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Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
'Not fit for purpose': Cork's N25 slammed as unsafe with 5,000 homes now at risk
The head of Cork County Council's roads directorate has said it's one of his 'greatest disappointments' that the government has repeatedly refused to provide proper finance to upgrade the "unsafe" N25 between Carrigtwohill and Midleton. The situation has become so bad that the substandard state of the road could potentially stall the proposed creation of 5,000 new homes in the area. Mayor of County Cork Mary Linehan-Foley has vowed to use her office to seek an urgent meeting on the matter with minister for transport Darragh O'Brien. The road upgrade has been stalled since 2022 when then minister Eamon Ryan pulled funding for it. Padraig Barrett, head of the council's roads directorate, addressed the issue at a council meeting after a number of councillors warned the road has become dangerous and gridlocked. Mr Barrett said the council had only been allocated €45,000 for some minor safety works along it 'which wouldn't even cut the hedges for you". He said that it is a major priority for the council to get it significantly upgraded as "it's absolutely essential" to the safe travelling of thousands of motorists every day. Cork County Council was told that traffic conditions on the road in the past four years 'has changed dramatically'. File picture: Dan Linehan Mr Barrett said traffic conditions on the road in the past four years 'has changed dramatically'. It will likely be next year when the council finds out if any money will be forthcoming from the under the National Development Plan to upgrade the road. A joint motion from Fine Gael councillors Anthony Barry and Rory Cocking called on council management to liaise directly with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport on the issue. 'There has been a lot of accidents on the road recently and unfortunately some of them have been fatal,' Mr Cocking said. Mr Barry said there have been no meaningful improvements on the road since 1968. Up to 5,000 new houses proposed for the area could be put in jeopardy due to the absence of sustainable travel and development plans. Councillors are hopeful the IDA along with TII and Irish Rail would put pressure on government for proper investment in the N25, as one of the busiest roads in the country. Mr Barry said: We all know it's not fit for purpose. It's crazy from a health and safety perspective. The council's southern division chairperson, councillor Ann Marie Ahern, said the council must insist that minister O'Brien comes down to Cork to see it for himself. Ms Ahern and Independent councillor John Buckley said the Lakewiew Roundabout on the N25 at Midleton is now gridlocked to such an extent that at peak times it can take up to 30 minutes to get on or off the main road. Mr Cocking suggested that the only way to resolve that is to build a flyover connecting Midleton and the Whitegate road. 'We need to get a solution to this before the schools start or all hell will break loose,' Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Mulcahy said.
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
All-Ireland final traffic alert with ‘expect delays' warning for 2 specific routes for thousands in ‘plan journey' plea
ROAD users have been warned to "expect heavier traffic" on routes into Dublin ahead of the All-Ireland Hurling Final. The final between Cork and Tipperary, which is set to take place this Sunday, will see thousands of fans travel to the capital for a chance to see which team will win it all. Advertisement 3 Congestion is expected on the M7, particularly at the red cow interchange Credit: Alamy But expecting heavy The alert says that those "heading to Croke Park this Sunday for the All-Ireland Hurling Final" should expect "heavier traffic on all major routes into Dublin". In particular, the M7 and the Red Cow interchange are expected to see large volumes of traffic coming up from the countryside. TII is asking Advertisement READ MORE ON HURLING They added: "We're expecting a large volume of match traffic travelling from Cork GAA and Tipperary GAA to Croke Park for the GAA All-Ireland. "Please plan your journey, allow plenty of time to get to your destination, expect delays." Some fans have started giving their own advice on how to get to the match. Advertisement Most read in Motors On Facebook, one commenter said: "Go Enniscorthy lads.. up the N11.. bit longer driving but you'll get there faster." Another said: "Make sure you have the change ready for the tolls at Rathcormac & Portlaoise. Cars are €2.30 per toll. So €9.20 in change to avoid delays." 