The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that these cameras will be installed at the busiest junctions and along bus lanes within the first half of 2025. There are also plans to extend this initiative to other cities, including Cork, Limerick, and Galway, by the end of the year. The cameras will not only catch motorists running red lights but also those blocking yellow boxes or illegally using bus lanes.

In contrast to this technological advancement, a new Garda policy on car chases has come under fire. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the policy, describing it as “unworkable” and claiming it gives free rein to drivers who refuse to stop. The policy, which instructs Gardaí to abandon pursuits in many instances, has led to concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage dangerous driving situations.

The GRA has highlighted several cases where Gardaí did not pursue fleeing vehicles, raising fears that this could embolden reckless drivers and lead to more dangerous incidents on the roads. The association argues that the strict rules are causing officers to hesitate, fearing disciplinary action or prosecution if something goes wrong during a chase.

This new policy has sparked a debate about the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting Gardaí from potential legal repercussions. Critics argue that while the intention behind the policy is to minimise risks during high-speed chases, it may inadvertently encourage more drivers to evade law enforcement.

As Dublin moves forward with the installation of red-light cameras, the city hopes to see a significant reduction in traffic violations and an improvement in road safety. However, the controversy surrounding the Garda pursuit policy highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety while navigating complex legal and operational constraints.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has filed a “no-build” application with Fingal County Council, which means it does not involve any new infrastructure. This approach aims to expedite the approval process and provide a short-term solution to the capacity issue that affects Ireland’s connectivity, tourism, and economy.

DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs emphasised the urgency of resolving this issue, stating that the airport already has the capacity to manage 36 million passengers annually. He called for a pragmatic and constructive approach to address this critical national matter.

The current cap has been a point of contention, with airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair challenging the restrictions. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had sought to limit the number of take-off and landing slots next summer to ensure compliance with the cap, but this decision has been stayed by the High Court pending further legal proceedings.

In addition to the “no-build” application, the DAA has a larger infrastructure planning application pending, which seeks to raise the passenger cap to 40 million and includes €2.4 billion worth of upgrades. This application, submitted last year, is still under review by Fingal County Council.

The proposed increase to 36 million passengers is seen as a temporary measure while awaiting the outcome of the larger infrastructure application. Jacobs noted that the airport’s ability to handle more passengers without additional infrastructure demonstrates the feasibility of the increase.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from local residents and environmentalists concerned about the impact on carbon emissions and noise pollution. Despite these concerns, the DAA argues that increasing the passenger cap is essential for maintaining the efficiency and competitiveness of Ireland’s main transport hub.

The DAA’s efforts to raise the passenger cap reflect broader challenges in balancing growth and sustainability. As Dublin Airport continues to recover from the pandemic and passenger numbers rise, finding a solution to the capacity issue remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.

The airport’s current cap of 32 million passengers was established as part of the planning conditions for the construction of Terminal 2 in 2007. Since then, Dublin Airport has grown significantly, becoming a crucial gateway for international travel and a vital component of Ireland’s economy.

Political parties, including Fianna Fáil, have pledged to address the issue of the cap and seek its removal. The DAA’s “no-build” application is seen as a sensible short-term solution while the larger infrastructure application is under consideration.

The Irish Aviation Authority’s attempt to limit slots has been met with resistance from airlines, leading to legal challenges. The High Court has referred several points of European law to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, and a stay has been placed on the IAA’s decision to limit slots for next summer.

Kenny Jacobs has called on all parties to work together to resolve this issue for Ireland. He welcomed efforts to promote more coordinated thinking in both the planning system and strategic infrastructure development, emphasising the importance of Dublin Airport for the nation’s connectivity and economic health.

As the busiest day of Christmas arrivals approaches, Dublin Airport is bustling with activity, highlighting the pressing need to address the passenger cap. The airport’s ability to handle increased passenger numbers without additional infrastructure underscores the practicality of the proposed cap increase.

According to reports, the alert was triggered when two children were approached and threatened by an individual near the school premises. The nature of the threat has not been disclosed, but it was deemed serious enough to warrant immediate action. The school administration decided to close the school for the day to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Local authorities were promptly notified, and an investigation is currently underway. Gardaí have increased their presence in the area to provide reassurance to the community and to gather any information that might help identify the individual responsible for the threat.

Parents were informed of the situation through an emergency communication system, and many expressed their shock and concern. One parent mentioned that the safety of their children is paramount, and they hope the authorities will resolve the issue swiftly.

