Minister defends Government’s policies despite emissions targets projectionsBy Cate McCurry, PAMinister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan has defended the Government’s climate policies, saying it can meet its emission targets despite a report stating that Ireland will not reduce greenhouse gases emissions as set out under law. Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Communications Eamon Ryan said that while it is a “real challenge” to meet the targets, he is “absolutely convinced” Ireland will reduce carbon emissions. Under Ireland’s 2021 Climate Act, it has set a target for a 51 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 when compared with 2018. We know the European Commission and others are the saying we need to meet a 90 per cent reduction by 2040. “It’s not going to meet the climate targets required under the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and it’s not going to meet the climate targets necessary under the (2021 Climate) Act either.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 21:30 UTC
Cllr John Clendennen, European election candidate Nina Carberry, Taoiseach Simon Harris, local election candidate Hughie Egan and Cllr Neil Feighery. Taoiseach visits Cloghan and Ferbane to canvass for local election candidateAn Taoiseach Simon Harris and European election candidate Nina Carberry visited both Cloghan and Ferbane on Friday last, in order to put their political weight behind Fine Gael's local election candidate Hughie Egan. He assured those present that if they supported Hughie their votes would not be lost as they were supporting a dedicated and approachable candidate. From Cloghan, Mr Harris did a canvass of the Main Street in Ferbane accompanied by Hughie starting from Gleeson's public house. The Taoiseach also responded to issues in rural Ireland and the now regulatory environment affecting agriculture.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 21:27 UTC
World ‘Famous’ sea creatures spotted swimming alongside boat off Ireland, photos showA pair of “famous” orcas, the last surviving members of their community, were recently spotted off the coast of Ireland. Photo from K. Mitch Hodge, UnSplashA famous duo recently made a splash off the coast of Ireland. The duo, who are around 60 years old, are believed to be the last surviving members of the West Coast Community of orcas, which lives around Ireland and the U.K. Given the pair’s age, “it’s always a relief when reports of the pair come through,” according to HWDT. In recent years, they’ve been spotted a number of times around Ireland, including at least 33 times in 2022.
Source:The Herald
May 28, 2024 18:30 UTC
Bjorn Ulvaeus says it is ‘hard to grasp’ the legacy of AbbaBy Laura Harding, Deputy Entertainment EditorAbba star Bjorn Ulvaeus has said it is “hard to grasp” the legacy that the band’s music has. The musician was joined by bandmate Benny Andersson to reflect on the Swedish group’s lasting impact as their show Abba Voyage marked two years in London. Avatars of Ulvaeus, Andersson, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad perform all their biggest hits to full houses in a specially made arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Reflecting on the band’s impact, Ulvaeus said: “It’s very very hard to grasp emotionally that we wrote these little songs and it gave rise to this and the millions of people we have touched. Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson at the Abba Arena on the second anniversary of Abba Voyage (Tom Bradley)Ulvaeus said: “Back in ’79 I don’t think we ever thought about being listened to in 10 years’ time.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 17:09 UTC
Carol Vorderman on her new LBC Radio gig: ‘I’m absolutely loving the freedom’By Kerri Ann-Roper, head of entertainment and featuresTV and radio presenter Carol Vorderman has criticised the BBC and its social media guidelines, saying “the people at the top of the BBC – Conservatives – are trying to restrict what people do in their private lives”. “It’s not just me, and it’s ironic, isn’t it, that I’m the only one that’s been sacked?”The BBC said in a statement at the time: “Carol has been a presenter on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC published its new social media guidance last September which strike a balance between the BBC’s commitment to impartiality and freedom of expression. Speaking about LBC Radio, Vorderman told Radio Times: “I’m absolutely loving the freedom. The full interview is in this week’s Radio Times magazine.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 16:55 UTC
Fall in anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, but aggression increasingJames CoxThere has been a fall in anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, Garda Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis has said. Assistant Commissioner Willis, the senior Garda in charge of policing in Dublin city, made the remarks at Monday's Joint Policing Committee meeting. In contrast, there were 73 anti-immigration protests in the first six weeks of 2023 alone. Speaking to Newstalk, Councillor for Dublin North Inner City Ray McAdam said the increase in aggression is noticeable, not just at demonstrations. "It doesn't necessarily have to be in respect of anti-immigration protests, but just in general the level of aggression when people have strongly held views on any issue."
