Tag: news

  • “If You Choose to Stay, You’re Going to Die”: Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall in Florida 

    “If You Choose to Stay, You’re Going to Die”: Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall in Florida 

    By Jessica Lee

    Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm on the night of Wednesday October 9th. The hurricane made its way across the coast of Florida- downing trees and power lines, flattening homes and flooding roads. 

    This hurricane comes just days after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern coast of America and claimed the lives of 230 people, the largest loss of life in the US from a natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina. 

    The death toll for Hurricane Milton has increased to 16 people, with the number climbing as more bodies are recovered.  

    Evacuation orders were in place for over one million people living in the coastal areas of the state of Florida and 3 million people are currently still without power. 

    The hurricane caused so much rain to fall in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, it is being considered a once in a thousand-year rainfall event. 

    Radar map of Hurricane Milton. Source WMTV News 

    Mayor of Tampa Jane Castor issued a stark warning to Floridians in mandatory evacuation zones who chose to stay put in their homes; “I can say this without any dramatisation whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die.” 

    Despite this warning, some residents chose to stay in their homes- many of whom had nowhere else to go. 

    Images spread on social media of people writing their names and date of birth on themselves and their children’s arms in permanent marker in order to be identified if they were killed as a result of the hurricane.  

    A mother writes on her child’s hand with identification details. Source Ashten Lee on Tiktok

    Sinéad Gleeson, an Irish woman living in Florida told the City about her experience staying in her home during the hurricane. 

    “I had no choice but to stay in my house, I was not in a mandatory evacuation zone, but it was strongly encouraged by the mayor. I had nowhere else to, I didn’t have the money to fly somewhere…I just had to stay put and hope for the best.” 

    “Thankfully, it was not as bad as it was thought it would be but there was still a lot of damage done, we just hope this is the last hurricane of the year,” said Sinéad. 

    Damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Lee County, Florida. Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Despite warnings from President Biden and meteorologists alike, Hurricane Milton was not as severe as feared.  

    Although the hurricane spared much of the western coast of Florida, airports in the region including Tampa and Palm Beach have remained closed. 

    According to analysis by the National Hurricane Center, the storm surge spiked to 5 to 10 feet above ground level in some areas. However, it was initially estimated that the surge would reach 15 feet.  

    So far this year there have already been 13 named Atlantic storms. With more than six weeks left of Hurricane season there are fears that another severe weather event will occur. 

  • “I’ll take the bus,”- increased taxi fares for Ireland 

    “I’ll take the bus,”- increased taxi fares for Ireland 

    By Amy Murphy

    The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi fare. This increase is due to take effect from the 1st of December.  

    This adjustment is to ensure that taxi fares reflect the rise in inflation and costs of operating a taxi service in Ireland.  

    “I’ll just take the bus, I have a 24-hour bus that I can get home after being out, but for people who don’t, it’s just going to break their banks,” said Niamh Linnane, a 22-year-old student.   

    “The cost of a taxi in Ireland is extortionate if you aren’t sharing with people,” said Linnane.  

    We will also see a change to the ‘Special Rate’, which a rate charged only for journeys taken between Christmas Eve, Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day during unsocial hours.  

    The Special Rate will now cover the weekend peak hours from midnight to 4:00 AM on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, year-round. The fare will be higher rate, and this change aims to encourage more drivers to support the nighttime economy.  

    There also will be an increase in pre-booking fees. During weekend peak times it will rise from €2 to €3.

    Photo by Naseem Buras / Unsplash

    “With the cost of petrol, diesel and all that goes into owning a car, never mind a taxi, I am happy to see this fare increase,” said Paul Murphy, a taxi driver of nearly 20 years.  

    “I know it sounds bad to customers but with the cost-of-living crisis it’s just something that needs to happen,” said Paul Murphy. 

    This National Maximum Taxi Fare Review takes place every two years to ensure the fares match the costs of maintaining a good quality taxi service and the cost of living within Ireland.  

    The 2024 Review, published in July, revealed that taxi operating costs increased by approximately 9-11% between 2022 and 2024. Following public consultations regarding these rising costs for taxi drivers, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 implemented an average fare increase of nine per cent, adjusted across different time bands and distances. 

