In a bid to curb road accidents, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advocating for urgent measures that would double the penalty points to six for drivers found guilty of speeding and phone use whilst driving. Should a motorist accumulate 12 points within three years, they lose their licence. This year has seen a tragic record in Ireland with 81 lives lost due to road accidents, the worst in the past decade. Over a single bank holiday weekend, 137 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence.
In other news, research conducted by the Society of Actuaries in Ireland reveals that the nation registered almost 1,100 additional deaths during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, with the majority occurring in the latter period.
A recent survey highlighted the funding struggles of primary schools with increasing operational costs. Most of the institutions, according to the survey, ran on deficits last year and were forced to deplete their cash reserves to cover standard running expenses.
A consumer rights organisation has halted the retail of hazardous amber teething jewellery, warning suppliers of the potential choking or strangulation risk they pose to infants.
Lastly, a study involving 17 Deis schools in Ballymun, Darndale, and west Tallaght revealed that almost half of the surveyed primary school students from Dublin’s most deprived areas have experienced significant personal trauma. Additionally, an estimated 54% of these pupils are believed to need supplementary teaching.
Weather Update: The morning will start off with a blend of mist, drizzle, and bouts of rain in many areas, creating a generally damp atmosphere. As the day progresses, the weather will improve, swapping clouds for ample sunlight. Showers, however, will be intermittent throughout the day, particularly in the northern regions. With maximum temperatures ranging from 12 degrees in the northwest to 17 degrees in the southeast, it’s cooler than the recent past. The westerly winds turning northwesterly and occasionally gusty will add to the coolness, especially once the rain stops. These will be more prominent in the coastal regions of the northwest and north. As night falls, we can expect extended clear periods and dry spells. Though some scattered showers can be anticipated mainly in the north and west. Due to the early summer season, the night will be chilly with temperatures dipping to 3-7 degrees.
Summer Camps 2024: This year’s collection of summer camps offer a wide range of non-sporting activities. From cooking to coding, archaeology to acting, the camps ensure kids’ summer has a great blend of fun and learning, away from regular outdoor physical exertions.
How To Guide: Dr Mary O’Kane, an expert in child psychology and education, underlines the importance of letting teenagers undertake small, healthy, and positive risks. Whether your child is young or old, she advises allowing them to engage in activities they couldn’t the day before.
Opinions: Fintan O’Toole presents his view on the main cause of the prevalent housing crisis. On another note, Sadhbh O’Neill throws light on a surprising revelation about the daily encounter with toxic chemicals.
Travel Wisdom: Planning your finances carefully while travelling in summer can save you from unnecessary expenditures. By doing a bit of research around fees and charges before hitting the road, you’ll be better equipped to manage your budget effectively.
In Sports: Michael Murphy discusses Dublin’s latest tactics and shares observations on the rising mystery around Derry’s location. He mentions the buzz around the recent match against Dublin in Cavan, which some referred to as “another turkey shoot” and questioned the “structures of the championship.”
The Israeli military has announced the tragic demise of four more hostages held captive in Gaza. The hostages, who were abducted on 7th October, included three elder men. Previous footage released by Hamas displayed these men pleading for their liberation. The announcement confirms their unfortunate end.
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