Latest news with #DCC
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Rhuddlan Nature Reserve unveils new wildflower meadow
The habitat at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is expected to benefit pollinators and contribute to ongoing conservation work in the area. Denbighshire Countryside Services has partnered with the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group to deliver the wildflower meadow, continuing a collaboration that began in 2011.A new meadow taking shape at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve (Image: DCC) Over the years, the nature reserve has had several site developments, making it a haven for nature and the community. These include two wildflower meadows, three wildlife ponds, a 300-metre hedgerow, and an orchard of heritage species. They have also planted 6,000 trees, created wildflower seeded verges, built two picnic areas, and set up a pond dipping platform. The Dementia Group in the area also helped to set up a dementia-friendly part of the meadow will benefit polllinators and enhance biodiversity (Image: DCC) This includes sensory trees, wildflowers, traditional Welsh oak timber seating, and historic landscape features such as dry-stone walls and laid hedges. Volunteers and country rangers recently created the wildflower meadow to provide another area for visitors to enjoy. The new feature is made from wildflower earth and turf, which will support pollinators and the other wildlife at the site. Countryside ranger Vitor Evora said: "It's been great to provide an additional wildflower meadow habitat on the nature reserve as these are a vital habitat we need to support our pollinators and the wildlife that feed off the insects in this type of area. "It will also be a feature full of variety and colour for those visiting the reserve to enjoy." Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire's cabinet lead member for local development and planning, said: "The volunteers and rangers have made a real positive difference to this part of Rhuddlan Nature Reserve, and we are grateful for their dedicated work to improving biodiversity in the area and also visitor experience for those dropping by the reserve." Volunteers also helped to build a wattle fence around the boundary of the new meadow.
Mint
4 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Drug regulator pushes for Braille labelling on medicines
New Delhi: India's top drug regulator is evaluating a plan for Braille labelling on medicine packaging to improve accessibility for India's 4.95 million blind and 70 million visually impaired citizens, who struggle to identify crucial medication details, said an official aware of the matter and documents reviewed by Mint. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is considering these changes based on a report of a subcommittee that recommended introducing Braille labelling for drugs packaged in mono cartons and for those frequently used by the visually impaired, such as eye drops. 'Currently, there is no labelling provision in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules that considers the needs of blind or visually impaired people," the panel recommended. 'As a result, this special category of people finds it difficult to know the name and expiry date of medicines. Therefore, a provision should be made to label drugs with Braille inscriptions." The recommendations stem from a 2020 representation highlighting the difficulties visually-impaired individuals faced when trying to read medicine strips. The subcommittee was first constituted in 2020 and then reconstituted in October 2024 under KR Chawal, Drug Controller and Licensing Authority of Delhi, along with three more members. Also read: Which private hospital is best for you? New grading system will help patients decide on treatment options An added benefit The committee report also said that Braille labelling will help combat counterfeit drugs. 'Braille fonts on drug pack labels are unique and difficult to copy, which could significantly reduce the incidence of drug duplication and spurious products in the market," according to the documents of the 66th Drugs Consultative Meeting (DCC) reviewed by Mint. India's spurious or counterfeit medicine drug sales are valued at $3 billion. The country's overall medicine market is currently valued at $50 billion, with domestic consumption at $23.5 billion, according to the department of pharmaceuticals. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the health and family ministry and the DCGI remained unanswered till press time. Voluntary rollout, initially The subcommittee's recommendations presented to the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) on 17 June are currently under consideration to make the implementation voluntary or mandatory to start with through legislative amendments to the Drug Rules, 1945," said the official aware of the matter, requesting anonymity. "Initially, it has been proposed on a voluntary basis because people (drug makers) would take time to switch over to Braille labelling. We also have to see how the Indian industry is going to adapt to change. That is why it is being proposed for additional labelling in Braille language to be implemented 