Operation Fern and Increased Deportations

Under Operation Fern, a total of 132 individuals illegally residing in Ireland were deported this year. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, will now use chartered flights to increase the number of deportations. This method is expected to be more efficient, particularly for deporting groups of people to the same destination. The use of charter flights is seen as a practical solution to manage the logistics of deporting larger groups, which can be challenging with commercial flights.

Government’s Plan and Support

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that the government has put out a tender to assess the market’s capacity for chartered flights. The aim is to have an arrangement in place to run these flights later in the year. Smaller planes may also be used for individuals deemed dangerous and requiring Garda accompaniment. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on justice, Jim O’Callaghan, supports this plan, emphasising that the international protection system must have practical consequences for those who fail their applications. He argues that it is unfair to allow individuals who have failed the legal process to remain in the country, undermining the system’s integrity. O’Callaghan believes that enforcing deportation orders is essential to maintaining public confidence in the immigration system.

No Such Thing as ‘Unvetted Migrant’

In response to concerns about the vetting of migrants, Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has stated that there is no such thing as an “unvetted migrant” in Ireland. Every individual seeking international protection is fingerprinted and identified. Claims that asylum seekers are criminals posing a threat to public safety have been rejected, with the majority being economic migrants seeking better opportunities. Minnock emphasised that the GNIB conducts thorough checks on all individuals entering the country, ensuring that those with criminal records are detained and monitored before deportation.

Organised Crime and Migrant Exploitation

However, Minnock acknowledged the presence of organised crime groups from Albania, Romania, and China involved in drug dealing, car theft, exploitation, and people smuggling in Ireland. These groups exploit legitimate businesses and vulnerable individuals, imposing significant debts on migrants and forcing them into criminal activities. The GNIB has identified networks of smaller groups specialising in different areas of criminal enterprise, such as advertising, cybercrime, finances, and the production of forged documents. Legitimate businesses, including haulage companies and airline staff, are also being exploited to facilitate these criminal activities.

Significant Increase in Asylum Seekers

Ireland has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking international protection, rising from 13,000 in 2023 to over 21,000 in the past year. The GNIB has emphasised that any person identified as a threat to the state is detained and monitored before deportation. The increase in asylum seekers has put additional pressure on the immigration system, prompting the government to explore more efficient methods of managing deportations.

Details of the Charter Flights

The charter flights will begin later this year, with each flight carrying between 20 and 30 people. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type. The Department of Justice has stated that this method of deportation has been used in the past and is also employed by other EU member states. In addition to charter flights, commercial flights will continue to be used for deportations.

The Department of Justice has also added two extra countries, Botswana and Algeria, to the “safe” list, bringing the total to ten countries. This list includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, and South Africa. The inclusion of these countries on the safe list means that individuals from these nations are less likely to be granted asylum, as they are considered to be generally safe.

The individual, identified as 48-year-old William Greene of Bective Square, Dublin 7, stands accused of repeatedly using communication services to deliberately cause disruption. His actions, according to the authorities, fall under the purview of the Post Office (Amendment) Act, 1951, which addresses persistent misuse of telephone services to provoke annoyance or anxiety.

In a hearing at Dublin District Court, presided over by Judge Bryan Smyth, it was disclosed that Greene, who receives disability benefits, had his case kept within the jurisdiction of the District Court following a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions, contingent on a guilty plea.

Details shared by Detective Garda Jeremy Gibbons highlighted that the accused made these calls between April and November of 2023, engaging two specific phone numbers with the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS). The calls, none of which were linked to real emergencies, were reportedly made under the influence of alcohol.

Judge Smyth, after reviewing the preliminary facts, decided to escalate the case to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which offers broader sentencing capabilities. Despite earlier bail conditions—which included sobriety, regular check-ins at his local police station, and restrictions on phone purchases and emergency service contact—further allegations emerged of an additional 320 calls made over two consecutive days in October.

Further investigation into Greene’s conduct led to the discovery of multiple empty alcohol containers at his residence, though his defense argued these were not his. His ongoing mental health issues were acknowledged in court, with commitments to continued professional treatment being highlighted by his defense.

In light of the gravity of the accusations and the potential risk to public services, bail was denied, and Greene now awaits further legal proceedings, with the preparation of a comprehensive book of evidence underway.

