behind the tangled cordon, empty beer bottles and takeaway boxes were strewn across the deserted road. In the distance, a forensic officer checked the road surface for evidence. For the sombre-looking family-of-four, it was like waking up from a violent nightmare, hoping it was just a dream. But it wasn't. Less than 24 hours earlier, the group were among thousands of joyous Liverpool fans packed into the street for their team's Premier League -winning parade. Unbeknown to them was they were in the path of a Ford Galaxy vehicle that would turn the city's party of the year into a horror show. Only for young Liverpool fans pushing them out of the way, the family from County Meath in Ireland were saved from joining the 65 confirmed casualties. The youngest - Danny, aged 11 - still appeared visibly shaken as he stood next to his father, Paul, and grandparents, Marie and Peter. 'For the little fella to see it going on - it's very hard to understand,' said his 39-year-old father. As dawn broke on Tuesday, many in the city had questions over how the vehicle entered Water Street, with an investigation only in its early stages. But for the O'Briens, they were just thankful to be able to walk away. "It [the car] passed us by inches, and then it continued and we could actually hear the thuds of people being hit,' said Paul. 'It was just a terrible scene. There were kids, men and women on the ground. "The men who pushed us out of the way were amazing, it was heroic stuff, young Liverpool supporters. They didn't think for a second, only for those people they don't know." As the rain came down on Tuesday, the closed-off section of road turned into a central point for grief for dozens of Liverpool supporters. CCTV obtained by The Independent showed the moment the vehicle moved down Dale Street, through the crowds, before entering Water Street. Fans had confronted the vehicle before it finally came to a stop, with four people trapped underneath. On Tuesday, many observers walked to the police cordon where they took pictures, hugged each other. One person laid flowers. Donna Skeldon, aged 51, from the Isle of Wight, was tearful as she retold how she fled in terror down a side street when the violence broke out. "I was just running in a panic," she said. "We weren't sure what was happening, but when you see so many people running, you just run for your life because you don't know what's happening.' She heard thuds as she ran, fearing at first they could be gun shots before looking around to see people hitting the car after it had come to a stop. 'It's horrible to think you're in that sort of situation. You never want to be there again, seeing the horror in front of you.' While the day had initially started out as a celebration, the city centre soon emptied as emergency services battled to bring the scene under control. Lisa Meiklajohn, 38, said: 'We were in the Reds Bar last night and it was meant to be a big ticketed event, but it was completely quiet. It was a somber mood. People just didn't want to go out. They were upset.' Others voiced frustration at how the vehicle had been able to hit the crowds. Ruben Derby, aged 26, said: 'You have so many people at an event - how can a car be able to get inside the roadblock and do this? Later in the evening, at Merseyside Police's headquarters in the city centre, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims explained the car was believed to have followed an ambulance as it responded to a man suffering a suspected heart attack. While 11 people remain in hospital, officers are still questioning a 53-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving while unfit through drugs. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill said the public had showed an 'incredible response' in helping the police in its investigation. It emerged that off-duty staff came into work at the city's hospitals. Clearly, the city was shook by the incident - but many at the police cordon also showed a steely resilience. Caio Cesar, 31, from Brazil, said: 'These are things that this city has unfortunately a bit of experience with. The people and the city know how to recover - and we will.'
