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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Wonderful victory for Dublin heritage' as new solution to prevent people groping Molly Malone statue to be implemented
A PROPOSED solution to prevent people groping the Molly Malone statue is set to be implemented in the coming weeks. For years, the statue has been the focus of a tradition in which visitors would rub the famous fishmonger's breasts for good luck. The practice, which started around 2012 and was likely created by tour guides, has left the statue discoloured and led to calls to stop the practice. Earlier this year, The council found that when approached, most people were cooperative and refrained from touching the statue. However, when stewards would leave, they found that the practice would quickly return. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS After a week-long trial, the council concluded that the stewards were unsustainable in the long term. Now, instead, they have decided to install flower beds around the base of the statue in an attempt to create a distance between the landmark and visitors. It follows similar methods by the council to limit antisocial behaviour around the Dublin portal last year, which included the use of proximity sensors which would blur the screen when people stepped too close. The flowerbeds are expected to be installed alongside restoration work, which will see the damage done to the statue repaired over the summer. Most read in Irish News Speaking with Regarding the issue, he said: "I don't want people to touch the statue at all. Where people are touching it, it is disturbing for some people, for others it's not, but the damage to the statue is the main reason we don't want this to go on." These steps by the council represent years of work and campaigns calling for a stop to the practice. LEAVE MOLLY ALONE One such campaign is Leave Molly Alone. Created by singer-songwriter Tilly Cripwell, it sought greater respect and care for the statue. Discussing the move, Cripwell said: "This is a wonderful victory for Dublin's heritage." She added: "Molly Malone deserves to be admired and respected. I'm thrilled that Dublin City Council has taken action." 1 The Molly Malone statue has been the focus of a tradition in which visitors would rub the famous fishmonger's breasts for good luck Credit: Getty Images - Getty


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major boost for thousands of Irish as €33 weekly payment or €462 double lump sum set for return in just weeks
THOUSANDS of Irish households will get an extra €33 a week in their pocket in just weeks as a vital payment returns. The Fuel Allowance Advertisement 2 400,000 households received the allowance last year, with that number set to increase following eligibility reductions made in budget 2025 Credit: Getty Images - Getty Last year, the Now the Currently, the weekly Fuel Allowance payment is issued to over 400,000 Irish households. To qualify for the payment, you must be over 66, live alone, and satisfy a means test. Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS If you are under 66, you'll need to be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as a pension, to apply. Those living with dependent People on the Carer's Allowance are eligible as well, provided they meet all other criteria. Only one person per household can receive the allowance, and they must be residing in Ireland at the time of application. Advertisement Most read in Money In 2024, 400,000 households received the allowance. This year, that number is expected to rise following a four-year reduction in the eligibility age under Budget 2025. The news comes following debates in the Dail this week. Taoiseach Micheal Martin recently ruled out a repeat of 2025's €2.6 billion cost-of-living package. Advertisement BUDGET CONCERNS Similarly, government leaders have agreed to scrap one-off payments such as energy credits and double Child Benefit boosts. But what does this mean for those hardest hit by the Susanne Rogers of Social Justice Ireland says social welfare rates must increase to ensure vulnerable people are not left behind. She said previous cost-of-living supports offered short-term relief for low-income households, almost 650,000 people remain below the poverty line. Advertisement And without any of those supports, that number would likely be closer to 750,000. 2 Those over 66 do not need to sit a means test to receive the €924 payment Credit: Getty Images - Getty


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Convicted killer, 36, jailed for ‘fraud' offences spends €100,000 on ‘grandiose' renovations of Limerick home
A CONVICTED killer previously jailed for 'feud related' offences who has never had a job spent €100,000 carrying out 'grandiose' renovations on his family home in Limerick, a court has heard. A sentencing hearing for Richard Treacy, 36, of Downey St, Garryowen heard today, that the 1 Richard Treacy has ten previous convictions Credit: Lawyer's for Treacy today objected to the term 'feud' being used by a prosecuting Treacy's defence counsel Lorcan Connolly SC suggested the detective garda had gone 'off-piste' and that this was done in an effort to 'colour' the judges' view of his client. He made an application for the three-judge panel to recuse themselves and for another panel to be introduced but this was rejected by presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O'Connor who said the judges were 'all very experienced' and were not of the view that there was a problem in them continuing on. Treacy previously pleaded guilty that he, between January 1, 2014 and January 12, 2021, knowing or being reckless as to whether renovation work carried out at his home address was the proceeds of READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The offence is contrary to section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. Detective Garda Ronan O'Reilly told prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC that on June 17, 2020 gardaí searched the house at Garryowen and found £3,900 of sterling and €4,000 in a sock drawer of the bedroom. Two further quantities of cash were found in a kitchen cupboard. Treacy told gardaí in a voluntary memorandum that another person was the registered owner of the house and that renovation works were carried out on the property. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN He said a No explanation was given for the sterling, and Treacy said the two quantities amounting to over €1,000 found in the kitchen were from savings and his dole money. Garda O'Reilly said Social There was evidence of some claims that had been attributed to Treacy from a number of He confirmed to counsel that a guilty plea was entered by Treacy on the first day of the trial, which had been expected to last two weeks, and it was accepted that €100,000 was spent on renovating the house. Det Gda O'Reilly said Treacy resides at the property in question with his partner and children. 'FEUDING FAMILIES' He told the court Treacy has ten previous convictions, including for manslaughter, dangerous Treacy also has previous convictions for careless driving and public order offences. Referencing the violent disorder offence, Det Gda O'Reilly said the defendant and some of his relations got involved in a violent disorder incident 'with a feuding other family in the city'. Regarding the manslaughter conviction, Garda O'Reilly said this was 'another feud related incident'. He said the deceased was a relation of a high-end criminal in the city. Lorcan Connolly SC, for Treacy said this 'additional information' was unnecessary. He said Treacy's last conviction was nine years ago and highlighted that this coincided with the arrival of his children. Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned the matter to October 20 for finalisation.


