Tag: news

  • Where is Ireland’s Solar Panels Plan headed?

    Two African men install solar panels neatly on a residential roof of a house near the ocean. Sustainable living. Photo credit- Unsplash

    Solar panels, an option for combatting increasing energy bills

    By Nimra Ahmed

    There is a climate and biodiversity emergency across the world, yet Ireland has been slow in finding solutions to slash the rising costs of energy.

    An attractive system for household electricity generation could be solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

    Most solar PV systems feed excess power back to the electricity grid where it is consumed by residential, commercial and industrial users. These solar panels would be an additional source of domestically generated energy and help reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.

    According to a national study of domestic solar potential, if residents fitted solar panels it could reduce electricity bills by €900 per annum and produce 36 per cent of all residential demand. The solar PV system would pay for itself in seven years. Furthermore, the EU policy aspires to have rooftop panels for all new residences by 2029.


    The MaREI Research Centre at University College Cork used satellite data to look at every rooftop in Ireland and found there was enough roof space for 10 solar panels in more than one million homes. Furthermore, residents could also benefit from a substantial grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Developers also approached Irish landowners for potential solar farms. As of January 2012, farmers who want to install a solar PV system can claim back the VAT incurred on the purchase of the system.


    The review of Irish planning laws began in 2019 but it has taken an energy crisis to push the government into action three years later. The government has finally decided to amend its very restrictive planning rules. As of 2022, the Irish government has said that homeowners will be paid for the exported electricity they produce through their solar PV system to the grid by their energy supplier.

    However, the initial €200 million fund to provide grants to install these panels is not enough and should be increased. Households were given up to €2,400 to install solar panels, this should be doubled to up to €4,800 so that families who are eager to get the benefits but can’t afford the upfront payment can avail of the scheme.

    “The Climate Action Plan process outlines a series of actions that need to be taken by government, by sector and by citizens to meet the ambitious target of a 51 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2023.”

    Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

    The government also has plans to put solar panels in every school in the country. Another step Ireland has taken towards sustainability is wind turbines. This has helped in cutting costs and increasing productivity for the future.

    Do you think the government will give more incentives to farmers to increase the number of wind turbines to make it 100% on all farms?

    “The government is fully committed to and recognises the benefits of the deployment of renewable technology at a farm level, as a cost-saving measure and a diversification opportunity as well as contributing in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system. Under the Microgeneration Support scheme, micro-wind is one of four technologies included for support. More details on this scheme can be found here. Homes, farms, businesses and communities to benefit as Eamon Ryan, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, announces the Micro-generation Support Scheme,” said Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

    What can farmers in Ireland do on a small scale that would help increase sustainability on their farms?

    “At a farm scale, there are three ways in which farms can increase their sustainability by: reducing absolute emissions through activities such as reducing chemical fertiliser at farm level, using low emissions slurry spreading (LESS) technologies for spreading animal manures and adopting nutrient planning at a farm level.

    “Increasing carbon sequestration through forestry and better management of organic and mineral soils.”Increasing carbon sequestration through forestry and better management of organic and mineral soils.

    “Contributing to sustainable energy through adopting energy efficiency measures,
    deployment of renewables and the provision of bioenergy materials as a displacement for fossil fuels and energy-intensive materials. The Teagasc Signpost Farm Programme provides further details on the types of measures that can be taken at a farm level: Signpost Programme – Teagasc I Agriculture and Food Development Authority, said McConalogue.”

    Do you think rural Ireland is doing enough to meet the future demands of Carbon
    footprint?

    “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require an economy-wide and all-of -L approach where each member of society will have an important contribution to make, including rural Ireland. The Climate Action Plan process outlines a series of actions that need to be taken by government, by sector and by citizens to meet the ambitious target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2023. Agriculture must and will play its part in meeting this objective to ensure that we have economically and environmentally sustainable rural and coastal communities, said McConalogue.”

               Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 
            Photo Courtesy of  Charlie McConalogue.

    “Systems cost roughly between €4,500 and €5,500 typically, to include the inverter, controls and meters. Solar users prioritize their energy, first on the fridge, then the cooker, lights, laptop and other devices, and directing any excess to hot water if they have a hot water diverter installed,” James Boland (48) a solar panel installation businessman.

    “Unwieldy planning processes are hindering Ireland’s transition to cleaner energy with unnecessary delays. But there has been an increase in domestic solar PV panels after the government’s incentives. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough trained workers to put in the panels, so even when homeowners are keen on it, they aren’t ready to wait for a long time for the installation, said Boland.”