Irish Times
20-05-2025
- Irish Times
Two men convicted of murdering Mahamud Ilyas after row over stolen bag of cannabis
Two men have been found guilty of the murder of 22-year-old Mahamud Ilyas, who was beaten to death and dumped in a wooded area in County Meath after a row over a stolen bag of cannabis. The jury of seven men and five women deliberated for seven hours and 52 minutes over four days before returning the unanimous verdict on Monday against Viorel Doroscan (23) and Otniel Richardo Clejan (24), rejecting the defence case that the two men had acted in self-defence after they claimed Mr Ilyas came running into an apartment with a weapon and threatened to kill them. Neither Doroscan nor Clejan made any reaction as the jury's verdicts were delivered. Each of the men subsequently spoke to members of their legal team and hugged family members. READ MORE Mr Ilyas's body was discovered in a wooded area at Belgree Lane in Co Meath on December 10th, 2022. The 22-year-old died from blunt force trauma to the head. Assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told the trial that the deceased sustained depressed fractures to his head, which were 'typical of hammer blows'. The prosecution had contended that Doroscan and Clejan were involved in the sale and supply of drugs and that they beat Mr Ilyas to death after a row over a stolen bag of cannabis. Witness Vlady Ndosimau previously told the trial that he barged through the door of the apartment after hearing a loud banging noise. Inside, he said he witnessed Mr Ilyas sitting on the floor, with his back against a radiator, looking as if he had been beaten and with blood coming from his nose. His hands and feet were tied using a rope or a zip tie and he was moaning while Mr Clejan and Mr Doroscan shouted at him, the witness said. Mr Doroscan, holding a fruit knife, stood between Mr Ilyas's legs while Mr Clejan stood close to his head with a hammer in his hand, the witness said. Mr Doroscan, he said, kept on shouting 'where is the stuff' while Mr Ilyas responded by 'groaning and groaning'. In his closing address to the jury, Eoin Lawlor SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said use of a hammer was the 'modus operandi for conflict resolution' employed by Doroscan, while the 'appalling, callous way' in which the victim's body was disposed of indicated his co-accused's part in the joint enterprise of the murder. Doroscan, of Bay Meadows Square, Hollystown, West Dublin, and Clejan, with a former address at Verdemont in Blanchardstown in Dublin 15, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Ilyas on December 9th, 2022. The jury is continuing its deliberations in relation to a co-accused, Lorenzo Cantaragiu (21), of Castlegrange Park, Blanchardstown, who faces various charges of impeding the prosecution or apprehension of Clejan and Doroscan, by carrying out various acts while knowing or believing them to have committed the offence of causing serious harm to Mr Ilyas. It is alleged that he drove the two murder accused and the deceased to Belgree Lane and that he cleaned the car in which they travelled. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. More to follow.
Irish Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
EuroMillions players urged to check tickets as 2 lucky punters win fortune
The first of nine guaranteed players to take home an additional €250,000 in the EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle event this month has been won. On Friday, the first player to win this fantastic prize hails from Co. Dublin. In addition to the usual €5,000 raffle prize, the Dublin player has received an additional prize of €250,000, resulting in total winnings of €255,000. The Dublin player purchased their Quick Pick ticket on April 29 from Supervalu Killester, Howth Road, Dublin 3. The all-important winning raffle number is I-RZR-24209. For the entirety of the month of May, EuroMillions players in Ireland will have the chance to win a massive €250,000. This series of special EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffles guarantees players a top up in the prize fund for all nine draws, every Tuesday and Friday, over the month of May. Typically, every EuroMillions draw produces ten winners of the €5,000 Ireland-Only Raffle prize, but this month, the National Lottery has created something extra special. In addition to the normal Raffle prize, one winner in each draw in May will win a dazzling €250,000 on top of the usual €5,000 Raffle prize. Following last week's success in the Leinster Football Championship, County Meath has returned another win, this time in the EuroMillions Plus draw, with a player from the Royal County scooping the top prize of €500,000. The Meath player purchased their ticket on the day of the draw from Mace Wilkinstown, Navan, Co. Meath. The winning numbers in Friday's EuroMillions Plus draw were: 5, 30, 31, 37 and 40. Darragh O'Dwyer National Lottery spokesperson said: 'May is off to a flying start with big wins in both Dublin and Meath – €255,000 in the EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle and €500,000 in the EuroMillions Plus draw! With eight more €250,000 EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle top up wins guaranteed, it's shaping up to be an unforgettable month for our EuroMillions players.' The National Lottery is urging all players in the Dublin and Meath areas to check their tickets carefully and if you're holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@ to arrange the collection of your prize.
