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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Irish embassy in Iran closed & personnel moved over ‘deteriorating situation' fears as Harris ‘increasingly concerned'
IRELAND'S embassy in Iran has been 'temporarily' closed and staff relocated due to the 'deteriorating situation', Simon Harris revealed. The 1 Simon Harris said the decision has not been made lightly Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Harris said the embassy's operations will continue in He explained: 'I have become increasingly concerned about the operational environment for our Embassy in Tehran, and the ability of our diplomatic staff to perform their functions safely. 'In light of the deteriorating situation, following consultation with my officials and in close consultation and coordination with 'This is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Arrangements have been made for the Embassy to continue its operations from Dublin. READ MORE IN NEWS 'Staff at my Department's headquarters have assumed the Embassy's consular functions and remain in contact with the small number of Irish citizens remaining in Iran. 'These arrangements will continue until it is possible for our personnel to return to Iran.' Harris added: 'My Department's travel advice remains that Irish citizens should 'My hope is that a diplomatic solution can be found to resolve this conflict, without further escalation or further loss of life in Iran or in Israel.' Most read in Irish News The Government has been There are more than 30 Irish people living in Iran, but not all of them are expected to leave the country in the immediate future. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria Meanwhile Israel and Iran have continued to trade strikes a week into their war as The US president has been weighing whether to attack Iran by striking its well-defended Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is buried under a mountain and widely considered to be out of reach of all but America's 'bunker-buster' bombs. US WAR DECISION Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether the US military will be directly involved in the war given the 'substantial chance' for renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to be heading to Geneva for meetings with the European Union's top diplomat and counterparts from the UK, France and Germany. Israel said it conducted air strikes into Friday morning in Iran with more than 60 aircraft hitting what it said were industrial sites to manufacture missiles. It also said it hit the headquarters of Iran's Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research, known by its acronym SPND.
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Is it too hot to work? Irish worker rights in sweltering 29C heatwave & when you can legally go home as temps soar
IRELAND is basking in sizzling temperatures this week as temperatures look set to be hotter than the Canary Islands. All eyes will be on the weather forecast over the coming days as Ireland's Advertisement 2 Working in 'extreme temperature' can impact an employee's ability to do their job safely Credit: GETTY_HUB 2 The temperatures are set to soar to a whopping 29C And the Meteorologist Cathal Nolan from Ireland's While people are enjoying the heatwave, many With the current But regulations state that despite the lack of hard rule on hot temperatures - it does not mean that "any temperature is acceptable". Advertisement READ MORE ON MONEY According to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, temperatures should be at least 17.5C or 16C if the work involves rigorous physical effort. It also states that the temperature in rooms containing workstations should be appropriate for human beings, considering the working methods used and the physical demands placed on the The regulation also says: "The fact that a maximum temperature has not been specified in the Regulations does not mean that any temperature is acceptable. "At high or uncomfortable temperatures, especially when not caused by temporary weather conditions, a means of cooling should be provided." Advertisement Most read in Irish News Also under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must ensure the safety of their staff members. Ireland to sizzle in 24C heat as heatwave arrives and Met Eireann reveal hottest areas This act states that employers must "take reasonable care to protect his or her safety, health and welfare and the safety, health and welfare of any other person who may be affected by the employee's acts or omissions at work". And health and safety regulations say employers should take efforts to keep excessive heat out of buildings that have windows. They state: "Excessive heat from the sun shining through windows, skylights or glass partitions must be avoided. Advertisement "This can be achieved by various means including internal blinds, external blinds, use of low-emissivity glass, whitewashing of windows etc." HOT TIPS TO FOLLOW DURING HEATWAVE Here are some hot tips that will help you stay cool and safe during the high temperatures in Ireland: Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature and prevents heat-related illnesses. Taking breaks can help avoid overexertion and help the body cool down in shaded or air-conditioned areas. When outdoors, it is recommended to wear lightweight, breathable and loose-fitting clothing that allows better airflow while protecting your skin from harmful sun rays. Avoid activities during the hottest part of the day, which HSE reports to be midday. Stay alert to the signs of heat-related illnesses. 