Latest news with #MichaelCollins
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
‘Shocking scenes' as Irish village ‘cut off' & homes evacuated in ‘unprecedented' freak 2-hour flash floods chaos
IRELAND is currently being battered by "very heavy rain" with a Status Orange warning in effect for six counties. A major clean-up is underway after in Dromcollogher, on the Cork-Limerick border, following a flooding crisis, with health and safety hazards being reviewed. Advertisement 6 Many areas in the country suffered flooding due to the weather madness Credit: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 6 Dromcollogher was highly impacted by the flash floods Credit: Facebook/Councillor Michael Collins 6 The roads were impassable Credit: Facebook/Councillor Michael Collins Met Eireann warned yesterday that a Status Orange, an alert classified as "dangerous, infrequent or disruptive" by the weather bosses, for heavy rain could cause The dangerous weather conditions impact river and coastal flooding, causing "dangerous And Dromcollogher was one of the many worst hit by the flooding during the Footage and images are being shared on Advertisement READ MORE ON NEWS The main streets were completely flooded by the intense rain, with many turbulent swirls and small debris being swept along the water down the streets. The small village was completely cut off via three main arteries – the pike, the R522, the R515, leaving the area unreachable. And flood water rushed into several homes in the area and has caused damage, forcing residents from their homes. A coordinated pumping operation was established to lower water levels near the Dromcollogher Respite Centre, where an evacuation was required. Advertisement Most read in Irish News It is reported that Limerick Civil Defence was on site to assist with the evacuation of residents. Humanitarian aid was issued to residents of some areas as the crisis continues to batter the village. Local councillor Michael Collins confirmed that the council housing directorate is arranging emergency accommodation for the families affected. Irish village hit with flood hell after 'heavy rain' and thunderstorms And Councillor Jerome Scanlan told Live95: "One would have to see it to believe it. It's just something I'd never witnessed before," Advertisement In the wake of the flash floods, members of the Emergency services from Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, based at Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Rathkeale, were deployed to the village after the main access to the village was cut off. Councillor Michael Collins stated that sandbags were distributed to protect local properties at risk, and local farmers provided additional support by supplying water pumps. Sharing videos of the freak flooding he said: "Some shocking scenes of flash flooding in Dromcollogher this evening. I have been in contact with Council management. Advertisement "Fire crews and roads staff are onsite. I had driven through Dromcollogher earlier and all was quiet and peaceful. "Hope everyone is safe at this point." 'PROCEED WITH CAUTION' The council stated the water levels have "subsequently receded naturally", and the fire crews stood down around 2am while other council staff remained in the area to continue assessing the situation. A spokesperson for the council said: "As of this morning, all roads in the area are open. However, motorists are advised to proceed with caution. Advertisement "A clean-up operation is currently underway." Bus services through the village are cancelled until further notice, with services being diverted. The Irish Sun has reached out to Councillor Michael Collins and Francis Foley for a comment on the flooding situation. DUBLIN CITY Elsewhere, Advertisement And many spot floods were reported in the capital, prompting emergency crews to be deployed and monitor the affected areas. Flood gates were blocked from Ballsbridge to Landsdowne Road Bridge, where the high tide at 9.03am passed without any problems. The Camac was the only river to record Orange level volumes. Since 4am, gully teams and emergency crews have been deployed to monitor Leix Road in Cabra, where an emergency pump was installed. Advertisement Although there was a lot of spot flooding, the council stated that no buildings were in grave danger. Hilcrest walk in Lucan has also fallen victim to severe flooding. 'SERIOUS FLOODING INCIDENT' Councillor Caroline Brady warned on social media: "There's been another serious flooding incident on Hillcrest Walk this morning following heavy overnight rain. "I reported flooding here last week — Oxygen Environmental attended and cleared the drains — but clearly, there are underlying issues that go beyond surface drainage." Advertisement Flooding was also reported to have been affecting other parts of West The 6 Residents were left stranded as the streets were filled to the brim with flood waters Credit: Carlow Weather/x 6 Dublin also suffered some spot flooding Credit: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved Advertisement 6 Emergency crews were deployed across the country to deal with spot flooding Credit: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
Extra.ie
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Call for end to ‘unfair' inheritance tax laws for childless people