    ‘Numbeo’ has ranked countries in order of the highest fare of a taxi per kilometer. Switzerland was ranked 1st with the average fare per kilometer being €4.15. According to ‘My Swiss Company’ the average salary in Switzerland is relatively high, reflecting the country’s strong economy, with figures around CHF 78,000 per year as of 2024, which is equivalent to around €83,000.  

    Ireland placed 13th out of 97 countries with an average of €2 per kilometer. 

    Taxi fares should reflect the country’s cost of living. Given Ireland’s cost of living crisis and high inflation, this has led to the increase on the taxi fares.  

    However, with the inflation rate falling to 1.7% in the month of August, figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown. This is the first time the inflation rate has lowered since June 2021.  

    Despite this, The Budget 2025 informed us that the rate will increase from €56 to €63.50 for petrol and diesel. This means an extra €1.20 per full tank for motorists. Potentially meaning this increase taxi fare will not be changed. 

    “This increase will be in place for the next two years, if inflation continues to decline, then it will be considered and there may be a decrease in taxi fares, but it must match the cost of living at that time,” said The NTA press office.  

    Photo: Amy Murphy

  • How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    By Paul Lee

    A recent study from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) in Ireland shows that about one-third of adults over 50 in the Republic of Ireland have experienced emotional loneliness at some point, with 7% feeling lonely often.  

    The research found that loneliness tends to decrease between the ages of 50 and 67 but rises again after that. 

    People over 75 are more likely to report feeling moderately lonely compared to younger groups. Factors like lower education, living alone, poor self-rated health, physical limitations, and chronic health conditions were linked to higher levels of loneliness. 

    Ireland is currently ranked number one in Europe for people suffering grom loneliness as of last year, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing generations to feel isolated.   

    Source: Institute of Public Health 

    Men above 65 years old saw a 25.1% increase in living alone, while women over 65 saw an 18.4% increase in the last six years. “The numbers are only going to continue rising,” said psychotherapist Maggie Molloy. 

    “I often deal with young people suffering from loneliness, so I know how bad it must be for the elderly who have far more reasons, most of which are out of their hands for feeling lonely.” 

    Last year The World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

    Anne Butler is a woman who knows the effects of loneliness all too well, inspiring her to commit her life to helping the most vulnerable in her community. 

    “Loneliness is a big issue for older people, and I don’t think the general public realises this enough,” said Mrs. Butler, who is the manager of Walkinstown Social Service Centre. 

    “It is dangerous to the elderly, we are social creatures that need to interact and get out of the house, but for some people that’s just impossible. It is heartbreaking because some of the faces around here were stuck in nightmare cycles of being upset, refusing to eat, or turning to drinking alcohol at home. It’s stories like these that make me so happy that we’re making an impact in the community and the bigger problem,” she says.  

    The centre takes in 60 people daily between lunch and dinner with some walking and others taking the centre’s bus that collects them from their houses. The centre charges €10 for transport, a meal, and bonus activities, whether that is a game of bingo, or a fitness instructor to get them exercising. 

    Members of the centre enjoying the warm summer 
    Source: Facebook – Walkinstown Social Service Centre 

    Group day trips around the country are organised and voted on. Special events happen year-round with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ watch parties and even live shows with staff members performing dances. 

    “I’ve been coming for the last few years now and it’s just brilliant,” said Monica Walsh, age 72. 

    “I’m not great on my feet any more so going out wasn’t really possible unless I waited for my kids to come and bring me out somewhere. The centre is great because I get a sense of independence back, able to go out on my own. 

    “I feel like a kid again, going out with friends, singing songs. This place has given me some of the best moments I’ve had in years. All the staff are true heroes.” 

    The centre’s staff is made up of half full-time workers and half part-time voluntary workers from the local area such as Amanda Nic Fhannchaidh.  

    “I don’t work on Thursdays or Fridays, and I’d just be watching the Telly all day, so it’s really a no-brainer for me to come here, have a laugh, and feel good about myself for helping out where I can,” said Amanda.   

    Both local schools, the Assumption Secondary School Walkinstown and Drimnagh Castle Secondary School, have included helping out at the centre as a part of the transition year experience. 