3 TII has released tips to help fans plan their trip to the game Credit: X These warnings come following other incidents in Irish transport. Advertisement Earlier today, road users were warned "delays will occur" after a collision was reported on the M1/N1 just before 8.30am. Similarly, trains in TICKET CHANGE CALL Meanwhile, GAA fans have called for a change to how All-Ireland final tickets are distributed after one supporter from outside the counties involved won TEN. Advertisement Following the hurling final, Donegal face Kerry next weekend in the football decider. Unsurprisingly, tickets have been at a premium for both games, with fans from the associated counties getting their hands on some through the respective county boards. A select allocation is also distributed by the GAA to other counties around Ireland, with those tickets then passed onto supporters through clubs of which they are members. Advertisement Many counties and clubs have held draws among their members with tickets being the prize. However, one such county caught attention on social media for awarding TEN to a single member for the hurling final. Journalist Adam Moynihan said: "So many people from Cork, Tipp, Kerry and Donegal will miss out on All-Ireland final tickets. "Meanwhile clubs/boards all over the country are flogging them in raffles (someone has just won TEN tickets in one draw). Advertisement 'IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT' "I know fundraisers are important but it doesn't seem right." The Irish Sun's Paul Dollery posted: "For the thousands of people across Tipp and Cork who are going to the ends of the earth just to get one, it must be infuriating to see another county giving away ten to one person as a prize." Someone else said: "10 tickets? Holy s***! "I'm all for GAA units getting tickets or raffling and fundraising using All Ireland Final tickets, but 10 tickets to one person is absolutely insane! Advertisement "GAA units are GAA stakeholders, they deserve their allocation of tickets, but this needs regulated!" Another said: "Meanwhile people in #Cork & #Tipperary who've been going to matches for decades can't get 1 ticket ffs. "#AllIrelandHurlingFinal #allirelandhurlingfinaltickets what a joke of a system the Gaa have for these ticket allocations.... " 3 Those heading to the match this Sunday are urged to plan their journey and to expect delays Credit: An Garda Siochana Advertisement
Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Helping cyclists in Kerry with ‘innovative' eBike charging stations
Two charging stations now up and running and more are planned across the county Kerryman Kerry County Council, with funding support from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is delighted to announce the launch of the first in a series of new eBike Charging Stations as part of a pilot initiative to support sustainable and active travel across the county. The first two charging stations, located on Mission Road, Killarney and at the Library on Shelbourne Street, Kenmare, are now installed and fully operational. Charging is free to the user. This innovative project is being developed as a pilot scheme with the aim of supporting low-carbon travel options for residents and visitors alike. A total of eight eBike charging stations are planned under the current phase, with more expected in the years ahead, subject to funding and the outcome of this pilot project. The other planned locations included Fenit and Listowel which are expected to be operational later this year and locations on the Ring of Kerry including Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem are being evaluated. Each charging station features 5 bikeep, app- enabled, charging docks. Just download the bikeep app to unlock a dock, charge your bike and securely store it while charging. Each dock has a robust locking arm to lock the user's eBike and charger, and each dock also features an anti-theft alarm. Director of Corporate Communications with TII, Sean O'Neill, welcomed the launch of the charging stations and said they empower people and communities to more sustainable transport options. 'Transport Infrastructure Ireland is delighted to support Kerry County Council in this pilot initiative. Encouraging the use of eBikes aligns with our national goals for sustainable mobility options and climate resilience. Projects like these are vital in empowering local communities and promoting active travel across Ireland.' Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare MD, Cllr Norma Moriarty speaking at the launch in Kenmare said, 'I am delighted to see the new eBike charging station in place under the TII Sustainable and Active Travel scheme. These eBike charging stations are a step forward in our commitment to sustainable transport and reducing emissions.' Cathaoirleach of the Killarney MD, Cllr Martin Grady speaking at the new charging station on Mission Road, Killarney said they are great addition to the town. "By making it easier and safer for people to choose low-carbon travel options, we are building a greener and more connected Kerry for everyone.' This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Kerry's sustainable tourism infrastructure, aligning with national goals to reduce emissions, promote active lifestyles, and support local communities. The new charging network complements existing outdoor offerings such as the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, cycle routes, and Ring of Kerry attractions.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Indonesian police face flak for robot parade, told to focus on reforms
