Latest news with #AnGardaSíochána
Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Sobering truths over miscarriages
The Irish Examiner National Women's Health Survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A, has provided plenty of food for thought in recent days — articulating as it does many of the most pressing challenges facing women in today's Ireland. A prime example of those challenges is miscarriage. The survey results indicate that one quarter of women have experienced a miscarriage, though that rate doubles among those experiencing fertility issues. It is sobering to realise that miscarriage rates are so high — that one of the most grievous losses that anyone can endure occurs that often. The only sliver of consolation to be taken from this situation is the presumption that our health services deal with miscarriage so often that they have a well-established procedure for helping the women involved. It is surely safe to believe that a tried and trusted system of aftercare and counselling immediately clicks into action when a miscarriage occurs. Unfortunately, the survey suggests the exact opposite — with a significant proportion of women expressing specific dissatisfaction with aftercare services. Six in 10 of the women surveyed said the availability of supports such as counselling is lacking, a similar number reported that follow up from healthcare providers was insufficient. Almost half of respondents were critical of the quality of information provided by healthcare professionals, rating it as poor or very poor. Those sentiments were endorsed by those active in this area, with Jennifer Duggan of the Miscarriage Association of Ireland saying: 'They unfortunately tally with what we hear ourselves from women we speak with.' It seems difficult to believe that, in the 21st century, we are in need of better information, better follow-up services, and better counselling for women who have experienced a miscarriage. Readers should also consider other findings in the survey, such as the proportion of women who often feel lonely or isolated — over one third of those surveyed. If services and supports in the case of the terrible experience of miscarriage are this inadequate, that figure is hardly surprising. An Garda Síochána: Trust in the force declining Readers will be aware of a court case this week in which Margaret Loftus gave details, in a victim impact statement, of her abuse at the hands of her then-husband Trevor Bolger in 2012. She concluded with a call to those enduring similar abuse to come forward and to testify, but that is far from the end of this case's significance. As outlined by Mick Clifford here on Thursday, serious questions arise from this case because both Ms Loftus and Bolger were members of An Garda Síochána when this abuse occurred, some of which took place in a Garda station. The case has revealed some disturbing facts about how our police force functions. Bolger was promoted to detective after investigations into his conduct regarding Ms Loftus had already begun — after he had been interviewed by gardaí assigned to investigate that matter, in fact. No action was taken against him until Ms Loftus contacted a senior garda, while her application for a transfer was approved and then rescinded without explanation. To learn that this is occurring in the State body charged with public safety is deeply worrying. What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here It has been a difficult few weeks for An Garda Síochána at all levels. The handling of high-profile cases such as the killing of Tina Satchwell has been the subject of widespread criticism. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris's comments on the costs of training a cadaver dog seemed misplaced, at best, at the unveiling of a million-euro water cannon. The ongoing saga of finding a replacement for Mr Harris is also disheartening, particularly as senior officers' pension arrangements appear to be a serious obstacle to any appointment. The details of this latest case will hardly encourage women to report abuse and to escape dangerous domestic circumstances, given Ms Loftus's treatment. They may also contribute to a general decline in trust in the gardaí as a whole. Henry Mount Charles: Deliverer of joy The death of Henry Mount Charles after a long illness was confirmed by his family this week. He was aged 74. For many, he will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle, beginning with Thin Lizzy in 1981. In the 70s, he took over the running of Slane when it was in financial difficulties, and identified the natural amphitheatre in the grounds as an ideal location for large-scale gigs. Henry Mountcharles will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle. After Thin Lizzy, the likes of the Rolling Stones, Oasis, REM, David Bowie, and others played to vast crowds at the Meath venue. Those events helped to introduce Irish concertgoers to the concept of large-scale festivals, which are now popular all over the country. In accent, pedigree, and bearing, Henry Mount Charles was unmistakably a member of the aristocracy, yet he was affectionately regarded in Ireland though he came to prominence when the Troubles were at their height. His standing was no doubt boosted by the quality of the musical acts he was able to present to an Irish public starved, in the early 80s at least, of genuine international stars. He was also remarkably frank in a recent RTÉ documentary about his struggles with alcohol, crediting U2's Adam Clayton with helping him to get sober — it was good to hear him say then he had achieved a level of peace. He brought a great deal of joy to hundreds of thousands of Irish people. Read More Irish Examiner view: Insights can reveal the way forward
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major ‘will not be tolerated' warning ahead of Donegal Rally as gardai team up with PSNI & 4 roads set to close