    “It’s the right thing to do, so it’s what the lads will do. It gives the school a good name in the community and a chance for the boys to see how far a little help can go,” said Drimnagh Castle Secondary School principal John Haze. 

  • Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Vapes?

    Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Vapes?

    The Government announced during Budget 2025 that e-cigarettes will increase in purchasing due to new taxes being introduced. 

    The tax will apply to all e-liquids at a rate of 50c per ml of e-liquid. A typical disposable vape contains 2ml of e-liquid and costs in the region of €8.  

    This new tax will bring the price of such a product to €9.23 including VAT. 

    The tax will come into effect in the middle of next year. 

    It is not a surprise that vapes are seeing this new tax being implemented as it can be seen as a way to discourage young people in Ireland from using vapes. 

    Minister for Finance Jack Chambers told the Dáil he was introducing the tax “on public health grounds as there has been a significant rise in their use”. 

    The Government believes the tax on vapes is a step in the right direction.  

    The Government is also working on legislation to ban the sale of disposable vapes on environmental and public health grounds. 

    If that is achieved there could potentially be a big decline in the smoking industry and shopkeepers that primarily sell vapes could be at risk.  

    The City.ie was able to sit down with Mohammed, a store owner at Moore Street who sells various items in his store like Prime, keychains, and vapes. 

    “See my friend, I don’t mind the new tax coming to my store, I will still get my customers why? Because the vapes sell very well, I just do not want the ban of disposable vapes many people come and buy it here and if it is no longer available, I will lose business”. 

    Vape/Cigarette store on Moore Street, Dublin Photo credit: Mene Agbofodoh 

    Occupational Therapist Adora Maxell spoke to the City.ie about some of the health risks associated with vaping amongst young people. 

    “One of the most common effects of vapes is that they are highly addictive due to their nicotine content and with the youth there are multiple flavourings that create this feel of a different taste with each vape”. 

    “During my internship, I saw cases of EVALI (E-cigarettes Vaping-Associated Lung Injury). This condition has been linked to vaping especially vapes that contain THC, it can cause serious lung damage, with symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and even hospitalization or and it more severe cases in death fortunately I have not experience to that level. 

    “The chemicals within vapes are possibly the worst things about them, they contain very harsh substances like formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl which are damaging to the body when inhaled. Some of the substances can be responsible for what is commonly known as ‘popcorn lungs’ which is another way of saying bronchiolitis,” said Maxell. 

    The City.ie also took to the streets of Dublin to ask the general public how they felt about the new taxes being put in place on the vapes. 

    “Honestly, I think it is a good incentive going forward, it helps younger and older people alike the question of whether they should be spending their money on vapes right now or use it for something beneficial for themselves”. said Lee Mullen from O’Connell Street. 

     Jane,19 from Cork, also spoke to The City.ie on the issues of vapes. 

    “As a young person who buys the occasional vape on a night out or whenever I need to calm myself down it feels unfair going forward, I’ll have to spend even more to do now”. 

    “I feel the Government should focus more on helping younger people in other areas like education and housing instead of stuff like this honestly, at least the tax isn’t coming into effect until next year, so I’ll probably stock up or something I don’t know”. 

  • German Champions Leverkusen frustrated by Holstein in shock draw

    German Champions Leverkusen frustrated by Holstein in shock draw

    By Ethan McDonagh

    Last weekend, Bayer Leverkusen took on newly promoted Holstein Kiel in the side’s first ever league meeting, in what was expected to be a strong win for the home side.  

    Leverkusen fan takes part in passionate pre-match anthem – Photo: Ethan McDonagh

    Holstein are playing their first top division German soccer since before the second World War and were expected to be beaten heavily.  

    However, Holstein had other ideas and despite being two goals down after eight minutes, they fought back to earn a draw.  

    Die Werkself came flying out at the start of the game, with Nigerian international Victor Boniface opening the scoring after just four minutes by placing a low driven shot past the keeper, whose touch wasn’t enough to prevent it from going in.  

    Things got even better for Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso’s team in the eighth minute, with winger Jonas Hoffmann doubling the advantage with an accurate strike into the bottom left corner – after Holstein failed to properly clear the ball from a Boniface effort on target.  

    It looked like the game was going to be out of sight for the weekend in the 26th minute, when Boniface put another shot past Timon Weiner in goal – only for his effort to be ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee.  

