Latest news with #JoeCarroll


Irish Examiner
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
New EV strategy to expand electric vehicle charging points in Cork and Kerry
The local authorities in Cork county and Kerry have teamed up to plan the delivery of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the south-west. Cork and Kerry County Councils launched a joint public consultation process over the weekend seeking public input into the potential location and type of EV charging points that need to be installed in both counties over the coming years, in a bid to facilitate the move of more people to EVs. The regional strategy is required as part of a national plan for the delivery of four main EV charging categories — home/apartment charging, residential neighbourhood charging, destination charging, and motorway/en-route charging. Cork City Council adopted an EV strategy last year that focuses a lot on home/apartment and residential neighbourhood charging, given the mainly urban nature of the area within its jurisdiction. But given the largely rural nature of the counties of Cork and Kerry, people in the southwest have been asked to consider destination charging, which involves installing charging stations at popular destinations such as shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions, and neighbourhood charging, for the county towns, which focuses on providing charging options in residential areas. The two local authorities say public input into the strategy is vital to help shape the future of EV infrastructure in the area, but they have stressed that this is only a strategy — that the actual installation of EV chargers will come later. Mayor of the County of Cork, Joe Carroll, said the strategy will be the first step in developing a network of EV charging stations across both counties. 'This new strategy is intended to support the growing number of EVs on our roads. It is vital that all areas are adequately served and that the chargers can be used by local communities, businesses and the tourists who visit the south-west region,' he said. Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Breandán Fitzgerald, said the new charging network will support the growing number of EVs on our roads. 'The goal of the Cork and Kerry EV Infrastructure Charging Strategy is to establish the principles that will guide the rollout of this infrastructure across the region,' he said. The Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan published by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland earlier this year sets out minimum charging capacity requirements for local authorities in their own geographical area. On-route charging along national roads and travel routes is being supported separately by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The public consultation for the south-west is open until 4pm on June 30 at Read More Transport chiefs seek research firm to come up with ideas to make electric cars more attractive to public


Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork community groups funded to keep fighting climate change through innovative projects
The funding will also go towards installing solar PV installations on community buildings across the county. The projects were selected as part of the Community Climate Action Programme for their capacity to engage communities and deliver measurable climate benefits, supporting national and local climate targets. The programme, developed and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), aims to address climate change at a local level and support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities to contribute to national climate and energy targets. 'These projects are a wonderful example of what local communities can achieve with the right support. They reflect the energy, commitment and innovation of communities across Cork County who are playing their part in taking climate action," said the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added: 'Cork County Council is committed to supporting meaningful climate action and sustainability initiatives. These projects along with the projects funded under the previous call demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership with local communities. We will continue to work closely with local communities to drive forward our shared climate goals.' The eleven community groups in County Cork to receive the climate action funding are the Tiny Feet Fairy Garden in Macroom, Charleville Tidy Towns, Kiskeam Development Association, Mitchelstown Scout Group, Dromina Community Council, Araglen Carnival, Freemount Community Development Association, Lisgoold/Leamlara Community Council, Aghinagh GAA, Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association CLG, and Newmarket GAA. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.


Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Cork's lifeguards are back patrolling the beaches as bathing season gets underway
Corkman It's always a welcome sign that summer has arrived: County Cork's lifeguards will be back on the beaches this weekend in their distinctive yellow and red outfits, playing a vital role in keeping swimmers and paddlers safe. This year's bathing season kicks off for Cork County Council's Beach Lifeguard Teams on the June Bank Holiday Weekend with the guards on duty at 12 of the county's beaches from 10.30am until 7.00pm, starting on Saturday May 31. The lifeguarded beaches are Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove. And when you're at the beach it's easy to know whether a lifeguard is on duty because you'll see a red and yellow flag. The lifeguards will be on duty each weekend in June, for seven days a week in July and August, and for the first two weekends in September. They're chosen after a competitive application process, including a swim rescue test, and the successful applicants need to hold a Beach Lifeguard Award from the Irish Water Safety Association and have thorough knowledge of resuscitation methods. It may not be quite as glamorous as "Baywatch" but in return for keeping Cork's busiest beaches safe they can earn close to €20 an hour. Last summer, the county's lifeguards reunited fifteen children with their parents. They're reminding parents and guardians that 'Holding Hands Saves Lives' and to supervise children at all times. They're also asking people not to bring inflatable toys to the beach this summer. Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water due to the strong and changeable winds we experience throughout most of the summer. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, welcomed the news: 'It is a reassuring sight to see lifeguards patrolling our beaches in County Cork. They are the experts when it comes to tides, weather conditions and the risks. I am encouraging everyone to enjoy our beaches safely this summer, we all have a part to play. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, pay attention to the flags, look out for one another, and listen to the lifeguards.' Beachgoers should also pay attention to the Water Safety Flag system. A red over yellow flag means the lifeguards are on duty. You should swim between the red and yellow flags close and parallel to the shore as this is the area that the lifeguards are patrolling. A red flag means that swimming is not advised and a black and white chequered one marks the area for surfing only. Finally, no flag means there's no lifeguard on duty at the moment. Now all we need is the good weather to continue! Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.


Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Cork's lifeguards are back patrolling the beaches as bathing season gets underway
This year's bathing season kicks off for Cork County Council's Beach Lifeguard Teams on the June Bank Holiday Weekend with the guards on duty at 12 of the county's beaches from 10.30am until 7.00pm, starting on Saturday May 31. The lifeguarded beaches are Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove. And when you're at the beach it's easy to know whether a lifeguard is on duty because you'll see a red and yellow flag. The lifeguards will be on duty each weekend in June, for seven days a week in July and August, and for the first two weekends in September. They're chosen after a competitive application process, including a swim rescue test, and the successful applicants need to hold a Beach Lifeguard Award from the Irish Water Safety Association and have thorough knowledge of resuscitation methods. It may not be quite as glamorous as "Baywatch" but in return for keeping Cork's busiest beaches safe they can earn close to €20 an hour. Last summer, the county's lifeguards reunited fifteen children with their parents. They're reminding parents and guardians that 'Holding Hands Saves Lives' and to supervise children at all times. They're also asking people not to bring inflatable toys to the beach this summer. Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water due to the strong and changeable winds we experience throughout most of the summer. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, welcomed the news: 'It is a reassuring sight to see lifeguards patrolling our beaches in County Cork. They are the experts when it comes to tides, weather conditions and the risks. I am encouraging everyone to enjoy our beaches safely this summer, we all have a part to play. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, pay attention to the flags, look out for one another, and listen to the lifeguards.' Beachgoers should also pay attention to the Water Safety Flag system. A red over yellow flag means the lifeguards are on duty. You should swim between the red and yellow flags close and parallel to the shore as this is the area that the lifeguards are patrolling. A red flag means that swimming is not advised and a black and white chequered one marks the area for surfing only. Finally, no flag means there's no lifeguard on duty at the moment. Now all we need is the good weather to continue! Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.


Bloomberg
12-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US Tariffs Trigger Outrage From Its ‘Best Friend' Next Door
Canadian premiers turned a CERAWeek panel into a venting session as measures on steel and aluminum imports take effect. Welcome to our guide to the energy and commodities powering the economy. This week, we're coming to you from global oil and gas get-together CERAWeek in Houston, where delegates confront a very different political landscape from last year. Reporters Millie Munshi and Joe Carroll discuss the Canadian response to new US tariffs. Meanwhile, a Bloomberg Editorial examines the economic impact. 'Why do you do this to your best friend?'