Latest news with #StormEowyn
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
An ESG office upgrade isn't a one-time event
A rooftop patio is a nice perk, but make sure the furniture is tied down (Picture: Adobe) Future proofing is vital and it requires regular maintenance and resources Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago, one of the biggest trends in commercial property has been enhancing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials of offices. Refurbishment has been the name of the game, as landlords prepare to meet requirements for future energy standards. However, while much of the focus is on improving the energy efficiency of existing stock, there are other factors at play too. Occupiers are increasingly looking for more from their offices, not only in terms of sustainability, but also amenities, wellbeing facilities for staff, and other features that would fall under the ESG umbrella. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Often, what can be forgotten in the desire to add a wide array of ESG-friendly aspects to a building is how these can be practically incorporated into its management and maintenance regime. There are a number of important points to consider with any changes to a building – even if they are not apparent on the face of it. Landlords are preparing to meet requirements for future energy standards, says Sarah Riggs Starting on the environmental front, biophilic walls and green spaces – both increasingly popular choices – will need to be maintained and regularly cleaned, inevitably, that entails a cost that will need to be reflected in the service charge budget for operating the building. Meanwhile, incorporating technologies like rainwater harvesting will require storage areas and regular upkeep. Many offices are encouraging environmentally friendly travel and active commuting by offering spa-quality shower and changing facilities. But, doing so comes with potential health, safety, and security risks – particularly if the showers are not used regularly or dozens of bikes are kept on site – that need to be reflected in how the building is managed. In some instances, we have seen higher end buildings go as far as providing towel services for commuters to further differentiate themselves in the highly competitive markets of Scotland's cities. Remember, though, that these types of amenities can come with large additional running costs and require a trustworthy supplier. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rooftop decks are another common addition to refurbishment programmes. It is a nice draw, but think about the practicalities – as Storm Eowyn showed earlier this year, any furniture or other items kept on exposed spaces need to be tied down securely. We have also seen a lot of landlords invest in apps for mobile devices that allow occupiers to interact with their building. These can work, especially in city centres, and sound good in principle, but it's important to think about how the tenants will actually benefit. It will need regular updates with new content and, often, on-site staff could be better positioned to deliver certain information or support. There are a range of other examples, but ultimately the point is that there are a lot of considerations to take into account before pushing ahead with ESG upgrades for an office. Property and facility managers, who will inevitably know the building well, should be involved early in the refurbishment process to feed into any proposals and the practicalities they will entail. Offices do need to be future proofed – particularly with net zero ambitions on the horizon – and part of achieving that will include incorporating more ESG aspects. But, that is not a one-time event – they will also need careful planning, management, and resources, none of which should be underestimated if they are to be sustained for the long term.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Minister goes 'f**king mental' at summit over lack of planning since Storm Eowyn
'Fiery' talks with communications stakeholders ended abruptly after Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan walked out over a lack of planning since Storm Eowyn. Sources at the summit, co-chaired by Mr O'Donovan and Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary, said he left the building after giving the groups a dressing down. Storm Eowyn hit on January 24 and 768,000 houses, farms and businesses were cut off from the power supply, while 200,000 had no water. Telecommunications were also impacted, with 281,100 fixed service users (10%) and 1.8 million mobile service users (30%) affected at its peak. On May 21, a meeting was held at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications headquarters on Haddington Road in Dublin. It was attended by Mr O'Donovan, Mr Calleary, and Department of Housing officials. Several groups, including the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the Telecommunications Industry Ireland of Ibec, and ESB Networks, presented. According to the agenda seen by the Irish Mirror, each had 10 minutes to present on resilience, preparedness and emergency planning. Sources said following their talks that Mr O'Donovan was angry as he felt what they had presented 'wasn't good enough' and 'nothing had happened' since Storm Eowyn. An insider said: 'He told them it was unacceptable. It isn't the Himalayas, it's west Cork. 'He told them they hadn't seemed to have learned anything and if this had happened in Dublin, it would have been a very different response.' Several sources described Mr Calleary as attempting to be 'diplomatic', with some saying he also expressed frustration with the groups. One source said the 'fiery meeting' was 'adjourned abruptly'. It added: 'It was very testy because the ministers wanted to know what had been done since the storm and there wasn't really much by way of an update. Both ministers were fairly annoyed and weren't taking any prisoners.' Another source added: 'It has been 16 weeks. He went f**king mental.'
