Latest news with #Drivetime
RTÉ News
19 hours ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
O'Leary describes Dublin Metrolink as 'a waste of money'
Michael O'Leary, Group Chief Executive of Ryanair Holdings, has described the proposed Metrolink rail service in Dublin - that would also serve Dublin Airport - as a waste of money. He likened the estimated €20 billion cost to "ten children's hospitals" and says the project is "completely uncosted." Mr O'Leary said the Government allocated in the National Development Plan €2bn "for just the tendering process". He said the cost of the 18km project works out at around €1bn per kilometre. "Dublin Airport doesn't need it, Dublin Airport passengers won't use it, they're already well served by buses," he said on RTÉ's Drivetime. He said contrary to popular belief, people using Dublin Airport are all not "going to St Stephen's Green". "90% per cent of the traffic is going to suburban Dublin and down the country. "They're very well served by the existing bus capacity, which counts for about 30% of Dublin's traffic." Mr O'Leary said the Tube in London delivers only 16% of the passenger traffic to Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow, "and the Tube serves all of London". The "massively expensive" Metro, he said, will serve a "narrow corridor from Swords in through the airport in through Glasnevin, serving a couple of hundred thousand people". "And we are wasting billions of taxpayers money on a airport train that nobody is going to use and that we don't need," he said. He claimed that the Government "cannot be trusted," accusing it of already breaking an election promise that it would remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. He said no-one is willing to state publicly the likely eventual cost of Metrolink, which Mr O'Leary predicted will "easily exceed €20bn." He also accused Sean Sweeney, the New Zealander who was appointed Project Director of Metrolink last year, of "not knowing what he is talking about." Mr O'Leary said that a twentieth of the money - €100m - would pay for 400 buses which "do the same job" as the Metro, a project he said Ireland "cannot afford."
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Doireann Garrihy shares cryptic post hinting at new RTE project
2FM stars Doireann Garrihy and Carl Mullan could be set to reunite for a new show. Doireann, who is expecting her first child later this year, parted ways with Mullan and Donncha O'Callaghan last year when the trio hosted 2FM Breakfast together. But Doireann teased fans on social media with a clip of Mullan in a 'work meeting'. The pair are seen sitting beside each other in a room in RTE. She jokingly wrote: 'First mistake of the say: sitting beside @carlmullan at a work meeting.' The post has sparked speculation that the pair could be back working together soon. The trio previously hosted a hidden-camera comedy series together called The Full Irish Hidden Camera Show. Doireann stepped away from 2FM after five years hosting Breakfast with Carl and Donncha in May 2024. She returned to 2FM earlier this year to host her Drivetime show. Carl has remained on the breakfast show, now hosting alongside new co-stars Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonnar. On a recent episode of Doireann's hit podcast, Doireann & Friends, the host sat down with Carl Mullan to talk about the close bond the trio formed while working together. Carl admitted that he had a "right cry" to his wife after they made the decision to leave the show. He said he was "so afraid" they wouldn't keep in contact but was relieved to share that all three are still close as ever. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Gardaí contacted over 950 times since appeal over historical abuse at schools
Gardaí have been contacted more than 950 times since their appeal last September relating to historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders. The updated figure came as the Dáil debated plans for a Commission of Investigation into historical abuse in schools, first announced by Minister for Education Helen McEntee last Tuesday. David Ryan, who featured in the Blackrock Boys documentary which led to the Commission's ultimate announcement, was among those in the Dáil to witness the debate. Speaking on his way into Leinster House, Mr Ryan said he hoped survivors would get justice in the years ahead. He carried a framed picture of his late brother Mark - who featured in the same documentary - into the Houses of the Oireachtas with him. "It's a very momentous day for me. I wish Mark was with me as he would have been in his element to come in here. I thought this would never happen. It's sad and good at the same time, so I'm happy," Mr Ryan told RTÉ's Drivetime programme. "The last week has been a bit of rollercoaster since I heard what Minister McEntee was going to do. Other people can get their justice and they should be proud of themselves to come forward. It's frightening to find out how many people were abused in this country, it's just frightening," he said. Last September, a scoping inquiry found that there were 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse in relation to 308 schools recorded by the religious orders that ran the schools. The allegations were made about 884 distinct alleged abusers. The inquiry recommended last week's announcement of a Commission of Investigation. In a statement to RTÉ, An Garda Síochána said it had received over 950 contacts around historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders since the publication of the scoping inquiry. However, a spokesperson added how not all contacts could be acted upon. "An Garda Síochána (has) highlighted that while An Garda Síochána would endeavour to effectively deal with all contacts, there was likely to be limitations as to the action that could be taken in some cases due to matters such as unavailability of evidence over time or suspects and/or witnesses being deceased." Speaking in the Dáil, Ms McEntee reiterated plans to use all levers possible to ensure religious orders contribute to a planned redress scheme for survivors.
RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Government set to defer health labelling on alcoholic drinks until 2029
The Government is set to defer plans to require health labelling on alcoholic drinks until 2029. In an email sent to members of its trade forum, the Government signalled that a decision on deferring the long-planned move will be made next week. Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, said that these were "disappointing and bizarre" comments to hear from the Government. "It's a very disappointing comment to be made, and it's one that I can only describe it as bizarre, because these labels are already on multiple products in multiple shops right across the country," she said. "The idea of saying that we're going to delay this public health measure seems very strange indeed ..." Ms Gilheany pointed out that the decision had apparently not yet been made, but said they are calling on the Taoiseach to reflect and say - "'What is the point in actually delaying something which has long been planned for?'" Ms Gilheany said that this was a decision that would have consequences for many people. "Every year in Ireland, about 1,000 people will get a diagnosis of cancer which arises from alcohol. So, we're talking now about a four-year delay. That's 4,000 more people who will be getting that diagnosis," she said. "That's a diagnosis that, for many, they don't actually know why it has arisen, because we know that most people don't realise that there is a connection between alcohol consumption, even at relatively low levels, and cancer." Ms Gilheany said that health label requirements on alcohol would have an impact on people's lives and health. "There is evidence from around the world to say that informing people about this particular risk does have an impact on people's alcohol consumption. But not only that, it actually changes the conversation." She added that it was also about "changing the environment" for younger people who might not drink currently, but are considering it. "It sets the greater degree of public understanding." Ms Gilheany called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin, "who has a very proud and very good record on public health," to look at this matter.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Absolutely glowing', cry fans as mum-to-be Doireann Garrihy shares ‘stunning' baby bump snap from dreamy French getaway
RTE star Doireann Garrihy has left fans gushing after sharing a "stunning" snap during her dreamy getaway in France. The Drivetime host, 33, recently announced she's with husband . 2 Doireann posed for a 'stunning' holiday snap Credit: Instagram 2 Fans shared their love for her post Credit: Instagram Since announcing the news, has been keeping followers in the loop with regular updates on her pregnancy journey. The happy couple have now jetted off for a relaxing sun-soaked getaway in The mum-to-be took to The popular presenter was glowing as she posed proudly with her hand resting on her stomach. READ MORE ON DOIREANN GARRIHY Doireann looked effortlessly stylish in a flowing black mini dress cinched at the waist. She paired her outfit with black sandals featuring gold detailing, a gold handbag and matching jewellery. The Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for her post. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Aoibhinn Garrihy said: "Effortless French chic." Grainne wrote: "Looking amazing." 'There's a magic dust he gives off', say Carl Mullan and Doireann Garrihy as they swoon over former RTE host Louise gushed: "Absolutely glowing Doireann. I love the all the gold details." Jayne commented: "You just look so beautiful." Another added: "Stunning." On a recent episode of her hit podcast, Doireann & Friends, the host sat down for a chat with Carl Mullan - and they were The trio hosted the 2FM Breakfast Show together for a number of years and also fronted a hidden-camera comedy series together called The Full Irish Hidden Camera Show. STAR PALS Carl has remained on the show, now hosting alongside new co-stars The radio host admitted that he had a "right cry" to his wife after they made the decision to leave the show. He said he was "so afraid" they wouldn't keep in contact but was relieved to share that all three are still close as ever. The pair then went on to gush about their beloved pal Donncha as they admitted they didn't give him the "credit he deserved". Carl said: "He was so good for us because sometimes we could get into our heads a little bit - you know someone might send in a s***y message. "But to have him around the place, just to bring you right back down to earth it, was just great." Doireann added: "But also, looking back on it in hindsight, I have never met someone like Donncha for team spirit." She explained that he always made sure "everyone has a role" and that they were all working "on the same team".
