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Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
How Ireland's controversial Eircode system proved critics wrong 10 years on
Over 97% of people in Ireland say they have a validated Eircode for their home address, 10 years after the initiative was launched. Since its launch in 2015, there have been 197.3million look-ups on the online finder, with two million average searches per month last year. However, a decade ago the initiative was not widely welcomed. At the time, experts said the €38m project was 'not fit for purpose'. It was initially supposed to cost €18m, but it went more than double over budget. The biggest criticism of Eircode at the time was that it's not strictly geographical, like the UK's system, which can be confusing. While the first three characters of an Eircode, the routing key, is linked to a broad area, it doesn't precisely map smaller units such as a street or even a town. The four characters after this routing key are completely unique to an individual address and are not geographically sequential. The random nature of the codes were slammed at the time, with the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association chairperson John Kidd saying it could be 'catastrophic' in emergency situations. He said the random nature of codes could be detrimental in an emergency, potentially leading to incorrect locations and significant delays. Mr Kidd added that it would be of little benefit to rural areas, and because Eircodes aren't predictable and can't be learned easily, it's not as useful as Northern Ireland's postcode system. In 2015, multiple companies such as FedEx, DHL and BOC Ireland said it would not be using the postcode system for deliveries. However, shortly after its launch, the National Ambulance Service integrated Eircodes into its computerised dispatch system. It also encourages people seeking an emergency ambulance to have their Eircode at hand. A key driver for the introduction of Eircodes was to deal with challenges faced by non-unique addresses in the country. It found that 35% of all properties in Ireland shared an address with another property, which was a difficulty for emergency services. In 2024, 41,624 addresses were assigned an Eircode, with 38,851 the previous year. So far, 2.5million addresses have been assigned an Eircode. The initiative was launched by Capita Business Support Services, which was awarded the contract to develop Ireland's postcode system in December 2013. Speaking as Eircode celebrated its 10th anniversary, the company's managing director Gillian Chamberlain said the service 'has become an essential part of everyday life in Ireland.' She added: 'Eircode has proven its value across the public and private sectors and this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of our partnership with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. We look forward to ensuring the continued success of this vital national infrastructure." Minister of State for Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said Eircode's usage 'continues to grow'. He said: 'It is used widely among the public, businesses and public sector with independent research showing that 97% of respondents were able to supply a validated Eircode for their address. 'The continued use of the free-to-use Eircode Finder website, which has received 197 million look-ups since launch, further proves that Eircodes are utilised on a daily basis. I want to congratulate Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited for the outstanding work they have done in operating Eircodes on behalf of the State, and I look forward to our continued partnership.' Since its inception, the public have been widely encouraged to learn their home Eircode or have it to hand in case of an emergency. There have been various advertisement campaigns over the years aiming to show the importance of the system. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
National Observer
15-07-2025
- Health
- National Observer
Poor air quality can worsen pre-existing mental health challenges
The poor air quality that has blanketed swaths of central and Western Canada is not only infiltrating the lungs, but also distressing the mind. The federal government says people with mental illness are in a high-risk group prone to health problems when exposed to air pollution. Others who are most impacted when air quality plummets include seniors, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions. Environment Canada said Tuesday the air in parts of Saskatchewan and Inuvik is 'very high risk,' while Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Yellowknife are high- and moderate-risk areas due to wildfire smoke. Dr. Sean Kidd, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said polluted air can make people feel trapped, particularly those who are homeless and can't avoid the outdoors, as well as people who don't have air conditioning and have to open their windows during heat waves. That can exacerbate stressors and intensify distress for anyone who experiences mental-health challenges. "Being out in an environment like this, it's distressing, right? Especially if you can't escape it." High heat, humidity and air pollution are adding to the stresses weathered by all Canadians, but those already experiencing mental health challenges are particularly troubled by them. The combination of heat, humidity and air pollution can also cloud cognition, making people more irritable and reactive, which can lead to substance abuse, Kidd said. Kidd said evidence suggests there's also an increase in domestic violence and interpersonal conflict during extreme weather events. The United Nations (UN) reported in April that climate change could be linked to one in every ten cases of intimate partner violence by the end of the century if action is not taken to interrupt that trajectory. A 2018 study cited in the UN report found intimate partner femicide rose 28 per cent during heat waves in Madrid. Among the solutions is creating better, more stable housing that reduces exposure to high-risk air, and in doing so, improves health and well-being across the board, Kidd said. 'It's not just about breathing bad air," Kidd said. "(It's) ultimately about having fewer people breathing air like this." Still, those who have access to cool indoor spaces can feel stuck inside and socially isolated, which can result in doom scrolling and worsen feelings of loneliness. Jiaying Zhao, a professor of psychology and sustainability at the University of British Columbia, said when wildfires pollute the air in Vancouver and the sky turns an orange hue, she tends to stay home. "I just don't interact with people. I'm isolated as a result of air pollution and that's not good. That can really exacerbate depressive symptoms and any kind of mental-health issues associated with depression," Zhao said. Some young people struggle with the crushing reality of climate change, said Zhao. When air quality plummets, those feelings can swing from abstract to material. 'That further exacerbates eco-anxiety, climate anxiety, that makes me, as well as others, think this is the end of the world. It does seem like an apocalypse,' said Zhao. Dr. Zarina Giannone, a registered psychologist in Vancouver, said it helps to think about what makes you feel safe and more in control of the exposure, which can include connecting with other people who are also exposed and isolated. "When they're not breathing in clean air or there's been a forest fire, which is common out here in B.C. — for the, for the air to really change suddenly and quite significantly like that — that can impact how people feel, how safe they feel; can kind of provoke more situational change in their mental status and wellness." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.