According to eyewitness accounts, the girl declined the man’s invitation, which resulted in a sudden change in his demeanor. Witnesses claim that the man became visibly aggressive before hastily driving away, just as two other vehicles appeared on the road, potentially averting a more severe outcome.

Local authorities are actively conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the full scope of the incident. They are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to a better understanding of the events or help identify the individual involved.

The community of Collooney has been alerted and is advised to maintain vigilance while the enquiry is ongoing. Gardaí are examining all available evidence, including potential CCTV footage from the area and interviews with local residents who might have noticed unusual activities.

This incident has raised concerns among local parents and guardians regarding the safety of children in the area. The Gardaí are reassuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure community safety and prevent such incidents in the future.

The Dublin Fire Brigade, in coordination with Gas Networks Ireland, responded swiftly to the emergency. The leak was reported at around 9:14 AM, with teams arriving on the scene within minutes. By 9:58 AM, the situation was under control, but the event left the community on high alert and caused considerable disruption to the morning routines of many.

Parents and residents were informed as the schools conducted a well-executed self-evacuation, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. The quick response by the schools and the efficiency of the emergency procedures in place were key in avoiding any injuries.

Traffic restrictions were quickly implemented to facilitate emergency response and ensure public safety, causing delays but necessary for the containment of the situation. Gas Networks Ireland has reassured the public that they are investigating the cause of the damage to prevent future incidents.

As of now, the area has been declared safe, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures during construction and maintenance work near critical infrastructure.

Responding swiftly, the local Gardaí in Ballymun, aided by the Armed Support Unit (ASU), launched an intensive search culminating in the arrest of a man in his 20s. This individual, suspected of committing the harrowing robbery, was taken into custody at a residence in Ballymun.

The Garda spokesperson detailed that the arrested man is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a nearby Garda station. As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is piecing together the events that led to this bold crime, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining public safety and bringing those responsible to justice.

The community is on high alert, and the local taxi drivers are calling for increased security measures to ensure their safety while serving the city. This incident has highlighted the risks taxi drivers face and sparked a conversation on the need for enhanced protection for service providers in the transportation sector.

Coolock Industrial Fire: Major Emergency Response

Large plumes of black smoke and visible flames have been reported, causing concern among local residents. As a precaution, Dublin Fire Brigade has advised people in the vicinity to keep all windows and doors closed if they can smell smoke. The smoke is currently drifting across the local area, creating a potential health hazard.

Despite the severity of the Coolock industrial fire, there is no indication that it is related to recent fires at the Crown Paints site, which is located approximately 3 kilometers away. This new incident appears to be isolated and unrelated to the previous occurrences in the area.

Impact on Local Area and Dublin Airport

The smoke from the fire is blowing towards Dublin Airport. However, airport authorities have confirmed that operations are not being affected at this time. The airport remains fully functional, and passengers are advised to continue their travel plans as scheduled.

Dublin Fire Brigade continues to work diligently to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and investigations will likely follow once the situation is under control.

Safety Precautions for Residents

Residents in Coolock and surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow the guidance from emergency services. Closing windows and doors will help minimize exposure to smoke and reduce potential health risks.

Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, the priority remains ensuring the safety of the public and extinguishing the fire as quickly as possible.

London Protests Escalate to Violence

The London protests, organized under the banner “Enough is Enough,” saw demonstrators clashing with police in Whitehall on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police reported over 100 arrests for various offenses, including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breaches of protest conditions. Several officers sustained minor injuries during the confrontations.

Protesters were seen hurling beer cans and glass bottles at police in riot gear stationed in front of Downing Street. Flares were also thrown onto the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, highlighting the intensity of the unrest.

Violent Disorder Spreads to Hartlepool and Manchester

The unrest was not confined to London. In Hartlepool, a police car was set ablaze as a large crowd gathered in the Murray Street area on Wednesday evening. Cleveland Police reported that officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles, and eggs, escalating the violent disorder.

In Manchester, the situation was equally tense. Demonstrators assembled outside the Holiday Inn hotel on Oldham Road at approximately 6 pm on Wednesday. The Manchester Evening News described the crowd of about 40 people, including children and masked men, as protesting against asylum seekers housed in the hotel.

