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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
‘Urgent action' warning as Ireland's weather faces ‘catastrophic' shake-up with ‘extreme heat' & floods among 115 risks
IRELAND is not set up to deal with critical risks posed by climate-related extreme weather, it has been revealed. Experts warned risks are set to become "catastrophic" in just a few year's time and lives, 3 The report outlined the trickle down effect of a climate related event Credit: Reuters 3 Extreme wind is already a critical risk, according to the assessment Credit: Pacemaker The first ever National They revealed that inland flooding, which is already on the rise, will be widespread by the time that a child born today is 25 years old. And that same person will be at risk of extreme heat related The report explains: "It is now unequivocal that human activity has led to widespread and rapid change in all components of the climate system which are unprecedented over many centuries to many thousands of years. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS "Human induced climate change is also modifying the frequency and intensity of extremes globally and this is particularly the case for heatwaves and extreme precipitation." The NCCRA warned that the country is ill equipped for problems which are already taking place, but are set to get worse in the next 100 years. The aim of the report was to identify and assess climate change risks in order to tackle them. The report reads: "The NCCRA integrates MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN They NCCRA identified 115 risks associated with climate change. Watch shock footage as Irish town pounded by hail downpour amid weather change, They include 17 risks to biodiversity and ecosystems, 37 to the built environment, three to economy and There are also 17 risks to health and eight to marine and coastal systems, as well as two to social and five to water security. Of the 115 risks identified, 43 are currently ranked as "significant", while another two, extreme wind and coastal flooding, has been classed as "critical". The report predicts that by 2050, twelve of the risks will be labelled critical. KNOCK-ON EFFECTS And by the end of the century, in the year 3000, between 21 and 34 of the risks could be considered critical. In the same year, between nine and five will be classed as catastrophic. The report also categorised "decision urgency" to outline which risks needed to be addressed the fastest. Both extreme wind and coastal erosion and flooding were classed as needing urgent action. They also outlined the knock-on effects of wind-related incidents, explaining that extreme wind can knock over trees which can then fall on energy supply lines. From there, critical infrastructure such as water supply, And the result of that is that public health and social cohesion is affected, which in turn poses a risk to economic stability. 3 Ireland is at huge risk of climate change related disasters Credit: Getty
Sunday World
31-05-2025
- Sunday World
Criminal gang linked to fake licences were also selling bogus road certificates
Huge implications for public safety as it emerges scores of motorists have no licences or road-worthy cars A criminal gang rumbled for running a 'cash-for-licence' driving scam were also offering fake MOT (Ministrt of Transport) certificates, we can reveal. And it has further emerged that several dissident republicans from west Belfast have been identified as being behind the fake licences scandal. Last week, we revealed how a criminal investigation had been opened into a worrying racket which saw around 80 fake licences revoked following claims they had been obtained without the drivers having to sit the test. Now it has emerged that as well as dodgy driving licences being allegedly 'bought', drivers were also able to purchase an MOT certificate for cars that were never even put through the rigorous MOT test. Mechanic examining under the car at the repair garage. Low angle view. High quality photo News in 90 Seconds - May 31st It means not only were there scores of illegal drivers who potentially may never have even taken a lesson let alone a driving test on the roads of Northern Ireland, but there may have been dozens of cars not fit for purpose out there too. Last week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said she was 'extremely concerned' by the revelations. Speaking at Stormont, the Sinn Féin MLA did not provide further details on the extent of the alleged fraud. 'There is a legal investigation. I think it would be remiss of me to comment on that, to allow that process to take its course,' she said. 'But obviously I'm extremely concerned to learn about that and I hope that we see a conclusion to that very quickly.' The Sunday World has uncovered further details about the scam including how the gang began operating towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Liz Kimmins. Photo: Pacemaker 'This was a well thought-out criminal enterprise which exploited the restrictions of the pandemic,' said a source. 'When people weren't allowed to leave their houses and everything went online there was an opportunity to exploit the DVA licence system. 'But it wasn't just driving licences – fake MOTs could be bought for £150. It was all about knowing the right people who could pull the strings.' Several of those who availed of the service came from the Lenadoon area of west Belfast and sources have told the Sunday World some of them had criminal backgrounds and some were known dissident republicans. However, those benefiting from the fake licences weren't restricted to west Belfast and were mostly living in the greater Belfast area. As revealed last week, one person from the DVA has been removed from their position as a result of the discovery of the scam. As well as a police investigation, the DVA have opened their own internal investigation into how the scam was carried out under their noses. In fact, they have even set up an internal investigations unit and made it clear to staff working for them that they are duty-bound to report any suspicious activity. Last Tuesday, the DUP's Deborah Erskine, chair of the Assembly's infrastructure committee, said the 'implications for road safety are huge'. 'Effectively that means that, right now in Northern Ireland, there are potentially people who are driving with a licence without having sat their test,' she told the Assembly. DUP's Deborah Erskine. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty She also said it was 'important that assurances are given immediately to the A ssembly and to the public on how it is being handled'. A Department for Infrastructure official told the Sunday World last week: 'As this matter is subject to a PSNI investigation we cannot comment at this time.' A PSNI spokesperson told us: 'Police are investigating a number of alleged fraud offences in relation to the issuing of driving licences. We are working closely with officials from DVA and as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.' In the last few weeks the DVA has been sending out letters to people they suspect may have obtained their licence fraudulently – telling them they must send them back and reapply to do the driving test again. And we understand some drivers have already reapplied and passed the test. Our source said they were not required to sit the theory test. 'It's no wonder they were able to get a licence again so quickly as they have been driving without doing a driving test for so long,' the source said. 'They've had plenty of practice.' The letter stated: 'The Department is not satisfied that the test pass certificate (certificate number) issued to you on (date in May 2024) was validly obtained by you. 'Therefore, the department is not satisfied that you have passed a test of competence as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Road Traffic Northern Ireland Order 1981 and in those circumstances the Department may not grant you a full driving licence. 'The Department is therefore satisfied that the full driving licence issued to you on (date in May 2024) was issued in error and hereby notifies you... your Northern Ireland driving licence is revoked with effect from five working days after the date shown above.' Those receiving the letters were told they must surrender both parts of their licence within seven days and were advised to use registered post and retain proof of postage. The letter states: 'Failure to surrender a licence without reasonable excuse as an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. If you fail to surrender your driving licence as directed DVA may contact the PSNI who will be asked to recover the licence. 'You should be aware that it is an offence to retain or use either or both parts of a licence which has been declared lost or stolen.' They were further informed if they want a replacement licence they would have to apply for it from the beginning including the fees. And they warned: 'You should be aware that you're only entitled to hold a provisional driving licence.'
Sunday World
23-05-2025
- Sunday World
'Festival of scum' to hit the streets as Ulster's most notorious killers to be freed
We reveal list of life-sentence prisoners to be given permanent freedom or sent to city's open prison Pacemaker Press 16/6/09 Stephen Allister arrives at Lisburn Courthouse charged with the murder of Darren Roberts who was stabbed at the weekend Pic Colm Lenaghan / Pacemaker A 'festival of scum' will be set loose on the streets of Northern Ireland as some of the country's most notorious killers are due for release. They include monsters like Stephen 'Bulldog' Scott who hacksawed the body of his pregnant teenage girlfriend Sylvia Fleming after he'd murdered her in 1998, and Andrew Robinson, jailed for life for stabbing his fiancée, Julie-Anne Osborne, nearly 50 times in 2001. The Sunday World has been informed about the list of killers and other life-sentence prisoners who are due to be either released completely or are due to be sent to Burren House – the Northern Ireland Prison Service's 'open prison' unit designed to prepare lifers for permanent release. Scott and Robinson are currently in Burren even though they were released from jail years ago. They were returned after breaching their licence but they are due to be released on licence again, we understand in the summer. Scott was returned to prison last March after he was caught with gun parts and ammunition but told the court he was building his own gun to kill vermin on a farm where he was working as a labourer. UDA knife-killer Andy Robinson. In October 2023 the Sunday World revealed how 47-year-old Robinson had been set free and was confronted by a relative of his murder victim when she spotted him drunk at a bus stop in Belfast. The Sunday World has learned there are currently 16 offenders currently in Burren House and there are 14 on the waiting list. A list of inmates due to go to the special prison unit – which costs £55,000 per inmate per year – has been passed to us by a whistleblower who says many of the soon-to-be new arrivals have had multiple chances in Burren but been sent back every time. Among those waiting in Maghaberry to be moved into Burren are cold-blooded killer Stephen Allister who was given a life sentence in 2011 for stabbing to death father-of-one Darren Roberts in an unprovoked attack. Stephen Scott found guilty of murdering his girlfriend Sylvia Fleming. Picture: Justin Kernoghan News in 90 Seconds - May 23rd Also due to be sent to Burren in the coming weeks is Belfast killer Robert Scott who stabbed his childhood friend, Richard Hicking, 21 times before attending a street party to celebrate the royal wedding of William and Kate. Richard Hicking's body was found in his flat at Clarawood Park in east Belfast on April 30, 2011. The 31-year-old was found lying in a pool of dried blood in his flat. He had been stabbed 14 times in the chest, six times in the side and once in the middle of his back. Scott, an alcoholic, later claimed he held back from confessing because 'there's always this part of you thinks you can get away with it'. And they'll be joined by murderer Kevin McCartney who stabbed Craigavon father-of-two David Neill in 2012 and Keoghan McGuigan who got 20 years for beating to death Patrick Keenan in a bedroom at his Newry home in June 2004 – all just to get his £2,000 Mercedes car. Burren House. Photo: Colm O'Reilly And incredibly also due to be given the opportunity to live a semi-free life in Burren House, in preparation for final release is 47-year-old golf club killer Dean Woods, who went on the run only last August during his last stay at Burren before police recaptured him a week later. Woods, who was aged 18 at the time of the murder, was sentenced to life imprisonment after the killing of 26-year-old Brian Peden in December 1995, who he hit on the head with a golf club. 'Each of these men have only just recently been suspended from the unit for absconding, breeching conditions and curfew checks, failing drug tests and not being open and honest about relationships, yet here they are just a few weeks later being prepared to be returned to open conditions,' said a whistleblower. 'It's a festival of scum and it's a recipe for disaster and the Prison Service should be accountable and the public made aware that the people who are supposed to keep them safe from such men are failing them. 'Also already in the unit are the likes of Stephen Scott and Andrew Robinson who have already had their chance and broken the trust – Scott was first released nearly ten years ago but has breached his licence more than a dozen times yet he keeps getting chance after chance. 'Stephen Scott was recalled off his licence over firearms charges but he's getting yet another chance despite committing such a serious offence. There have also been issues around non-disclosure of relationships and general dishonesty, but things such as drugs/alcohol seem to be non-issues for him.' Dean Michael Woods. As previously reported here, whistleblowers in the Prison Service have told this paper there is anger among some prison officers because of a perceived lack of fairness in who gets a chance to go to Burren and who doesn't. Burren House holds up to 20 prisoners in unlocked cells at a site in the grounds of the old Crumlin Road jail in Belfast. Security sources want a review of the selection process, pointing out how some prisoners have been moved there multiple times despite their repeat rule-breaking. 'They are all planned to be moved before the summer,' said the whistleblower. 'There are some of the guys in both prisons (Maghaberry and Magilligan) who have never had a chance at Burren and who have done everything that has been asked of them and they keep getting told that there is no space and there are other people ahead of them in the queue. This is hardly fair that someone who is engaged and willing is getting a knock-back at the expense of these scumbags who will clearly never learn. 'But somehow all of these people who are due to go to Burren have made their way to the top of the list when there are others more deserving and who probably won't throw it back in anyone's face. 'Stephen Allister has had multiple opportunities in Burren and keeps getting chance after chance. What is worse is he is so arrogant and flippant about it, thinking he is entitled and that he did not do anything wrong. 'Robert Scott was taken off it just a few months ago for failing a drug test, he gave a sob story about a sore stomach and now he is already getting out again. 'He is pathetic – he still thinks his name carries weight out in the world. He has been suspected and interviewed about quite a few murders. 'Kevin McCartney was also suspended a few months ago because officers in Burren called out to his house to do a curfew check and he was nowhere to be found but he's the next one to be returned.' Stephen 'Bulldog' Scott was first released from Maghaberry Prison in 2017 after serving a 19-year jail term for the 1998 murder of his pregnant teenage girlfriend Sylvia Fleming. It remains one of the most shocking murders to ever take place in Northern Ireland. The monster, who has repeatedly breached his licence, had given her sleeping pills before tying her to a bed. She was blindfolded, injected with insulin and later smothered. The psycho then hacksawed his young victim's body into eight pieces and buried each part wrapped in sacks in a nearby building site in the town. It was a further eight weeks before Sylvia's body was found and Scott was arrested. Sylvia Fleming. The Sunday World previously revealed how the Prison Service faced criticism after Derry killer James Meehan went on the run across the border to Co Meath just a few months after he'd been extradited back to Northern Ireland following a previous escape from prison. Meehan went awol over five months ago from Magilligan Prison for a second time, completely cleared out his 'tuck-shop' bank account and even packed up his whole wardrobe of clothes – despite him only supposedly being set free for the day. Meehan was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of popular Derry man 'Gentle' Jim McFadden in May 2007 and prison sources said despite his repeated flits to the Republic, he kept being given another chance at pre-release because he was favoured by prison chiefs due to him operating as a handyman around the jail. Previously the Prison Service have told the Sunday World: 'Pre-release testing is complex... it is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to prepare these individuals for release and reintegration back into society. 'After being risk assessed, prisoners begin graduated release into the community, firstly under supervision then progressing to short periods of unaccompanied release where they work in the community. 'The reality is that a small number will fail this test. The alternative would be to simply release people without any prior testing which would pose a far greater risk to public safety.'
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
‘Fit and healthy' PE teacher, 32, given just 12 months to live after ‘simple football injury' revealed ‘silent killer'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUST three months ago, PE teacher Matthew Starkey was looking forward to a new house, a new job and a new chapter with his girlfriend. But the 32-year-old's dreams were shattered when a seemingly simple football injury was diagnosed as stage four spinal cancer and he was told he only had a year left to live. 5 PE teacher Matthew Starkey's dreams were shattered when a seemingly simple football injury was diagnosed as stage four spinal cancer Credit: Pacemaker 5 Just months ago, Matthew was ready to start a new chapter with his girlfriend Credit: Supplied Within hours, Matthew had proposed to partner Carrie Fleming and the couple set a wedding date for next month. Now, as the sports fan works to complete his bucket list, he is sharing his story on social media and raising cash in a bid to find a treatment that could extend his life. Brave Matthew, whose Instagram account, @fastandtumorous, has 13,000 followers, says: 'The reaction has been absolutely incredible. 'You can't have a tumour without humour. When they told me how long I had to live, I was determined to defy the odds. 'I want to spread the message that no matter how insignificant you feel an issue is, get it checked. 'I refuse to put a timeframe on my life. The tumour may be fast-growing but I'm staying positive. 