Latest news with #SeánCanney
The Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
CART Bai: Ireland's second city is getting its own electrified rail line
IRISH RAIL HAS announced plans to build eight new stations and electrify the commuter line in Co Cork to build the county's equivalent to the capital's DART network. Eight new stations will be added at Blarney/Stoneview, Monard, Blackpool/Kilbarry, Tivoli, Dunkettle, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock. The introduction of an electric fleet hopes to reduce current congestion levels and cut carbon emissions from the line. A new depot at Ballyrichard More will be required for these new carriages. 'CART' services or, as Irish Rail calls it, the 'Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme' will operate every ten miinutes across three commuter lines to Mallow, Midleton and Cobh. Advertisement Those three stops are now set to get a facelift to cater for future increases capacity. All stations will also receive upgrades to their accessibility obligations, to make sure passengers gain unassisted access to services. Two of the new stations, Blarney/Stoneview and Dunkettle, have also been identified as stops best-suitable for park and ride services. It is hope that the upgrades will lead to better connections between rail, bus, cycleways and Cork's future Luas line . Members of the public are asked to come forward during one of its seven upcoming consultation events placed around the Rebel county and online . Transport minister Darragh O'Brien has asked the public in Cork to come forward and read Irish Rail's proposals. Junior transport ministers Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer have welcomed the second phase of Iarnród Éireann's Cork upgrades. Irish Rail boss Jim Meade and the National Transport Authority's investment manager Marcello Corsi have both encouraged the public to engage with the consultation events. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
'Blueprint' for rural sustainable travel opens in Longford
A transport project in Longford town described as "a blueprint for sustainable transport across rural Ireland" is to be officially opened. The Battery Road project, which has taken two years to complete, sees the creation of dedicated cycle paths and new footpaths. Longford County Council said the 1.3km of cycle track will benefit people living, working and going to school in the area and demonstrates its commitment to providing residents genuine alternatives to car dependency. "The completion of three out of four Pathfinder sub-projects positions Longford as the national leader in active travel delivery, with over €8 million invested in our core cycle network," said Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council. The Pathfinder Programme is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, by enabling the shift to cleaner transport choices. The project was funded through the Active Travel Programme and National Transport Authority. It will be officially opened by Minister of State Seán Canney this afternoon. "Through this project, Longford County Council is demonstrating what can be achieved when there is ambition and a determination to deliver," Minister Canney said. "Today's section represents another important step towards developing the town network" he said "When completed, this network will be an exemplar for others, with learnings that can be replicated through other projects in the county and beyond" he added. Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Councillor Mark Casey focused on the community wellness aspects. "The health dividends for our residents, particularly families in Clonbalt Woods, White Linen Woods, Abbeycartron, Lisbrack and Demesne estates, cannot be overstated," he said. "Children attending St John's National School now have safe, protected routes that encourage daily physical activity. This infrastructure doesn't just move people, it builds healthier communities and gives parents peace of mind," he added.
Irish Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Transport officials warned Minister of State not to attend Tesla event
Department of Transport officials warned Minister of State Seán Canney not to attend a Tesla event earlier this year marking the car manufacturer's 10,000th sale in Ireland. The Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVIreland) office in the department told Mr Canney Ministers should not meet 'individual car manufacturers'. Instead, Tesla representatives met ZEVI officials in the department's offices on February 25th. The EV Industry Insights Forum event at the Tesla centre in Cork was due to have been held on February 25th, but was later moved to March 14th. READ MORE The invitation to Mr Canney, Independent TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, came from Melanie Naughton, Tesla country manager for Ireland, in February, shortly after he was appointed. Ms Naughton wrote to him on February 6th congratulating him on his appointment and inviting him to the event. The invitation came two weeks after Tesla chief executive Elon Musk made a gesture that some interpreted as a fascist salute at a rally celebrating President Donald Trump's second inauguration in January. Mr Musk last month left his role in the US department of government efficiency, which he had joined with the aim of slashing federal government funding. The invitation occurred two weeks before the 'Tesla takedown' movement began in the United States targeting garages selling Tesla cars. In her letter to Mr Canney, Ms Naughton said the milestone event would 'bring insights from industry leaders and innovators' to discuss progress to date and about accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. 