    At this point, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before Leverkusen scored more and would secure an easy victory. However, the Holstein players managed to improve their defending and keep Leverkusen’s chances to a minimum.  

    Then, just before half-time, the away side had a rare venture into the champion’s half and managed to get a goal back, with Max Geschwill powering the ball home with his shoulder following an excellent corner delivery by Lewis Holtby.  

    The pattern of play that saw Leverkusen as the team holding possession of the ball continued into the second half, as the hosts tried everything to break down the compact defending from the visitors.  

    A major shock occurred in the 68th minute, when Armin Gigovic managed to break past the Leverkusen defenders into the box and was brought down for a penalty by Jeremie Frimpong, who mistimed his challenge.  

    Jann-Fiete Arp kept his composure from the resulting spot-kick and sent Lukas Hradecky the wrong way, to bring The Storks back on level terms.  

    The remaining 25 or so minutes of the match was spent with Leverkusen in possession of the ball outside of Kiel’s box, as they desperately tried to retake the lead. 

    Try as they might, they were unable to breach the compact defence and were only able to go close on few occasions.  

    The Holstein players used every trick in the book to see out the result, from feigning an injury, to keeping the ball in the corner of the pitch for the remainder of the game.  

    They rewarded their excellent travelling away fans who were loud all game, with just their second point of the season as they try to avoid immediate relegation back to the second tier of German football. 

    Holstein have now conceded 19 goals in just 6 matches and will need to improve their defensive record if they are to have any chance of surviving in the topflight of German football.  

    Leverkusen on the other hand, have had quite a mixed start to their defence of the Bundesliga title season – having taken just 11 points from the opening six games, with three wins, two draws and one defeat.  

    They have however, already won the German Super Cup against Stuttgart and are perfect in the Champions League, having won their opening two fixtures against Feyenoord and Milan. 

    The atmosphere at the game was exceptional, with both sets of fans doing German soccer justice and living up to being some of the most passionate sports fans from across the globe.  

    Here’s a short video of some footage to capture the experience

  • A tight squeeze: Public transport in Dublin severely congested at peak times and on popular routes 

    A tight squeeze: Public transport in Dublin severely congested at peak times and on popular routes 

    By Gary Petrov

    A display of photos from the point of view of a commuter using public transport in Dublin. Examples of overcrowding can be seen here on Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail services in densely populated or heavily visited areas in Ireland’s capital – in which the photos below were taken during peak times of travel, on-board and at stops and stations. 

    Nevertheless, the photos pose the question: Do Dublin commuters need more frequent services of existing public transport, or do they need more modes of public transport? Or both? 

    Whether the answer is a swift underground metro system, or more frequency on existing services – or both, the population is growing and commuting access in and around Dublin is becoming more of an issue and needs urgent attention. 

    All photos present the same problem – Dublin’s public transport system is overwhelmed. 

    The photos also present how this overcrowding issue can prove difficult for accessibility on public transport for wheelchair users, mobility aid users and parents with children. Even in busy times, not everyone can just squeeze on and stand. People are inevitably being left behind – hoping that the next bus, train or tram will have room. 

    Commuters joining a lengthy queue for Blanchardstown Shopping Centre’s busiest bus route to Dublin City Centre, the 39a – hoping to get on as it fills very fast. 
    The standard sight at this shopping centre bus stop at peak morning and evening times, as commuters fight for a spot on the 39a service. 
    The 39a route journeys down the Navan Road, in which sections of the journey lack bus corridors in both directions, leaving passengers stuck in traffic at peak times. 
    Meanwhile at the Jervis Luas stop in Dublin City Centre, peak times result in commuters pushing themselves on-board to very packed carriages, with just about enough room to stand, for the few at the busy stop that manage to squeeze on. 
    Finished work and want to hop on the Luas Red Line home? You’re not the only one – and that’s not even including commuters already on-board. 
    A Luas has arrived, and the carriages are evidently full. With some commuters possibly disembarking, maybe there will be room for some intending to board. 
    “Oh my God, let us get off first,” said a young woman as commuters tried to get off while commuters on the platform scurry towards the doors for a spot on the mostly full Luas carriages. 
    “Oh, there’s another one coming in three minutes, maybe we’ll get on that one,” said one woman as disgruntled commuters accepted not being able to get on-board – but hopeful they remained, as another Luas was due in a few short minutes. 
    The next Luas has arrived at the Jervis Luas stop and like the previous one, it’s almost full and the next round of commuters on the platform attempt to get a spot on-board.  
    Three Luas trams later and the platform begins to clear as the Luas carriages begin to have more space than the previous trams – but was there space for commuters who have accessibility issues? How many trams must pass for there to be room for a person in a wheelchair or with a mobility aid, or a person with a baby pram to board comfortably and safely? 

    Getting on a train at peak times is no different. Commuters at Broombridge Station queue at every door, wondering if they will fit on-board as the train arrives full from the city centre – in which it will remain like that until it reaches the outskirts of Dublin. 

    If a commuter manages to squeeze on-board, there is only room to stand, and it gets quite uncomfortable. Like the Luas, accessibility issues are present here. 
    Dublin’s only service that has flow is Irish Rail, due to no road traffic, but commuters experience peak times with traffic by foot – if you stay on-board until disembarking in a Dublin suburb. 
    Traffic standstill mayhem: The need for more efficient modes of public transport is hiding in plain sight here. Modes of transport that aren’t subjected to peak time road traffic. Commuters using an underground metro system around Dublin would go from A to B in an instant, in comparison to this.
    A bus stop and rain: Commuters already report it to be a struggle to get on-board popular routes, but adding bad weather to the equation does not make for a comfortable experience – when all a person wants to do is start their day commuting with ease or commute home swiftly, after a long day. 

    _____________________________________________________

    Everyone understands that peak times will always be busy for public transport users, that’s why it’s referred to as ‘peak times’ – but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable for Ireland’s capital city and its surrounding areas’ public transport network to be severely overwhelmed, at a constant. 

    In a day and age where people are being encouraged to use public transport instead of private transport, as a means of reducing carbon emissions through minimising their individual carbon footprint – it’s worth noting that the correct infrastructure is vital for that to be sustainable, otherwise, people who can won’t use public transport, if it becomes more and more overcrowded, uncomfortable and unreliable. 

    A popular route having frequency in its service isn’t good enough, as it can be seen in the photos above that the demand is too high at peak times for ‘frequency’ to be enough. Ireland’s capital needs an expansion of public transport services across the board, not statements to brush the issues under the mat. 

    Dublin’s public transport congestion is clearly failing people with accessibility issues, despite the designated accessible areas on-board services – as abled people are filling up the designated areas at peak times. 

    Dublin needs more efficient public transport that facilitates everyone, and these photos are prime examples why improvement is needed – the only question now is, when will anything be done? 

  • Bolt powering Bray’s E-bicycle Movement 

    Bolt powering Bray’s E-bicycle Movement 

    By Jamie Ryan  

    Since June of last year, popular taxi app ‘Bolt’ has extended their services to provide the people of Bray Co. Wicklow with electric bicycles.  

    These bikes have been a massive success across the town among people of all ages due to their cheap costs and easy accessibility.  

    Green Party Councillor for Bray East, Erika Doyle, was one of those involved in getting the scheme up and running in the town.  

    “With the introduction of the bikes, there has definitely been a modal shift, which is great because in a town like Bray we have a congestion problem. It’s very hilly as well, so with the pedal assist it has become much more accessible for people that otherwise maybe wouldn’t have used a push bike,” Doyle explained.  

    “It’s been a really positive thing for the town, and data from Bolt shows that these are being used even during winter months, because originally, there was a suspicion that they might only be used during the summer, but people are clearly just dressing for the weather and using them regardless which is great.”  

    The success of this scheme is partly due to just how easy the bikes are for people to use. Users simply download the Bolt app, scan the barcode on the bike, and they will then be charged 18 cent per minute.  

    Once the user completes their journey, they park the bike in one of the ‘park zones’ that can be found on the app or can be identified by a green square on the ground and bike racks.  

    Along with a pay as you use option, there are also a variety of subscription passes available to users too, such as a day pass, weekly passes, monthly passes and ‘unlimited unlocks for 30 days’. 