  • Dublin’s bus services pay heavy fines

    Dublin’s bus services pay heavy fines

    Go-Ahead Ireland has reached their Minimum Performance Standard (MPS) regarding punctuality in just one period in the first half of this year.

    New data obtained via a Freedom of Information request shows that Go-Ahead Ireland reached their MPS of 80% in the first period of 2022, dated January 1st – January 30th. 

    Punctuality is a Key Performance Indicator of the performance of transport companies, as part of the terms of their Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract with the National Transport Authority. To measure punctuality and the MPS rate, Go-Ahead Ireland and Dublin Bus Routes use low-frequency routes only. 

    A low-frequency route is deemed a route “which operates less than 5 times per hour on a weekday, outside the peak periods” according to NTA reports.

    The report, made by the National Transport Authority, shows that Go-Ahead reached its target along the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA) corridor, while the Dublin Commuter Outer Metropolitan (DCOM) failed to reach its target once, with its highest score in the first half of this year hitting 79.5%. 

    This comes after Go-Ahead and Dublin Bus were heavily criticised by the Oireachtas Transport Committee last month. Both companies blamed staff shortages on their issues of punctuality, while the issue of ‘ghost’ buses was also discussed.

    Many bus users had reported a bus showing on Transport for Ireland’s Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI), however, these buses never showed up. 

    The NTA, Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead chiefs blamed the ‘ghost’ buses on staffing issues, while also acknowledging technical issues as a major factor. 

    Dublin bus stated that they require an extra 150 drivers to accommodate their routes, while Go-Ahead was short by 45 drivers. 

    Speaking at the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Kildare North TD Réada Cronin said that the “job hadn’t been done” by Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead, labelling Go-Ahead’s 120 route as ‘appalling’, adding that she doesn’t think they should get the contract again.

    “It affects the economy, it affects your co-workers, it affects the service you’re delivering. It has a knock-on effect on absolutely everything, not to mention the stress it causes… You’re half an hour waiting for a bus if you’re ten minutes early. You’re standing in the rain for half an hour in Clane, or Prosperous, waiting for the bus. [If] the bus doesn’t show up, you’re another half hour waiting for the bus. You could be waiting an hour and ten minutes.”

    Go Ahead and Dublin Bus have paid heavy fines this year, with both companies paying just under €700,000 in punctuality deductions for their Dublin services. However, Dublin Bus also received over €100,000 in punctuality incentives, putting a small dent in their bill so far this year. 

    Both companies combined have paid over €2.5 million in fines, while Luas have also paid a similar amount for their cancellations and lack of punctuality. Irish Rail have paid just €15,000 in punctuality fines, while they have received €291,000 in incentive payments.

  • Biden administration pushes to grant Mohammed Bin Salman sovereign immunity: democrats split over the decision

    Biden administration pushes to grant Mohammed Bin Salman sovereign immunity: democrats split over the decision

    Mohammed Bin Salman in 2019 with Bolsonaro(not pictured) Photo: Alan Santos/PR

    The decision from the Joe Biden administration to push for immunity in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi has led to a split between lawmakers in the U.S.

    Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said, “I think this is a tragic decision.” 

    Democratic Senator Ron Wyden urged Biden to hold Mohammed Bin Salman “accountable” for the murder of Khashoggi. 

    According to U.S Secretary of state Anthony Blinken, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S is “under review” after the Biden administration declared on the 17th of November that the high office held by Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman should grant him sovereign immunity in the lawsuit over the killing of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    A court filing was made by U.S Justice Department lawyers because Bin Salman recently became the Prime Minister of the country. A role traditionally held by the King of Saudi Arabia, this grants Bin Salman immunity as a foreign head of government. 

    Hatice Cengiz Khashoggi’s fiancée, tweeted her reaction after learning about the filing by the U.S Justice Department, “Jamal died again today”. 

    This a direct turnaround from the 2018 intelligence report, released by the Biden administration in 2021, that stated the murder of The Washington Post journalist in 2018 by Saudi agents was “on behalf” of and “approved” by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

    While campaigning in 2020 to become President of the United States, Biden said he would make a “pariah” out of the rulers of Saudi Arabia over the 2018 killing of Khashoggi. Biden said in 2019, “I think it was a flat-out murder.” 

    The murder of Jamal Khashoggi 

    Khashoggi went into a self-imposed exile in June 2017, heading for the United States.

    In 2018 Khashoggi needed to obtain a certificate of marriage eligibility from the Saudi consulate to be able to marry his fiancée in her birth country of Turkey. 

    On September 28th 2018, Khashoggi and Cengiz went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi was told he would need to return on October 2nd, 2018.

    On October 2nd 2018, he was murdered, in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, by Saudi agents. Khashoggi had been critical of the Saudi prince before his death in 2018. 

    The civil case 

    Khashoggi’s fiancée, Cengiz and DAWN (Democracy for the Arab world now) human rights organisation located in Washington, founded by Khashoggi before his death, brought the case against Bin Salman and 28 others on the 28th of October 2020, in the Washington DC, Federal district Court. Saudi Arabia has said the prince had no direct role in the killing of Khashoggi, a contradiction to the U.S intelligence report which says that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman approved the operation to capture or kill the Saudi journalist.

    Alegging they “kidnapped, bounded, drugged, tortured and assassinated” Khashoggi, the remains of Khashoggi have never been found.

    After cancelling his first trip to Japan in 3 years, Bin Salman arrived in Doha Saturday for the Qatar World cup opening ceremony, a competition and country struggling with its own human rights controversies. This comes as the two countries are continuing to improve their relations after reopening their shared borders last year.

  • Illegal drug use escalating in Ireland

    Illegal drug use escalating in Ireland

     

    In 2021, cocaine was the second most common main problem drug. In 2021, for the first time, the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) recorded more cocaine than heroin cases among those treated for drugs as a main problem. Cannabis was the third most common reported drug problem.

    By Nimra Ahmed

    There has been an increase in illicit drug use in Ireland in both young people and adults. This could be due to unemployment, high population densities, poor facilities or just for recreational purposes.

    According to a Health Research Board (HRB) survey, one in four (23%) of the participants had used an illegal drug at some stage in their life. That means almost 900,000 adults of 15 years and above of the general public have used an illicit drug. Furthermore, one-in-fourteen (7%) revealed that they had used a prohibited drug in July 2021.

    The areas with the highest drug use in Ireland are: North Dublin, Southwest Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Southwest and East coast Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (RDTF) areas.

    Looking specifically at opioid use, there are an estimated 11,729 problematic opioid users in Dublin alone while the rest of Ireland has approximately 8,146 users.

    AreaKnownEstimateRate
    Co.  Dublin7,91611,72912.72
    Rest of Ireland4,3968,1463.97
    Total12,31219,8756.68
     

     Estimates of the number of problematic opioid users for Co Dublin and the rest of Ireland, and rates per 1,000 population aged 15 to 64 years (2019). Created by Nimra Ahmed using data sourced here.

    There has been an overall increase in the total number of reported cases of drug use in 2021. Statistics show that 10,769 cases were reported for treatment out of which 39.1% were new cases while previously treated cases were 56.6%. Moreover, 4.4% of the cases were of unknown status. 

    In 2020, cannabis was the substance for which treatment was most commonly received, with 1,229 cases. However, in 2021, for the first time in Ireland there were more cases of treatment for cocaine as a main problem drug. The HRB observed for 2021, 34% were treated for opioids, 30% were treated for cocaine, and 21% were treated for cannabis while 11% were treated for benzodiazepines. It was noted that 28% were females who were treated while 72% were males. 

    In 2020, cannabis was the substance for which treatment was most commonly received, with 1,229 cases. However, in 2021, for the first time in Ireland there were more cases of treatment for cocaine as a main problem drug. The HRB observed for 2021, 34% were treated for opioids, 30% were treated for cocaine, and 21% were treated for cannabis while 11% were treated for benzodiazepines. It was noted that 28% were females who were treated while 72% were males.

    Infographics for drug cases and cocaine cases in Ireland. Infographic created. by: Nimra Ahmed using data sourced here.

    At a glance, statistics show that the median age for drug use is 32 years. 13% are homeless even though 21% are employed and 21% have injected themselves at some stage. When we compare the shocking 3,248 cases of cocaine use to the overall drug use the median age is 31 years. 34% are employed and 25% of them are women.

    Infographics for drug cases and cocaine cases in Ireland. Infographic created. by: Nimra Ahmed using data sourced here.

    Since illegal drug use has increased overall, it is necessary to also observe Irish youngsters.   Another recent study on substance abuse in  Irish youngsters showed an increase in cocaine usage amongst 15 to 24-year-olds. This has led to a 170% increase in the treatment of young cocaine users. The Health Research Board’s report, revealed that  26.7% of young adults used illegal drugs in their lifetime, while 18.5% in the last year and 10.5% in the last month. 

    Created by Nimra Ahmed and data gathered here.

    Over one-half of the sample of third-level students participating in the Drug Use in Higher Education in Ireland (DUHEI) survey (N=11,592), in 2021 reported lifetime use of an illegal drug (55%) 

    Brian Pennie, author, speaker, PHD candidate, university lecturer, and life-change strategist, was a chronic heroin addict for 15 years. He believes trauma could lead to addiction. In his infancy he had a surgery without anesthesia which he thinks may be the root cause of  the uneasiness and anxiety he felt throughout his childhood and adulthood.

    These feelings of unrest, anxiety and worry led him to a dark path even though he was at school and held a job. Pennie turned his life around by replacing his addiction of drugs with the addiction of  learning.

    “I used to think I knew a lot. I didn’t. I believed my own lies, weaving an imaginary world full of delusion, denial, and deceit. Combined with chronic anxiety and an overactive mind, this warped view of reality steered me towards a life of addiction,” said Brian Pennie, author, speaker, PHD candidate, university lecturer, and life-change strategist.  

    A person smiling for the camera Description automatically generated with medium confidence

    Brian Pennie- Photo Credit: Finne

    Philip Byrnes, 44, a General Practitioner (GP), voices his concerns, “substance use is a very real part of Irish society. Youngsters especially females are now using more than ever. 24% of females are lifetime users while males are 29% so, females are not so far behind statistically.”  

    “Nobody seems to know exactly why substance abuse is on the rise. Drug use affects people’s lives, their health both mental and physical, as well as impacting relationships with family and friends”, he added.  

    “One solution that Germany contemplates is to legalize the buying and owning of cannabis (up to 30g) for recreational use. The reason for this is to better protect young people who are already using black market cannabis. If this law passes, it could be a model for other European countries. The solution for the Irish nation is still unknown but we need to act fast if we want to save our society.”  

    Illegal drug use in Ireland had plateaued in 2014/2015 and further decreased in 2016 and 2017. However, since 2018 it has steadily been on an upward trend again. Today in Ireland, cannabis use has stabilised but there is an increase in cocaine use, and the prevalence of polydrug use. 

    Ecstasy and cocaine usage in Ireland is the second highest in the whole of Europe. It represents a huge challenge for policy makers, social workers and addiction counsellors fighting the issues day in, day out.

  • Dublin referees cancel planned strike

    Dublin referees cancel planned strike

    By David Seagrave

    The Dublin branch of the Irish Soccer Referee Society (ISRS) have cancelled a formerly planned two week strike.  

    The planned strike followed incidents of assault and attempted assault on referees in Dublin. Referee assaults can carry a minimum ban of one year, however both instances resulted in suspensions of less than seven games. 

    ISRS’s Dublin branch had previously said that they would ‘withdraw their services’  at all levels of the game from 18th November – 2nd December, however they reversed the decision following talks with the Football Association of Ireland.

    (Image source- Irish Soccer Referees Society)

    Last month it emerged that 234 reports of assault had been submitted to the ISRS, spanning across 18 of their 27 branches. Of those 234 reports, eight were physical assaults. 

    The FAI released a statement following the news of the planned strike, with CEO Jonathan Hill saying, “the FAI will do whatever we have to do”. 

    “Our disciplinary regulations carry clear and serious sanctions to be enforced on anyone who abuses a match official, and we are calling on all leagues to enforce those sanctions. We cannot, and will not tolerate any abuse aimed at a referee at any level of the game,” the statement added 

    David Bergin, Vice Chairman of St Francis FC says that more needs to be done to address assaults against referees. 

    “For the referees, it’s a hard job, it’s a thankless job. Nobody ever says ‘thanks for a great performance, they always have one comment or two comments. We have tried to instill that in our club, and we feel that we’ve made real progress. But that’s not the case everywhere.

    “I believe that every club is working towards an environment that’s safe for players, coaches and especially referees. For the refs, it’s frustrating that it isn’t translating onto the pitch all the time.”

