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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Motorway toll barriers will not be lifted for fans driving to All-Ireland hurling final
Motorway toll barriers will not be lifted for fans driving to the All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday week but Irish Rail has pledged that anything that can move will be used to get fans to the match. It comes amid calls from all public transport operators to up their game to meet the unprecedented demand for attendance at the first ever Cork and Tipperary All-Ireland hurling final. Irish Rail said it is still working on the logistics to deliver extra services from both Cork and Tipperary on July 20, with an announcement expected later this week. A spokesman said they want to identify all available rolling stock and finalise staffing arrangements before announcing all of the available extra services together. 'But you can take it that anything we can get moving, will be moving on the day,' a spokesperson said. 'I would also remind customers, however, that they can only board the train for which they have booked.' The reminder was issued after some fans who had booked later trains tried to board earlier departures from Heuston station after Saturday's semi-final. Toll booths Meanwhile, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said toll barriers will not be lifted on All-Ireland Sunday, despite complaints of long tailbacks at some of the motorway toll booths ahead of last Saturday's semi-final. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke said he was stuck in traffic for 70 minutes at the toll booth which leads on to the motorway south of Fermoy on his way to the match on Saturday morning. 'They have two barriers here but just one barrier was opening, and it was rejecting coins as well,' he said. 'It was crazy that people were delayed that long. They knew there was going to be a lot of traffic and all the barriers should have been properly managed and it appears that they weren't. 'If they couldn't operate it properly, they should have just opened the barriers.' Constituency colleague, Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould, said he wrote to TII last week about toll delays and was told there wouldn't be an issue. '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,' he said. '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.' But TII said the barriers won't be lifted and fans should prepare accordingly. A spokesman said the State has contractual agreements in place with toll operators under existing public private partnerships. 'Therefore, any removal of tolls would have to be paid for by the state to the private operators,' a spokesman said. 'The existing toll system is a user pays system, if you don't use the motorway you don't pay. Any changes to that would mean people not using the motorway would be subsidising the motorway user.' He said TII has been engaged with toll operators and requested them to be fully prepared for the demands that will be placed on their tolling operations on All Ireland Sunday. TII said it has asked the operators to ensure that all toll lanes are open and fully staffed at the peak travelling times, both before and after the game.
Irish Independent
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Lack of action on proposal to close key Wicklow artery is slammed – ‘Too little, too late'
These are just some of the words used by elected representatives in Bray following a presentation from the Stop the closure of the Herbert Road campaign group at the municipal district meeting on Tuesday evening. Since Easter numerous protests have taken place in the area, as residents look to call a halt to plans to close what is viewed as a vital access route to the town – the Herbert Road junction – to make way for the N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme. The campaign group has grown from just 10 key members when it was formed in April to over 2,300 followers and counting on its Facebook page. In recent weeks over 10,000 leaflets have been distributed to local estates. Despite the calls for the scheme to be paused for a review, Wicklow County Council has indicated it will progress with its plan, which is being developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport. The council has said previously it is 'committed to ensuring that the closure of each direct access point is considered carefully' and the implementation of any major road improvement features 'will improve journey times for the residents of east Wicklow'. Local resident Clare Finnegan started the campaign from a picnic table over three months ago. Speaking during the meeting she said they won't stop until a proper solution is found. 'The invitation to speak in the chamber here this evening is too little, too late, but we will remain humble, we will grow strong as our councillors continue to do nothing. The core idea of government is that the government is held accountable to the people who elected them. We call on you to do more for our community which needs your support at this critical time.' 'The town of Bray needs a traffic management plan. 773 buses will be delayed over the course of any given day if the closure goes ahead. This junction is a vital artery for Bray - linking communities, supporting businesses, and ensuring access to schools, homes, and the seafront.' 'Despite their critical role in this process, TII has shown little willingness to explore viable alternatives, instead treating this move as non-negotiable, even though the scheme does not depend on the removal of this junction.' 'When we attended the monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council in April, we found the comments from the Chief Executive Emer O' Gorman to be dismissive, with inconclusive information from engineers. We were told bus corridors are the way forward.' she added. Having received a pledge from Ms O'Gorman during that meeting to contact the Taoiseach and Transport Minister about the issue, Ms Finegan also grasped the opportunity in June to present Ms O'Gorman with a letter during the sod turning of the Fassaroe Park and Ride facility asking for an update, delivering a second letter seeking a meeting with representatives from the NTA. Meanwhile churchwarden of Saint Brigid's Church Gordon Lennox warned elected members in the chamber that compulsory purchase orders for the bus corridor will make access impossible for hearses, wedding cars, and anyone with mobility needs. 'The church lies at the bottom of Herbert Road, and it has been serving families since the 1860s. The building is a protected structure. If the county council move ahead with this plan, they may be in breach of its own county development plan. There is also a consecrated burial ground in the church grounds, with many family members of residents buried there.' The junction of the N11 and Herbert Road, in Bray, with the entrance to Kilbride Church, which would be closed off to make way for the bus corridor. Separately local businessman Donal Egan highlighted the potential toll on businesses if the plans go ahead. He cited a statement issued by the Bray Chamber of Commerce. 'The closure of one of only four key access and egress points to Bray will inevitably cause increased congestion both within the town and on major surrounding routes such as the Southern Cross and the Dublin/Bray Road. This will lead to longer delays and higher costs for businesses operating in Bray. 'Bray already experiences significant traffic challenges during weekends and peak summer periods due to the high volume of day visitors. Removing Herbert Road as an access point will only worsen the situation, making Bray less accessible and potentially deterring visitors.' 'There is growing frustration among residents who feel their voices are being ignored. It is unacceptable that the expressed concerns of local elected representatives are not being considered in the decision-making process.' Councillors widely praised the group for their efforts in highlighting the issue with Cllr Joe Behan stating it was 'the most powerful grassroots campaign I have seen in the town over the last 40 years'. 'This proposal will cut 25 per cent of the access available to the town. It is a cheapskate solution to improve public transport in the area. The move will be dangerous for traffic. 'You all must be praised for holding fire to elected members feet.' he added. Cllr Melanie Corrigan who was left 'speechless and overwhelmed' following the presentation, commended the group for leading their campaign with dignity and respect. 'It's an appalling situation, I will work to try and stop the plans going forward.' she added. Cllr Dermot Daisy O' Brien acknowledged the people powered campaign that has grown in prominence and impact. 'Does the will of the people matter in this process? What's at stake is clear for residents. Up to now though, their concerns have been dismissed. We need to think about the future of the town.' he added. To date, over €1.45 million has been spent on the scheme which Cllr Malachai Duddy branded as a 'complete waste of money' and 'a form of imprisonment for residents', while Cllr Ned Whelan called it the 'stupidest' plan he's ever heard of. Cllr Ian Neary apologised for the lack of action from the elected representatives, while paying tribute to the work of the campaign. Cllr Caroline Winstanley informed the chamber that the proposed closure will be an agenda item for the July meeting of the Municipal District's traffic and transport subcommittee. Cllr Erika Doyle called for better communication and community engagement from the relevant state agencies. As Cathaoirleach of the district she will also write to the council's chief executive to express their concerns and reiterate their support for the campaign on behalf of the eight local councillors. Attention now turns to Tánaiste Simon Harris, who has invited all Wicklow Oireachtas members across all parties to attend a meeting with the Transport Minister Darragh O' Brien to discuss the issue. The meeting on July 9 is expected to be met with further protests by the campaign group outside the gates of Leinster House. Sinn Fein TD John Brady is also due to submit a petition which has amassed thousands of signatures against the proposal since the start of the campaign. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