'The diagnosis was terminal — I aim to prove them wrong.' Matthew dreams of a honeymoon in Italy and a trip to see the Northern Lights. A GoFundMe page with a £50,000 target has been set up to help with his bucket list — and to contribute funding to clinical trials. He has also vowed to walk up the aisle to give Carrie, 29, a 'fairytale' moment on their wedding day. Matthew revealed he was fit and active until last November, working out at the gym four times a week, as well as playing golf and football. What is myeloma? 'I want to make some memories together' When one of his legs began to ache after a game of seven-a-side, he assumed he had pulled a muscle. He later had surgery for a collapsed nerve, but still the pain persisted. In February, Matthew's right leg gave way and tests showed he had an aggressive cancer in his spine. The tumour, a glioblastoma, usually starts in the brain — and only originates in the spine for fewer than ten people in the UK each year. By now unable to walk, Matthew, who teaches business, IT and PE, had an op at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, where he also popped the question to Carrie. He says: 'I didn't want to waste any time. I didn't have a ring on me, but she said yes.' 5 Matthew graduated uni in 2022 Credit: Supplied 5 Matthew has now undergone daily chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy in a bid to stabilise the cancer Credit: Pacemaker More surgery gave Matthew, from Belfast, some respite from the pain but, within weeks, it returned so severely he needed a wheelchair. It was then he decided to share his journey and asked a nurse to record him on his phone talking about what he was going through. Matthew has now undergone daily chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy in a bid to stabilise the cancer, and will have a scan this summer to find out if it worked. But with chemo the only remaining option for him in the UK, he is looking at treatments abroad, too. He says: 'They will be expensive. I am raising the money in the hope I could get accepted on to a clinical trial that could extend my life. 'They can't remove the tumour, so it will always be there but, with treatment, I hope there's a chance it can be put into remission. 'Carrie and I have moved into a new home, but we need to adapt it for my wheelchair and I want to make some memories together.' Matthew is also raising money for Friends Of The Cancer Centre, a local charity that funds life-changing projects for people affected by the disease. He hopes to complete September's Belfast half-marathon in his wheelchair for the cause. He says: 'They've shown nothing but compassion, and I want to try to help them. I'd be so grateful for any help from Sun on Sunday readers. I plan to fight this all the way.'
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral
LAST FAREWELL Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral THOUSANDS of mourners have lined the streets of Rome to watch the Pope's journey to his final resting place. The procession is heading to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore after the service in St Peter's Square, which was witnessed by world leaders and huge crowds. 5 The Pope Mobile carries Francis's coffin through the streets of Rome on his final journey 5 Trump and Zelensky met in St Peter's Basilica ahead of the service 5 Prince William walks ahead of the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, Credit: Reuters 5 The funeral service in St Peter's Square Credit: Pacemaker 5 Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday Credit: Rex The Pope's coffin is being transported on the Popemobile - the nickname for the high-security vehicle the Pope used to meet wellwishers. Those who attended the service include Prince William, President Trump, Ukraine's President Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky was greeted by a ripple of applause as he took his seat in the square, with the crowds expressing their support for Ukraine. The leaders had the opportunity to pay their final respects to Francis as he lay in state in St Peter's Basilica, with a private moment each. Whilst there were no major plans for formal meetings between leaders, they have been able to speak on the sidelines. Trump and Zelensky met before the service and had a "very productive discussion", according to The White House. They spoke as US efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia intensify. It was their first meeting since the sensational Oval Office clash - and they reportedly vowed to hold further talks after the service. Francis's coffin was officially sealed in a private ceremony after three days of public viewing, which saw around 250,000 faithfuls pay tribute to the late pontiff. It was then carried into St Peter's square for the service, which began at 9am, which has involved services called Liturgy of the Word and Homily. The homily part of the service was led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Giovanni Battista Re. Some 50,000 mourners are inside the square to witness the service, with a further 150,000 in the surrounding streets. Italy has spent millions on a ring of steel security operation to protect the huge crowds and dignitaries. Follow our live blog across the weekend below...
