Latest news with #SarahO'Reilly
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Met Eireann issue new thunderstorm warning for 5 counties NOW after 10 cattle killed by lightening in ‘freak event'
MET Eireann has extended a four-hour thunderstorm warning that kicks in NOW to include three more counties. The alert warns of "scattered thunderstorms with a chance of hail" and follows reports that 10 cattle were killed on a farm in Co Cavan after lightening struck the earth in a "freak event". Advertisement 2 Five counties have been placed under a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning Credit: Met Eireann 2 Met Eireann warned of scattered thunderstorms and a chance of hail Credit: Alamy Stock Photo The weather boffins upgraded the warning to include The Status Yellow alert, which warns of spot flooding and lightning damage, will expire in all five counties at 6pm this evening. Looking at the forecast ahead this afternoon, Met Eireann said: "Some showers will be heavy and thundery with some hail possible before they become more isolated this evening. Advertisement READ MORE IRISH NEWS "Cool with highest temperatures of 12C to 16C in moderate northwest winds." The weather bosses confirmed it will be dry at first tonight with clear spells. But later in the night, scattered showers will spread across the country from the northwest as temperatures plummet between 4C and 9C. Separately, 10 cattle yesterday died after lightening struck the earth in field in the Butlersbridge area of Co Advertisement Most read in Irish News Exclusive Exclusive The county was under a thunderstorm warning until 6pm yesterday evening. It is understood the cows had taken shelter from heavy rain under a tree in the middle of the field when a bolt of lightning struck the earth, killing the 10 heifers instantly. Maurice Brady, County Chair of the IFA told the Anglo Celt it was "big tragedy" for the farmer, adding: "Hopefully it doesn't happen anyone else." Senator Sarah O'Reilly, who sits on the Agricultural Panel, described the incident as "an unbelievable freak event". Advertisement 'GUTTING' She told the Anglo Celt: "For that kind of an event to happen any person is shocking. "The cost financially and emotionally to a farmer who spends his time looking after his herd, his cattle, his stock. "To go into the field and see something like that must have been just gutting." Meanwhile, Met Eireann has forecast the weather over the next week to be "continuing changeable", but added that it will gradually become milder and more humid over the next few days. Advertisement The forecaster has pinpointed Wednesday as the hottest day of the week, with temperatures possibly reaching 22C in some spots. Met Eireann said: "Wednesday will be a warm, humid and mostly cloudy day with a fair amount of dry weather and some rain or drizzle in places. "Highest temperatures of 18C to 21C or 22C with moderate south to southeast winds."
Irish Examiner
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Oireachtas broadcast workers call for pay parity and better working conditions
Oireachtas broadcast workers are calling on the Government to end their low-hour contracts and poor working conditions by integrating them into the civil service. The team of around 20 manage the live broadcast of all Dáil, Seanad, and committee proceedings ensuring they are all accessible to the public. However, the team said they are currently being paid half the standard industry rate for comparable roles and are calling on the Government and the Oireachtas Commission to take action to ensure they are "treated with the fairness and respect we deserve". The workers report earning around €12,000 per year. "The Oireachtas sits only about 100 days a year. Outside of those days, we have no income and often rely on social welfare," the group said in a statement. We receive no retainers, paid holidays, pensions, healthcare, or income protection — unlike many public workers in the same building. As they are privately contracted, recesses and election cycles can leave some workers without work for weeks or months, with those who work on committee session having been without work since the general election was called in November until this week. The Oireachtas broadcast contract, worth over €7m, was awarded to Pi Communication in 2020. Aontú senator Sarah O'Reilly told the Seanad that Pi Communications are paid to roster staff, as all cameras and equipment belong to the Oireachtas. The contract with Pi Communications is up for renewal this year and the broadcast workers are calling for pay parity with industry standards, to be integrated into the civil service, "with proper contracts, year-round pay, and access to pensions and career progression". Previous efforts to engage with Pi Communications through their trade union did not result in offers that were acceptable to the workers. "With political will, this can be resolved—quickly and fairly. We uphold democratic transparency every day," the broadcasting team said. It is time we were treated with the fairness and respect we deserve. Ms O'Reilly said that the Government has a duty of care to ensure that workers are treated fairly. "Not only are people being subjected to unfair work conditions but it is costing the Oireachtas and therefore the taxpayer more money to employ these workers through a private contract than it would be employ them directly," Ms O'Reilly said. "There is no point in us standing up and delivering grand speeches on the importance of workers rights when there are people working hard only a few rooms over trying to get by on €12,000 per year." Footage captured by the Oireachtas team is regularly picked up and used by Irish and international broadcasters, as well as by political parties for use on their own social media. It is also archived for public record. The workers raised additional issues that they would like to see addressed including no access to a dedicated HR department as employees of an external contractor, access to just one toilet cubicle for 35 staff members, and lack of access cards for some staff to access areas of Leinster House.
RTÉ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Thousands attend 'March for Life' in Dublin city centre
Several thousand people have taken part in the annual 'March for Life' event in Dublin city centre. The demonstration gathered on St Stephen's Green, across the road from the Newman University Church around 2pm before marching to Molesworth Street. The crowd then heard from speeches from speakers including Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly.
The Journal
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Annual anti-abortion march held in Dublin this afternoon
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE took part in an anti-abortion protest in Dublin city centre this afternoon. The annual 'March for Life', organised by the Pro Life Campaign, saw people march from near the Newman University Church at St Stephen's Green to Dáil Éireann. Guest speakers at the event urged the Government to take action to reduce the number of abortions in the State. Speaking at the event, Aontú senator Sarah O'Reilly told those in attendance that 'even if it doesn't feel like it all the time, as a movement we are making progress'. Advertisement Attendees at today's march John Mcelroy / Campaign for Life John Mcelroy / Campaign for Life / Campaign for Life The senator from Cavan urged those in attendance to 'keep pressing forward without apology' to make sure that their 'stories are heard and not sidelined.' 'And we have to insist that the hollow slogan 'trust women' that's pushed by abortion supporters be replaced with real trust: trust demonstrated by giving women the full truth, full support, and a real chance to choose life. 'Change is absolutely within our grasp. It will happen. Each one of you is proof of that. Every pro-life billboard, every pro-life conversation, every email and call to your public representatives is pushing Ireland towards a better future,' O'Reilly said. Ireland voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution in 2018, a move that paved the way for the legalisation of abortion in some circumstances. The vote was passed 66.4% to 33.6%. At 64.5%, the turnout was one of the highest ever recorded for a referendum in this country and the highest of any referendum since 1992. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
