Latest news with #Fingal
Irish Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Fingal council not only party to blame for farce of Dublin Airport passenger cap
Under a planning restriction imposed by Fingal County Council dating from 2007, Dublin Airport's passenger numbers are supposed to be capped at 32 million a year. But, as we all know, this restriction is pure fiction. More than 33 million passengers went through the doors of the airport last year and 36 million-plus are expected to use it this year as a result of court rulings that have put a stay on the cap while we await a ruling from Europe . It's an Irish solution to an Irish problem. To add to the confusion and mess, the council this week issued an enforcement notice to DAA on foot of complaints by local residents. Nobody comes out of this shambles well. Government should have moved long ago to sort out the cap and remove planning regulation of Dublin Airport from the remit of the council. Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien promised a solution on taking office in January, but none has emerged to date. READ MORE DAA described Fingal's enforcement notice as a 'sorry indictment of the mess that is the Irish planning system, particularly when it comes to the most vital piece of transport infrastructure on this island'. That might be so, but it is also an indictment of DAA's dithering over 16 years before submitting an infrastructure application in December 2023 that would allow it to increase traffic through Dublin Airport. And it is not a good look for a state-owned company to breach legally binding planning rules. [ `Zombie' Dublin Airport passenger cap could be removed by legislation Opens in new window ] Willie Walsh, the former Aer Lingus and IAG chief who is now head of Geneva-based airlines trade body IATA, has said we are a laughing stock internationally, with people scratching their heads as to why a small island nation on the edge of western Europe that relies heavily on foreign direct investment would be tying itself up in knots with a cap on growth at its biggest international airport. He's not wrong.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Scottish spot known for scenic peaks and valleys sees travel spike amid ‘coolcation' trend
Coolcations are booming, with searches for the term up 624 percent in the past year As Europe braces for another summer of soaring temperatures, more travellers are swapping beach towels for hiking boots in search of cooler climes and one Scottish gem is standing out among the pack. The growing trend of the 'coolcation', holidays designed to beat the heat rather than bask in it, is surging in popularity. Online searches for the term have rocketed by 624 percent over the past year, according to new research by walking holiday experts Inghams Walking. Their latest study analysed nearly 100 destinations across Europe, tracking interest at every stage of the travel planning journey, from general searches to hotel queries and flight bookings. By comparing year-on-year spikes in search data, they've identified the top emerging spots where more tourists are heading to cool off. Glen Coe has landed at number 13 on the list of fastest-growing 'coolcation' destinations in Europe, boasting a 33.64 percent rise in travel interest. It's a major win for Scotland's Highlands, which continue to draw in visitors with their rugged landscapes, haunting history and unspoilt beauty. Glencoe, nestled within the Lochaber Geopark, is often dubbed the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK'. With average summer temperatures of just 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, it offers a refreshing escape from the continental heat, perfect for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Not only is Glencoe Scotland's most famous and scenic glen, it's also among its most historic and romantic. Once carved by violent volcanic eruptions and massive glaciers, the dramatic terrain is laced with myth and legend. Celtic warrior Fingal is said to have made his home among its towering mountains, while his poet son Ossian drew inspiration from the sweeping valleys and cliffs. 'Inghams' research shines a light on lesser-known escapes where you can still enjoy epic scenery and fresh air without the crowds or the heatwave,' a spokesperson said. Glen Coe is more than just a place to admire from afar, it's a base for adventure and discovery. From wildlife spotting to geological marvels, the region offers a unique mix of natural wonder and cultural heritage. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Topping the list of fastest-growing coolcations is Akureyri in Iceland, with a staggering 264.13 percent rise in search interest. It's followed by Tisvilde in Denmark (+98.59 percent), Nuuk in Greenland (+79.53 percent), Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy (+64.16 percent) and Estonia's Lahemaa National Park (+55.99 percent). Laura Mason, Head of Walking at Inghams Walking, comments: 'Our data reveals a growing shift among travellers looking to move away from traditional sun-soaked destinations in favour of cooler climates. 'And search behaviour on Google supports this growing trend, with our research showcasing the 'coolcation' destinations across Europe that travellers are becoming increasingly interested in visiting. 'Coolcations allow holidaymakers to foster a deeper connection with nature, often prioritising exploring the outdoors and personal wellbeing, and we hope our findings inspire those looking to mix up their typical travel this summer.'