The Role of Online Disinformation

The wave of protests and subsequent violence has been largely attributed to online disinformation surrounding the Southport stabbings. Misleading information about the accused has incited anger and led to widespread unrest in multiple cities.

Police Response and Public Safety

The police have been actively responding to the violent outbreaks, making numerous arrests and working to restore order. The Metropolitan Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public safety and urged the public to avoid participating in unlawful activities.

The widespread nature of these protests and the violence that has ensued underscore the critical impact of misinformation in today’s digital age. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions to prevent further violence.

Gardaí have arrested nine individuals in connection with the violent riots that erupted in Dublin last November. This marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the events that saw Dublin’s city center engulfed in chaos. The arrests include eight men and one woman, all detained following ten separate searches conducted by Gardaí.

The riots broke out on November 23rd after a knife attack in Parnell Square, which left a five-year-old girl critically injured and two other children wounded. In the aftermath, the city witnessed unprecedented violence, resulting in multiple arrests at the time. To date, a total of 49 people have been detained in connection with the Dublin riots investigation.

Gardaí continue to appeal for public assistance. Anyone with information about the events or those involved in organizing or participating in the riots is urged to contact the investigation team at Store Street Garda Station or use the Garda Confidential Line.

Details of the Longford Drive-By Shooting

The elderly victim was standing outside his home on Annaly Gardens when a car drove by, and shots were fired. The man sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to Mullingar Regional Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition is reported to be stable but critical.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and frightening. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It all happened so fast. We heard loud bangs, and then we saw the man lying on the ground. It was terrifying.”

Investigation Underway

The Gardaí have launched an investigation into the drive-by shooting, treating the incident with the utmost seriousness. A spokesperson for the Gardaí confirmed that a full-scale inquiry is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward,” the spokesperson said. “No piece of information is too small, and it could be crucial in helping us solve this case.”

CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and forensic teams have been dispatched to the scene to gather evidence. The authorities are also conducting house-to-house inquiries to gather more details and reassure the shaken community.

Community Response

The drive-by shooting has left the residents of Longford in shock and fear. Local representatives have condemned the violence and called for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Councillor Peggy Nolan expressed her concerns, saying, “This is a tragic event, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family. We must ensure that Longford remains a safe place for all its residents. Increased Garda presence and community vigilance are essential.”

Addressing Public Safety

In the wake of this violent incident, there is a growing call for improved public safety measures in Longford. Community leaders are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Gardaí have reassured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure the safety of the community. They have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with local organizations to address any concerns.

The Hijacking Incident

The incident occurred on the evening of July 17, 2024, when a group of young individuals, reportedly aged between 12 and 14, took control of a Bus Éireann vehicle in Limerick City. The bus was driven to Southill, a location known for previous incidents of anti-social behavior, where it was ambushed by a larger group.

Passengers and the bus driver were left terrified as the children commandeered the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing the bus being driven erratically through the streets, endangering the lives of both the occupants and other road users. Upon reaching Southill, the bus was met with a hail of stones and other projectiles thrown by waiting assailants.

Community Reaction and Condemnation

Local representatives and community leaders have strongly condemned the incident. Speaking to Live95FM, Councillor Sarah McNamara expressed her outrage: “This kind of behavior is utterly unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety of our community. We must take immediate steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of public transport workers and passengers. Councillor James O’Connor highlighted the need for increased security measures: “Our transport workers deserve to feel safe while performing their duties. We need to look at all possible measures, including increased security and better support for our drivers.”

Response from Authorities

Bus Éireann has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. In a statement to The Journal, a spokesperson for the company said: “We are cooperating fully with the Gardaí to identify those responsible and ensure that justice is served. The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority.”

The Gardaí are treating the incident with the utmost seriousness. They have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in their investigation. “We are calling on anyone who witnessed the hijacking or has any information about the individuals involved to come forward,” a Garda spokesperson urged.

Addressing the Root Causes

Community leaders and social workers are also calling for a deeper examination of the root causes behind such behavior. Many believe that addressing underlying issues such as poverty, lack of recreational facilities, and inadequate youth support services is essential in preventing future incidents.