    The bikes go up to 25 kilometres per hour, but can be capped at 15 kilometres per hours if users wish.

    Bolt Bikes at Little Bray ’Parking Bay’ – Photo Credit: Jamie Ryan 

    Sinn Féin Councillor for Bray West, Dermot O’Brien, speaks highly of the impact that the bikes have had in Bray.  

    “I would say overall there has been a very positive impact from the introduction of Bolt bikes in Bray. The user numbers are a good reflection of this, and the feedback from local people who see them as an alternative to the car, or as an easy option for getting around the town,” he said.  

    “I particularly notice the variety of local users, young and old, as well as tourists and exchange students who benefit from an easy and accessible option to move around the area.” 

    “On a personal level, I would use Bolt bikes very often, and they are a wonderful asset to someone who lives on the edge of being on time for meetings, as I bounce from one venue to another around the town.” 

    The bikes are easily maintainable due to there being no shock absorbers in their frames, and the tyres not containing air.  

    However, although there has been a plethora of extremely positive experiences from Bolt bike users, there have been issues with bikes being damaged, defaced or suffering from wear and tear.  

    Councillor O’Brien himself has fallen victim to this, he explained. 

    “In recent weeks, I changed my bike four times because of malfunctioning and ultimately, I just walked home which was frustrating,” he said. 

    Adam Byrne, 20, regularly uses Bolt bikes to get around the town.  

    “The bikes have made such a difference for me. Getting to and from work has become so much handier and it only costs me maximum €3 per journey which is much better than spending it on petrol – not to mention not having to sit in traffic the whole time,” Byrne said.

    Bolt Bike at Bray Harbour with graffiti at the rear mud guard – Photo Credit: Jamie Ryan 

    “Of course, like anyone else who uses them regularly I’ve had one or two issues, but nothing crazy, more so just maybe a lack of maintenance with the brakes and minor damage to the pedals, but overall, I really can’t say any bad about them. I hope they stay around for a long time.”  

    The contract between Bolt and Bray Municipal Council has recently been extended for a further year, for locals to enjoy and utilise.  

  • In Photos: Thousands take to the streets for Dublin’s largest Palestine protest to date 

    In Photos: Thousands take to the streets for Dublin’s largest Palestine protest to date 

    By Liam Murphy

    On Saturday, October 5, thousands of people took to the streets of Dublin to mark one year of Israeli escalation in Gaza. 

    The march, the biggest of its kind to date in Ireland, called for an end to Israel’s occupation, an end to the use of Irish airspace for transporting weapons, and for the Irish Government to act in holding Israel accountable.  

    Several chants were also heard supporting Lebanon, following recent attacks there, also by Israel. 

    The national march, titled ‘GAZA: One Year of Israel’s Genocide’, began at the Garden of Remembrance and made its way to Molesworth Street, where a stage had been set up. 

    Speakers on the stage included Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning Palestinian filmmaker Farah Nabulsi, Palestinian photojournalist Eman Mohammed, Zak Hania, who recently returned home from Gaza after seven months, and Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s chairperson Zoë Lawlor. 

    Music on the day came from renowned Irish singer-songwriter John Spillane, Palestinian-Irish singer Roisin El Cherif, and Palestinian rapper Talha Alali.   

    All photos taken by Liam Murphy

    Protestors gather at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance with signs and banners. 
    A group gathers with signs; Some with donation QR codes, others with song lyrics, others with art – Each with meaning. 
    Supporters gather around a 30ft Palestinian flag, as the crowd prepares to march. 
    A young girl wearing a keffiyeh poses as the march makes its way down O’Connell Street. 
    ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free’ – chants are heard across the capital city. 
    Protestors feel the heat as one bloc light up flares as the march moves down O’Connell Street 
    A masked up keffiyeh-wearing group stand roadside on O’Connell Bridge holding a red Hezbollah flag. 
    A woman holds up a scarf, branded with the Keffiyeh pattern and the Palestinian flag and Irish tricolour flag. 
    ‘You’d care if it was Cork!’ – A protestor holds up a sign on Molesworth Street, calling out the Irish Government 
    The march makes its way around the corner from Dawson Street, now heading up towards Leinster House. 
    Cork singer songwriter John Spillane tuning up before taking to the stage to perform his song ‘Palestinian Sunbird’ 
    Zak Hania smiles as crowds applaud his entrance. Hania spent seven months in Gaza unable to return home. 
    Palestinian rapper Talha AlAli (known as Wise Wolf) performs his newest single ‘Inshallah’ with Irish artist Blue Niall 

  • Apple Day-Harvest Festival

    Apple Day-Harvest Festival

    By Luke Hurson

    The Organic Centre in Rossinver Co. Leitrim hosted its Apple Day-Harvest Festival on 29 September and The City went to check it out. 

