Latest news with #NoelSweeney
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Business
- Extra.ie
Urgent extreme weather warning for Ireland
Extreme wind, flooding and heat have been flagged in the first comprehensive assessment of where, when and how climate risks are likely to impact Ireland over the coming decades. The State's environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has today warned of 115 risks associated with a projected increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events through 2030, 2050, and 2100. It said these would affect the country's energy, transport, communications, water security, public health, food production and supply, and ecosystems. Extreme wind, flooding and heat have been flagged in the first comprehensive assessment of where, when and how climate risks are likely to impact Ireland over the coming decades. Pic: Shutterstock In a new report, the EPA said urgent action was particularly badly needed over the next five years to prevent disruption and damage to communications and energy distribution infrastructure, due to extreme wind. It said similarly rapid action was needed to avoid disruption and damage to buildings and transport infrastructure due to extreme wind, coastal erosion and coastal flooding. Also requiring swift attention were risks to the built environment and human health from flooding and heat, the EPA said. Also requiring swift attention were risks to the built environment and human health from flooding and heat, the EPA said. Pic: Noel Sweeney/PA Wire/PA Images Laura Burke, EPA director general, said: 'We know that Ireland is being impacted by climate change already. 'Recent events, such as Storms Darragh and Éowyn, demonstrated how damage to critical infrastructure, such as energy, water supply, transport and communications networks, in turn gives rise to impacts on human health, biodiversity and the financial system.' EPA director Dr Eimear Cotter said: 'The National Climate Risk Assessment underscores the need for immediate action in the next five years to enhance the resilience of Ireland's critical infrastructure to climate change. Over the last century, Ireland's climate has become warmer, with changes in precipitation patterns and rising sea levels. Pic: 'The risks with the most consequential and highest urgency ratings relate to extreme wind, coastal erosion and coastal flooding.' The report states: 'Ireland's climate is changing in line with global trends. These changes are unprecedented, and it is now established fact that human activities are resulting in the warming of our climate system. 'Over the last century, Ireland's climate has become warmer, with patterns of precipitation changing and rising sea levels. These changes in our average climate conditions are also being reflected in changes in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. 'Changes to Ireland's climate will continue and intensify, with far-reaching consequences for its environment, economy, and society.' The EPA warned climate change would drive up insurance costs, reduce tax payments to the State and cause businesses to struggle. Increases in rainfall and flooding would pose significant risks to citizens' physical and mental health. Flooding can cause injuries, fatalities, PTSD, depression and anxiety. Extreme heat also poses health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses. It can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, while warmer temperatures extend the spread of diseases. Wildlife will also be affected, with an increasing risk of forest fires, deteriorating quality of freshwater due to flooding and droughts, a degradation in habitats and a risk of invasive species. The EPA also cited a risk of reduced crop yields. It warned of 'cascading' impacts, such as a loss of electricity affecting water supply, transport, food production, healthcare and water security. Predictions in the report, obtained from Met Éireann and other agencies, pointed to a national mean temperature rise of 1.5°C by the 2050s, with the mid-east experiencing the largest increase of up to 2C. It said the upsides of climate change include the possibility of increased tourism, as well as increased hydro-power generation, more shellfish and a greater diversity of marine species.
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Lap the Lough: Hundreds turn out for fundraiser in aid of sick children at popular Cork amenity
A fundraiser in aid of sick children saw thousands of coins lined up around the Lough in Cork city during what was a fun day out for the whole family. People flocked to the Lough to help line the popular amenity with coins in a bid to 'Lap the Lough' and raise money for Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club. The charity makes dreams come true for young patients by organising once-in-a-lifetime adventures, sending sick children on trips to Disneyland Paris, and for Santa visits each Christmas. People were encouraged to break into their piggy banks ahead of the unique charity fundraiser to help line the whole Lough with coins and the people of Cork rallied together to make it happen. Luke Thompson, Sam Goggin, Kiai Purcell and Teresa Goggin from Deerpark relaxing after helping place a coin around the Lough in Cork City for the Lap The Lough event. Picture: Noel Sweeney. Not only was a full circle of coins created, but there were sections of two and three layers of coins, thanks to those who came out to support the event which had been organised by former lord mayor Mick Finn, entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon, singer-songwriter Pat Fitzgibbon, chairperson of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club John Looney, and Eimear McCarthy and Emer O'Mahony. Joey McCarthy from Glanmire placing a coin around the Lough. Picture: Noel Sweeney John Looney told the Irish Examiner during the event of his delight that so many came out to support the charity. 'It was phenomenal. It was 10 times more than what we ever expected it to be,' he said. 'We started ourselves at about 10am, laying the money that people donated online, so we had nearly €7,500 before we started this morning. We got about three-quarters of the way around the Lough, and then the public took over when they came. The Lap the Lough event saw children and their families place coins all the way around the Lough in Cork City in aid of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club. Picture: Noel Sweeney. 'They came in throngs and droves. The amount of money they brought was just unbelievable, and they finished off the circle.' Mr Looney thanked everyone who was involved in making the event a success, including volunteers from the Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club and The Lough Scouts, The Lough Credit Union, the gardaí who were present on the day, facepainters and entertainers, LuLus Café and Supervalu who collected coins for the event, The Hawthorn Bar who allowed use of their toilets on the day, and all who were involved. Keegan Deasy meets Tigger at the Lap The Lough event where children and their families place coins all the way around The Lough in Cork City. Picture: Noel Sweeney Organiser Ernest Cantillon described the event as 'a big success' and said there were up to a thousand people who came out to support, including families and people who regularly use the amenity, who happened to stumble upon the event. 'We completed the lap much faster than we thought we would. People just came out of nowhere, and suddenly at 11.30am we were halfway around. At stages, we had double and triple layers of coins, so it was very satisfying, a great buzz,' he said. The coins will be counted over the coming days, and the final amount raised for Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club will be revealed. When asked if they would hold the event again after its inaugural success, Mr Cantillon said they would soon start planning for next year, and Mr Looney said he hopes it will be an annual event and one of their main fundraising events going forward.
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Welcome to Park Run: 'People of all ages and abilities turn up; it's clear that everyone belongs'
Until a few months ago, I wouldn't have dreamed of doing a 5K on a Saturday morning. I used to enjoy running, but hadn't so much as run for a bus since my daughter was born three years ago. Lacking motivation and confidence, I wondered if my running days were behind me. Then, at the beginning of February, parkrun came to my local town, Midleton. Parkrun is a free, timed event where you can run, jog, or walk 5k. It's a run, but not a race. It's an international initiative, with runs in countries such as Australia, USA, United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. The first parkrun in Ireland was in 2012, and now there are over 110 events around the country. Ireland is currently the leading parkrun nation globally, with nine per cent of the population registered – the highest percentage in any country in the world. The Midleton parkrun takes place on the recently opened Midleton to Youghal Greenway. It's a flat, safe path – ideal for novice and seasoned runners alike. Curious to give it a go, I joined over 600 runners on the morning of the inaugural event. I brought along my daughter in her buggy, thinking I'd just walk near the back. Once I got going, the energy was infectious and I jogged the whole way. I felt brilliant after it, and was hooked. Since that first run, I've been back several times. Each week my time is logged using my personalised barcode, and my official result is recorded online. Whenever I get a PB – personal best – it's displayed next to my time in celebration. There's also online kudos for volunteers, and people who hit milestones such as their 50th run. Everything about parkrun feels encouraging. For those who might find run clubs intimidating, parkrun is an accessible, community-focused initiative. People of all ages and abilities turn up each week, and it's clear that everyone belongs. Catriona McGregor after the Park Run at Modelton Greenway. Picture: Noel Sweeney 'The distance is doable for walkers, beginners. Advanced runners can do a time trial on it. So it caters for everybody,' says runner Catriona McGregor, 64, from Midleton. It's been a good morning for Catriona, who set a new personal best. 'I broke 27 [minutes],' she says with a smile. A former runner, it continues to be an important part of her wellbeing. 'It's good for your mental health, it's good for your physical health,' she says. For anyone considering parkrun, her advice is to just give it a go. 'The surface is brilliant. There's all shapes and sizes. So just so come and start, and then it's just a matter of getting into routine, and you'll enjoy it,' she says. It can help to have a running buddy. Friends Aoife O'Sullivan and Alannah Berkeley, both 18, like to do the run together. They are in the middle of Leaving Cert preparation, and running is a great way to take a break from study and have fun. 'It's so nice to have the community of it, and everyone running together. There's a good environment, and it's not personal, it's not competitive. You can beat your own time, but it's not a race,' says Alannah. They love the fact there's all ages at the event. 'Even the little kids are passing us when we turn around,' laughs Aoife. 'And I love watching all the really fast people come past us. It's crazy, they go so fast.' With 5k done, the pair are off to the nearby Midleton Farmers Market. 'We're going to the market to get pizza!' says Alannah. 'We have to treat ourselves,' adds Aoife. Cian O'Connell from Carrogaline, after the Park Run at Modelton Greenway. Picture: Noel Sweeney For many runners, parkrun is a family affair. Ross and Sandra Keogh both take part, taking turns each week pushing their nine month old son Dillon in his buggy. 'I thought it was easier, running with the buggy, because you're kind of distracted, ' says Sandra. Dillon enjoys it too. 'It won't be long now and he'll be running himself,' says Ross. Sandra has found parkrun helpful for her postpartum recovery. 'I had him nine months ago, so it's good for me to get back into it. I find it hard, but I've kept going,' she says. 'I'll get stronger and stronger, and I love running.' Ger O'Regan, 55, is Chair of the local running club Midleton AC. He regularly runs the course while pushing grandkids Luke, 5, and Joey, 3, in a double buggy. 'It's great. It's fun, and the lads enjoy it,' he says. Luke even joins him to run some of the route. 'He asked me at Christmas will I train him, so he's going to be a runner, I reckon.' One of the younger runners, Alex Fowley, 13, enjoys doing parkrun with his dad. He says running helps with all the sports he plays in Midleton: 'I like doing things with him, and it's good for fitness for soccer and Gaelic.' Conrad Watt and Nick Hogan after the Park Run at Modelton Greenway. Picture: Noel Sweeney Alex admits that he is faster than his dad, but that doesn't bother him. 'I have to slow down, but I don't mind,' he says. Overseeing the whole operation in Midleton is Event Director Liagh Miller, assisted by a group of dedicated volunteers. Liagh is responsible for establishing the Midleton Greenway parkrun. She moved back to Cork from Dublin a couple of years ago, and was surprised that there was no event in her local area. With encouragement from parkrun Ireland, she decided to set one up. At the time, the Greenway was still being constructed. 'It took probably about a year, working with the County Council and Cork Sports Partnership, and then we finally got the permission,' she says. When her house was severely damaged in the floods during Storm Babet in October 2023, parkrun gave Liagh something to look forward to. 'It was pretty much destroyed,' she says. Ger O'Regan with Luke and Joey O'Doherty after the Park Run at Modelton Greenway. Picture: Noel Sweeney 'Parkrun, even though it was a lot of work, it ended up being this amazing channel, something positive to focus on.' Liagh's warmth and enthusiasm has a ripple effect, and she has gathered a 'merry band of volunteers' who make each event happen. "The organisers are always looking for more people to come and lend a hand. 'I wish people would do it more, not just to help, but the craic we have and the camaraderie and the fun, it's a huge thing,' she says. Margaret McDonnell has volunteered at all 13 of the Midleton parkrun events to date. She first heard of parkrun back in 2016. She had recently taken up running, and a friend encouraged her to give it a try. A big plus for Margaret was that she would never be last. 'Somebody's job is to be last, because parkrun always has a tail walker. So I was like, if I can run 5k and I won't be last, I'll try it,' she says. Since then, she has taken part in events in Scotland, England and Cork. She decided to spend some time volunteering to help get the Midleton event off the ground. 'It's a nice way to meet people. It's a really nice thing to do on a Saturday morning. By the time you get up and you do it, you feel good. You've been out in the fresh air. You've seen people,' she says. For those who still want to run, they can combine that with volunteering. 'You don't have to stand around and go home for the day. You can actually do jobs and walk or run your parkrun and still get your movement done.' Margaret hopes to give back and help other runners grow in confidence and connect with community too. 'When I started running, 5k was a long way. And it's still a long way, but it's a doable long way, and you can do it with other people.' Find your local event at