     “The FAI have done some great video work on how to treat referees on the side-line… it’s a lot more prevalent this year, I don’t know what it is. There must be a reason for people being more vocal, but nobody benefits from it,” Bergin added.

    When asked about the lack of lengthy bans for offenders, Bergin replied “I don’t think anyone, in any club, would question a lengthy ban.”

    “They get a few bob to cover their transport costs, but it’s not phenomenal money, you know? It’s a great service, the kids need to be playing and they need referees. You don’t learn [the rules] without referees.”

     Despite criticism of the bans, Bergin also noted that the leagues were run on a voluntary basis – and that clubs also have to take responsibility. 

    “We understand how difficult it is for leagues to administrate and come up with the right size ban for everyone. Everyone appeals everything. The leagues have a thankless job as well, a bit of cop on is needed from everyone; the clubs, the coaches and the players, to make sure that we aren’t forcing volunteers to have to conduct these types of meetings and to go through the processes they have in place. 

    “We should be able to talk about the football, and the performances, and how we can improve going into the next week. We shouldn’t have to talk about referees,” Bergin added.

  • Why is Racism in Ireland Underreported?

    Why is Racism in Ireland Underreported?

     By Injae Kang

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, racism came to the forefront as a serious social issue. Despite the fact that the number of racism reports is expected to decrease compared to the reports throughout the pandemic, underreporting is still a major problem with racism in Ireland.

    There were 530 reports of racial incidents in Ireland in 2019, according to annual reports of racism in Ireland, researched by the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR). The annual report indicates that the numbers have continuously risen since the beginning of 2019.

    Over 700 racial incidents were reported in total in 2020. 

    There were 334 reports concerning hate speech, a figure which has doubled since 2019. 

    Also, racial incidents accounted for 143 reports, 159 reports regarding criminal offences, and 99 reports concerning discrimination.. 

    “We’ve seen that since the outbreak of Covid-19 started, the incidents of racist harassment specifically towards the Asian community have increased,” said Gabriela Mejia, Program and Communications Manager at Hollaback – a global organisation aimed at preventing racial harassment against minorities.

    “Bias and fear were fuelling those incidents, and we all have a part in shutting down that hate,” Mejia added.

    “Especially in 2020, we’ve seen hate against Asian individuals show up in the form of harassment, and violence, but also in the form of microaggressions and harassment in the form of jokes or memes.”

    “404 racist incidents were received in total in 2021”

    In comparison to 2019 and 2020, 2021 showed a reduction in the number of reports of racism. 404 racist incidents were documented  in 2021. Criminal offences accounted for 154 reports (including 40 assaults, 39 harassment, 13 serious threats). 113 reports regarding hate speech, 90 reports concerning discrimination, and 74 reports regarding all other incidents.

    A picture containing diagram Description automatically generated

    Sourced by the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR).

    The annual report shows that Asian groups (including Chinese, South Asian and others) are most likely to be targeted for racially motivated crimes, with 64% of racist crimes being reported in 2021. In addition, the largest group of discrimination reports came from people of Black African, Black-Irish or Black-Other backgrounds at 24%.

    There were also likely many unreported racist incidents. 

    Fiona Hurley, policy and communications manager at the Nasc Migrant and Refugee Right Centre said that  “the numbers are still under-reported, and the rate is likely to be much higher than recorded.”

    “Our [NASC] own experience of working with people who have experienced a racist incident is that they often think that reporting it to the Gardai will be futile,” she said.

    The Irish Council for International Students released a report last year based on a survey of 760 international students from 75 countries. A survey of the international students revealed that approximately 40% of respondents had experienced racism either as a witness or as a victim in Ireland. 

    However, only 5 percent of respondents reported the incident. Similar findings were found in a survey carried out by iReport.ie. Only 25 percent of those reporting crimes to iReport.ie in 2021 reported the incidents to An Garda Síochána or to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). 

    Although An Gardaí Síochána encourages reporting of crimes among minority groups, launching its online hate crime reporting facility, the figure is down from 43 percent in 2020.

    According to a survey conducted by iReport.ie in 2020, the organisation asked those who experienced racism but did not report it to Gardaí: “If you didn’t report racism incidents to police, why was this?”. 

    The most common reason for not reporting to Gardaí was “I did not think the Gardaí would do anything”. 

    When asked why they had not reported, half of those surveyed “did not expect Gardaí to act if they reported.”