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
10 popular Dublin beaches hit with ‘no swimming' notice after bathing banned at popular strand for MONTHS
SWIMMERS have been warned not to swim at ten popular Dublin beaches in the latest notice from council chiefs. It comes after a popular strand was slapped with a months-long 4 Dublin beaches have issued a 'not swim' warning due to concerns over water quality Credit: Getty 4 Swimming in poor quality water could expose beachgoers to pollution Credit: Getty 4 It can also risk creating health problems Credit: © Peter Cavanagh Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council took to A 'No They added: "No Swimming Notice in place due to heavy rainfall, swimming is not advised. "The notice for these locations is in place until at least 23rd of July. READ MORE ON IRISH NEWS "Water quality testing is ongoing, with results expected on Wednesday, 23rd July. "After heavy rain, it's important to avoid contact with the water for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of recreational water illnesses." The reason for the ban is that the water quality at the Most read in Irish News It came into effect today for a period of five days following consultation with the The city council said:"Due to heavy rainfall, Dublin City Council has issued a temporary prohibition warning for the Dollymount Strand bathing area, effective from 21st July 2025 for a period of 5 days. The Irish cable car that's only one that crosses open sea in Europe with incredible views, stone walls & €10 tickets "The decision to remove or extend the warning will be determined by bathing water sampling. "Sample results will be made available online (DCC website and and in hardcopy format at the bathing waters as soon as possible. "The warning was erected in consultation with the Health Service Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency has been notified." ANOTHER BAN Swimming on It means swimmers can't return to the Irish sea spot until the bathing season is over, which runs from June 1 to September 15. The reason for the ban is that the water quality at the beach, tested by Dublin City The city council said: "A swim restriction applies at Sandymount Strand for the entire 2025 season. "Based on the 2021 - 2024 bathing assessment, Sandymount Strand will be classified as Poor for the 2025 season. "In accordance with 14(1)(a) of Bathing Water Regulations, a temporary restriction needs to be applied to prevent exposure of bathers to pollution." 4 A popular strand has also been slapped with a months-long swimming ban Credit: Getty


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Revolut confirm new Irish jobs amid major recruitment drive for over 400 roles across several sectors
REVOLUT is set to hire a number Irish employees as part of a new recruitment campaign. The company aims create over 400 new jobs in Western Europe, ahead of plans to establish a new headquarters in Paris. The list of countries the bank is targeting includes Ireland, The roles will primarily encompass risk management, compliance, cyber security and other critical roles. At least 200 of the The company expects to have over 1,500 employees in Western MOST READ IN IRISH NEWS CEO of Revolut Western Europe, Béatrice Cossa-Dumurgier, commented: "We're already hard at work building our new Western Europe headquarters in Paris — and that comes with a major hiring push across the region. "From France to Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland, we plan to hire over 400 people by 2029 to strengthen our local operations." She added: "Western Europe is home to a massive pool of talent, and we intend to make the most of it — attracting top professionals eager to shape the future of banking and build the next generation of financial services." Founded in 2015, Revolut began in the UK as a small fintech offering Most read in Irish News The company now boasts more than 60 million customers and 13,000 employees worldwide. Now it is looking to expand its operations in an effort to "serve customers in the region". Nearly all staff axed as major Scots manufacturer goes bust Revolut says this 'ramp-up' will begin with around 80 new hires in the first year and scale over 400 direct roles by the end of the decade. And that these efforts are taking place in parallel with the company's ongoing application for a banking licence in France. Currently, the company is set to invest around €1 billion in France over the next three years. The move represents a significant commitment by the company to its future business and operations on the continent, saying it shows "confidence in both France and Europe's business environment" and that it "complements Revolut's existing European HQ in Lithuania". 1 The company will be hiring employees from Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain, for mostly risk management, compliance, and cyber security roles Credit: Revolut