'We would be delighted if you could give a short speech on your departmental priorities and ambitions for the electric vehicle sector as we celebrate this milestone,' she wrote. 'Tesla is committed to supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy and looks forward to collaborating with the Government to achieve our shared goals.' Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the invitation was sent by Mr Canney's office to the ZEVIreland section of the Department of Transport. In response, ZEVIreland advised that no Minister should meet 'individual car manufacturers'. The minutes of the meeting suggest there was an overview of Tesla Ireland and discussions related to vehicle demand and charging infrastructure. ZEVI provided a short overview of its national road EV charging plan and the national road grant scheme. Mr Canney's office did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Irish Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Department of Transport officials warned Minister Seán Canney not to attend Tesla event
Department of Transport officials warned Minister of State Seán Canney not to attend a Tesla event earlier this year marking the car manufacturer's 10,000th sale in Ireland. The Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVIreland) office in the department told Mr Canney Ministers should not meet 'individual car manufacturers'. Instead, Tesla representatives met ZEVI officials in the department's offices on February 25th. The EV Industry Insights Forum event at the Tesla centre in Cork was due to have been held on February 25th, but was later moved to March 14th. READ MORE The invitation to Mr Canney, Independent TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, came from Melanie Naughton, Tesla country manager for Ireland, in February, shortly after he was appointed. Ms Naughton wrote to him on February 6th congratulating him on his appointment and inviting him to the event. The invitation came two weeks after Tesla chief executive Elon Musk made a gesture that some interpreted as a fascist salute at a rally celebrating President Donald Trump's second inauguration in January. Mr Musk last month left his role in the US department of government efficiency, which he had joined with the aim of slashing federal government funding. The invitation occurred two weeks before the 'Tesla takedown' movement began in the United States targeting garages selling Tesla cars. In her letter to Mr Canney, Ms Naughton said the milestone event would 'bring insights from industry leaders and innovators' to discuss progress to date and about accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. 'We would be delighted if you could give a short speech on your departmental priorities and ambitions for the electric vehicle sector as we celebrate this milestone,' she wrote. 'Tesla is committed to supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy and looks forward to collaborating with the Government to achieve our shared goals.' Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the invitation was sent by Mr Canney's office to the ZEVIreland section of the Department of Transport. In response, ZEVIreland advised that no Minister should meet 'individual car manufacturers'. The minutes of the meeting suggest there was an overview of Tesla Ireland and discussions related to vehicle demand and charging infrastructure. ZEVI provided a short overview of its national road EV charging plan and the national road grant scheme. Mr Canney's office did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
The Journal
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Journal
New RSA ad shows blood on the hands of those who promote drink driving
A NEW AD campaign by the Road Safety Authority shows blood on the hands of those who drink drive, as well as those who don't call it out. It's reminiscent of the shocking early-2000s road safety ads, which the RSA had departed from in recent years. It centres a man who enters a pub and sits with his friends, putting his car keys on the table. One person in the group asks if he'll have a pint and the man nods and says: 'Sure, I can always take the quiet road home.' He sits drinking with his friends and their hands gradually become covered in more and more blood. Advertisement The Journal / YouTube The man gets up to leave and walks out, leaving bloody footprints behind him before getting in his car and driving away. 'Drink driving kills. Don't let your friends drink and drive,' the caption reads. In the latest international E-Survey of Road Users' Attitudes (ESRA, 2023), 9% of drivers in Ireland admitted to driving within one hour of taking drugs at least once in the previous 30 days. This is higher than the EU average of 7%. Drink-driving reports in Ireland are lower than the EU average – 10% compared to 15% – but alcohol continues to play a role in crashes. The RSA analysed coronial data of driver fatalities between 2016 and 2020 and found that 35% of drivers with toxicology results available tested positive for alcohol. The figure jumps to 70% for driver fatalities that occurred late at night and into the early morning (between 10pm-6am) The new ad premiered at the RSA's Annual International Road Safety Conference, where Seán Canney, Minister of State for the Department of Transport, said the campaign 'challenges us all to take responsibility'. 'Whether at the pub, at a party, or any social gathering … say no to drink driving and call it out.' The RSA aims to eliminate road deaths completely by 2050. While there was a 4% decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year, the trend shows a gradual increase in road deaths over the last decade. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