  • Diwali- The Indian New Year

    Diwali- The Indian New Year

    Diwali, (festival of lights) is a popular Hindu festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil is celebrated in conjunction with the Hindu New Year all over the world. 

    By Nimra Ahmed 

    ‘Diwali’ or the ‘festival of lights’ is a religious festival for Hindus and ties in with the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Diwali means ‘row of lights’ in Sanskrit. It is a five day festival between October and November depending on the moon sighting. Diwali is generally a time for visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks. Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.

    For the Hindus, it stands for different traditions in various area. In the north of India, it symbolizes the victorious return of Prince Rama with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, from a 14-year-long exile and war. People of Ayodhya lit lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. In the south, it is the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura. In western India, the festival is the day that Lord Vishnu, the Preserver (one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity) sent the demon King Bali to rule hell.

    For the Jains, Diwali is the day when the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Mahavira, reached nirvana, also known as complete knowledge and enlightenment.

    For the Sikhs, Diwali is a story of the struggle of freedom because  it celebrates Guru Hargobind’s, (the sixth guru) victory from Emperor Jahangir, who had him imprisoned and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind did not leave the prison for freedom until he was able to take the princes with him.

    Diwali- by Nimra Ahmed.

    Many consider Diwali to be a fresh start, similar to the Lunar New Year in January. Many people clean, renovate, decorate their homes and buy new clothes in preparation for the upcoming year.

    The ‘Tilak ceremony’ is where the hosts apply a red ‘Tilak’ (made of red paste) on the forehead to welcome and honour guests. 

    The colours for Diwali are: Red, Yellow Magenta, Blue . Rangoli’, which means “an array of colours” in Sanskrit. Rangoli is a tradition that dates back nearly 5,000 years to the Aryans. 

    Rangoli has different names depending on the  Indian state and culture. They are usually made outside the main entrance, in the early mornings after cleaning the area as a welcoming gesture to the Gods for good luck. Rangoli designs are bright, colourful and beautiful made using rice, flower petals or coloured sand. Rangoli is intended to welcome Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and good luck) into their homes and lives. It represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household.   

    During Annakut,  people prepare and offer a large variety of vegetarian food to Lord Krishna as a mark of gratitude. There are 56 different dishes. Annakut means ‘mountain of food’. The story behind it is that Lord Krishna saved the people from torrential rain by lifting Govardhan Hill as shelter, so the ‘mountain of food’ represents the hill and the food represents the people’s gratitude towards Lord Krishna. 

    The national Indian dress for men is Kurta (shirt) and pajama (bottoms). Kurta is a long loose shirt, which falls below or may be just above the knees. It used to be worn by men but now it is a uni -sex dress. For the women it is the sari. There are many other traditional dresses depending on which area of India you belong to. The word ‘sari’ comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘strip of cloth’.  

  • Irish Sewage Plants Behind EU Standards

    Irish Sewage Plants Behind EU Standards

    By David Little

    According to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of Ireland’s wastewater is not being treated to EU standards.

    Source- Environmental Protection Agency.

    The report states that EU countries have an average sewage treatment compliance rate of 90%.

    Areas in Dublin such as Malahide and Ringsend have not reached all treatment standards set by the EU’s ‘Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive’ in 2021. The Ringsend plant has previously pumped untreated sewage into Dublin Bay during heavy rainfall, when the sewage treatment plant is overloaded.

    Meanwhile the report stated Howth pumps raw sewage directly into rivers, due to the area’s public sewer system not being connected to treatment plants.

    Number of incidents leading to environmental damage across Ireland. Source: EPA Urban Wastewater Report

    The EPA has stated in the report that a “multibillion-euro investment” by Irish Water is necessary to bring the plants up to EU standards, which have not been met since 2005. 

    Speaking on the matter, Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan challenged Irish Water work quickly to meet EU standards. “While Irish Water have said they are playing catch-up  since their setting up in 2014, I don’t believe it is acceptable that we are missing targets from 2005.

    “Work on adamant treatment of our urban wastewater must be fast tracked as soon as possible”.

    Irish Water has previously rejected calls to treat sewage with UV light all year round, citing the lack of “any material improvement” when applied. See the tweet here.

  • Fixing or Worsening the Student Housing Crisis?

    Fixing or Worsening the Student Housing Crisis?