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Ex-HSE chief Paul Reid to become chair of new planning authority
Former HSE chief executive Paul Reid is set to become chairman of the new planning authority that will replace An Bord Pleanála. Mr Reid will chair the board of An Coimisiún Pleanála when it is established formally by Minister for Housing James Browne, it is understood. A former senior civil servant and head of Fingal County Council, Mr Reid took command of the HSE in 2019 in the months before the first coronavirus outbreak. He became a household name during pandemic lockdowns and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Mr Reid stood down in late 2022, saying the HSE was entering a new phase as the pandemic threat eased. [ Pat Leahy: Housing emergency? Ireland is not even acting at the level of mildly urgent Opens in new window ] Mr Browne is expected to set out Mr Reid's appointment in an information memorandum to the Cabinet. READ MORE Legislation was enacted last year to overhaul planning and replace An Bord Pleanála with An Coimisiún Pleanála. In a bid to speed up the planning process, the new body will be subject to statutory mandatory timelines for planning decisions.
The Herald Scotland
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Visionary Glaswegian who played key role in transforming Leith dies
Died: April 2025 Terry Smith, who has died aged 78, was a leading figure in Forth Ports plc who played a key role in the regeneration of Leith and was instrumental in setting up The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. He spent 15 years as property director at Forth Ports, during which time Leith improved beyond all recognition. Some of Edinburgh's most underused land was transformed into desirable residential property and restaurants. Ocean Terminal shopping and leisure complex was created, the new Scottish Office built and a prestigious home found for the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which has grown into a magnificent tourist attraction, often voted number 1 in the UK on Trip Advisor. Without Terry's vision, creativity and determination, Britannia would undoubtedly have gone elsewhere. Terry's sense of innovation attracted many designers to the area including the architect Terence Conran, who was responsible for designing Ocean Terminal, which commands incredible views of the port. And Ken McCulloch, creator of One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow, renovated the former Sailors' Home into the boutique Malmaison Hotel on Tower Place along the Shore, which is complemented by Terry's carefully commissioned ornate ironworks. By driving the change in this vibrant and attractive community, Terry was even able to lure the famed MTV music awards to Leith in 2003. In his time, the company also launched Forthside, encompassing major developments at Granton Harbour, Western Harbour and Port of Leith, which together cover about 450 acres and over two miles of shoreline. Terry supported the initial bid for the establishment of the Edinburgh Trams, linking the airport, railway stations and cruise liners to the seaport, establishing the Port of Leith as the heart of the waterfront city area. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Building and served as a director of Leith Enterprise Trust, Leith Chamber of Commerce and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Not one to rest on his laurels, he remained on the board of trustees for the Royal Yacht Britannia for the rest of his life. The attraction's website notes 'he played a key role in the regeneration of Leith and was instrumental in setting up The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust'. The Forth Ports team, led by the former CEO of 25 years, Bob Downie, also went on to secure and renovate the Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board Ship, into the award-winning luxury floating boutique hotel that can be seen today, docked not far from Britannia in Alexandra Dock. Terry was born in Kelvindale, Glasgow. His parents, Terence and Dorothy, met on shore leave from the Navy – his dad was stationed on mine sweepers in the Mediterranean and his mother was a Wren. They went on to be a builder and shorthand typist respectively. Terry had an elder brother, Hamish, who moved to Trinidad in his early twenties, married Heather and built his life and family out there. He also had two younger twin sisters; Isobel remained in Glasgow with her husband Douglas, but Maggie also travelled extensively for work with her husband Frank and their children. Read more Growing up, Terry displayed a passion for vehicles, and from an early age would cobble together bogies using old pram wheels with built-in brakes. Over the years, this tinkering, turned into a solid hobby and at age 24, his Metron car design was subject to a two-page