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 16:55 UTC
Thibaut Courtois not included in Belgium’s Euro 2024 squadBy PA Sport StaffReal Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has not been included in Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad. The 32-year-old has been injured for the majority of the season with a knee problem which required surgery. And he has been true to his word, instead including Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels, Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels. There is strong Premier League representation in the squad with Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, joined by Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans, Leicester defender Wout Faes and Fulham utility player Timothy Castagne. Belgium, who went out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia on June 17th.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 16:31 UTC
A meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on Monday discussed the possibility of placing sanctions on Israel if its government continued to disregard the order of the United Nations court. “For the first time at an EU meeting in a real way I have seen significant discussion on sanctions,” he said. He said he would raise the matter at a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers to seek a statement backing the United Nations court. The Irish, Spanish and Norwegian foreign ministers say recognition of a Palestinian state will offer a reset in the Middle East peace process. Espen Barth Eide, Norwegian foreign affairs minister, said the ongoing war in Gaza was a “low point” in the history of the Middle East.
Source:The Irish Times
May 28, 2024 13:27 UTC
Cristiano Ronaldo sets Saudi Pro League goalscoring recordBy PA Sport StaffCristiano Ronaldo added yet another record to his collection as he set a new high for goals scored in a Saudi Pro League season. The 39-year-old struck twice in Al-Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Al-Ittihad at Al Awal Park to take his total to 35, eclipsing Abderrazak Hamdallah’s 34 from 2018-19. Ronaldo, who had seen a 10th-minute effort ruled out for offside, equalled the record in first-half stoppage time when he controlled Mohammed Al-Fatil’s long ball and fired home to open the scoring in his club’s final fixture of the campaign. The Portugal international was through on goal once again 20 minutes after the restart but was brought down by Suwailem Al-Menhali, who was sent off. However, he had to wait just four minutes longer to claim his 35th of the season when he headed home from a corner before he was substituted.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 09:13 UTC
Marcus Rashford plans to ‘reset mentally after challenging season’By PA Sport StaffMarcus Rashford is planning to take some time to reset mentally after acknowledging he has endured a “challenging season”. And as he announced his decision to step away from his social media accounts for a few weeks, Rashford – who last month said “enough is enough” after receiving online abuse – responded again to his critics. I plan to rest and reset mentally after a challenging season individually and collectively. In a statement on Instagram, he said: “It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.
Source:Irish Independent
May 28, 2024 09:13 UTC
Bad look: Boohoo is facing a shareholder revolt over bosses' bonusesBoohoo is facing a shareholder revolt over plans to pay bosses bonuses despite losses. The fast fashion giant has been blasted after the £1million payouts were outlined in its yearly report despite missed financial targets. Several shareholders are planning to vote against proposals to hand co-founders Mahmud Kamani and Carol Kane and CEO John Lyttle bonuses at Boohoo’s annual general meeting next month,The Sunday Times reported. It comes after Boohoo revenue tumbled 17 per cent in its latest financial year, and it reported a loss of nearly £160million.
Source:Daily Mail
May 28, 2024 08:54 UTC
Hugo Keenan included in Ireland sevens squadMichael BoltonLeinster and Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan has been selected for the Ireland sevens side for this weekend's tournament in Madrid. Keenan, who has previously played sevens rugby, has been selected with the Olympics in France on the horizon. He is likely to now miss Leinster's URC play-off run, and the Ireland tour to South Africa in July. Should Keenan miss the South Africa tour, it will cause further selection issues for Andy Farrell, with Connacht winger Mack Hansen not ready to come back from injury. Hansen has not played for Connacht since their win over Munster on New Year's Day against Munster.
Source:Irish Independent
May 27, 2024 23:48 UTC
Arrest made after man dies following alleged assault in KerryMuireann DuffyGardáí have launched an investigation after a man died following an alleged fatal assault in Co Kerry overnight. The incident happened shortly after 12.30am on Monday in the Knockanure village area. A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Kerry. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Listowel Garda station. Those with information can contact Listowel Garda station on 068-508 20, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111 or any Garda station.
Source:Irish Independent
May 27, 2024 20:17 UTC
Cllr John Naughten. Speed a major concern on Old Tuam Road – Cllr NaughtenCllr John Naughten has expressed concern regarding speeding vehicles on the Old Tuam Road in Monksland and has proposed additional speed tables to address the problem. “I have been contacted by a number of residents who have ongoing concerns in relation to speeding at this location,” said Cllr Naughten. “I will be requesting that Roscommon County Council installs additional speed tables along the Old Tuam Road. “This is primarily a residential area and a residential road yet there continues to be significant issues with vehicles travelling over the speed limit particularly during the busy morning and evening rush hour periods.”
Source:Irish Independent
May 27, 2024 18:29 UTC
Jos Buttler is set to miss Tuesday's third T20 against Pakistan in Cardiff as he awaits the birth of his third child. England's white-ball captain went home after Saturday's 23-run win at Edgbaston, and hopes to rejoin the squad in time for the series finale at The Oval on Thursday. England fly to Barbados on Friday to defend their T20 World Cup title. It will be the 14th time he has led England in a white-ball international. Ben Duckett is also in England's 15-man squad, while Jonny Bairstow has opened in 20 of his 65 T20 international innings.
Source:Daily Mail
May 27, 2024 17:29 UTC