Latest news with #PaulHogan
Irish Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Government asks for more time to fix legislation facilitating Athlone asylum seeker centre
More than half of the asylum seekers living at a controversial emergency centre in Athlone have been offered alternative accommodation, the High Court has heard. Senior counsel for the Government Aoife Carroll on Monday told Ms Justice Emily Farrell that 125 people remain at the Lissywollen site but 70 have received offers of alternative placements and they should accept these by next week. Last month Ms Carroll told the court there were 137 people housed at the facility but the figure was dropping as alternative places were being sought. The issue is before the High Court due to a legal case taken by Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan, representing the Athlone-Moate district. He successfully applied to the court last December arguing the State's move to expedite use of the site for this purpose was unlawful. READ MORE Cllr Hogan claimed the Minister failed to adequately 'screen' the project for potential environmental impacts and that the Minister lacked the expertise to carry out such assessments in such an expedited manner. The State has conceded in court that its statutory instrument facilitating fast-track construction of the facility was 'invalid'. It says it is working to repair relevant legislation. Protests have been held in Athlone over the plan to develop army-tent accommodation for up to 1,000 asylum seekers. Last month, Ms Justice Farrell said she would defer her judgment quashing the use of the statutory instrument to develop the emergency accommodation in Athlone. She said she wanted to wait for updates and to see draft legislation from the Oireachtas. [ High Court defers judgment in legal row over Athlone asylum seeker centre pending draft legislation Opens in new window ] On Monday Ms Carroll said the department is continuing to work to reduce the number of people at the facility but faces 'significant pressure' on the system. On repairing the legislation, Ms Carroll said 'significant work' has been done on part of the issue but 'we have not made the progress hoped'. Ms Carroll again asked the court to refrain from making final orders in the matter. She asked it to maintain the status quo pending the legislation, which will hopefully go before the Dáil in November. Ms Justice Farrell adjourned the matter to next week but warned she cannot keep deferring final orders when the Government has had 'ample opportunity' to put legislation before the Dáil. David O'Brien, barrister for Cllr Hogan, said the Government giving 'loose dates' has been 'a regrettable motif' in the case. Any November date for the legislation to come before the Dáil, which was indicated to the court in May, was initially 'unrealistic'. 'Now it is at the point of untenable,' said Mr O'Brien, and his client is left 'without a modicum of explanation'.
BreakingNews.ie
21-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Over half of those left at controversial Athlone asylum facility could begin to leave next week
Over half of the people seeking asylum occupying a controversial emergency accommodation centre in Athlone will tell the government by next week whether they have accepted alternative accommodation offered to them. At the High Court on Monday, senior counsel Aoife Carroll, for the government, told Ms Justice Emily Farrell that of the remaining 125 people at the accommodation centre, 70 people had received offers of alternative accommodation and that the court should know their answers next week. Advertisement Last month, Ms Carroll told the court that 137 people were in emergency accommodation at the facility, but that figures were dropping as alternative accommodation was being sought. The High Court action was taken by Independent Ireland councillor for Athlone-Moate District Paul Hogan, who successfully applied to the court in December for a judicial review, arguing that the expedited development was unlawful. The State has conceded to the court that the statutory instrument used to expedite the construction of the facility was "invalid" and is working on repairing legislation. A Statutory Instrument is a secondary legislation made by a Minister, modifying or supplementing existing laws. Cllr Hogan is taking the case against the office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Advertisement Cllr Hogan claimed the Minister failed to adequately "screen" the project for potential environmental impacts and that the Minister lacked the expertise to carry out such assessments in such an expedited manner. Protests have been held in Athlone over the plan to further develop army-tent accommodation for a possible 1,000 asylum seekers. Last month, Ms Justice Farrell said she would defer judgment, quashing the use of the Statutory Instrument used to develop the emergency accommodation at Lissywollen in Athlone, Co Westmeath. Ms Justice Farrell had said she wanted to wait for updates and to see draft legislation from the Oireachtas. The government submitted it intended to remedy the legal issue over the bypassing of environmental assessments for the accommodation. Advertisement Today, Ms Carroll said the department was continuing to work to reduce the number of people at the facility, but that there was "significant pressure" on the system. Regarding the repairing legislation, Ms Carroll said "we have not made the progress hoped". Ms Carroll said that "significant work" had been done on a general scheme and that it was hoped this would go for drafting in preparation for legislation. Ms Carroll again asked for the court not to make final orders in the matter and to maintain the status quo pending the legislation, which is hoped to be put to the Dáil in November. Advertisement Ms Justice Farrell adjourned the matter to next week but warned she could not keep deferring final orders when the government had "ample opportunity" to put legislation before the Dáil. David O'Brien BL, for Cllr Hogan, said the government indicating "loose dates" had been "a regrettable motif" in the case. Any November date for the legislation to come before the Dáil, which was indicated to the court in May, had been initially "unrealistic... now, it is at the point of untenable" and his client was left "without a modicum of explanation", he said. Cllr Hogan claims the ministerial process employed was "unlawful, irrational and a breach of fair procedures".