    The festival had a great turnout with lots of activities and stalls for the visitors. The highlight of the day was the apple pressing, where festival goers were shown how apple juice was made and could sample the finished product.  

    The stalls were full of sustainable crafts both inside and outside the building. There were craft demos, stone carving, weaving and wool spinning to keep the crowds entertained. 

    Talks and tours were on throughout the day by experts including The Organic Centre’s resident apple expert Phil Wheal and Botanist Maria Cullen. The Grass Roof Cafe provided all diverse kinds of apple tastes for the people to enjoy.

    All photos by Luke Hurson

    The crowds were shown apple pressing techniques
    The grass-roofed Organic Centre
    The Apple Day Harvest festival drew good numbers
    The greenhouses were full of organically-grown fruit and vegetables 
    The inside of one of the greenhouses
    The craft tent was a popular attraction
    The Grass Roots Cafe kept the visitors going throughout the day
    A different angle of the apple pressing where pressure is put on the apples to squeeze the juice out of them 
    Some beautiful wildlife paintings were on display 
    One of the many craft stalls with handcrafted goods 

  • Ireland Implements first stage of XL Bully ban: Key changes starting from October 1st

    Ireland Implements first stage of XL Bully ban: Key changes starting from October 1st

    Ireland has officially implemented a ban on XL Bully dogs, which came into effect on October 1st, 2024. The ban was introduced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys in response to a series of high-profile attacks involving the breed. 

      Banners at XL Bully ban protest. Photo by Sandra Dudkiewicz 

    The ban will be enforced in two phases. As of October 1, 2024, it is illegal to import, breed, sell, or rehome XL Bully dogs. From February 1, 2025, it will also become illegal to own an XL Bully unless the owner has obtained a ‘Certificate of Exemption’. 

    This certificate will allow owners to keep their current XL Bully dogs, provided they meet certain criteria such as licensing, neutering, and microchipping the animal. 

    A deadline of February 2025 has been set for animal welfare groups and shelters to rehome or export XL Bullies already in their care. 

    The decision has generated debate, with some supporting the move as a necessary measure for public safety, while others, including animal rights groups, express concerns about the future of these dogs and the impact on shelters 

    A joint statement published by Dogs Trust Ireland, Irish Blue Cross, MADRA, and the ISPCA states that they will continue to urge the government to prioritize enforcing and adequately funding existing laws that address the root causes of dog aggression across all breeds and types of dogs. 

    This includes cracking down on unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over dog welfare and public safety, penalizing irresponsible owners of dangerously out-of-control dogs, and educating and empowering responsible dog owners. 

    “While we are disappointed with the approach the government is taking, we remain committed to continuing our work to advocate and ensure that the welfare of all dogs is protected,” the statement said. 

    Sister of Nicole Morey who was tragically killed by an XL Bully earlier in June this year spoke to RTE news and expressed that the ban is not enough and fears that there will be more accidents linked to the breed. 

    “I think there should be a stricter law brought in. They’re dangerous dogs. They’re not small little puppies. They’re not dogs that you could just mess around with. They can just switch in two seconds,” she said. 

    Earlier in September almost 200 people attended a protest at Stephans Green in Dublin following the news of the new regulations related to the breed. 

    XL Bully owner and attendee Wiktoria Kumorek spoke to The City. “It truly breaks my heart it is unfair that these dogs are being judged solely on their appearance. My dog is gentle, and affectionate and with proper training and care, they are no more dangerous than any other large dogs.” 

    “The problem is not the breed, it is irresponsible ownership just like with any other dog or animal,” she added. 

    XL Bully ban protests in September in Trinty Point. Photo by Sandra Dudkiewicz