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast's oldest Christian burial site being neglected, say councillors
At the May meeting of the council's important Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, a number of councillors made an appeal for the council to move forward with work required at Friar's Bush Cemetery, off the Stranmillis Road. At the meeting, member agreed to move from phase one of the newly devised Historic Cemeteries Programme to stage two, which means that money had not yet been committed by the council, but 'options were being fully worked up'. Alliance Councillor Michael Long told City Hall: 'We have been trying to get tours at Friar's Bush Cemetery for a while, and getting an agreement is taking at least two months. 'I know there are staffing issues, but I would really like to push this. It is really a delay to work there which has been really transformational.' SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite said: 'By way of an update, there are tours taking place, and I have been engaging, along with Councillor Gary McKeown, with one of the groups that has been operating tours for quite some time. 'They are very keen for a delegation of councillors to come and take part with one of the tours, and see some of the work they are doing. 'But there has been some frustration, in terms of moving ahead with work. One of their challenges has been getting approved to do Saturday tours, which is obviously a natural time when there will be a lot of tourists or visitors to the city about the place, particularly people who might have family ties to Friar's Bush. 'They have raised with me a couple of other issues they are trying to get progress on – there was a lot of damage from Storm Eowyn, including the felling of one of the large thorn trees which was first recorded in the early 1700s. 'That has not been properly removed, and they are looking for some way to replace that. 'They want support in clearing some of the paths between the graves, so there is safer access for the tour groups. They have also requested assistance on the raising of the headstone of Daniel McNamara, the United Irishman, who died on St Patrick's Day 1869. 'Also, the finial (ornamental) cross that was above the entrance gate was removed through Covid, because there was fear it was rotted and rusted and would fall.' He said: 'It is a real resource in south Belfast, and something that a lot of people have family ties to. I have only recently discovered I have family ties in connection to Friar's Bush. 'I think it is really important that we see that move forward, it is an area of great history within the city, and we need to protect and preserve access to it.' Legend has it that St Patrick built a church and blessed a well on the site of Friar's Bush Graveyard, while an order of friars is also said to have been established there. Two important stones found within the cemetery grounds appear to support this theory. The name Friar's Bush comes from an old hawthorn tree in the centre of the cemetery. 'It was blown down in Storm Eowyn in January and revealed the hidden grave of Daniel McNamara, a Catholic man who helped lead the United Irish rebellion in the 1790s. During the 18th century, Catholics gathered in secret in the graveyard to worship under the bush, as the celebration of Catholic mass was banned under the Penal Laws. After it was consecrated in 1829, the cemetery was used exclusively by Catholics. Court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law The site also contains the mass graves of hundreds of people who lost their lives during the cholera epidemic of the 1830s and the famine of the 1840s. It was maintained by the Catholic Church until 2000 when it was taken over by the council. The council says about the Historic Cemeteries Programme: 'The council owns five historic graveyards, four of which are currently closed: namely Balmoral, Clifton Street, Friar's Bush and Knock. 'Surveys have identified a programme of conservation and health and safety works which are required to improve the condition of the graveyards. 'Conservation and restoration improvements will allow the graveyards to be more accessible to the public and contribute to neighbourhood tourism. Safety works to monuments are being brought forward within a first phase of works.'
The Journal
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
Here are the top five home insurance claims and how to avoid them
KEEPING YOUR HOME safe is a priority that cannot be taken lightly, which is exactly why it's so essential to make sure you have the right kind of insurance in place in case something unexpected were to happen. Beyond getting the right insurance, though, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid damage before it occurs. Using data compiled by Allianz from 2024, we have the top reasons people needed to claim on their home insurance and how you can take crucial steps to reduce your risk of common dangers such as water damage, fire and theft. Allianz is here to give you peace of mind, but you can also take comfort in knowing that you've done all you can to take precautionary steps to prevent potential claims from occurring. 1. Burst pipes Accounting for a whopping 33% of all home insurance claims received by Allianz in 2024, water damage is by far the most common misfortune affecting homeowners in Ireland. The good news is that keeping your home safe against water damage is a matter you can take into your own hands by staying vigilant and implementing the following advice: Ensure current pipes are well equipped to deal with any renovations such as extra toilets, en suites, underfloor heating and showering facilities Regularly inspect the sealing around baths, showers and sinks to prevent wear and tear Regularly check the external pipes and pipes located in unheated areas during temperature fluctuations To prevent freezing pipes during winter, it is beneficial to keep your water heated at a low temperature During times of very little usage (over a holiday), turn off the water supply if you can Regularly check overflow on toilets, sinks, baths and tanks Regularly inspect hosing going to and from washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and refrigerators. 