Ireland’s MetroLink, a public transit project often discussed in the news, recently reopened for public consultation, almost five months post the closure of the An Bord Pleanála hearing about the said project. At the same time, it was reported by Martin Wall that the Government has authorised a €550,000 salary for the project director due to concerns about the consequences of not hiring a suitably qualified individual for the job, which could potentially amplify the project’s risk profile.
In his column over the weekend, David McWilliams is questioning why Ireland cannot devise top-notch transport infrastructure in par with its outstanding workforce. He makes a case for Ireland to emulate Serbia’s approach of outsourcing the building of a high-speed railway network to China.
McWilliams suggests, considering that we purchase a host of goods from China, such as our automobiles and electronic gadgets, for everyday use, why not trains as well? If China desires to deploy its workers for track construction, why is it objectionable? He emphasises that the key aspect in public procurement ought to be providing the best financial value for citizens and delivering projects timely, so this option is worth considering.
Concurrently, Deirdre Falvey held a conversation with former president Mary Robinson, whose life story documentary is set to be unveiled next week. Robinson confessed that she was manoeuvred into endorsing the safety of Princess Latifa Al Maktoum in Dubai, who blamed her father, Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, for her imprisonment. Robinson regrets this, labelling it as a significant error. At 80, Robinson continues to surmount her timidness, reflects on being coaxed into a film about her existence, and voices her worry over the USA and climate change.
As the excitement of Ireland’s unprecedented Olympic Games performance gradually tapered, festivities in honour of the successful team filled the week. Particularly memorable was the event at Dublin’s O’Connell Street GPO which attracted an audience of over 20,000 to commend the seven-medal-winning team’s return. Miriam Lord provided coverage from the sunny Dublin setting, highlighting the celebration’s atmosphere, with even the city’s statues seeming to share the jubilation. Daniel Wiffen’s performance and Kellie Harrington’s success were standout moments.
Lord commented on the significance of the event for youngsters, describing it as an exceptional end to the summer break. They watched their existing and emerging sports heroes brandishing their shiny Olympic medals and inspiring dreams, thinking they could be up there themselves one day.
In related post-Games news, Johnny Watterson discussed the predicament of a 50m swimming pool lying idle in Cork while a swimming club seeks funding for its construction. Ian O’Riordan examined the state of track and field facilities in Ireland, identifying where the need for more is dire.
In other news, the summer’s festival season concludes with the Electric Picnic festival scheduled for this weekend. Ongoing coverage and updates are available.
Meanwhile, Conor Lally reported a disturbing incident on Tuesday of 11 inmates from the high-security Portlaoise Prison requiring hospitalisation due to suspected drug overdose. The substance allegedly entered the prison surreptitiously, with a notorious underworld figure suspected of smuggling it. Thankfully, all inmates have since been discharged.
Conor Gallagher dwells on the challenges faced by authorities trying to halt drug infiltration within Irish prisons. Inmates gain access to drugs through various ingenious means, from flaming tennis balls to drones to corrupt prison officials. The larger issue is underscored by Ireland’s influx of powerful synthetic opioids like nitazene, which amplifies the urgency to act.
Brianna Parkins, who recently moved to Australia, expressed her surprise on Friday about how straightforward everything there appears to be. She noted how straightforward it was to secure a GP appointment on the same day, which was a stark contrast to her experiences in Ireland.
Ellen O’Riordan released a story on Wednesday about a landlord who was attempting to evict Ita McDonnell, a 92-year-old woman, in order to raise the rent beyond rental control prices. The Residential Tenancies Board lambasted the move as “morally indefensible”. McDonnell has been a tenant in the apartment for 13 years, initially paying a monthly rent of €1,150. After purchasing the property in May 2022, the landlord attempted to increase the rent to €1,340 plus additional service costs in August. A lease termination notice was issued three days later, the hearing reported.
In her recent article, Una Mullally raised concerns about the perilous situation as Kamala Harris continues to put pressure on Donald Trump. Mullally discusses the potential for unpredictable backlash, including the possible incitement of widespread political unrest, as Trump finds himself increasingly cornered and losing control of his narrative. Amidst all this, Harris and Walz keep up a brave face in these turbulent days.
There are plans to hold the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, and a substantial number of influential Irish-Americans are expected to be there. Harris and Walz have been courting this demographic for their votes, as indicated in a report by Keith Duggan on Thursday.
Finally, responses to reader questions this week included advice from Trish Murphy to an individual dealing with aggression from those at retirement age and input from Roe McDermott about a complicated workplace crush confessed by a married woman.
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