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The Independent
10-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Additional public transport announced ahead of Open golf event at Royal Portrush
Additional public transport services have been announced ahead of the staging of the 153rd Open on Northern Ireland's north coast. More than 250,000 people are expected to flock to Portrush in July to see some of the best golfers in the world in action. It is a return to Royal Portrush for the competition which was last staged there in 2019. Translink has announced its transport plan for the week, including more train services and special bus services. Translink northern area manager Sarah Simpson said public transport will play a vital role. 'After the success of 2019, we are looking forward to The Open's return to Northern Ireland,' she said. 'With tens of thousands of people heading to the Causeway Coast to watch the world's greatest golfers, public transport will once again play a vital role in showcasing this area to a huge audience. 'Our transport plan offers spectators convenient journey options, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring everyone enjoys their trip to this stunning visitor destination.' Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of Championships at the R&A, said preparations are well under way less than 100 days from the return of The Open to Royal Portrush. 'We have a responsibility as a major events organiser to promote sustainable travel and so are encouraging fans to use enhanced public transport services but also have a number of park and ride facilities available for those who wish to travel by road to Portrush,' he said. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said like for any significant event, a substantial deployment of police will be in place to ensure public safety and to minimise disruption to the local community. 'A considerable amount of planning has gone into the traffic and transport arrangements ahead of this event and we would encourage everyone planning on attending, to familiarise themselves with the various parking options and public transport services available ahead of time,' he said.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
The Open: Royal Portrush crowd to get extra rail services
Extra rail services are being scheduled to transport the thousands of golf fans set to descend on Royal Portrush, in County Antrim, this summer for the 153rd Open. Translink has confirmed that special bus and coach services will also be available in addition to normal than 250,000 people are expected to attend the event between 13 July and 20 northern area manager Sarah Simpson said public transport will "play a vital role in showcasing this area to a huge audience". How to get to The Open at Royal Portrush Ms Simpson added that its transport plan "offers spectators convenient journey options, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring everyone enjoys their trip to this stunning visitor destination"."There will be enhanced train capacity and frequency, including additional early morning services to Portrush and late evening return services."Special bus and coach services will also be available to book online in addition to normal Goldliner services. Local bus services between Coleraine and Portrush will also be Tanya Stirling, who is deputy mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, has encouraged visitors and locals to take advantage of public transport when planning their visit."We're looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the area for this world-class sporting event and we'd love those coming to enjoy the golf and to also use the opportunity to experience all our council area has to offer." People are being encouraged to plan their journey in advance by visiting Translink's website and taking advantage of the added special services. Park-and-rides for travelling to The Open by car The R&A runs The Open, which was last staged at Royal Portrush in 2019, when Ireland's Shane Lowry claimed a first major championship Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships with the R&A, said there are less than 100 days until the return of the event at Royal Portrush and "preparations for welcoming tens of thousands of fans to the iconic Dunluce Links are well under way".He said, as a major events organiser, the R&A is encouraging sustainable travel and urged those attending to use the enhanced public transport options, but also a number of park-and-ride facilities for those wanting to travel by Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said a "substantial deployment of police over the seven days of the championship will be in place with the main purpose of the operation to ensure public safety and to minimise disruption to the local community".He said to assist with traffic management and reduce congestion, temporary traffic regulations and parking restrictions will be introduced during The on the the Open Park and Ride options are available at the event's for special trains must be booked in advance.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lab-grown meat labeling bill baffles Senate committee, changes likely