AN URGENT warning has been issued ahead of the popular event in Donegal as thousands of visitors are expected to attend. The annual 2 Donegal Rally is set to kick off this weekend, with thousands of visitors expected to attend Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription 2 There will be road closures during the event As part of the measures to ensure the public is safe during the event, An Garda Síochána and the This means that there will be increased For tourists who are planning on attending the event by driving up, The driver are urged to plan their READ MORE ON NEWS The road closures may also impact Participants and spectators are encouraged to follow advice and guidance from Gardai and race marshals. People are urged to buckle up, put the Lastly, the cops ask spectators to watch the rally from the designated safe viewing areas. Most read in Irish News Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said: "An Garda Síochána will be working in partnership with our colleagues in the PSNI where we will be out in force this weekend promoting road safety on both sides of the border. "The Donegal International Rally is a major event which attracts thousands of visitors to our county. We are calling on all road users and rally fans to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritise road safety above all else. The RSA explain e-scooter rules in Ireland "Our appeal is simple: Keep the Race in its Place. "An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences. "Reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated. Our focus is on keeping people safe." PSNI Chief Inspector for Derry City & Strabane, Cherith Craig, said "We know the roads will be busier than usual this weekend due to the Donegal International Rally, which is a huge motorsports event and attracts massive numbers of spectators. ROAD CLOSURES FOR DONEGAL RALLY Gardai revealed that they will be closing down roads to accommodate the event, and provided information on the diversions to help tourists plan their trip in advance. This includes Port Road, Cullion Road, Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road and Carndonagh Relief Road, with different closure hours assigned for each roads. PORT ROAD: The L-1004 Port Road from 4:15pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, June 19, for the ceremonial start. CULLION ROAD: The Cullion Road from 2pm on Friday 20th to 2am on Saturday 21st; from 10am on Saturday 21st to 2am on Sunday 22nd and from 10am to 10pm on Sunday 22nd. This involves the closure of the L1094/2 Cullion Road in the townland of Drumnahoagh from the junction with the L1114/2&3 Leck Road to the junction with the N56/82 Four Lane Road. The diversion route will be via the L1114/2 (Leck Road), the N13/8 (Letterkenny Stranorlar Road) and the N56/82 (Four Lane Road). BALLYRAINE ROAD/RAMELTON ROAD: The R-940-1 Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road closed on Sunday, June 22 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. Alternative route: N56 Ramelton Road – N56 Business Park Road – L1009 Gortlee Road. CARNDONAGH RELIEF ROAD: The Carndonagh Relief Road from SuperValue junction to the L-12611 will be closed on Friday 20th from 9:30am to 7:00pm. Local access to shops and businesses will be maintained at all times. There will be local diversions via the R-240-1, L-1271 and L-12611-0. "With the expected increase in cross-border traffic from people travelling to and from the event, we'll be working in partnership with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, focusing on road safety. "You'll see our officers on patrol conducting checks to ensure everyone on the road is legal, that their vehicles are roadworthy and that everyone is playing their part in keeping our roads safe. "We all share the responsibility of road safety and to work together to reduce the number of people injured or killed on our roads. "Our plea is to slow down, stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend. Remember the fatal five - don't drink or drug-drive, slow down, don't get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone."
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Irish Times
Sky alleges Co Wexford man may have made €450,000 a year from ‘dodgy box' service
Broadcaster and telecommunications giant Sky has claimed in the High Court that a Co Wexford man may have earned up to €450,000 a year from operating a so-called 'dodgy box' service. Sky TV Limited alleges David Dunbar has operated an illegal service providing thousands with access to its copyrighted broadcast material since 2018. Last month, Sky was granted various orders aimed at gathering evidence of Mr Dunbar's alleged infringement, including permission to seize devices belonging to him. In a sworn statement to the court, a Sky anti-piracy investigator says Mr Dunbar is considered by Sky to be a 'top-level' copyright infringer, and that his activity 'is likely to have been to the very serious detriment' of Sky and broadcasters as well as legitimate streaming services in Ireland. Last November, investigators at Sky became aware of a social media account involved in selling an Internet Protocol television service (IPTV). IPTV is the technology behind 'dodgy box' services. READ MORE This account was later linked to Mr Dunbar, the investigator says. Separately, Sky investigators were informed of an anonymous tip-off received by An Garda Síochána's Crime Stoppers initiative, alleging Mr Dunbar's operation of the service. The investigator estimates Mr Dunbar to have up to 5,000 customers paying for his service, generating about €450,000 per year from the operation. Sky's investigation found Mr Dunbar allegedly charged two annual subscription rates for the service, priced at €80 and €100 respectively. The investigator says he believes Mr Dunbar has at least 1,682 customers, but the true number is likely much higher. On Thursday, barristers for Sky said Mr Dunbar, with an address at Manor Crescent, Roxborough Manor, Co Wexford, had breached a number of the court's orders, and was in contempt of court. Theo Donnelly BL, appearing for Sky and instructed by Philip Lee solicitors, said statements made by Mr Dunbar in the proceedings contained inaccuracies and inconsistencies, and failed to explain certain breaches of orders. Mr Donnelly said bank statements exhibited to an unsworn statement, received by his side this week and due to be filed with the court, appeared to show a dissipation of funds, in breach of freezing orders granted by the court. Mr Donnelly suggested that Mr Dunbar be given a final opportunity to clarify Sky's concerns, brought on by his statements. Adam Dodd, a solicitor representing Mr Dunbar, said his client had provided a 'fulsome' affidavit, 'warts and all'. He said his client had admitted to his contempt of court, and has indicated that he is seeking to comply with the orders of the court. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said he was of the view that Mr Dunbar should 'put his best foot forward' and answer queries raised by Sky regarding his statements to the court. Mr Justice Sanfey warned Mr Dodd that there was a limit to his patience. The judge adjourned the case to next month.