'initially on a voluntary basis' for drugs supplied in mono carton pack sizes," the official said. To ensure the accuracy of Braille labels, the subcommittee's report has recommended that drug manufacturers have their Braille artwork validated by nodal agencies such as the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) through the Braille Council of India (BCI) or other NIEPID-recommended bodies. Also read: Centre moves to enhance organ transplant services in govt hospitals after review shows capacity constraints The report has excluded Braille labelling for medicines and other pharmaceutical items dispensed under direct healthcare professional supervision, including injectables and vaccines. Also, the report recommends that the competent authority issue an advisory to retailers, instructing them to verbally guide visually impaired customers about medicine names, dosage, indications, uses, and expiry dates. This guidance would be routinely monitored by enforcement officers. 'Putting Braille labelling on drug making is a good idea. Even if a 1% population gets benefits, it's worth doing, especially for life-saving drugs which are of significant use, and not just limiting it to certain eye drops," said Dr. J.S. Titiyal, head of Dr. Aggarwal's Eye Institute in New Delhi and former chief of RP Eye Centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. He said that visually impaired individuals may have other health complications beyond eye issues. Dr. Manipal S. Sachdeva, chairman and managing director at Centre for Sight, said Braille labelling should be on all kinds of important life-saving medicines, not just eye drops. But he expressed reservations about making it a voluntary requirement. 'We don't know how the voluntary initiative will be picked up by the manufacturers, because it will add to their expense and logistic issues." Also read: Centre orders thorough safety review of painkiller Nimesulide for adults
RTÉ News
10 hours ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Glasnevin housing plan leaves uncertainty for businesses
Businesses in an industrial estate on the northside of Dublin say they are facing an uncertain future due to Dublin City Council's plans to redevelop the area for housing. Under the Ballyboggan Masterplan, the local authority plans to rezone 77 hectares of industrial land - between Glasnevin and Cabra - to develop 6,000 homes. However, some businesses say they are having trouble finding areas to relocate to and are calling on the council to help them source alternative sites. Igoe International, a 48-year-old family business that supplies building products as well as manufacturing and exporting roofing products, has operated from Dublin Industrial Estate for 30 years. Managing Director Vincent Igoe said: "It's probably sitting on about 2,000sq/m and to find similar space and zoned industrial around here is almost impossible so it would pose a difficulty in answering the question - where do we go when all of this stuff is supposedly going to kick off? "We've been here for 30 years and all our customers are here. We've also invested in making our display areas and showrooms and stuff like that here and we're obviously close to the city so we get footfall and traffic. "A lot of the businesses around here would be fairly mature. A lot of them are kind of family businesses, and a bit like our own, that could have been passed down to a son or someone on succession. So they're all pretty much in the same boat." Mr Igoe said that he would like to see Dublin City Council (DCC) help businesses such as his source alternative industrial sites. "We've had a little look around. There's not much on the market. The spaces are limited and the prices are quite high. So no matter what way you kick the ball you're almost at a disadvantage here. "There's a lot of space a little bit up the road towards Blanchardstown, or and maybe they could accommodate zoning some land for industrial use around there. That would probably be a sensible solution." Bob Cameron, of Cameron Cars, said that he may consider retiring and winding up his more than 20-year-old business because moving to an alternative site at the current market rates is not viable. "I've been operating in this estate nearly 20 years. There's nowhere really we can move to. I need a lot of car park spaces as I have about 100 cars in stock. "There's no real viable plan for us. Everybody's just holding on and just trying to find what's happening. "If it is going to happen, we have to be compensated. We have to be paid for the movement and also another unit. "It's kind of at the point that I nearly have to pack it in because it just won't it won't work. It's not viable." It is not just businesses who are concerned about the development. The Ballyboggan Masterplan proposes the development of 6,000 homes in mainly two- to four-storey units. But a number of submissions made as part of a public consultation said that the number lacks ambition and called on DCC to build more. However, Senior Lecturer in Housing at Technological University Dublin, Dr Lorcan Sirr, said that he believes the council is taking the right approach. "I think it's really good actually and I think they have the density levels about right at 100 to 250 units per hectare and their focus is on more family units rather than smaller, high income, high yield investment units. "They're looking to house families here, which is what we're sort of lacking in Dublin. "In the last two years alone, 95% of all new housing that has been built in Dublin City Council areas has been apartments and 95% for rent. "So the focus on something that people can actually get their hands on, and that would be for families, would be really beneficial, and what's needed in the city. "In theory, high density sounds great, we should squeeze as many units on as possible. What you get though is higher land values, that means the cost of construction is going to be higher. That means whatever comes out the other end is going to be less affordable for people. "So if you moderate the density, you might get fewer households on it, but at least the housing that comes out will be affordable to build and affordable to live in there for the people who do end up living there. So I think they've got it about right." However, Dr Sirr says it could take a number of years for the homes to materialise. "If the State takes more control over it, you will probably see a steadier rate of delivery. It could take ten years to do this, at least. If we go all out relying on the private sector, we could be here in 20 years. "We see this with other regeneration projects in Dublin that are still on the go many years later, the likes of Adamstown, that should have been developed a long time ago, but because of the circular nature of the property market in which it relied, they are still only being developed to this day." Plan supports development of new Dublin neighbourhood - DCC DCC said that the chosen density is in line with sustainable development guidelines and the Dublin City Development Plan. The council added that, when it comes to the future of businesses, the majority of lands are in private ownership and it will support those who wish to redevelop as well as the retention and consolidation of many existing businesses. However, it said that regeneration of this type is complex and will take many years to achieve. "The Baile Bogáin (Ballyboggan) Masterplan supports the development of a new mixed use neighbourhood in Dublin which aligns with the Government's National Planning Framework. "This will be achieved through the robust spatial framework that is designed to guide future redevelopment opportunities in a coherent and sustainable manner, while ensuring that urban design is imperative to regeneration. "Fundamental to the regeneration of this area is the retention and consolidation of existing businesses as the area transitions towards more diversified mixed uses," the council said.
Cosmopolitan
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The cast of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders now: Six months after filming, here's what they've been up to
Season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans an inside look as DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell assemble another elite team of talented athletes. The episodes picked up just before the final round of auditions for the 2024–2025 squad and followed the chosen candidates through training camp, emotional cuts, the official team reveal, and into the heart of the NFL season. The NFL season wrapped up in January 2025, meaning some time has passed since filming ended. From DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass to the veterans, rookies and some of our fave alums, here's what the squad are up to now. Kelli Finglass, a former DCC from 1984 to 1989, became director in 1991 and transformed the squad into a global brand. Known for her high standards and no-nonsense leadership, Finglass expected nothing less than excellence from every cheerleader this season. Since filming ended for the second season, Kelli has been spending time with family. She posted a picture from her son Ryan's 31 mile marathon run, writing: "A regular marathon wasn't enough… first Ultra Marathon in the books! ✅ Proud of @ryan_finglass #31Miles #LegsOfSteel." She also appeared on Beavers Wealth Management podcast alongside Ryan for a Mother's Day special episode, and responded to rumours she'd had a face lift in a video posted to her Instagram. Judy Trammell, a DCC alum from 1980 to 1984, became head choreographer in 1991 and has led the squad's iconic routines for over four decades. In March, she announced she's expecting her fifth grandchild sharing a picture of her son and his partner at their baby gender reveal. A month later, she celebrated her first born's birthday, sharing a throw back snap on her grid. Before joining the DCC in 2022, Amanda danced for the Golden State Warriors and overcame a training camp cut with determination and grit. Since filming, Amanda has been travelling the world with her husband Ralph. They've been everywhere from Switzerland to Lake Como and have been sharing lots of scenic photos on their Instagram accounts. In May, she attended Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Jessica Bowman's (now Lanham) wedding. Alongside a picture of her and Ralph, she wrote: "The best night celebrating the @jbo97 and @lanham5 