Miami Herald
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Cooper Flagg scores 10 in Summer League debut; Mavs edge Lakers
Dallas Mavericks rookie and No. 1 NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg contributed 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes in his Las Vegas Summer League debut Thursday as the Mavericks edged the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85. Flagg added three steals and a block. He went scoreless during the second half and finished 5-for-21 from the floor. "Not up to my standard, but I'm going to regroup; I'm going to be all right," Flagg told ESPN postgame. "This is a new feeling, new environment, new teammates, but the guys settled down." Lakers second-year guard Bronny James missed a potential go-ahead trey in the closing seconds. Los Angeles' Cole Swider led all scorers with 22 points to go with 10 rebounds. Ryan Nembhard paced Dallas with 21 points and Miles Kelly followed with 17. The main attraction, though, was undeniable. Fans at the Thomas & Mack Center buzzed when Flagg got touches as well as during his early, sporadic defensive matchups against James, who scored his team's first five points and finished with eight. Speaking during halftime of ESPN's broadcast, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd lauded Flagg's moxie during his unofficial professional debut. "I think when you have someone like Cooper who can handle, who can shoot, who can pass, you want the ball in his hands," Kidd said. "He's a great decision-maker. He did that at Duke and also in high school. So, you get to see it tonight. He's going to have some mistakes. We all did; we all threw it in the stands once in a while, but I think just his poise as an 18-year-old is incredible." Dalton Knecht (15 points) and DJ Steward (14) also scored in double figures for the Lakers. Darius Bazley grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Lakers defenders double-teamed Flagg upon receiving a pass in the backcourt after Dallas won the opening tip. Addressing the sequence at halftime, Kidd said, "I think that's out of respect." Flagg missed his first two field goal attempts but found his rhythm following a short breather in the first quarter. He scored six straight Mavericks points between the 4:35 and 2:49 mark, netting his first field goal on a running, one-hand dunk after securing a steal at the other end of the floor. Flagg shot 5-for-15 in the first half with three rebounds and one assist. "He's handled the ball, he's gotten wide-open shots for teammates, he's finished," Kidd said. "I think you've seen a lot of what he can do in this league." --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
Fox Sports
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Cooper Flagg Makes Professional Debut at NBA Summer League vs. Bronny James
Cooper Flagg strolled into UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security. Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m. at the NBA Summer League. His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter. Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game and picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game. Bronny James, also a fan favorite, buried his first attempt over Flagg and followed after Flagg's second miss with a 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead. Flagg scored his first basket at the 4:30 mark and followed with a mid-range fadeaway as he fell to the floor. Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he's looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team's opening game, as he wants them all playing hard. "This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout," Kidd said. "But the guys have had a couple practices. There's going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one's gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish." As for his prize draft pick: "We're all excited," Kidd said of Flagg. "Seen enough of him on tape, so now it's good to see him on the floor." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Lakers recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
The Hill
09-07-2025
- Climate
- The Hill
Federal forecast concerns surface in Texas' deadly flooding debate
KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — State and local officials are calling out federal forecasters amid deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country over the extended Fourth of July weekend. The criticism comes, as funding cuts and staff shortages plague the National Weather Service and other emergency management agencies nationwide. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd told reporters Friday original forecasts from the National Weather Service predicted 4 to 8 inches of rain in that area, 'but the amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of those forecasts.' 'Listen, everybody got the forecast from the National Weather Service, right?' Kidd said. 'You all got it, you're all in media, you got that forecast. It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw.' Kidd added TDEM 'worked with our own meteorologist to finetune that weather statement' but did not elaborate on any updated interpretation that would have led to more urgent warnings for evacuations. The area actually received a much more significant amount of rain that night, with NWS observed totals exceeding 10 inches just west of Kerrville, near where dozens were killed or remain missing – including several children at a summer camp. Localized LCRA rainfall totals in the region have exceeded 18 inches in some places. The Guadalupe River in Kerrville measured just under a foot on Thursday, leading up to midnight. At about 4 a.m. Friday, the river rose over 30 feet in less than two hours, according USGS data. On Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also said during a separate press event that TDEM Region 6 Assistant Chief Jay Hall 'personally contacted the judges and mayors in that area and notified them all of potential flooding.' KXAN has requested record of that communication to verify that statement and its level of urgency. 'Yesterday morning, the message was sent,' Patrick added. 'It is up to the local counties and mayors under the law to evacuate if they feel a need. That information was passed along.' NWS issued a flash flood warning at 1:14 a.m. Friday for a portion of Kerr County – where the majority of flood-related deaths have been reported. But it would be at least four hours before any county or city government entity posted directions to evacuate on social media. City and county officials have yet to fully explain the timing of their Facebook posts surrounding the height of the flood or other ways they might have notified people near the water. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr., said Saturday the city had done an 'admirable' job making sure all information was available to the public. KXAN is awaiting responses after requesting records of communication between city, county and state officials to better understand decisions regarding their public warnings. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly has claimed officials 'didn't know this flood was coming.' 'This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States, and we deal with floods on a regular basis – when it rains, we get water,' Kelly said to reporters Friday. 'We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what has happened here, none whatsoever.' Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice reiterated that apparent lack of awareness, telling the media Friday: 'This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted.' Following those statements, the NWS provided additional details on its notification timeline for the Kerr County flood, including: KXAN is awaiting additional responses from the NWS on that timeline. KXAN also requested comments from Kidd and from NWS Austin/San Antonio Meteorologist in Charge Pat Vesper regarding how recent federal funding cuts might have impacted weather forecasting abilities in Texas. TDEM responded but did not answer KXAN's questions or indicate when Kidd would be available to speak directly about those issues. An NWS spokesperson said Vesper's office 'is focused on forecast operations right now, as flash flooding is ongoing.' While state and local officials have not publicly – nor outright – blamed the Trump Administration's financial decisions for any possible forecasting issues, public accusations on social media and elsewhere point to their timing during severe weather season. For instance, directly under Vesper at the local NWS office is a key position – warning coordination meteorologist (WCM) – that has remained vacant since April. The role was most recently held by longtime employee Paul Yura, who took an early retirement package offered to agency workers as the administration worked to reduce the budget and personnel number at the NWS and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Yura, who KXAN recently reported spent more than half of his 32-year career at the local NWS office, gained tremendous experience understanding local weather patterns while ensuring timely warnings get disseminated to the public in a multitude of ways. The importance of his role as WCM cannot be understated. Ensuring ample and timely warning to Central Texas counties was among the chief responsibilities. According to NOAA, 'The WCM coordinates the warning function of the office with the outside world. This would include heading the Skywarn Program, conducting spotter training and being a voice to the local media for the office.' Following the Kerr County flood, KXAN reached out to Yura – who referenced a hiring freeze in his retirement message to the media – but he referred questions to an NWS public affairs official. Along with Yura's job, five other vacancies in the local NWS office have stacked up, according to its online staff roster and the NWS Employees Organization. Those include two meteorologists, two technology staff members and a science officer. The office has 26 employees when fully staffed. The administration made cuts to the federal workforce an early priority in Trump's second presidential term this year, and those reductions extended to the NWS. In May, NBC News reported the agency was working to shuffle employees to cover 150 positions that were vacated by the firings of probationary employees and early retirements of other longtime workers. Some forecasting offices were left without overnight service, though no Texas offices were mentioned among those. Tom Fahy, the NWSEO legislative director, then told NBC the staff cuts could increase risk and damage the agency's ability to respond to a disaster. Fahy told KXAN on Saturday the Central Texas flooding 'was indeed a flash precipitation event,' leading to massive rainfall – something the local NWS office still had 'adequate staffing and resources' to handle, despite its vacancies. 'They issued timely forecasts and warnings leading up to the storm,' he said, also referencing flood watches 'out well in advance' the day before the waters rose. In early June, the NWS was seeking to hire at least 126 people across the country, including meteorologists, following previous staff cuts, The Hill reported. A NOAA spokesperson told the outlet the NWS would be conducting 'short term temporary duty assignments' and providing 'reassignment opportunity notices' to fill field offices with the 'greatest operational needs.' The NWS Austin/San Antonio Weather Forecast Office currently has a 15% vacancy rate for meteorologists. The office's total vacancy rate was 12% at the beginning of the year, but that increased to 23% by the end of April when employees took buyouts, Fahy confirmed to KXAN. President Trump posted on Truth Social he is 'working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding,' ahead of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visit to represent the administration in Kerrville Saturday. During a press conference after surveying the area, Noem told reporters the amount of rain in this flooding event was 'unprecedented,' underscoring the reason Trump is working to 'fix' aging technology within NOAA. 'I do carry your concerns back to the federal government and back to President Trump,' she said, acknowledging the need for upgraded technology to give 'families have as much warning as possible.' Central Texas and the Hill Country are broadly known for major floods. With one of the highest risks for flash flooding in the country, the area has earned the nickname 'flash flood alley,' according to LCRA. This weekend's tragedy isn't the first. In 1987, a flood hit the Guadalupe River, pushing the waterway up 29 feet and catching a church camp bus, according to the NWS. The bus, which was being used to evacuate dozens of children, was swept away and 10 children were killed. Again, in 1998, flooding struck the region. On Oct. 17 and 18 that year a storm dropped roughly 30 inches of rain near San Marcos. Homes along the Guadalupe River near Canyon Lake and down to Seguin were washed off their foundations, NWS reported. Closer to Austin, the Blanco River experienced catastrophic flooding in 2015 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Houses and bridges were washed away, and 13 people were killed across the region.
