Latest news with #PaulO'Brien
Irish Independent
14 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Boon for Wicklow cyclists and walkers as construction starts to improve busy road
Chapel Road between Delgany and Blacklion is a busy section that has been under appraisal for some years. It was felt that pedestrian and cycle facilities along this road do not form a coherent, attractive or safe experience, in particular, for young children travelling to and from school, with St. Laurence's National School located along the road. Construction of the Chapel Road (Delgany) Pedestrian and Cycle Infrastructure Improvement Scheme to address this has now commenced and should reach completion in the second quarter of 2026. The scheme was proposed several years ago and was included in the Greystones Local Area Plan 2013 – 2019. It will involve upgrades of key sections of the road from the Convent Road Roundabout to Blacklion Manor Road, improving not only the footpaths and introducing new cycle track facilities, but also widening and realigning the road, to enhance safety and access for all road users. This will link in seamlessly with existing cycle and pedestrian facilities previously completed on Chapel Road, ensuring a continuous, accessible route for all. The scheme also includes the construction of two permanent bus stops, further supporting sustainable, integrated travel options for the area. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'This journey didn't happen overnight. The project received Part 8 Planning approval in January 2020, and the necessary land was secured through a compulsory purchase order approved by An Bord Pleanála in February 2022. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant funding commitment which has made this project possible. It is 100pc funded by Wicklow County Council through development contributions, a testament to our commitment to reinvesting in the communities that make Wicklow such a vibrant and connected place to live.' Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman added: 'At its core, the scheme addresses the current gaps in pedestrian and cycle safety, particularly for our youngest road users—children walking or cycling to school. By delivering a safer and more coherent route, we are supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion and providing a more pleasant environment for all. 'I would like to thank DBFL Consulting Engineers, for designing and managing the construction of this scheme, as well as our appointed contractor, Coffey Group, whose team is currently hard at work on site and to the communities who have supported and advocated for this work— thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. It's an exciting day for the community and a significant step forward for active travel in Wicklow. 'We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the everyday lives of our residents and visitors alike.'
NZ Herald
28-05-2025
- NZ Herald
How a day of football celebrations turned to chaos in Liverpool
The driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd, injuring 65 people, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and driving while under the influence of drugs, British police said. The mood in Liverpool had been jubilant. Paul O'Brien and his family had flown in from Ireland to celebrate
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'We were nearly hit by car at Liverpool parade - hero Scousers saved my family'
Liverpool fan Paul O'Brien, from Ireland, attended last night's victory parade with his 11-year-old son and elderly parents - but the family were nearly hit by a car that barrelled through the crowds A family who travelled to Liverpool for the football club 's victory parade were saved by hero Scousers who pushed them away from an oncoming car as it slammed into crowds and left dozens injured in hospital. Liverpool fan Paul O'Brien, 39, from Slane, County Meath, Ireland, was with his 11-year-old son Danny and elderly parents when the kind Liverpudlians pulled them to safety as the car careered through the crowd. He told the Mirror: 'If it wasn't for those amazing Liverpool fans I dread to think what would have happened. We may not have been here today. It had been such a fantastic day, full of joy and celebrations, so for it to end the way it did is so sad. 'We were walking up the hill and the next thing we knew we could hear the car and then we were getting shoved out of the way of it. Then it carried on through the crowd and you could hear thud, thud, thud' as it ran people over," he said. 'A paramedic on a bike was hit too. There were screams, it was horrible.' Almost 50 people, including four children, were left injured after the people carrier shockingly ploughed into revellers celebrating Liverpool's Premier League win shortly after 6pm on Water Street. A total of 20 people were treated for injuries at the scene, while a further 27 were taken to hospital. North West Ambulance Service confirmed two people have been seriously injured, including one child. A 53-year-old white British man was arrested in relation to the incident and remains in custody, Merseyside Police said. A spokesperson said: "We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding tonight's incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. We can confirm the man arrested is a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision." The force added that the incident is not being treated as terrorism. Police were seen standing guard outside a number of tents at Water Street on Tuesday morning. One was covering the vehicle that injured dozens of revellers, while a huge cordon remained in place right down onto Dale Street. The area was left littered with debirs, abandoned belongings, and broken glass from the collision. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the incident as "appalling", adding: "My thoughts are with all those injured or affected [...] Liverpool stands together and the whole country stands with Liverpool."