🥹 isn't the bride just perfection? Wow!" Once known as Caroline's little sister, Anna Kate stepped into her own as a seasoned DCC member after a strong rookie year. She turned 25 in June and was surprised with a party from her boyfriend Michael Snyder. As well as turning a year older, Anna has been travelling and doing press for the show, recently travelling to New York along with the rest of the squad. Armani has been booked and busy since filming, working with several brands including Vaseline and Shea Moisture. She's also been doing a bit of travelling, and attended Jessica Bowman's hen weekend in Cabo, Mexico. She moved home in May and shared the process to her 67,000 followers. The longest running veteran to try out for the year, Chandi has been keeping busy since season two ended. She recently had a little hair makeover, dying her dark locks honey brown. She attended the baby shower of Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Mckenzie in February. After making the team last year, Reece returned as a veteran for season two, now happily married to her college sweetheart and first ever boyfriend, Will. She celebrated her one-year anniversary in April, sharing a picture from her wedding day with a sweet message. "I'm so thankful God placed you in my life and to have been a part of an incredible vendor team to document your beginnings as husband and wife" she wrote."It's been such an honor to watch your journey and all the amazing things God is doing through you both." The same month, she sat down with Will to talk to Valley View Baptist Church youth. A fan-favorite rookie candidate last season, Charly was the 2023-2024 squad's very last cut. Since filming, she's been doing a bit of travelling, as well as spending time with fellow rookies Ariel and Ava. One of the breakout stars of season one, Kelcey spent five seasons with the squad from 2019-2024. Following her retirement from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2024, Kelcey shifted her focus to her full-time career as a pediatric nurse. She also got engaged - and later married - to Nate Crnkovich. Although she's stepped away from the spotlight of professional cheerleading, she continues to stay involved in the dance and wellness world and she's still very close to the team, recently attending Jessica's wedding. Kalina joined the DCC in 2019 and became a four‑year veteran. After taking a break, Victoria relocated to New York to chase her dream of joining the Rockettes, and now shares her life through fitness, dance, and mental‑health advocacy. She regularly posts videos of her choreography on Instagram and recently shared a video of her last dance for DCC to promote the second season. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheeleaders season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
Irish Independent
19 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Dublin City Council plans 38 new apartments for Drimnagh
The new apartment block, designed by Proctor & Matthews Architects, was discussed at yesterday's DCC South Central Area meeting and will be built on a site previously occupied by a funeral home. It will contain 10 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom units, and will include a playground and a shared garden for residents within a central courtyard. Planting within the courtyard space will also be native and support biodiversity, the council promises. The proposal is set to be built alongside a new library for the area. All homes in the scheme will have a minimum of an A2 BER rating, and will be heated using heat pumps, with solar panels to support the building's energy requirements. Construction on site is expected to start in May 2027, subject to planning approval and appointment of a contractor, with residents able to move in from November 2028. Speaking at the council meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said the development was 'great news' for Drimnagh and surrounding areas. "This will be setting the standard for housing across the city and beyond,' he said. 'It will be the jewel in the crown of D12. "This shows what can be delivered when the city council are given the funds to build housing. It is important that the government realise this and give adequate funding to allow city council acquire more land to build council and affordable housing to meet the needs of the city.' Other councillors also praised the scheme, with Ray Cunningham saying that it looked 'amazing'. "It's great to see it being built on a site that's been derelict for so long,' the Green Party member said. "I also want to thank the team in Dublin council for coming out with a lot of information recently, on Twitter, on LinkedIn, a lot of posts explaining what was happening with the site and putting the correct information out into the public domain to stop bad actors from spreading lies.' Dublin City Council has substantially missed its Department of Housing-imposed homebuilding targets for the years 2022 to 2024. For those years, 2,341 homes were delivered in the local authority area, equating to 49pc of the target of 4,800, although it has committed to exceeding its targets for this year and next. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