Indonesian police are facing criticism from experts and online after showcasing RoboCop-style robots, robot dogs, and robot tanks during their 79th anniversary parade in Jakarta on July 1, according to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The display, held in front of President Prabowo Subianto, featured 25 robotic devices. According to police spokesman Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, the robots were introduced as part of efforts to follow global policing trends. 'The police are an institution that adapts to change,' Sandi said in a June 30 statement in the SCMP. 'By 2030, police in several countries will use robots. We are also learning from other countries.' The robots made by Chinese firms Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics cost between $2,700 and $16,000 each. They are designed for search and rescue, bomb disposal, traffic monitoring, and forensic work. The robodogs are also expected to support police K9 teams in detecting drugs and other materials. Sandi said the police also launched a video-sharing platform called PoliceTube to broadcast police activity and allow the public to 'monitor in real time' how officers are working across the country. However, the robot parade and platform launch have sparked mixed reactions. Critics say the police should focus on bigger issues, such as public service and accountability. Bambang Rukminto, a police analyst from the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, told SCMP: 'The public needs protection and police services more than new technology. The benefits of these robots are not yet clear, and they are expensive.' On social media, one user asked: 'Can these robots detect bribery, extortion, or violence involving officers?' Others questioned whether the money spent on technology could have been used more effectively elsewhere. Transparency International Indonesia (TII) also raised concerns about transparency in procurement. 'This large-scale purchase may not follow the proper rules, since there has been little information about any long-term robot plan,' TII said on X. In response to the criticism, national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told lawmakers that the robots were still being tested and had not cost the police anything for the parade. Even so, the police have requested an additional 63.7 trillion rupiah (around $3.9 billion) for next year's budget. No specific details were provided on future robot spending. The Civil Society Coalition for Police Reform said the use of robots and launch of PoliceTube do not address deeper problems within the police force. The group said in a statement: 'What the police need is real reform in culture, systems and structure not just tools.' According to rights group Kontras, there were over 3,000 cases of police violence between 2020 and July 2025, including arbitrary arrests, shootings, and excessive force at protests. A 2020 report by TII also said 41 per cent of respondents who dealt with the police admitted to giving bribes for the first time during those interactions. Bambang added that reform cannot happen unless police change their attitude. 'They often act like they are above society,' he said. 'As long as they don't see themselves as part of the people, they won't understand the real issues.'
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Cork TD calls for toll barriers to be lifted on All-Ireland hurling final day amid road safety fears
Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said measures must be taken in the interest of getting Cork fans to Croke Park safely. 'This Cork team has given the Rebels back their roar. They have inspired and motivated fans. We know that there will be a huge turnout from across Cork in two weeks' time,' Deputy Gould said. 'This needs to be matched by an increase in all forms of public transport.' The Cork North-Central TD said it is good to see Irish Rail's plans for additional services, but criticised Bus Éireann's attitude to matches this year. 'It is completely unacceptable that Bus Éireann's attitude for matches this year and last has been to shrug their shoulders and say they have no surge capacity,' Deputy Gould said. 'That should be planned for now. Drivers should be offered overtime, and they should get extra buses on the road.' Deputy Gould said Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) assured him that the use of tolls would not be an issue last Saturday for the semi-final clash between Cork and Dublin. However, there were traffic jams throughout the day. 'I wrote to TII last week and I was assured that the tolls would not be an issue for the semi-final,' the TD said. 'This wasn't the case and there were huge traffic jams all day Saturday with people trying to attend the match. 'This is dangerous on motorways, and it cannot be allowed to happen again.' Munster rivals Cork and Tipperary will lock horns at Croke Park in two weeks' time for the for the first time ever in an All-Ireland final, and both sets of supporters who choose to drive to the capital may use the Portlaoise toll. 'TII needs to consider lifting this barrier for the busiest times as people need to be able to get to Dublin safely. They make more than enough money from tolls every other day of the year; this is about safety,' Deputy Gould said. 'What we need now is real effort from all of those involved in transport – trains, planes, buses and cars.' For Cork, it is a shot at redemption following last year's final defeat to Clare as they pursue that elusive 31st Liam MacCarthy Cup win. Tipperary, meanwhile, are hoping to reach the promised land again for the 28th time, having last succeeded in 2019.