The school has stated that it will remain closed until further notice while security measures are reviewed and enhanced. Counseling services are being offered to students and staff affected by the incident.

This event has highlighted the importance of school safety and the need for robust security protocols to protect children. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

As the investigation continues, the school and local authorities are working closely to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. 

Over the past five years, incidents of anti-social behaviour on Dublin Bus services have more than doubled, increasing from around 500 reports in 2019 to over 1,000 in 2023. This alarming trend has prompted Dublin Bus to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of its services.

The pilot programme involves two mobile security units operating on the north and south sides of Dublin. These units will be active from 2pm to 2am, Sunday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. The security teams will be highly visible, wearing full uniforms and equipped with body cameras to deter potential troublemakers.

The security guards have been granted the authority to use “reasonable force” and make citizen’s arrests if necessary. Their primary role, however, is to de-escalate situations and prevent incidents from escalating. They will also assist with fare evasion and crowd control, particularly during peak hours and on weekend nights.

This initiative complements existing safety measures such as on-board CCTV and close cooperation with An Garda Síochána. Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann emphasised that the presence of security guards is intended to provide a reassuring presence for both customers and employees. The company hopes that this pilot programme will be successful and plans to make it a permanent measure, pending funding from the National Transport Authority.

Dublin Bus will closely monitor the impact of the security teams, gathering feedback from both customers and employees to assess the programme’s effectiveness. The goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone using Dublin Bus services.

The introduction of security guards has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including bus unions and public representatives. There is a consensus that every driver and passenger has the right to feel safe while using public transport. The initiative is seen as a critical step towards restoring public confidence in the safety of Dublin’s public transport system.

The security teams will operate in areas identified as having the highest incidents of anti-social behaviour. They will be jumping on and off buses in these areas, assisting with fare evasion and crowd control, especially during busy weekend nights. The presence of these guards is expected to act as a deterrent to potential troublemakers.

Billy Hann also mentioned that while the primary role of the security guards is to de-escalate situations, they are trained to use reasonable force if necessary. This includes making citizen’s arrests and detaining individuals until the arrival of An Garda Síochána. The guards are equipped with body cameras, which not only help in de-escalating situations but also provide evidence if required.

The deployment of security guards on Dublin Bus services marks a proactive approach to tackling the growing issue of anti-social behaviour. By enhancing safety measures and ensuring a visible security presence, Dublin Bus aims to provide a safer and more secure travel experience for all its passengers. The success of this pilot programme could lead to a permanent implementation, significantly improving the overall safety and customer experience on Dublin Bus services.

On the morning of July 15, 2024, emergency services responded to reports of fires at the site. Footage shared on social media showed parts of the site, including construction machinery and pallets, engulfed in flames. The Dublin Fire Brigade dispatched three fire engines and a turntable ladder to tackle the blazes. Gardaí closed Malahide Road in both directions and implemented local diversions.

The situation escalated into a public order incident, with Gardaí deploying the Public Order Unit and using pepper spray to control the crowd. Protesters threw missiles and petrol bombs, resulting in injuries to several Gardaí and a security guard, who was hospitalised. A Garda car was set alight, and other vehicles were damaged during the clashes.

Fifteen people were arrested and charged in connection with the disturbances. They are due to appear before a special sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice. The Department of Integration condemned the violence, emphasizing that the site was intended to house up to 500 international protection applicants.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her outrage at the criminal behavior, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Taoiseach Simon Harris also condemned the actions, stating that they were designed to sow fear and division. He stressed that such actions should not be legitimized by describing them as protests.

The unrest has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of asylum seekers and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Ireland. Local residents and officials are calling for calm and urging the community to support integration efforts. The Department of Integration reiterated its commitment to providing safe and secure accommodation for those seeking asylum in Ireland.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers and the need for a balanced approach to integration and community safety. The government and local authorities are working to address these issues and ensure that such violent incidents do not recur.

Emergency services were quick to respond, rushing the boy to a nearby hospital. He is currently being treated for his injuries, which are considered serious but not life-threatening.

The accident has sparked concerns about the safety of emergency exits on buses. Authorities are investigating how the door opened while the bus was moving. The bus company has expressed deep concern and is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Schoolboy Injured After Falling Out of Moving Bus on M50

Parents and schools are reminded to ensure children are seated and safe while traveling on buses, especially when using emergency exits.

The boy’s family has requested privacy as they focus on his recovery.