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Paul Hogan, 85, shares his plans to 'die in Australia' and reveals the iconic location he wants his ashes scattered
Paul Hogan has revealed his plans to return to Australia before he dies. The 85-year-old actor, who has been based in Los Angeles since the 1990s, told 7NEWS on Monday that he wants to spend his final moments in his home country. The star says he wishes to return to Australia 'as soon as he possibly can' and even has plans to have his ashes scattered in Sydney. 'I want to die here. I am antique now, time just slips away,' Hogan said with a wry laugh. 'I want my ashes scattered off the Harbour Bridge. Put that in my will,' he added. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Paul returned Down Under in May for a month-long holiday, amid reports he's moving home for good. The iconic actor has expressed that he stays stateside to care for his son, Chance, 27. Hogan told 7NEWS on Monday that he is remaining in the USA for the time being, in order to support Chance, whom he referred to as his 'troubled son,' in his career. 'He's still trying to build his career up, and as soon as he does I will be back here,' Hogan explained. 'Unless he comes with me, I will be back sooner,' he added. Paul shares son Chance with second wife Linda Kozlowski, who was his Crocodile Dundee co-star. According to a recent report, Hogan may soon return home, with his son's blessing. 'Paul felt healthier than he had in months, and even Chance agreed that Australia had been good for them both,' an alleged source told New Idea. 'Chance has long known he's the reason why Paul remains in the States,' they continued. 'But this recent trip was a wake-up call. He can see how important it is for his dad to spend his twilight years on home turf. He now believes it will extend his life.' Chance has been living with his father in LA since his parents' divorce in 2014 after 24 years of marriage. Hogan recently shared details of his relationship with his wayward son. The Crocodile Dundee star was chatting to Today show entertainment editor Richard Wilkins about a new cut of the iconic film. 'Hoges' admitted he would love to make a permanent move back Down Under, but he is staying stateside for his youngest son Chance. 'It's where I belong,' he replied when asked what it was like to be back in Australia to promote the film. The Nine host pressed the star on whether and when he would like to relocate to Australia, to which he replied: 'Oh, tomorrow.' However for the time being he needs to remain in Los Angeles. 'I have business reasons and my son to stay in the States for now,' he said. When asked for an update on the condition of his troubled son he said: 'Alright. Better than he gets. 'He gets a lot of tabloid stuff, but he's a terrible person because he knows they're watching him and he puts something on for them.' Chance sparked concern for his welfare back in January. He shared concerning videos to his Instagram Stories in which he was drinking wine and slurring his words as he sat at a table in public. Hogan made the move to settle with former wife Kozlowski in Los Angeles in the '90s. The movie legend, who's originally from Sydney, left his home country behind following the success of the 1986 action-comedy film Crocodile Dundee.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Paul Hogan reveals the REAL reason he was forced to use a wheelchair during his recent trip to Australia as the iconic actor gives shock health update