Sarah Simpson, director of legal affairs for the Indiana Board of Animal Health, asks lawmakers to maintain her agency's jurisdiction in a lab-grown meat labeling bill while testifying in committee on Monday, March 3, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) An Indiana Senate committee skeptical of lab-grown meat advanced labeling legislation Monday in an 8-1 vote, with edits expected on the chamber's floor. To produce 'cultivated' meat, manufacturers sample animal cells and multiply them in sealed vats, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The agency has allowed lab-grown meat sales since 2023, when it gave final approval to chicken-derived products by two California companies, Reuters reported. 'All I really want is for consumers to know what they're consuming,' Rep. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle, told the Indiana Capital Chronicle as he left the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing. His House Bill 1425 defines 'cultivated meat products' and distinguishes them from insect- or plant-based 'alternative meat products.' It would require manufacturers to label their products with the following: 'This is an imitation meat product,' and would outlaw labeling that doesn't 'clearly indicate' a product is lab-grown. The labeling requirement split committee members. Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, sought a more specific term than 'imitation.' She said Hoosier consumers already understand imitation and alternative meats as plant-based, and noted cultivated products are derived from animal cells. 'We actually define 'cultivated meat product' in this bill, but then the label is going to say something different,' Yoder said. A Washington, D.C.-based alternative proteins think tank told the panel the labeling requirement, as it stands, 'is simply inaccurate.' Good Food Institute's Jeremy Eltz said the legislation could lead to successful definition-based litigation. He asserted that state-specific labeling requirements could discourage companies from entering Indiana, reduce consumer choice, hamper an emerging industry, and limit related jobs. Others pushed to use the word 'fake' on labeling. Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville, said a consumer shopping for chicken legs at the grocery store or ordering a burger at a restaurant could easily understand a fake meat label. '(When) they see the word 'fake,' they know exactly what they're holding in their hands,' he said. 'And so, if we have to put that in as our definition — 'fake' — and … on the labels, seems like it's a whole lot easier than coming up with all these other terms and making it real sticky.' The Board of Animal Health said it's 'more comfortable with' the work 'imitation' over 'fake.' 'I just know we need to be cognizant of our federal audits,' Legal Affairs Director Sarah Simpson said. She wanted to stay consistent with federal authorities who consider cultivated meat 'meat' and wasn't sure if using the word 'fake'would cause the agency problems. Some were confused why Baird's bill gives that agency jurisdiction. 'This is not an animal. I don't understand where that is in your realm,' Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, told Simpson. She said that products derived from muscle tissue are considered meat under federal law, so her agency must 'follow suit.' 'We essentially mirror' the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service, Simpson said. 'Under our agreement with them, we follow suit. If they regulate, we regulate.' The agency is neutral on the bill, per Simpson, and primarily wants to ensure it's given authority to oversee cultivated meat production. Baird's bill also tasks the Indiana State Board of Animal Health with inspecting mislabeling complaints and authorizes it to impose penalties of up to $10,000 per mislabeling violation per day. The agency could also sue to stop repeat offenders. Multiple lawmakers were confused about what cultivated meat products are – and are not — throughout the hearing. Committee leader Sen. Jean Leising, the bill's first Senate sponsor, said Baird 'didn't get the memo' that his bill was on Monday's agenda. A second Senate sponsor and the House author of related legislation introduced House Bill 1425 to the committee instead. 'Are there any chicken cells in it?' Sen Blake Doriot, R-Goshen, asked Good Food Institute's Eltz. Baird was present to offer closing comments, jokingly offering Indiana State Police thanks 'for not pulling me over.' He said the legislation 'doesn't hinder innovation' while offering protections for the food supply, consumers, farmers and ranchers. He expressed concerns about the production process and told the panel, 'If I had my ultimate way, I would completely ban this product.' Florida has banned cultivated meat. Several lawmakers also said they'd support that. Some also suggested holding the bill for edits. Leising resisted, noting that the committee only meets bi-weekly. Sen. Brett Clark, R-Avon, pushed for a vote, saying, 'If we get this moved, at least we can continue the discussion. If we do not and kill this, you will have nothing.' After advancing the legislation and adjourning the meeting, Leising told the Capital Chronicle she was open to ideas from her colleagues for floor amendments. The committee may soon return from the conversation. Similar legislation dealing with health officer authority over insect- and plant-based 'alternative meat products' was re-assigned to the group mid-meeting Monday, to lawmakers' surprise. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