BreakingNews.ie
21 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Alleged 'dodgy box' operator may have earned €450,000 per year, court told
Broadcaster and telecommunications giant Sky has claimed in the High Court that a Co Wexford man may have earned up to €450,000 a year from operating a so-called 'dodgy box' service. Sky TV Limited alleges David Dunbar has operated an illegal service providing thousands with access to its copyrighted broadcast material since 2018. Advertisement Last month, Sky was granted various orders aimed at gathering evidence of Mr Dunbar's alleged infringement, including permission to seize devices belonging to him. In a sworn statement to the court, a Sky anti-piracy investigator says Mr Dunbar is considered by Sky to be a 'top-level' copyright infringer, and that his activity 'is likely to have been to the very serious detriment' of Sky and broadcasters and legitimate streaming services in Ireland. Last November, investigators at Sky became aware of a social media account involved in selling an Internet Protocol television service (IPTV). IPTV is the technology behind 'dodgy box' services. This account was later linked to Mr Dunbar, the investigator says. Advertisement Separately, Sky investigators were informed of an anonymous tip-off received by An Garda Síochána's Crime Stoppers initiative, alleging Mr Dunbar's operation of the service. The investigator estimates Mr Dunbar to have up to 5,000 customers paying for his service, generating about €450,000 per year from the operation. Sky's investigation found Mr Dunbar allegedly charged two annual subscription rates for the service, priced at €80 and €100 respectively. The investigator says he believes Mr Dunbar has at least 1,682 customers, but the true number is likely much higher. On Thursday, barristers for Sky said Mr Dunbar, with an address at Manor Crescent, Roxborough Manor, Co Wexford, had breached a number of the court's orders, and was in contempt of court. Advertisement Theo Donnelly BL, appearing for Sky and instructed by Philip Lee solicitors, said statements made by Mr Dunbar in the proceedings contained inaccuracies and inconsistencies, and failed to explain certain breaches of orders. Mr Donnelly said bank statements exhibited to an unsworn statement, received by his side this week and due to be filed with the court, appeared to show a dissipation of funds, in breach of freezing orders granted by the court. Ireland 'Dodgy box' operator jailed for possession of over... Read More Mr Donnelly suggested that Mr Dunbar be given a final opportunity to clarify Sky's concerns, brought on by his statements. Adam Dodd, a solicitor representing Mr Dunbar, said his client had provided a 'fulsome' affidavit, 'warts and all'. He said his client had admitted to his contempt of court, and has indicated that he is seeking to comply with the orders of the court. Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said he was of the view that Mr Dunbar should 'put his best foot forward' and answer queries raised by Sky regarding his statements to the court. Mr Justice Sanfey warned Mr Dodd that there was a limit to his patience. The judge adjourned the case to next month.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Irish Times
Permanent armed patrols in parts of Limerick city as gardaí fear violent feuding poses serious threat to public
'Permanent armed patrols' have been established in parts of Limerick city, while gardaí are also stationed outside some schools as violent fighting between rival families escalates, a court has heard. Gardaí told Limerick District Court that the feuding factions 'pose a serious and active threat' to innocent members of the public as the violence can erupt almost anywhere at any time. As part of the disputes, 'explosive devices have been used to target homes and individuals', with one house having to be demolished after sustaining major structural damage from a pipe-bomb attack, the court heard. A recent wave of pipe-bomb attacks, fire-bombings and drive-by shootings have put gardaí on heightened alert and fearful that someone could be killed. READ MORE The level of feuding has 'necessitated the detailing of uniformed members of An Garda Síochána outside local schools to prevent further escalations and tensions among feuding parties', a detective told the court. The detective said 'permanent armed patrols' have also been established in some places in an effort to curb the violence. Gardaí are investigating a 'huge amount of incidents that are attributable to this feud', including violent disorder, criminal damage, shootings and the use of explosive devices, the detective said. Garda sources said many involved in the feud are addicted to cocaine, which is fuelling paranoia and adding to tensions. Officers have visited a number of people recently to inform them their lives are in danger due to active threats. It is understood gardaí have also intercepted the transport of guns and drugs through the city. Sources said the feud is reaching boiling point, although a number of individuals suspected of involvement have been taken off the streets and remanded in custody. Gardaí are actively monitoring three feuds across Limerick city and county that regularly escalate and de-escalate. However, law enforcement's main concern relates to a row between a criminal family and an organised crime group based on the south side of the city. Some of the individuals linked to the current feud are believed to be closely associated with criminal figures involved in a gang row that left 20 men dead between the late 1990s and mid-2000s.
