|
|
IFA calls for housing order to protect poultry as avian flu confirmed in Co Carlow.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has called for the introduction of a housing order requiring free-range poultry farmers to keep their birds indoors, as authorities confirm an outbreak of avian flu in a commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow, a county bordering on Co. Tipperary.
The virus, which causes the disease, is known as HPAI H5N1 and has been in circulation among wild birds over the past year.
Mr Nigel Sweetnam, Chair of the IFA National Poultry Committee, said the measure is urgently needed to help contain the spread of the highly contagious disease and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
He urged all poultry farmers to be on high alert and to contact their vet and the Department of Agriculture, immediately, if they suspect any signs of avian flu.
Mr Sweetnam said farmers should watch for indicators such as high mortality and lethargic birds, and highlighted the importance of establishing exclusion zones around affected farms where movement of birds in and out is tightly controlled under veterinary supervision.
With the whole pattern of bird flu changing/mutating; the virus has appeared earlier than usual this year and in different geographical areas, with two outbreaks in Co. Cork.
Mr Sweetnam believes that a housing order should be comparable to restrictions in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, thus limiting movement and requiring birds to be kept indoors.
The IFA continues to engage with the Department of Agriculture on measures to contain the outbreak and protect Ireland’s poultry sector.
The Department is reminding all flock owners to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity, including disinfecting footwear and equipment, restricting visitors, and preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
Barriers to investment in climate adaptation explored in new joint report by Climate Change Advisory Council and Central Bank of Ireland.
A new joint report by the Climate Change Advisory Council and the Central Bank of Ireland has warned that the deployment of climate adaptation finance is below what is required to address the escalating risks posed by climate change. Without action, the impact of extreme weather events will test Ireland’s economic and financial resilience.
While there is significant ambition to reduce emissions, focus must also be applied to addressing the impacts of climate change that are already emerging by enabling investment in climate adaptation projects at both national and local levels. Many adaptation projects, particularly at local levels, are seen as too small or too uncertain to secure funding, even though their benefits are clear and long-lasting.
Deep rooted barriers to investing in climate adaptation include a lack of locally relevant climate risk data, high upfront costs of adaptation projects, fragmented access to funding, and the absence of clear investment pathways that can attract private capital.
The report emphasises the importance of credible transition plans to build resilience in the financial sector and contribute towards a resilient economy. Actionable solutions include transition planning that incorporates adaptation, and the development of scalable, investable project models, and a register of successful adaptation projects to build momentum and share solutions.
Insurance is a key part of adaptation finance but protection gaps (where businesses, individuals and communities lack adequate or affordable insurance) pose a significant barrier to resilience. The report notes the need to address the insurance protection gap as set out in the Action Plan for insurance reform. This requires a long-term strategic approach to flood insurance with enhanced data sharing and a clear recognition of adaptation measures, as well as ensuring solutions are complemented by continued investment in measures such as flood defences to reduce risks and safeguard long-term sustainability.
Another challenge in assessing the scale of investment required is the absence comprehensive estimates of the short- and long-term costs of climate adaptation. The report proposes a National Adaptation Finance Strategy to attract private and EU funding which should build on improved estimates of long-term investment needs.
Commenting, Professor Mr Peter Thorne, Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s Adaptation Committee said, “The recommendations within this report come at a critical time with the ever increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events which are wreaking havoc across communities and the economy. The development of resilient infrastructure, storm resistance in coastal defences, drought-resistant crops, nature-based solutions, early warning systems and community resilience building would be transformative for our society saving lives and protecting livelihoods. By addressing barriers, mobilising public and private finance, and implementing innovative solutions, Ireland can build a more resilient economy and society while reducing risks to the financial system.”
Mr Vasileios Madouros, Deputy Governor of Monetary and Financial Stability for the Central Bank of Ireland, said, “Climate change poses risks to the financial system and the long-term stability of our economy. We’re already seeing the impact extreme weather has on communities, businesses and infrastructure, and we recognise the importance of addressing climate-related risks, including the growing need for investment in adaptation measures. This joint report proposes actionable steps to build resilience in the economy by increasing the deployment of adaptation finance in Ireland. Safeguarding Ireland’s financial stability in the face of a changing climate requires collaboration across public and private sectors, enabling investment at both national and local levels, and further assessing the short and long-term costs of climate adaptation.”