Paul Hogan has revealed the true reason he was forced to use a wheelchair when arriving in Australia for a month-long holiday in May. The 85-year-old actor told 7NEWS on Monday that he surprisingly suffered an injury in a skateboarding accident, which exacerbated his arthritis. 'They got me in the wheelchair,' the Crocodile Dundee star said with a laugh, adding that he is in good health. 'I have arthritis. And I have a knee, which, much to my embarrassment, I injured skateboarding,' he said. Hogan continued: 'I was an 80-plus skateboarder. I'm not proud, but I'll get in the wheelchair every time.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The iconic movie star added, joking, 'Well, I've always been a late starter'. Hogan looked much healthier and happier as he left Sydney at the start of July following a vacation Down Under. He entered Sydney Airport unaided by a wheelchair and appeared to have healed up from his skateboarding accident. It was a far cry from how Hogan had arrived in Sydney from the USA in May. At that time, he looked frail and exhausted, and was escorted from the terminal with the help of staff while sitting in a wheelchair. With multiple airport personnel assisting him, Hogan was ushered outside to waiting transport. Paul's return Down Under last month came amid reports he's moving home for good. Chatter has increased that the star is planning to relocate home to Australia permanently. Hogan has remained in the USA for decades, and has expressed that he stays stateside to care for his troubled son, Chance, 27. However, according to a new report, Hogan has finally decided to return home with his son's blessing. Chance reportedly saw how positive a trip Down Under was for his dad earlier this year. 'Paul felt healthier than he had in months, and even Chance agreed that Australia had been good for them both,' an alleged source told New Idea. 'Chance has long known he's the reason why Paul remains in the States,' they continued. 'But this recent trip was a wake-up call. He can see how important it is for his dad to spend his twilight years on home turf. He now believes it will extend his life.' Chance has been living with his father in LA since his parents' divorce in 2014 after 24 years of marriage. Hogan shares son Chance with second wife Linda Kozlowski, who was his Crocodile Dundee co-star. The actor made the move to settle with Linda in Los Angeles in the '90s. He also has several children with former wife Noelene Edwards - sons Brett, Clay, Scott, and daughter Lauren. Paul shot to fame in the '80s when he portrayed Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee in the classic outback adventure franchise which boasted three films. The star was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance.
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Paul Hogan breaks his silence over wheelchair photos: ‘They got me'
They were the photos that sparked alarm. Paul Hogan - appearing frail, hunched in a wheelchair - pushed through Sydney Airport as he returned home. For months, the questions have swirled. Is Hoges okay? What's happened to the man who brought Mick Dundee to life? Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Now, in a candid sit-down with 7NEWS, the icon is finally opening up. At 85, Paul Hogan still flashes that famous grin. But when asked about those photos, he doesn't shy away. 'They got me in the wheelchair…' he says. Then a pause - and a story no one saw coming. Tonight on 7NEWS, you'll hear it all. Not just what really happened that day, but what's been happening in Hogan's life away from the spotlight. He speaks with warmth about his youngest son, Chance, and with brutal honesty about the headlines that have hurt them both. He shares what it's like to go from working on the Harbour Bridge to dinner with Hollywood royalty. And the iconic moment Clint Eastwood quoted his line back to him. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the original Crocodile Dundee release, which went on to earn more than USD$300 million and put Australia on the map. A new documentary revisits the phenomenon and the man behind it, with Hogan reflecting on the whirlwind that changed his life forever. But even after all the fame, fortune and attention, there's one thing Paul Hogan wants more than anything. 'To come home,' he says. 'I want to come back,' he tells 7NEWS presenter Sally Bowrey. 'Because I want to die here.' It's raw, surprising, and Paul Hogan as you've never seen him before. Why was he in that wheelchair? What's next for Hoges?