'ALLEVIATE THE WORST EFFECTS' According to the Irish They said: "Where an employer is obviously sympathetic and tries to alleviate the worst effects of hot weather most employees should bear with temporary discomfort and continue working normally. "Unless conditions are extreme, measures such as those outlined above should prevent any employees justifiably claiming that the company is in breach of its duty under the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act. Advertisement "Any refusal by the employees to work would then place them in breach of their contracts of employment, which could lead, to loss of pay/disciplinary action." The employer should do a risk assessment if the majority of the workforce expresses complaints about hot temperatures. According to the Health and Safety Authority, if the temperature starts to rise, companies should take action to cool the workplace. Additionally, they advise businesses to loosen Advertisement However, if the employers fail to ensure the work environment is safe for the employees, they may face penalties, legal action, as it will increase the risk of workplace accidents and illnesses if not dealt with properly. VITAL TIPS FOR WORK ENVIRONMENTS Here are vital tips that will ensure employees and yourself to stay safe during the heatwave: Maintain positive management-employee relations by communicating clearly and reaching an agreement with staff over the necessary actions. Keep windows open, give fans, keep an eye on the air conditioner, and generally let fresh air flow around the office. Ensure there is a sufficient quantity of cold water on hand. If required, offer job rotation and suitable rest periods. Make sure outdoor employees understand the dangers of working in direct sunlight, wear the appropriate PPE, and use sunscreen as needed. For the comfort of employees, think about loosening the dress code in workplace settings. Make sure outdoor employees don't use the high temps as an excuse to take off their steel-toed boots and hard hats, among other necessary safety gear. SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED HEALTH ISSUES Working during extreme temperatures can impact people's When employees are exposed to hot weather for long periods, they are at risk of developing one of the many heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself effectively, resulting in many symptoms, including heavy sweating, fatigue and discomfort. Advertisement Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that arises from long exposure to heat and inadequate fluid intake; if left untreated, it can lead to heatstroke. The symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Heatstroke is a severe condition that requires Symptoms may include confusion, altered mental state, and loss of consciousness. If not caught in time, it can be life-threatening. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
‘A horrendous tragedy' – Tributes pour in for man killed in Roscommon fire as plans to adapt home for partner revealed
TRIBUTES are being paid to a devoted partner who died in a horror house fire in Roscommon on Wednesday evening. Tragic Des Deegan, 72, who died in a blaze at a home in The Oaks, Frenchpark, Co 2 Alice Hetherton suffered a bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in May 2023 Credit: gofundme Emergency services attended the scene after a report shortly before 7pm on Wednesday evening. It is understood that the fire completely destroyed the And it is still unclear what caused the fire. Mr Deegan, who is originally from Read more in News His body was removed and taken to Roscommon and Galway TD Claire Kerrane took to social media to pay tribute to the devoted partner. She said: "Terrible news confirmed this morning that a gentleman has died in the house fire. A horrendous tragedy. "May his gentle soul rest in peace. As a community, I know we will rally around to support in any way we can. Most read in Irish News "Des Deegan was one of the nicest people I've met as part of my work. It was always a pleasure to deal with him. "My deepest condolences to his beloved partner and to his family." Jay Slater's mum had 'never even heard of GoFundMe' - but now is getting abused constantly over £72k fund Locals added that Mr Deegan was a devoted partner to Alice Hetherton, 63, who suffered a bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in May 2023. She has been in rehabilitation for the past two years. Mr Deegan had launched a fundraiser to help with the financial burden of bringing Alice home. The Some €6,953 has been raised so far with over 101 donations. The couple have met in London but had lived at Frenchpark for the past 25 years. Mr Deegan wrote at the time: "I've started this fundraiser on behalf of my partner Alice Hetherton, formerly of Oldcastle Co "Alice is 63 years old, she has worked all her life caring for others as a care worker in hospitals and nursing homes across the "Ironically Alice finds herself now in need of the support she has given to others." He continued: " "The Surgeon noted it was one of the worst cases he had seen. "Alice has been in rehabilitation for the past two years. Her mobility is very restricted and she will require continued home supports and therapies. "Alice is frustrated that the care she is currently receiving in a nursing home could equally be carried out at home." No funeral arrangements have been made as yet. 2 Des Deegan who died in a house fire at a house in Roscommon on Wednesday evening
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
