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Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland nuclear bomb map shows potential catastrophic damage amid WW3 fears
The prospect of World War Three is a deeply unsettling thought, but with escalating attacks between Iran and Israel this week - and Iran's growing alliance with China and Russia - the world feels closer to a global conflict than it has in years. The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified dramatically over the past week. Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Iranian military sites and Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting Israeli cities. Iran has warned that any US intervention could trigger an "all-out war," while US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and called for an increased US military presence in the region. In recent years, Iran has strengthened its ties with China and Russia, creating a powerful alliance that challenges the existing international order and could dramatically shift global power dynamics. Amid escalating tensions, fears of nuclear conflict have resurfaced, with experts warning that any wider escalation involving Iran, Israel and their powerful allies could dangerously increase the risk of nuclear weapons being used. This has left some people asking the ultimate hypothetical - what could happen if a nuclear bomb hit Ireland? The Irish Government has an emergency operation – called the National Plan for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Exposures – in place to deal with any such incident. It sets out steps for a national response to such a crisis, and the subsequent transition to a managed existing exposure situation. Now, an alarming interactive map shows how much of Ireland could be destroyed if a nuclear bomb hit. Users can check the potential impact of a nuke being detonated in their area, including the number of fatalities and injuries it could cause. The website NUKEMAP was created by Alex Wellerstein, a historian of nuclear weapons, in a bid to "help people visualise nuclear weapons and get a sense of the scale of the bombs". He explained: "We live in a world where nuclear weapons issues are on the front pages of our newspapers on a regular basis, yet most people still have a very bad sense of what an exploding nuclear weapon can actually do." The map allows you to choose from a wide range of nuclear weapons already produced, tested or used. We used the Topol (SS-25), which is currently in Russian arsenal, to see what would happen if it hit various locations around Ireland. The warhead is 800 kiloton and can deliver a payload of 1,000 kg to a range of 11,000 km. If this nuclear bomb were to land in Dublin city centre, it could kill an estimated 330,150 people and injure a further 481,860 according to the NUKEMAP. People within an 18.4km radius would be impacted, including some living in neighbouring counties Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The people most impacted would be those living within 0.97 km of the blast, who would be in the 'fireball radius'. The map explains anything inside the fireball is effectively vaporized. Those living within 6.53km of the bomb would see 'moderate damage'. Areas included here include Dundrum, the Phoenix Park and Ballymun. This is described as: "Most residential buildings collapse, injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread. The chances of a fire starting in commercial and residential damage are high, and buildings so damaged are at high risk of spreading fire". Anyone within 11.1km of the explosion - like Blanchardstown, Dublin Airport and Tallaght - would be in the 'thermal radiation radius'. This would see: "Third degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin, and are often painless because they destroy the pain nerves. They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation". The last areas that would be damaged are within 18.4km of the blast and would see 'light damage'. This includes the likes of Lucan and Malahide, as well as parts of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. The map explains: "At a around 1 psi overpressure, glass windows can be expected to break. This can cause many injuries in a surrounding population who comes to a window after seeing the flash of a nuclear explosion (which travels faster than the pressure wave). Often used as a benchmark for light damage in cities." If this nuclear bomb were to land in Cork city centre, it could kill an estimated 109,170 people and injure a further 95,730, according to the NUKEMAP. People within an 18.4km radius would be impacted, meaning it would reach as far as Crosshaven, Watergrasshill and Cobh. Those living within 6.53km of the bomb - which includes Cork Airport and Glanmire - would see 'moderate damage'. This is described as: "Most residential buildings collapse, injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread. The chances of a fire starting in commercial and residential damage are high, and buildings so damaged are at high risk of spreading fire." Anyone within 11.1km of the explosion - such as Passage West, Carrigaline, Blarney and Ballincollig - would be in the 'thermal radiation radius'. This would see: "Third degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin, and are often painless because they destroy the pain nerves. They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation." The last areas that would be damaged are within 18.4km of the blast and would see 'light damage'. The map explains: "At a around 1 psi overpressure, glass windows can be expected to break. This can cause many injuries in a surrounding population who comes to a window after seeing the flash of a nuclear explosion (which travels faster than the pressure wave). Often used as a benchmark for light damage in cities." If this nuclear bomb were to land in Galway city centre, it is estimated that it could kill 48,510 people and injure 36,400 more, according to the NUKEMAP. People within an 18.4km radius would be impacted, including those living near the border in Clare. Those living between 6.53km of the bomb - which includes Salthill and the Atlantic Technological University - would see 'moderate damage'. This is described as: "Most residential buildings collapse, injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread. The chances of a fire starting in commercial and residential damage are high, and buildings so damaged are at high risk of spreading fire." Anyone within 11.1km of the explosion - such as Claregalway and Oranmore - would be in the 'thermal radiation radius'. This would see: "Third degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin, and are often painless because they destroy the pain nerves. They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation." The last areas that would be damaged are within 18.4km of the blast and would see 'light damage'. This goes almost as far as Athenry. The map explains: "At a around 1 psi overpressure, glass windows can be expected to break. This can cause many injuries in a surrounding population who comes to a window after seeing the flash of a nuclear explosion (which travels faster than the pressure wave). Often used as a benchmark for light damage in cities." If this nuclear bomb were to land in Belfast city centre, it could kill an estimated 182,440 people and injure a further 231,100, according to the NUKEMAP. People within an 18.4km radius would be impacted, with it reaching as far as Bangor, Carrickfergus and Lisburn. Those living between 6.53km of the bomb - such as Balmoral, the Upper Falls and Springfield - would see 'moderate damage'. This is described as: "Most residential buildings collapse, injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread. The chances of a fire starting in commercial and residential damage are high, and buildings so damaged are at high risk of spreading fire." Anyone within 11.1km of the explosion - including Holywood, Dundonald and Carryduff - would be in the 'thermal radiation radius'. This would see: "Third degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin, and are often painless because they destroy the pain nerves. They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation." The last areas that would be damaged are within 18.4km of the blast and would see 'light damage'. This include Carrickfergus, Bangor and Hillsborough. The map explains: "At a around 1 psi overpressure, glass windows can be expected to break. This can cause many injuries in a surrounding population who comes to a window after seeing the flash of a nuclear explosion (which travels faster than the pressure wave). Often used as a benchmark for light damage in cities." You can try the map for yourself here. The only two times nuclear weapons have been dropped on inhabited areas was in 1945, when the US detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As many as 220,000 people were killed in the atrocity. However, over 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted globally since then, primarily for research and military demonstration purposes.
Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Derry to Dublin air route expected to re-open ‘next year', says Irish minister
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood tonight has welcomed progress on the restoration of the route following a meeting between Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and City of Derry Airport today. Mr O'Brien has confirmed that he expects services to commence later in 2026. Mr Eastwood said: 'This is great news for Derry and it's another important part of enhancing connectivity between every part of the island to drive investment, create jobs and deliver more opportunities for people in the North West. 'The Irish Government set out a clear and positive commitment to establish a new public service obligation route between Derry and Dublin in the Programme for Government this year and I am delighted that Minister Darragh O'Brien and others have wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. 'This is a great example of how prioritising investment across our shared island can deliver for people and communities in every part of Ireland. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the whole Irish Government to deliver on shared priorities.' Earlier, Mr O'Brien met with the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and management of City of Derry Airport. They discussed the progress to date on the service between Dublin and Derry City airports, and the preparatory work under way. Mr O'Brien said: 'In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports. "We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.' Irish Department of Transport officials are also engaging closely with colleagues in the Shared Island Unit, Stormont's Department for the Economy, the UK Department for Transport, and the European Commission in relation to any State aid implications and obligations. A Market Sounding Exercise is planned by the Department this year, to better inform the level and frequency of services that may be required on this Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route. Attendees at today's meeting were Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Charlie McConalogue; Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin; Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie; Chairman of City of Derry Airport Albert Harrison; Deputy Chairman of City of Derry Airport Paul Byrne; Director of City of Derry Airport Seamus Neely; Managing Director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer; and Department of Transport officials.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Disappearing down a hole
Sir, – Fintan O'Toole (' Official reports are disappearing down the Irish 'memory hole'. ' June 17th) identifies a problem that extends far beyond Irish government reports. The phenomenon of 'unpublishing' is rife globally. I have found a number of accounts of speeches that I have referred to in previous research across a wide range of topics hard to retrace ie they have completely disappeared from internet search engines, despite my having details of date etc. This is especially the case when what was said no longer suits the current moment. Thus, I can imagine that right now support for net zero and tackling the climate emergency is going to vanish from the online record of speeches by many public figures as long as Trump is in power. READ MORE Public figures should of course be free to change their minds, but it is sad that they should be able to erase the record of their previous opinions so easily. – Yours, etc. PROF ADRIAN GUELKE Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
HUNDREDS of Irish citizens in Iran & Israel call for ‘evacuation options' as Govt issue new advice
TANAISTE and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has said Irish citizens in Israel and Iran are requesting to be evacuated. It comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over the past week. 3 Tanaiste Simon Harris raised the issue of providing consular assistance at a meeting today Credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire 3 Strikes kicked off on Friday Credit: Getty Images It comes amid ongoing efforts by Israel launched an attack on Iran on June 13, 2025 in what they described as a preemptive strike to avoid Tehran developing nuclear weapons. Several of Iran's nuclear scientists and top military officials were killed in the strikes. Iran have launched counter attacks on Israel following the instigating strikes with missiles firing over and back between the two countries for the past five days. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Over 200 people have been killed in And today local media in Iran report that explosions have been heard in Tehran, after US President Simon Harris has said there are over 200 registered Irish citizens across Iran and Israel, some of whom who want to be evacuated. There are around 30 registered Irish citizens living in Iran and around 200 living in Israel. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN The Iran launches wave of missiles at Israel & smoke billows over Tel Aviv after Ayatollah vow to avenge blitz on nuke sites Speaking on potential evacuations this morning he said: "In both Tehran and Tel Aviv, a number of people, a relatively small number, have indicated that should evacuation options become available, they'd like to be considered to avail of them." And Harris has since attended a meeting with The Tanaiste confirmed he had raised the issue of providing consular assistance to EU citizens caught in the conflict. He said: "This morning's meeting was a welcome opportunity to discuss with my EU colleagues the deeply concerning escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and how the EU can respond. ADVICE AGAINST TRAVEL "There was a strong call for urgent steps to de-escalate this conflict, and to allow space for dialogue and diplomacy. I made clear that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a violation of International Humanitarian Law. "I also called for strong coordination at EU level on consular assistance for EU citizens. We all agree that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but dialogue and diplomacy are the means to achieve this de-escalation.' Simon Harris said the Irish Government is continuing to advise He explained: 'I have spoken with our Ambassadors in Tehran and Tel Aviv again this morning. "Our Embassies continue to be in close contact with Irish citizens to provide support and assistance. "Irish citizens in the region are advised to remain in close contact with their nearest Embassy, to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place. "We continue to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens.' 3 Smoke rises from the area where Israeli forces struck the Iranian state television building in recent attacks Credit: Getty Images
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Children most at risk of poor outcomes denied rights
Children most at risk of poor outcomes in care, education, housing, disability and mental health services, continue to be denied their rights, according to new research. A report titled 'Meeting the Legal Needs of Children and Young People in Ireland and Enhancing Access to Justice – A Children's Rights Analysis' says challenges are compounded by limited awareness of rights among children as well as inadequate legal support for organisations working directly with children. It also stressed that there is a lack of effective remedies to challenge such breaches. Commissioned by the charity Community Law and Mediation, the study points to a lack of awareness of children's rights frameworks among duty bearers. It also points to gaps in professional knowledge among lawyers in how to support children whose rights are violated and challenges in pursuing strategic litigation work that could deliver systemic change. While there has been progress with legal incorporation of specific provisions of the UNCRC into Irish legislation, the report stated that "this has been described as piecemeal" and "is not consistent or comprehensive". The study consulted a youth advisory group who identified legal issues across different areas of life. They included bullying, school exclusions, lack of support for educational needs, issues relating to custody in family law matters, not being listened to by social workers and difficulties accessing health services and mental health supports. The study also cited a frightening and intimidating criminal justice system as well as being exploited at work and issues relating to homelessness and lack of available housing. Family problems raised included parental mental health problems and drug addiction, separation or divorce and young people having their voice heard or wishes shared with the judge when they want to express them in court proceedings. The report outlined how a child rights-based approach to legal services is an important part of access to justice for children and the pursuit of a child-friendly justice system. As a result, it has recommended a specialist children's legal service. It also recommended that the State ensures that commitments in relation to children's rights in the National Policy Framework Young Ireland and within the Child Poverty Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach include an access to justice component. Special Rapporteur on Child Protection Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC pointed to the Irish Government's long-standing stated policy of seeking to make Ireland one of the best countries in Europe to grow up. Critical to this, she said was ensuring compliance with Ireland's obligations under both the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the child both in practice and in principle. "Securing such compliance requires a child-friendly justice system and access to justice for children growing up in Ireland. I welcome this timely and important Report, which addresses these vital issues and sets out proposals for change," she said. More children experiencing deprivation - ESRI Meanwhile, more children are experiencing deprivation despite being above the official poverty threshold according to research by the Economic and Social Research Institute. Its latest study found the number of children defined as deprived but not at risk of poverty has increased, with 17% of children defined as such in 2023 compared to 12% in 2020. The ESRI found that more than half of deprived children, not at risk of poverty, live in households with incomes slightly above the poverty line— between 60% and 80% of the median income. However, when incomes are adjusted to account for housing costs, it moves many of these children below the poverty line. The researchers said this highlights the burden of housing expenses on family living standards. The study found that 39% of children who are deprived, live in households where at least one person over the age of 16 has a disability, and 41% live in lone parent households. Due to the extra costs associated with disability, households that include a disabled person do not have the same standard of living as households with the same income but without a disabled member. Other risk factors include migrant status, low education levels and unemployment of adults in the household. Households of children who are deprived but not at risk of poverty also experience significant financial strain according to the report, with debt problems and heavy burdens from loan repayments comparable to those in consistent poverty. The ESRI said poverty measures may not fully capture the extent of deprivation experienced by children in Ireland. It added that future poverty measurement should consider a range of income thresholds to identify those households already experiencing a lower standard of living and who are at risk of falling into consistent poverty. It has suggested adjusting income measures for housing costs to capture the impact of the current housing crisis on the standard of living of Irish households. The report also highlighted the need for a multi-faceted policy approach to reach children experiencing deprivation.