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aston Villa Football Club Officially Opens Flagship Store at Bullring Shopping Centre
BIRMINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aston Villa Football Club today officially opened its landmark retail store in Birmingham's iconic Bullring shopping centre. This moment marks a bold step forward in the club's continued commercial growth and ambition to position itself as a world-class organisation both on and off the pitch. The new 10,000-square-foot, two-floor retail space is now welcoming avid fans and shoppers alike. Celebrating the occasion with the launch of the 2025/26 away kit, there was a series of prize draws offering fans the chance to win personal shopping sessions and exclusive merchandise. Shoppers were also greeted with a vibrant atmosphere including a live DJ and immersive photo opportunities. Located next to Selfridges and alongside some of the UK's most recognisable brands, the Aston Villa Bullring store showcases the full breadth of the club's retail offering. This includes the newly revealed away kit, the full adidas x AVFC collection, training wear, lifestyle apparel, limited-edition releases, and an expansive range of adidas performance and Originals items. The opening also marks the debut of the 'Aston Works' customisation hub, where fans can personalise their purchases with bespoke designs. 'Today's opening marks a major milestone in our retail journey and broader growth strategy,' David Asquith, Vice President of Retail at Aston Villa, said. 'We've worked hard to create a space that is immersive and aspirational, going far beyond traditional retail to proudly reflect the culture and history of Aston Villa.' 'This store brings Aston Villa into the heart of Birmingham city centre in a bold and exciting way. It underlines our commitment to innovation, commercial excellence, and delivering memorable experiences for our fans. We're thrilled and can't wait to welcome more supporters to the Bullring store over the coming months and years to come.' Paul O'Brien, Director of Leasing & Commercialisation at Hammerson, commented: 'The opening of Aston Villa's store is an important milestone and an exciting addition for Bullring, acting as a prime example of Hammerson's dedication to quality brands and experiences at our best-in-class spaces. This flagship opening demonstrates our successful strategy of creating the right spaces for local and global brands alike, helping them reach a vast catchment while further enhancing Bullring's position as one of the UK's leading prime retail and leisure destinations.' The Bullring store is set to become a central hub for the Claret and Blue faithful, as well as a destination for Birmingham's wider community. With an integrated museum section designed to reflect the club's 150-year heritage, immersive fan experiences are combined with a best-in-class retail offering, bringing a new dynamic space with the spirit of Villa Park to the heart of the city. The store's opening follows a week of anticipated events including a VIP preview with adidas guests and exclusive first-look content across AVFC channels. Further in-store activations will continue from 23–25 May. Aston Villa is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in equality and diversity, and the Bullring store will reflect these values by providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for every staff member and visitor. About Aston Villa Football Club Founded in 1874, Aston Villa Football Club is a founding member of the Football League and a leading institution in the English game. One of only five English clubs to have been crowned champions of Europe, the team has historically enjoyed exceptional success domestically, including seven First Division Championships, seven FA Cup titles, and five Football League Cups. A club of the future, AVFC is committed to innovating technologically, on and off the pitch, providing best in-class experience for fans and leading the football industry for best practice. United behind the club values of Pride, Passion and Purpose, Aston Villa Football Club continually thrives to push the boundaries of what a football club should be.
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Co Wicklow estate's Street Feast invites local community to day of family fun
This event is coordinated and presented by Respond Housing Association and supported by the Creative Places Baltinglass project run by Wicklow County Council and the Arts Council. Running from 12pm to 3pm, attendees will have the chance to meet Rathcoran Estate's artist in residence, Siobhán Madden and participate in a hands-on art and planting workshop that promotes creative engagement with nature. There will be activities for children and families to enjoy too, including a slime workshop, a petting farm, face painting, music, and games— all free to participate in. Over the past year, Rathcoran residents have collaborated with Respond and Creative Places Baltinglass to identify ways to deliver new projects and activities aimed at enhancing the neighbourhood. Special thanks are given to Men's Shed for their assistance in building the planting structures in the community garden, and to the residents of the estate for designing a day for all their neighbours to enjoy. Residents are also encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to consume and share. Speaking about the upcoming event, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'I'm delighted to see this community and family engagement event taking place in the Rathcoran Estate as part of the Creative Places Baltinglass programme. We thank the residents for their input in planning what promises to be a great day out for the whole community.'