‘All her memories are gone' – Woman left homeless after fire destroys thatched cottage in Cork as fundraiser set up
A FUNDRAISER has been set up for an 85-year-old woman who was left homeless after her thatched cottage was destroyed in a fire. English woman Margaret Adams was living the good life in her lovely picturesque little home near Inch, Killeagh in East Advertisement 4 She was living the good life in her picturesque little home near Inch in East Cork Credit: GoFundMe 4 But disaster struck on the morning of March 20 when a fire broke out Credit: GoFundMe 4 A friend said the dogs are the pride and joy of the kind-hearted pensioner Credit: GoFundMe But disaster struck on the morning of March 20 when a fire broke out and the inferno spread so quickly the pensioner was lucky to escape with her life. Margaret, who moved to Ireland from the UK two decades ago, was rescued from the burning cottage and her beloved dogs Misty and Freddie were saved by a neighbour. Her friend Bernie Fleming said the dogs are the pride and joy of the kind-hearted pensioner. Fortunately, her other animals were not in the cottage when the fire started. Advertisement Read more in News But Bernie said Margaret lost all of her other possessions. She said: 'Everything she ever owned. All her memories are gone. It was a terrible ordeal for her.' As Margaret has no relatives in Ireland she went back to the UK to her brother temporarily but she now wants to return to her own place again. To add to her misfortunes, she had no insurance on her lovely traditional home because it was a thatched house and the company she was previously with weren't covering homes with thatch anymore. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Bernie said: 'Margaret, at her age, cannot afford to rebuild the house so she is hoping to get a mobile home for which she has only a tiny budget. "This is far from ideal for Margaret at at almost 86 years of age, plus health issues.' 'DEAREST WISH' She said Margaret has been hospitalised a few times in the past year. Now Bernie has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds to get a 'good mobile home' with heating, double glazing and possibly insulation for her elderly friend. Advertisement She said: 'It is going to be very difficult and so very sad for her when she returns again to the ruins of what was once her beautiful home.' All local people want to do is raise funds to get Margaret a little place where she can feel 'comfortable and happy again' with her beloved dogs as it is her 'dearest wish' to get back to them. Bernie said 'I'm really appealing please to your generosity and kindness for any few euros at all you can afford to help get Margaret a little place where she will feel comfortable and happy again in due course with her little dogs, as it's her dearest wish to get back to them. To date over €7,000 has been raised but the more money that's received the better Margaret's new home will be. Advertisement Donations can be made to the Adams GoFundMe appeal at 4 Margaret Adams was left homeless after her thatched cottage was destroyed in a fire Credit: GoFundMe
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Lucky Irish Lotto player becomes latest punter to land huge EuroDreams cash prize of €2k per month for 5 years
ONE lucky Irish punter is celebrating tonight after bagging a nice win in the EuroDreams. There was no winner of the EuroDreams top Lotto bosses said that over 19,000 players won prizes in Ireland in tonight's draw. The numbers drawn were: 6, 17, 23, 29, 30 and 35. And the Dream Number was 3. The winning player was heartbreakingly just one number away from bagging the top prize. Read more in Money To get this, they would have had to match all six numbers along with the dream number. But instead, they managed to match all six numbers in the draw, meaning they will now get €2,000 every month. The lucky winner will receive this sum every month for five years. But those who bought a EuroDreams ticket have been urged to check theirs. Most read in Irish News If you're holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@ to arrange the collection of your prize. Earlier this month, a lucky Dubliner revealed their reaction to bagging the same We run 'world's luckiest shop' & have sold 3 winning lotto tickets in 6 months The lucky player recently visited the The prize was bagged after matching six numbers in the EuroDreams draw on Thursday, March 20. The winning Quick Pick ticket was Speaking on the win, the Dubliner said: 'This is a life-enhancing prize for me and I'm really looking forward to being able to plan some of those once in a lifetime bucket list items that I've always wanted to – including travelling to some of the world's wonders and perhaps sky diving.' LATEST WINNER This is the latest Irish player to snag the second tier prize on the new National Lottery game, which launched in 2023. So far, there have been 22 winners of the top prize worth €20,000 a month for 30 years, while there have been 95 winners of the Tier 2 prize worth €2,000 a month for 5 years. National Lottery spokesperson Darragh O'Dwyer said: 'Since the game began in November 2023, there have been five Irish winners of the €2,000 a month for five years prize, that included three special events. "Four players in Dublin - two online and two retail - and one player in "It's great to see our latest winner collecting their annuity prize, which will make a huge difference to their lives for the next five years.' 1 A lucky Irish punter is celebrating tonight after bagging a nice win in the EuroDreams Credit: Alamy