Five operators of bus and taxi services In Tipperary appeared today in a Competition and Consumer Protection Commission led prosecution at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, where they pleaded not guilty to alleged anti-competitive conduct in the school transport sector.
Defendants Mr Andrew Walsh of Derrymore, Roscrea; Mr Raymond Heney of Camas, Cashel; Mr Noel Browne of Bansha; Mr Larry Hickey of Ardmayle, Cashel, and Mr Anthony Flynn of Golden Road, Cashel, all resident in Co Tipperary, face a single charge under the Competition Act 2002, alleging that each engaged in a concerted practice between November 1st 2014 and December 31st 2016, aimed at preventing, restricting or distorting competition in the provision of school-transport services in counties Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, South Galway and Waterford.
Presiding Judge Mr David Keane empanelled a jury of seven men and five women to hear the case, which is expected to last up to six weeks.
The prosecution arises under Section 4(1) of the Competition Act 2002, which prohibits any agreement, decision or concerted practice, whose object or effect is to prevent, restrict or distort competition in trade.
The defendants’ pleas of not guilty mean the matter will now proceed to full trial, where the court will examine evidence including tenders, contracts, communications between operators and the structure of the school transport market.
Private operators bid for contracts to provide specific routes as part of the scheme. When operators agree or coordinate how to bid (or not bid) for these contracts, the effect can be to reduce competition: fewer bidders means less pressure on prices and potentially lower quality of service.
The national competition regulator, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is empowered, under the Competition Act 2002, to prosecute concerted practices or agreements between competitors which have the object or effect of restricting competition.
The school-transport scheme involves significant public expenditure. For example, in a recent review the cost was estimated at about €509 million for the 2024 year. If competition is distorted in the contracting of these services, the State and ultimately families and taxpayers may face higher costs or receive less efficient service. Coordinated bidding or allocation of routes undermines the competitive tendering process.
By pursuing criminal cases in this domain, the Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is signalling that collusion in public-service contracts (including school transport) is taken seriously.
It was with sadness that we learned of the death, today Tuesday 4th November 2025, of Mr Jerome Fogarty, Garraun, Ballinure, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Birmingham, UK.
Pre-deceased by his beloved wife Eileen, parents Jack and Madge, sisters Elsie and Rita, brothers Eddie Jackie and Jimmy; Mr Fogarty passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving son Noel, daughter-in-law Eileen, sister Maura, brothers Pat and Tom, sisters-in-law Angela, Phil, Nancy and Maggie, brother-in-law Peter, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Fogarty will repose at Devitt’s Funeral Home, The Green, Cashel, (Eircode E25 p383) on Thursday afternoon, November 6th, from 5:30pm until 7:30pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Dualla, Cashel, on Friday morning, November 7th, at 11:30am to further repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.
The extended Fogarty family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
The Fogarty family wish to thank most sincerely Ms Mary O’Connor and her staff at Acorn Lodge, Cashel, for the loving care and kindness shown to Mr Fogarty over the last eight years. They also wish to thank the Staff of Medical 4, Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, for the care he received during his final days.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
2025 marks the highest number of deportations from the Irish State in over 20 years.
The Government today confirms the successful completion of a deportation operation from Ireland to Georgia. A charter flight departed from Dublin at approximately 9:30pm on Monday November 3rd carrying 52 individuals subject to removal orders to Tbilisi, arriving at 2:30am Irish time this morning.
Of the 52 passengers, 45 were adults and 7 were minors, with the minors all travelling as part of family units. This marks the sixth charter-flight removal operation carried out out of the State so far this year.
Charter operations, despite their significant cost, have meaningfully enhanced the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce a higher number of deportation orders, forming part of the broader suite of measures to strengthen immigration enforcement and removal pathways.
With yesterday’s operation, the total number of people removed by charter flights this year now stands at 205, with a further 146 individuals removed on commercial flights. This year is shaping up to be the highest number of removals by charter and commercial flights from the State in over 20 years, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Irish immigration system.
A voluntary return programme remains available for persons who have no lawful status in the Irish State or whose applications for international protection have been withdrawn or refused.
The returnees on yesterday’s flight were accompanied throughout by Garda officers, medical staff, an interpreter and a human-rights observer, thus ensuring that all necessary supports and safeguards were in place.
The Irish Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for immigration policy, international protection, enforcement of removal orders and the maintenance of an immigration system that is fair, efficient and respectful of human rights.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €290.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments