The Government’s ambitious new traffic plan may lead to charges for motorists by 2030 as part of an endeavour to diminish traffic jam and greenhouse gases. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has acquired Cabinet endorsement for a strategy to pressurise local councils into contemplating whether drivers should incur congestion charges in high-traffic sections of key metropolitan areas, or contribute financially to the establishment of clean-air spaces.
Future State funding for local authorities will be dependent on the adoption of eco-friendly initiatives, prioritising regions where public transportation and active travel, such as walking and cycling, are accessible.
Major News Headlines
– Tragic road accident in Mayo causes loss of mother and children: A fatal collision in Co Mayo was reported on Tuesday that claimed the life of Una Bowden, aged 47, and her two daughters Ciara, 14, and Saoirse, 9.
– Proposal to invest €1bn in land-based wind energy systems, capable of powering nearly half a million houses: State-owned Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables are considering a €1bn investment in setting up onshore wind energy farms, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 500,000 homes.
– First quarter reports witness over 40% increase in corporate insolvencies as catering sector endures strain: Corporate insolvencies have observed a 41% rise in the first quarter compared to the same time the previous year and more than twice according to PwC Ireland’s new figures from the beginning three months of 2022.
– Increase in charges against asylum seekers appearing sans passports: There has been a rise recently in asylum seekers found guilty of entering the nation without a passport, displaying the Government’s inflexible stance on immigration.
International Updates
– Two fatalities reported post Baltimore bridge collapse: Officials reported the discovery of two bodies from the water underneath the point of collapse of a bridge in Baltimore. The bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship, trapping the two deceased in their vehicle.
The Essential Reads
Legal proceedings have begun in San Francisco where Mike Lynch, a UK businessman currently on trial for fraud, is deemed to be involved in what is called by the American prosecution team as the “biggest fraud in Silicon Valley history”. In the past, the technology hub did not experience many changes. Lynch, founder of the UK company Autonomy, sold it to HP at a massive price of $11.7 billion (€10.8 billion) in August 2011. Just a year after the purchase, HP reported a depreciation of $8.8 billion from the value of Autonomy, alleging severe accounting irregularities and misrepresentation. As of today, more than ten years post the event, Lynch, now a multibillionaire, is being confronted with 16 charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and securities fraud by US government agencies, following his extradition from the UK.
Meanwhile, in the world of business, the Irish government’s plan to introduce auto-enrollment pension scheme from January has been considered as ‘too optimistic’. The legislation for the same has, nonetheless, received approval from the Cabinet.
In sports news, Ciarán Murphy shares his view that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) would be better off hiring John O’Shea than seeking a mediocre manager from a different place.
Opinion pieces shed light on topics such as Britain’s stereotyping of Irish people and the need for long-term planning in Ireland. Conversations on nationalism in the Northern region also surface in other editorial column pieces.
A critique of the restaurant Caladh in Greystones reveals that seafood and grilled meats are the primary attractions at this new, sophisticated eatery. The vivacious service and perhaps somewhat forceful menu recommendations leave one wondering whether to be more concerned about their hearing, vision, or the potential for overspending.
Meanwhile, in the film world, Aoife Barry poses the question – how can we ensure that Ireland’s self-Portrayal on screen is comprehensive and not overly simplistic? She contemplates this whilst viewing Irish Wish, a film featuring Lindsay Lohan, observing the anomalous use of boxty with cream in a breakfast scene. She also watched Birdsong, an awe-inspiring documentary about ornithologist Seán Ronayne. Her reflections were further fuelled at two recent film and TV development events: the professional X-Pollinator weekend and the newly established Storyhouse screenwriting festival.
Finally, there’s news surrounding Isis-K. Although their power may have diminished in the West, they pose a surging threat globally.