    By Injae Kang 

    People block traffic by staging a sit down protest at Ireland’s housing crisis in a ‘Raise the Roof’ rally outside the Taoiseach’s office at Government buildings in Dublin, Ireland, October 3, 2018. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

    Finding an affordable room or accommodation in Dublin is an additional challenge for students living away from home. Third-level students in Dublin are facing difficulties with finding accommodation as excessive demand for living in Dublin City has led to a price spike.

    In response to the shortage of student housing, the Irish government launched the National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) in July 2017 which is designed to deliver Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). It is expected to reduce the demand for accommodation in the private rental sector by both domestic and international students. The government’s strategy aims to provide a supply of 28,806 bed spaces in the Dublin area and a total national supply of 54,654 bed spaces by 2024.

    PBSA Bed Space Projection

    Chart, line chart Description automatically generated

    Source by the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Housing

    Despite the government’s optimistic expectation of PBSAs being available to students in Ireland that would alleviate pressure on the private rental market, it has been criticised over both a lack of supply of PBSAs and the outrageous price.

    While the NSAS aimed to deliver 25,346 PBSA bed spaces to the Dublin area in 2021, the rate of delivery of bed spaces is tapering off. The Covid-19 pandemic created unexpected variables that caused third-level institutions and university campuses to remain closed and resulted in low occupancy rates in PBSAs in the 2020/21 academic year.  

    1,450 PBSA beds were delivered to the Dublin area in 2020 and 1,350 new beds have been delivered as of 2021, bringing the total number of beds to 18,900 in 2022. Furthermore, a total number of 19,300 beds are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023, according to a report from Cushman & Wakefield.

    The purpose of PBSA beds is to provide a solution to the shortage of student housing that offers some practical features, such as being located near the college and offering an affordable price. However, the PBSAs operate under private ownership, instead of universities. This means that they normally come with an extortionate price tag since luxury social areas such as cinemas, music rooms, and bowling alleys are included in the price.

    Prices for the rooms range from €250 to €300 a week. Paying over €1,000 per month for a single room with a shared kitchen is exorbitant for students.

    Caoimhe O’Carroll, a vice president for the Dublin Region in the Union of Students in Ireland said that: “Delivering affordable and fit-for-purpose PBSA will go a long way in alleviating the student accommodation crisis. However, the NSAS was launched in 2017 and since then hasn’t made a dent in the demand for student beds in Ireland.”

    “PBSA is often beyond student price points and puts a high burden of financial pressure on students and or their parents. It is shocking that PBSA rent is not capped at an affordable cost for students.”

    “Luxury PBSA that is outside students’ price points do not meet the demand in the market. Most Dublin PBSA complexes have cinema rooms, in-house gyms etc. These in-house amenities are an unnecessary cost to developers – a cost which is invariably transferred to the pockets of students and reflected in exorbitant rent.”

    In contrast with the realistic prices of student housing, some colleges in Dublin provide an ideal cost of living guideline for 2022/2023 to assist students in budgeting for college. According to the guidelines, monthly rent costs in the private rental market are €750  at Trinity College Dublin, €636 at Technological University Dublin, and €670 at Dublin City University. The average monthly rent cost for students living away from home is €685. 

    Trinity College Dublin says the monthly rental cost in the private rental market is up to €750. However, Vera Yakupova (21) a student at Trinity College Dublin says that the price suggested by TCD is only for a limited number of students. “This might be true only for people who either live at Trinity Hall (On-Campus accommodation) or in a private shared living space. But most students that I know pay more than €600, sometimes even double that.”

    “I searched for a room on Daft.ie for several months and was unable to find an affordable room. So I applied to Trinity Hall and got rejected. They said that there was only a very limited number of rooms available.”

    “Also, once my friends from college were rejected, they moved several times until they found a place to live that they like and find affordable.”

    A picture containing chart Description automatically generated

    The number of international students in full-time Higher Education

    Source by Higher Education Authority

    Furthermore, it has also been criticised that there aren’t enough PBSAs in Dublin, despite the extortionate price of PBSA beds. The supply of PBSA beds does not meet the demand for student housing, as the number of international students has been increasing (except for the academic year 2020/2021) and international students are more likely to find private accommodation rather than rent in the private rental sector because of Covid-19.

    The number of international students in full-time higher education in Ireland has risen from 25,861 in 2018/19 to 26,623 in 2019/20, which is the biggest number over 7 years.

    The number of international students in Ireland in 2020/21 decreased by 13.7% compared to the previous academic year following the pandemic.