A campaign has been launched to end discrimination against people without children in inheritance tax. Parents can leave up to €400,000 to children before tax kicks in, but the threshold is €40,000 in bequests to anyone else. End Discrimination in Inheritance Tax for Childless Citizens (EDIT) said childless people and members of the LGBTQI community are being unfairly isolated because of laws that have not been updated since same-sex marriage legislation was introduced in 2015. Inheritance Tax: Pic: Getty Images EDIT spokesman James Sexton said: 'If a parent passes a property on to a son or daughter, the inheritance tax threshold kicks in on a building valued at €400,000. However, if a childless couple or single person passes a property on to a niece or nephew, the inheritance tax kicks in at €40,000.' He said existing tax law is blatantly discriminatory against couples who, through no fault of their own, have been unable to have children. Mr Sexton added: 'This is grossly unfair. Me and my wife and others, are facing a situation whereby, when the time comes to pass on the property to a niece and a nephew, because of the €40,000 tax threshold, the respective niece will, in all likelihood, have to sell the property because they won't be able to afford the tax bill. inheritance tax. Pic: Getty Images 'This scenario is resulting in very upsetting situations whereby if a house has been in the family name for 100 years or more, the sale of the property will end the family link with the respective property and association with that particular location.' He added that heterosexual people are not the only ones affected by this 'outdated and unfair' tax measure. The inheritance tax law is thought to affect more than one million people and, in particular, members of the LGBTQI community. Speaking to Gay Community News recently, Mr Sexton said: 'This is unconstitutional, inequitable and discriminatory. This needs to change. Our equal status legislation is meant to prevent discrimination on the grounds of family status.' Independent TD Michael Collins. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said: 'We've raised this issue in the Dáil numerous times. It's an awful situation. Individuals who inherit a property from a childless uncle or aunt are facing an exorbitant tax bill, with the result that most are left with no option but to sell, and for everyone involved except the taxman, this can be heartbreaking, costly, and ultimately can end the family connection with a location. 'It seems people in Government aren't listening or don't care. We [Independent Ireland] have raised this in the Dáil numerous times, and we aim to introduce a Bill to address this matter in advance of the budget. It's one we're working on already. 'For a working person with no children, or members of the gay community, this affects so many people. There has to be a fair understanding by the Government. This mightn't happen overnight, but the Government needs to do something to address this issue that affects so many people.' EDIT has made two presentations in Leinster House before TDs and senators this year. The organisation has also highlighted the matter with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. A Department of Finance spokesman said: 'The department cannot comment in advance on any tax matters that might be the subject of budget decisions.' The rules governing farm land inheritance tax were recently relaxed to avoid farms being carved up to pay the tax bill. However, the change led to a surge in the price of farmland as people invested in it to avoid inheritance tax bills for their children.
Fox News
a day ago
- Science
- Fox News
Buzz Aldrin commemorates Apollo 11 moon landing milestone on 56th anniversary with heartfelt message
Legendary astronaut Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. shared a heartfelt message on the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, recalling the historic moment when the lunar module Eagle landed at Tranquility Base. The 95-year-old, who in 1969 walked on the Moon behind mission commander Neil Armstrong, reminisced about the iconic moment they shared while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. "July 20, 1969. "Contact light, engine stop." The Apollo 11 lunar module Eagle touched down at Tranquility Base on the Moon. A few hours later, Neil Armstrong and I stepped foot on the Moon, with Michael Collins orbiting close-by," Aldrin wrote in a post on X. Aldrin emphasized that this monumental achievement stemmed from years of relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and the teamwork of hundreds of thousands. "An achievement resulting from years of incalculable effort, commitment, and team work." Aldrin invoked President John F. Kennedy's powerful challenge to reach the Moon and see Kennedy's "words become reality." "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others too," Aldrin wrote, sharing Kennedy's speech he had given at Rice University in September 1962. The speech, delivered to inspire national unity and ambition, set the stage for achieving the decade's most audacious goal. "Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the Moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked," Kennedy's speech concluded, according to the JFK Library. Aldrin closed with a message of pride and gratitude, honoring all who made the mission possible and extending his blessings to the United States and all of humanity. "I couldn't be prouder to have completed this mission with the hundreds of thousands of people that helped get us to the moon and back home. God bless the USA and all of humankind," Aldrin wrote. Aldrin also shared that Pope Leo XIV spoke with him and his wife, expressing how special the moment was. "Anca and I were grateful and touched to receive the highest blessing today, from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on the 56th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing," Aldrin wrote. "What an honor! We prayed for good health, long life, and prosperity for all humankind." The Apollo 11 mission was the first in human history to land men on earth's satellite, fulfilling a dream as old as humanity itself. Armstrong was the first astronaut to step on the lunar surface at 9:56 p.m. ET on July 20, 1969. He was followed 19 minutes later by Aldrin. Aldrin is the only one of the three astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission still alive today. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
