As we expected, it has been confirmed this afternoon that Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue has been nominated as the new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Donegal TD now succeeds Mr Dara Calleary, who resigned last month over his attendance at the Oireachtas golf society dinner, latter held in Galway, which also led to the resignation of EU Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan.
Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill, who had expressed a serious interest in this post; using press, social media and radio interviews, was not considered for this Agriculture portfolio.
Mr Cahill, was one of the Irish racegoers who returned from the Cheltenham racing festival in the United Kingdom, having socialised in an area which had held some 250,000 other racegoers over the Cheltenham festival event.
Like other Irish lovers of the ‘Sport of Kings’, Mr Cahill did not have to be screened for Coronavirus COVID-19, when he and others travelled through our Irish ports and airports and was foolishly not asked to self-isolate. Mr Brian Kavanagh (Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland) has since admitted that, with the benefit of hindsight, the Cheltenham festival should not have taken place.
After all, only 81 persons had been at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden, Co. Galway on the 19th August 2020, when Mr Phil Hogan had to retire, as did then Minister for Agriculture Mr Dara Calleary TD.
Lidl Ireland have yesterday confirmed the commencement of construction work at their new site on Slievenamon Road, Thurles; latter just one mile from the retailer’s current store on Abbey Road, in the town. This development will, when complete, see them move from their existing premises.
According to Lidl and Mr Paul Downey (Regional Property Executive) this latest project will see an estimated investment of some €10 million in the Thurles area, as well as the creation of at least 10 permanent new jobs, once the store opens for business. “The discount group is eager to continue support within the local community, with significant investment and further job creation,” Mr Downey explained.
Lidl further confirmed that Monami Construction has been awarded the construction contract and having introduced the necessary installation of COVID-19 protective measures, have begun construction on the new Lidl location this week.
The new facility is understood to incorporate a range of sustainable features including an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System; the town’s first electric vehicle charger spaces and a solar panel system.
Guidance On Compliance For Thurles & Tipperary Small Businesses
Liberty Square, Thurles.
As part of Phase 1 of Ireland’s roadmap for re-opening, many small businesses are returning to work.
To help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, the “Return to Work Safely Protocol” has been designed and issued. (Visit HERE.)
This “Return to Work Safely Protocol”, is the result of a collaborative effort by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA); the Health Services Executive (HSE); the Department of Health and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
In order to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE; the Protocol should be used by all workplaces.
Employers, small businesses owners and managers will need to adapt procedures and practices as outlined by this protocol. Please note also, that workplaces may be the subject of inspection and the compliance of small businesses will be assessed.
To help employers, small business owners and managers to implement the protocol, two templates and seven checklists have been made available by the HSA. (Visit HERE.)
Templates:
Return to Work Form.
COVID-19 Response Plan.
Employer Checklists:
Checklist 1: Planning and Preparing.
Checklist 2: Control Measures to Prevent Infection.
Checklist 3: COVID-19 Induction.
Checklist 4: Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVD-19.
The number of virus cases confirmed here in the Premier County; (as at midnight on Monday, May 4th last), have risen from 486 to 501; an increase of a further 15 new cases now being confirmed, over the past 24-hour period.
The Department of Health has confirmed this evening that a further 37 people have tragically died from the Covid-19 virus, here in the Republic of Ireland. These latest figures bring the death toll, from this pandemic, to 1,375.
A total of 265 new cases of the coronavirus have also, today, been identified here in the Republic, bringing the total since conception to 22,248.
Meanwhile, yesterday saw the lowest increase of cases; in total 211, since March 29th last.
Welcome news for overworked essential healthcare employees
From May 18th the Department of Children will oversee the provision of childcare in the homes of 5,000 essential healthcare workers. The cost will be paid for by tax payers, with a small parental contribution required of €90 per family per week; thus providing same essential healthcare workers with 45 hours of childcare per week. Childcare workers volunteering for this scheme will be paid on average €15 per hour, while the taxpayer would also cover employer PRSI.
Hereunder, can be seen the 5 steps and their possible implementation dates being contemplated by our Irish caretaker government in relation to the current COVID-19 virus pandemic. Same steps are expected to be introduced in an effort to return Ireland to some sort of reasonable normality, as the COVID-19 virus curve flattens.
Phase 1 (May 18th, 2020)
Allow outdoor meetings between people from different households.
Open up childcare for healthcare workers.
Phased return of outdoor workers.
Open retailers which are primarily outdoor or those which were open during first level of restriction (e.g. opticians).
Opening of certain outdoor public amenities.
Phase 2 (June 8th, 2020)
Allow visits to households.
Develop plans and supports to open up business with consideration for safety of staff and customers.
Open small retail outlets and marts where social distancing can be observed.
Open public libraries.
Phase 3 (June 29th, 2020)
Allow small social gatherings.
Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of essential workers in phased manner.
Return to work for those with low levels of interaction.
Open non-essential retail outlets with street level entrance and exit.
Open playgrounds.
Phase 4 (July 20th, 2020)
Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing basis.
Return to work for those who cannot work from home.
Gradual easing of restrictions for higher risk services (e.g. Hairdressers).
Opening of museums, galleries, places of worship.
Phase 5 (August 10th, 2020)
Allow larger social gatherings.
Return to work across all sectors.
On a phased basis, commencing at the beginning of the academic year, 2020/2021, opening of primary and secondary schools and 3rd level institutions.
Further easing of restrictions on high risk retail services.
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