spread in Motor Magazine. He enjoyed racing several of his creations on the hill-climbing circuit for many years. More recently he developed the unique Marcos Evolution XP, Charterhall Speedster and Unipower Evolution car designs, which were displayed and admired at the Thirlestane Festival of Motoring, among others. His practical upbringing steered him towards the College of Building and Printing in Glasgow, where Terry studied and trained to be a quantity surveyor. After applying for jobs in both the motor and construction industry, it was contractor company Gilbert-Ash that laid the pathway of his future career. He soon became head of their general works department, taking on smaller jobs which led to more lucrative assignments. It was while working on the Cameron Toll development in Edinburgh that he was spotted and approached to join Forth Ports. In 1971 Terry met Janis, who become the love of his life. By 1977 he and Janis, a primary school teacher, had welcomed their three children, Martin, Julia and Marina, all of whom have gone on to their own fulfilling careers, as film director, ceramicist and Destination Tweed Project Manager respectively. Over the years, Terry renovated and built several properties for his family. First, he converted an Old Coach House in Helensburgh, with the help of his father Terence. Then he moved on to a newbuild on an old market garden site in Edinburgh. And, keeping the Leith legacy alive, he converted one of the few remaining single-level houses, the old Gate Keeper's Office, into a home for his son Martin. Terry Smith with a propeller from the Royal Yacht Britannia (Image: Contributed) There aren't many people who didn't recognise Terry around Leith docks and his combination of practical skills, innovative thinking and approachability made him a well-liked and respected figure. At the time of his retirement Terry was congratulated by his team on his significant achievements and by the Britannia Board for his outstanding contribution and kindness. Bob Downie, founding chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia and Fingal Hotel, paid tribute to 'Terry's incredible vision, determination and resulting great success, for which I am extremely grateful'. Terry is survived by his wife Janis, children Martin, Julia and Marina and grandchildren Thomas and Fergus. MARINA PIPER At The Herald, we carry obituaries of notable people from the worlds of business, politics, arts and sport but sometimes we miss people who have led extraordinary lives. That's where you come in. If you know someone who deserves an obituary, please consider telling us about their lives. Contact
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Bleeper bikes service returns to Castleknock and Carpenterstown
Approximately €10,000 worth of damage was done to the Bleeper bike fleet this year in Dublin 15, with vandalism and theft rates going 'off the charts' after March 1, according to Steven McGinn, walking and cycling officer with Fingal County Council. 'So, rather than allowing that to progress and potentially put the entire [Bleeper] scheme at risk, we pressed pause in Dublin 15 and removed the bikes while we met with the local gardaí,' he said. Mr McGinn said this was 'very fruitful' and allowed Bleeper and gardaí to recover 15 of the 28 stolen bikes. Now the council is ready to progress with the first phase to reintroduce Bleeper bikes to Dublin 15, he told the local area committee yesterday. 'That's going to be around the Castleknock/Carpenterstown area. We're going to monitor that really closely and just make sure that everything is going to plan,' he said. 'Then we're planning to move back out to Hartstown and a few places like that. 'We'll reintroduce the bikes slowly, we'll keep an eye on the scheme and make sure everything's working the way it should. We will hopefully have a full reintroduction of the service in the next four to six weeks.' Councillor Angela Donnelly said the reintroduction was 'fantastic news'. 'I'm really, really pleased to hear that because the couple of people that came to me, it was their journey from their house to the train station that they really found the Bleeper bikes very useful,' she said. Fingal residents are entitled to a 'Fingal Pass' with Bleeper bikes, which allows them to cycle pedal bikes free for the first 30 minutes of their journey. After this period, they will be charged the regular rate of 4c per minute. The firm also offers e-bike options, with a higher rate of 16c a minute charged for those journeys. Mr McGinn added that the council was finalising a deal with another bike sharing provider, Moby, to bring their e-bikes to Dublin 15 in the next two weeks. Moby has also partnered with several other local authorities such as Dublin City Council and Wicklow County Council. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