2. Storms Shutterstock / Karlo Curis Shutterstock / Karlo Curis / Karlo Curis We know all about storms in Ireland, having already experienced several intense storms earlier this year. Hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, and last year also brought many more named storms: Isha, Ashley, Bert, and Darragh. A sharp reminder that your home needs the best protection possible when it comes to standing strong against the elements. Storm damage accounted for 28% of Allianz home insurance claims in 2024, according to the latest data, so the following steps should be the top priority for any homeowners hoping to avoid finding themselves in that same situation. First and foremost, you want to safely store loose garden items away, which can even include locking your trampoline to the ground. Otherwise, you can also secure gates and shed doors. And be sure to check again for damage to your home after the storm has passed. 3. Accidents Accidental damage is defined as sudden or unforeseen damage caused as a result of an unexpected action or event. While the very nature of accidents makes them hard to predict or prepare for, Allianz does provide additional options for those who want extra peace of mind regarding important belongings which could be affected by accidental damage. You can add accidental damage cover to your Allianz home insurance policy to further insure household goods, clothing, furniture & furnishings, and personal effects such as smart devices, wallets, jewellery and more. Accidents account for 18% of all home insurance claims, and you can learn more about what protections are available to you through Allianz here . Advertisement 4. Fire Shutterstock Shutterstock Fire accounted for 10% of all home insurance claims last year, and while it can be catastrophic, many such fires are also very preventable. Safe practices such as avoiding leaving candles unattended, being diligent about what you do in the kitchen, and making sure chimneys are regularly cleaned, can significantly reduce the chances of a fire breaking out. The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has issued a useful mnemonic to help you stay wise to the risk of fire in your home: STOP. S is for smoke alarms, which should be on every floor of your home and ideally in every room. T is for testing your smoke alarms, which you should ideally do once a week for each alarm. O is for obvious dangers. Always be vigilant about obvious fire hazards in your home, whether that's overloaded plug sockets, unattended candles, or hot appliances such as hair straighteners or curling irons being left plugged in or switched on. P is for planning your escape route. Always make sure that there is clear access to the exit of your home and that you know where your keys are. 5. Theft Nobody likes thinking about the worst-case scenario and while being burgled is an awful experience, it did sadly make up 5% of all home insurance claims. This means that a theft at your home is unlikely, but it still makes sense to be as prepared as possible. There are steps that you can take that reduce the likelihood of being burgled. Data from the Garda Analysis Service shows that nearly half of burglaries (46%) occur between 5pm and 11pm. Burglars also commonly target back doors (26%), back windows (24%) and front windows (8%), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. An Garda Síochána's 'Lock Up and Light Up' has several suggestions on how you can keep your home safe, including: Make sure all doors, windows and entrances to the home are locked Keep some lights turned on Use an alarm system Avoid keeping large amounts of cash on the premises Store spare keys in secure areas away from windows and letter boxes. By being prepared and well informed your likelihood of experiencing incidents of crime or damage in your home will be much lower. Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, terms & conditions apply. This guidance is for general information purposes only. Allianz accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses that may arise from any reliance upon the information contained in this guidance.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Climate
- Scotsman
Storm damage that destroyed 200 trees in West Lothian park unlikely to be clear by summer
Work to clear the last of the January storm damage in Beecraigs near Linlithgow is unlikely to be completed by the start of the summer holidays. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Beecraigs took the brunt of January's Storm Eowyn, and later storms, with more than 200 trees brought down. They were among thousands damaged across West Lothian. The loss of so many trees will mean that the long- term management plans for the woodlands will have to be updated. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad West Lothian Council has applied to Forestry Scotland for fast track felling licences to tackle the last remaining areas of fallen trees. Main public pathways are now open but there is still some windblown damage off the tracks. Paths are clear at the country park but there are still areas of damaged trees | West Lothian Council Following reports to the Linlithgow Local Area Committee a council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to remove the remainder of the windblown area, due to contractor availability, before the summer holidays. 'We are in the process of replacing signage to ask visitors to stay out of the windblown areas of woodland as these can be very dangerous, and intend to get the remaining windblown trees cleared post-holiday period.' Storm Eowyn had a significant impact on the woods at Beecraigs with at least 200 trees down over the main paths and tracks and many more over other paths, including the mountain bike routes, and within the woodland compartments. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Woodlands Ltd already had a harvesting contractor working for the council on another site and their contract was extended to allow them to move over to Beecraigs. A harvester, a large machine which cuts trees, was used to clear the fallen trees off all the main paths and car parks, which was safer and quicker than if this had to be done manually. The inhouse Tree and Woodland Operational Team went on to clear the trees across the smaller paths, which were more difficult to access by machine. A report to the local area committee concluded: 'The Beecraigs long-term Forest Plan is due to be updated, which will take some months, and so in the interim a Felling Permission Application has been submitted to Scottish Forestry and it is hoped that they will be able to 'fast track' this to enable further clear up of windblown trees within those compartments in the most popular areas of the park.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Councillor Sally Pattle, who chairs the local area committee told the LDRS: ' There are no paths blocked and no danger to the general public. I think there are no areas, that I as a regular user think I couldn't go. 'They are going to have to go back over a tree management plan because they have lost so many trees. We will have to rework plans.'