Fox News
a day ago
- Science
- Fox News
Buzz Aldrin commemorates Apollo 11 moon landing milestone on 55th anniversary with heartfelt message
Legendary astronaut Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. shared a heartfelt message on the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, recalling the historic moment when the lunar module Eagle landed at Tranquility Base. The 95-year-old, who in 1969 walked on the Moon behind mission commander Neil Armstrong, reminisced about the iconic moment they shared while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. "July 20, 1969. "Contact light, engine stop." The Apollo 11 lunar module Eagle touched down at Tranquility Base on the Moon. A few hours later, Neil Armstrong and I stepped foot on the Moon, with Michael Collins orbiting close-by," Aldrin wrote in a post on X. Aldrin emphasized that this monumental achievement stemmed from years of relentless effort, unwavering dedication, and the teamwork of hundreds of thousands. "An achievement resulting from years of incalculable effort, commitment, and team work." Aldrin invoked President John F. Kennedy's powerful challenge to reach the Moon and see Kennedy's "words become reality." "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others too," Aldrin wrote, sharing Kennedy's speech he had given at Rice University in September 1962. The speech, delivered to inspire national unity and ambition, set the stage for achieving the decade's most audacious goal. "Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it, and the Moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked," Kennedy's speech concluded, according to the JFK Library. Aldrin closed with a message of pride and gratitude, honoring all who made the mission possible and extending his blessings to the United States and all of humanity. "I couldn't be prouder to have completed this mission with the hundreds of thousands of people that helped get us to the moon and back home. God bless the USA and all of humankind," Aldrin wrote. The Apollo 11 mission was the first in human history to land men on earth's satellite, fulfilling a dream as old as humanity itself. Armstrong was the first astronaut to step on the lunar surface at 9:56 p.m. ET on July 20, 1969. He was followed 19 minutes later by Aldrin. Aldrin is the only one of the three astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission still alive today. Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Buzz Aldrin 'confesses' moon landing was a hoax resurfaces
As America marks the 59th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, shocking resurfaced clips of Buzz Aldrin (pictured left) have reignited conspiracy theories that the entire mission may have been faked. Aldrin, the second man to step onto the lunar surface after Neil Armstrong, has spoken publicly about the mission for decades, but two interviews from the past have now gone viral, with some claiming he admitted the US never made it to the moon. As the US celebrates the anniversary, clips of two interviews from Aldrin have resurfaced that appear to show him admitting America never went to the moon. In a 2000 appearance on the Conan O'Brien Show, Aldrin stunned the audience when the host recalled watching the moon landing as a boy. 'No, you didn't,' Aldrin snapped. 'There wasn't any television, there wasn't anyone taking a picture. You watched an animation.' The Apollo 11 mission launched at 9:32am ET on July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On board were Commander Neil Armstrong, 38, Lunar Module Pilot Aldrin, 39, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, 38, who remained in orbit while the other two landed. At 4:17pm ET on July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin touched down on the lunar surface in the Eagle lander, and a short time later, Armstrong stepped outside and delivered his now-famous line: 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' The moment was broadcast around the world and watched by an estimated 600 million people, though skeptics have long questioned how much of what viewers saw was authentic. Doubt over the moon landing took root in the mid-1970s, fueled by public mistrust after Watergate and the Pentagon Papers. Theories about staged sets, lighting inconsistencies, and suspicious interviews have persisted ever since. NASA has repeatedly dismissed such claims, pointing to telemetry data, lunar rock samples, and the testimonies of thousands of engineers, scientists, and astronauts as proof of the mission's authenticity. But nearly six decades later, and with Aldrin's own words now making the rounds again, one of America's oldest conspiracy theories refuses to die. The interview with Conan O'Brien sent conspiracy theorists into a frenzy as they believed Aldrin discussing parts of the moon landing broadcasts being animated was proof that it was all faked. 'You watched animation so you associated what you saw with… you heard me talking about, you know, how many feet we're going to the left and right and then I said contact light, engine stopped, a few other things and then Neil said 'Houston, tranquility base,' Aldrin told O'Brien. 'The Eagle has landed.' How about that? Not a bad line.' However, he was referring to animations used by broadcasters at the time in their coverage of the moon landing, intercut with real footage. A more recent clip showed Aldrin at the 2015 National Book Festival, where a young girl interviews him about space. When asked why nobody has 'been to the moon in such a long time,' he responds, 'because we didn't go there, and that's the way it happened.'