    Due to the return of on-campus learning and the large portion of international students settling in Dublin for college, the shortages of PBSAs are expected to increase. As a result, some students in Dublin had to stay in hotels or hostels while they waited for their accommodation.

  • Where are they? – 900 long-term missing persons in Ireland

    Where are they? – 900 long-term missing persons in Ireland

    Image source: An Gardaí Síochána.

    There are more than 900 long-term missing persons cases in this country. The public only hears of roughly 300 cases while nearly 9000 are reported every year.

    By: Nimra Ahmed 

    In the past, missing people were often reported in newspapers but today social media has made its way into each and every home as a helpful tool. A loved one may be missing, some are found alive while others might be found too late.

    This is today’s scary reality. However, many investigations can remain open for years, leaving families in limbo hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. For these families going through the toughest time of their lives, not knowing if their loved ones are being exploited or abused, is a living hell!

    According to the National Missing Persons Helpline, the public only hears of approximately 300 missing persons each year but there are far more undocumented cases. This service collects figures on the number of missing person cases made public through Garda appeals.

    Figures released for 2022 by An Garda Síochána report 3257 – 7752 missing persons. Moreover, thirty-five people are still missing and have not yet been found. Between 9,300 and 9,600 reports for missing persons have been made since 2017 till date. Reports of children and teenagers disappearing tend to account for about three-quarters of these. 

    Tulsa (the Child and Family Agency in Ireland) is an organization that cares for immigrant children. They are responsible for placing children in foster care. From 2017 to date, 54 unaccompanied children – children who arrive in Ireland without an adult looking after them – have gone missing while under Tusla’s care. According to the agency’s figures, only eighteen of those kids were found or were accounted for.  

    As of 11 February 2022, 813 missing person cases remain open in Ireland, down from the 890 cases that were unresolved in December 2019. The longest-running case dates back to 1951. 

    “Unfortunately, there is no such profile for missing people. They can come from all parts of society,” – Garda spokesperson

    One such example of an adult gone missing is Anthony Kennedy (AK), 69, a teacher.https://www.hotpress.com/music/appeal-made-to-find-missing-dublin-musician-anthony-ak-kennedy-22894025

    He was reported missing when one of his friends who Anthony was in constant contact with, couldn’t get in touch with him and informed his family. Anthony went missing from his home in Whitefriar Street, Dublin 8 on 21st February 2022. Unfortunately, on 3rd March 2022, his body was recovered from the Grand Canal, Portobello Harbour, Dublin after ten days. 

    “Since AK was an older, mature adult the Gardaí did not seem overly concerned initially, however, they issued a missing person alert when days went by,” said AK’s friend, Catherine Ann Cullen, an award-winning poet. One can report a missing person and file a report with the Gardaí as soon as the person goes missing.

    Social media has become a useful source that helps in quickly spreading awareness of a missing person. It helps in tracing the person’s whereabouts. In this case, Cullen organized the social media search. She used Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp to inform people of AK’s absence and asked for help in locating him. 

    In this age of misinformation, “his close friends were clear on when and where they had seen him last, but two possible sightings of him that were on social media, one by a former neighbour and one by a friend of a friend, turned out to be inaccurate if the Garda’s timing of his death is correct,” said Cullen.

    “People responded immediately to express their concern on social media, but the first possible sighting report came three or four days after the first post,” added Cullen.

    “Social media is a good way of spreading the news and photographs. The people who shared or made contact on social media were not anonymous, they were using their names. However, you can be anonymous, if you want, when calling a Garda helpline,” Cullen said.

    Do the Garda have a common profile for people who go missing in Ireland? “Unfortunately, there is no such profile for missing people. They can come from all parts of society and even foreign nationals who are reported missing in Ireland can show up just about anywhere all over the world,” said a Garda spokesperson.

    Scientific breakthroughs in DNA tracking and the formation of the National Missing Persons database in 2015, which is managed by Forensic Science Ireland, have played a vital role in solving many long-running missing person cases recently. 

    The ‘National Missing Persons Day’ in Ireland is an annual day of commemoration and takes place on the first Wednesday in December each year. It complements the existing ‘International Missing Children’s Day’ commemorated on 25 May. 

    Such days commemorate those who are missing and recognise the trauma of their families and friends. They also highlight open or unsolved missing persons cases, and provide information on available support services.

    The national Missing Persons Helpline can be reached on 1800- 442 -552 or through this website.